West Virginia

At one time this state was just a region of Virginia and not its own state. At the onset of the Civil War what now is West Virginia broke off from its mother state to remain in the Union. It is known as the Mountain State and is the birthplace to the popular moniker ‘Redneck.’ Believe it or not, Jeff Foxworthy didn’t come up with the term. It was coined by miners years ago standing up to the mine owners by wearing red bandanas to show their unity. Now-a-days miners still make up an important part of the state’s industry.

Just as important to the state is the amount of outdoor activities available. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing, fishing, skiing, and the-all-important hunting.

55 counties make up this smaller state and cover 24,230 square miles. 90 different species can be hunted here, and coupled with the mountainous terrain, provide an exciting adventure.

The state has a general humid part-tropical climate in most of the lower elevations. The average annual rainfall ranges from 32 inches in the lower east portion of the state to 55 inches in higher elevations of the Allegheny Front.  The Allegheny Highlands can average about 180 inches of snowfall annually. The state’s highest and lowest temperatures recorded were 112 °F (44 °C), and -37 °F (-38 °C).

Similar to most other states, the state of West Virginia has a diverse terrain. Mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, valleys, fields and farmland can be found through-out. The Allegheny Plateau and Cumberland Plateau cover a total of 75% of the state and are rugged, closed-in lands.

The state’s highest elevation point is Spruce Knob at 4,863 feet above sea level and is located in Pendleton County. The lowest elevation point is Harpers Ferry at 240 feet above sea level.  The point is near the Potomac River in Jefferson County.

If you enjoy mountain hunting in places that are a bit off of the beaten path then look no further then West Virginia.