January 31, 2026 - West Virginia Outdoors with Chris Lawrence

Chris Lawrence opens this episode of West Virginia Outdoors with a wintery scene from the Greer Lime Company Studio before turning the focus to Groundhog Day at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek. New center manager Mark Biller previews the 49th annual celebration, explains the biology of groundhogs as true hibernators, and walks through how French Creek Freddy makes his prediction. The show then shifts south to an in-depth update on West Virginia’s elk herd, as DNR elk project leader Randy Kelly explains winter darting operations, herd health, calf numbers, tracking collars, and why strong mast conditions have scattered elk across the landscape. In the final segment, Lawrence crosses the Ohio River to discuss a severe EHD outbreak with Ohio Wildlife Officer Chris Gilke, examining how the disease devastated deer numbers in Meigs County and highlighting a community-driven venison donation effort to support local food pantries. A wide-ranging, informative episode that blends wildlife science, conservation, tradition, and community impact.