RENICK W.Va. (WVDN) – Last Saturday, the Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance (GVSA) came together, along with 8 dog teams, handlers and squirrel dogs to host their first Youth Squirrel Hunt Day in Renick. Over 20 children participated, along with some parents, all of whom met at the Renick Firehouse before heading to the woods at 8 a.m. following a gun safety talk by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).
“Most of the folks had never been out with squirrel dogs and were in awe watching them work,” said event organizer, Ronnie Snedegar.
“All parents had to sign waivers and received a blaze orange safety vest from Park Center Sporting Goods,” Snedegar said. Once the day started, he confirms it was “filled with action-packed excitement for everyone involved, which included the dogs finding squirrels and showing which tree to search.” In addition to organizing the event, Snedegar provided guns and ammo for any teams that needed them and also hosted a demonstration on how to clean and prepare their harvest for eating.
The Patriots Motorcycle Club provided a light breakfast at the Renick Firehouse, where they waited anxiously for the group to return for lunch at noon. Grilled hot dogs, chips and drinks were provided by the motorcycle club, who confirmed the event was a complete success according to a post from their Facebook page. After lunch, door prizes were awarded, which included two brand new 22 rifles, both of which were supplied by Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance.
“The only disappointment, if any, was that they didn’t want to stop hunting when the time was up,” Snedegar said with a smile.
With the Youth Squirrel Hunt Day wrapping up the 2025 season, the Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance is looking forward to 2026 with their annual banquet to be held on March 7 in the West Virginia Building at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds. Doors will open at 4 p.m. with an early bird drawing at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are now on sale for the event, which can be purchased for $35 for a youth ticket (age 8-17), $50 per adult or $90 per couple. Children 7 and under are admitted at no charge. Corporate tables are also available with prices ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and include 8 meal tickets, choice of one firearm, crossbow or nightvision per table and bucket tickets. The number of bucket tickets included is based on the value of the table.
“We have 40 kids’ buckets and 40 adult buckets, and each contains $250 worth of products that have been donated by companies,” Snedegar said. “We draw a ticket, and if your number is called, you win the bucket you chose.” Anyone who wants more bucket tickets can purchase either a backpack or ammo can at the door. The cost is $50, and the buyer can choose their product, which will contain a minimum of $50 worth of tickets.
“We gave away over 30 guns at this banquet last year,” Snedegar revealed.
All funds raised at the Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance Annual Banquet will benefit local youth and future GVSA events. A limited number of advance tickets are available and no ticket sales will be permitted at the door. For more information or to purchase banquet tickets, contact any alliance member. You can also reach out through social media by searching ‘Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance’ on Facebook.
