GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – As Spring gobbler season opens, a local hunter’s story is a testament to an honored tradition. Steven Smith began his journey into the woods at around five years old, guided by his grandad and uncle. What started as family time blossomed into nearly three decades of dedication to the outdoors and to the values he believes hunting embodies.
“It’s just how I was raised,” Steven said. “It’s always been a part of my life.” Today, after almost 30 years in the field, hunting for Steven is about more than the season or the harvest. It is a tradition built on family, respect, and a deep appreciation for nature. When asked to name a single defining memory, he replies, “It’s hard to pinpoint just one favorite memory,” he explained. “Every trip into the woods brings something special. There’s always something to take away from it.”
For Smith, the most valuable aspect of hunting is its role in teaching the next generation. He emphasizes the importance of passing down knowledge and responsibility. “It’s about teaching young people to be good stewards of the land and wildlife,” he said. “That’s what really matters.”
Beyond the tradition itself, Smith says it’s the experiences of quiet moments, the changing seasons, and the sheer beauty of nature that keep him returning year after year.
“I enjoy being outdoors and experiencing everything nature has to offer,” he said. “It’s about more than just hunting; it’s the whole experience.”
For newcomers curious about starting, his guidance is straightforward and enduring: be prepared, be patient, and be respectful.
“Invest in your gear, practice your shot, and always respect the land and wildlife,” he said. “If you get the chance to harvest an animal, you’ll realize it’s just a small part of the entire experience.”
Smith went on to say In a fast-paced world, hunting offers something rare: a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and carry forward traditions that have stood the test of time. West Virginia’s spring gobbler season opens on April 20-May 24, with a special two-day youth, Class Q/QQ, and senior spring gobbler event held on April 18–19 just prior to the main season.
Smith also holds a bearded-turkey record with a total turkey score of 68.75. He currently ranks 59th in West Virginia according to the National Wild Turkey Federation. The record kill was in Greenbrier County, West Virginia.
Licenses, permits and how to participate are available through multiple channels. Licenses and bearded-turkey tags/permits can be bought online via the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources official website, in person at WV DNR offices or licensed vendors, or by phone through WV DNR customer service for guidance or processing options. Hunters will need a valid WV hunting license (or a permit exemption, if eligible) and bearded turkey tags/permits for the spring season, plus any applicable youth/Class Q/QQ/senior season documentation. The bag limit for bearded turkeys is one bearded turkey per day, up to two for the spring season. Hunting hours are from half an hour before sunrise to noon.
If you harvest a bird believed to be record-sized, immediately complete a field tag, electronically check the bird via WVhunt.com, 844-WVCHECK, or a licensed agent, and retain the 13-digit confirmation number with the carcass. For potential records, contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to report, and consider submitting the bird to the National Wild Turkey Federation for official recognition.
From Steven Smith, an avid outdoorsman: get out, enjoy the outdoors, and savor the entire hunting experience this Spring in West Virginia.
