Sheila McEntee Robert L. Wines

State magazine draws new residents, tourists

April 10, 2007

Beginning in 1936 as West Virginia Conservation, "mainly a bait and hook" magazine, the official state publication is now in its 71st year of publication.

Known since 1970 as Wonderful West Virginia, the slick 32-page monthly serial is rich in state lore, recreational attractions and opportunities.

"Recent articles have treated topics such as ultra-light aircraft and rock climbing. "We are trying to become active, not just arm-chair," Editor Sheila McEntee told Putnam Rotarians today.

A piece in the current issue speaks to the lure of turkey gobbles -- not the hunt but the "wild turkey gobble which magnetically draws" the hunter.

"It's a heady thing . . . There are tree gobbles, roost gobbles, hot gobbles, non-chalant gobbles, double gobbles, Jake gobble, fighting gobbles, shock gobbles, and just-for-the-joy-of-gobblin' gobbles."

The current issue of WWV includes a special internet link to a site where surfers can listen to different types of turkey gobbles.

The state sees business investment and increases in tourism following treatments of specific locations and activities.

"People are moving to West Virginia" because of the life-style illustrated in our pages, said Bob Wines, WWV creative services.

Supported solely by subscriptions which generate a $1 million annual budget, the magazine goes to every state and many foreign countries.

A platoon of soldiers on active duty passes every issue throughout the unit, "until its worn threadbare," said Wines.

"I only get to dream about the hills," one reader wrote. "You get to see them every day."

"Many people have left our state," McEntee explained, "but their hearts remain here."

In the beginning, seventy years ago, the state magazine listed hunting law violations by county. Now the publication sponsors such charitable activities as Hunters Helping the Hungry: Since its startup in 1992, HHH has provided venison for 750,000 meals for needy persons.

Thousands of pounds of meat are processed each year through some twenty centers across the state.

The average deer provides over 35 pounds of ground venison, enough for more than 140 meals.

Non-profit distribution centers in Gassaway and Huntington, inspected and approved by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, are members of Second Harvest, a national organization for hunger-relief. .