West Virginia Fish and Game

Even though wildlife is plentiful in the mountains and hills of West Virginia, many people never see these animals in the wild. This sad situation can be remedied by a visit to the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek in Upshur County.

Many native West Virginia fish and game animals were once at risk of extirpation (extinction within a specified geographic range or area) due to unregulated hunting and fishing. Native animals such as the bison, elk, mountain lion, and wolf were completely extirpated by 1911 and many others were at high risk.

The French Creek Game Farm opened in 1923 as a breeding facility that would reintroduce these prized West Virginia fish and game back into the wild but it quickly became apparent that many animals bred in captivity had lost their natural instincts to survive in the wild. The reintroduction projects were halted but the facility remained open to tourists. It was renamed the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in 1986.

Visitors to the center today are welcome to tour the grounds and enjoy the fish and animals in residence. Exhibits feature animals inhabiting the West Virginia forests and streams today as well as displays of the extinct or extirpated animals that once roamed these hills and mountains. There’s even a wheelchair-friendly interpretive trail that stretches through 1.25 miles of a hardwood forest filled with animals galore.

Just below the picnic area is a pond stocked with some of the state’s most prized sports fish – bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout. Waterfowl love this spot as much as the fish do so it’s a great spot to have lunch and do some bird-watching, too.

Ever since the facility was built, animal conservation has been its primary mission and that mission continues today, even though the scope of the facility has changed. Visitors can enjoy lessons in conservation that explain why some animals are now gone forever and others are thriving.

The wildlife center is open every day, all year long, from 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM but it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm opening hours. Sometimes weather conditions and changing seasons affect the center’s visiting hours. Expect to pay a small admission fee during peak season, April 1 through October 31.

It’s OK to bring pets, too, as long as they remain on a leash at all times. Pets on leashes are allowed only in the picnic areas and parking lots.

Find the wildlife center on State Route 20, about 12 miles south of Buckhannon.It’s a convenient side trip from I-79, too.