SWVA Sportsmen

SWVA Sportsmen SWVA Sportsmen is a non profit, 501c3 entity, created by Sportsmen for representation of the interest of hunters, conversationalist, and outdoors men.

06/16/2026
Southwest Virginia Sportsmen“Working to enhance wildlife habitat in the heart of Virginia’s coal country.”The turkey vul...
06/15/2026

Southwest Virginia Sportsmen
“Working to enhance wildlife habitat in the heart of Virginia’s coal country.”

The turkey vulture is the indisputable champion of the bird world when it comes to the sense of smell, because of several unique physiological adaptations. This big scavenger’s ability to detect minute particles of gaseous molecules is made possible by an oversized olfactory bulb - the part of the brain that processes odor. In addition, the bird has extremely spacious, open nares (nostrils) that funnel air to the highly sensitive olfactory receptors.

Aided by a 6-foot wingspan turkey vultures fly across the countryside until detecting the telltale, gaseous odor of decaying flesh - even in forested areas and from a distance of over a mile! Once the presence of carrion has been identified the colloquial “turkey buzzard” soars gracefully in wide circles until the source is pinpointed. Other feathered scavengers, like ravens and black vultures, use vision to locate food and often key in on the turkey vulture’s success.

The turkey vulture’s featherless, turkey-like, red head is all about hygiene. This feature allows the feeding bird to stick its head deep into the body cavity of a dead animal without pieces of decaying flesh and bacteria sticking to feathers that would be impossible to preen. Through the consumption of carrion these repulsive-looking, avian janitors protect humans by reducing the spread of deadly, infectious diseases.

Have a great day outdoors!
Mike Roberts

06/09/2026
Southwest Virginia Sportsmen“Working to enhance wildlife habitat in the heart of Virginia’s coal country.”The Shiras moo...
06/08/2026

Southwest Virginia Sportsmen
“Working to enhance wildlife habitat in the heart of Virginia’s coal country.”

The Shiras moose is the smallest subspecies of the North American moose. Although smaller in comparison to its northern relatives the Shiras stands almost 6 feet tall at the shoulders and tips the scales at nearly 1,200 pounds. The Alaska-Yukon subspecies is nearly 7 feet tall and can weigh 1,600 pounds or more - making it the world’s largest member of the deer family (Cervidae).

Male moose are easily distinguished from the cows by their larger body size and antlers. As with all but one cervid species, only the bulls grow antlers. For the record, caribou cows also grow antlers, though much smaller than those of the majestic bulls. The average antler width of a mature Shiras bull is about 45 inches, while those of the Alaska-Yukon subspecies can exceed 60 inches. Another contrasting feature is the flap of skin that dangles from the throat - the “dewlap;” the male’s is more pronounced than those of the females.

As the southernmost subspecies the Shiras moose ranges from British Columbia and Alberta south through the mountains of Montana and Idaho; southward into Wyoming and Colorado; and even parts of Utah and Nevada. For years one of the big mammal’s most popular colloquial names was “Wyoming moose,” but was later renamed in honor of George Shiras who is regarded as the “Father of Wildlife Photography.”

Shiras moose, like all deer, are true herbivores. And while moose browse the leaves, twigs, and buds of alder, aspen, birch, and willow, during winter they sometimes feed on balsam fir - even though conifers lack the nutritional value contained in most other woody plants. Moose also have a taste for aquatic plants and often wade to access the mineral-enriched pond weeds and water lilies. With their heads submerged to access these aquatic food sources water pressure and specialized valves seal their large nostrils.

Have a great day outdoors!
Mike Roberts

Family Movie Night, open to public
06/05/2026

Family Movie Night, open to public

06/02/2026

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Vansant, VA
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