If you’re looking for a true West Virginia hunting experience, the area around Corton Lodge delivers in spades. Set along the peaceful Elk River and nestled within 180 private acres, our lodge is a gateway to world-class hunting grounds, wildlife-rich forests, and a deep outdoor heritage. Whether you’re after whitetail, turkey, or small game—or just want to pair hunting with a peaceful stay—this is your spot.
Here’s why hunters are choosing Corton Lodge as their home base:
🦌 1. Prime Public Hunting Land at Elk River WMA
Just minutes from Corton Lodge, the Elk River Wildlife Management Area spans over 18,000 acres of hardwood forests, ridges, and river bottoms. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in West Virginia. Hunters here can find:
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkey
- Black bear
- Squirrel, grouse, rabbit, and other small game
- Primitive camping, hiking trails, and shooting ranges
It’s a diverse landscape that rewards both experienced hunters and newcomers alike.
🎯 2. Hunt with Local Experts: Family Tradition Outfitters
We’re proud to partner with Family Tradition Outfitters, LLC, a locally owned guide service that knows these woods better than anyone. Whether you’re looking for help scouting deer, calling turkey, or understanding the terrain, their guides bring generations of experience to the hunt.
Family Tradition Outfitters offers:
- Personalized hunting guidance
- Kayak-in and hike-in remote hunting options
- Deep knowledge of animal behavior and movement in the area
- A warm, down-home welcome to all experience levels
They live and breathe the outdoors—and they’re ready to help you have a safe, successful, and memorable hunt.
Visit Family Tradition Outfitters
📅 3. Know Your Seasons & Regulations
Hunting seasons in West Virginia vary by species. A few highlights:
- Archery Deer Season: Starts late September
- Firearms Deer Season: Late November through early December
- Turkey Seasons: Spring (April–May) and Fall
- Small Game & Bear: Various dates—check WV DNR’s latest regulations
Be sure to have your WV hunting license and any required stamps before heading out.
🌲 4. Terrain Built for the Hunt
Rolling ridges, flat benches, and mature forests define the Elk River Valley. The area offers:
- Easy access trails
- Plenty of remote areas for quiet still-hunting
- Excellent cover and feeding ground for game animals
The blend of elevation and river-bottom terrain makes this region a hunter’s dream.
🏕 5. Rest Easy at Corton Lodge
After a long day in the woods, there’s nothing better than returning to Corton Lodge. We offer:
- Two private suites with full kitchens, showers, and laundry
- Firepits and a riverside deck to swap stories and unwind
- Easy access to 4.5 miles of walking trails and 180 acres of private land
- Room for gear, coolers, and plenty of space to prep for your next day’s hunt
And if you’re lucky, that cooler might just come home heavy.
Bonus Tip: Combine Hunting and Fishing
Book a hunting trip with Family Tradition Outfitters and stay an extra day to fish the Elk River. You’ll find trout, musky, smallmouth bass, and peaceful solitude in every cast.
Corton Lodge is more than a place to stay—it’s your basecamp for adventure, your launch point for tradition, and your refuge when the day is done. Whether it’s your first hunt or your fiftieth, you’ll find something special here in the hills of West Virginia.
Book your stay and let’s plan your hunt.
Visit www.cortonlodge.com or reach out for dates, packages, and guide availability.
