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The Division of Forestry & Natural Resources Wildlife Collection

The Division of Forestry and Natural Resources Wildlife Collection was donated in 2003 by David and Cathy Samuel. Dr. Samuel is a nationally renowned author and professor emeritus of wildlife in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University . The animals in the Wildlife Collection were taken during bow hunting seasons around the world. The display is offered as an educational resource, so that visitors may learn more about wildlife and the system of wildlife management.

THE WVU WILDLIFE EXHIBIT

This exhibit was created and donated by Catherine and Dr. David Samuel and represents animals taken with the bow over a lifetime.  The purpose is to educate visitors about the diverse animals found around the world, and the role of hunters and hunting in conserving those animals.  

DR. DAVE SAMUEL

“Dr. Dave” was a wildlife professor in the WVU School of Forestry and Natural Resources from 1969 to 1998.  He is also a life-long bowhunter and outdoor writer, serving as Conservation Editor and columnist for Bowhunter Magazine for 45 years.  He was honored for his volunteer work on behalf of bowhunting and conservation by being inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame in 2007.  Dr. and Mrs. Samuel created this exhibit with the expressed purpose of educating visitors about wildlife, conservation, and the importance and necessity of hunting in conserving habitat and wildlife, and in raising the funds needed to manage all wildlife.