The Mountain State, our neighbor to the south, has its share of unique settings, of which Canaan Valley most certainly qualifies.

Its high elevation location provides a climate similar to our northern states, or southern Canada. This is reflected in the habitats found there, including the shrubby, moist terrain found within the nearly 16,00 acres of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Students of grouse and woodcock shooting most likely have reveled in the writings of George Bird Evans, and his stories – told in his classic The Upland Shooting Life – of the great bird hunting action within the Canaan Valley.

Much has changed in the Canaan Valley since Evans penned his words and followed his Belton English setters through young forestland. The woods have matured, and free-ranging cattle no longer help keep the cover prime.

Woodcock shooting can still be outstanding, particularly if you hit a strong flight of birds — something more likely to occur in late October or early November.

The nearby Canaan Valley Resort and Convention Center is a fine place to use as a base camp for a Canaan Valley hunt. And there’s certainly more to pursue than just upland birds, as deer and wild turkey also call the place home.

Canaan Valley Resort’s main lodge features both rooms and suites, all well-appointed with such modern conveniences as 37-inch flat screen TVs, refrigerator, microwave, high-speed internet and more.

One-room suites also have fireplaces. If you’re there for a bird hunt, however, be aware that your canine companion is not permitted to stay in a lodge room, so other arrangements will need to be made to kennel your feather finder.

The hunter also has the option of bunking in one of the resort’s family cottages or family cabins. These are available in a variety of sizes, including two, three and four-bedroom configurations to match the size of your party. Pets are welcome in the cottages and cabins. Just be sure, after reviewing the resort’s pet policy (available online) that you specific your need for a pet-friendly cabin.

There’s an additional $50 charge per dog (maximum number of dogs per cabin is two) for the first night, then an additional $5 per night for the duration of your stay. Cabin guests also have access to the resort’s golf course, ski slopes, restaurant and other amenities.

Besides the lodge rooms and cabins, Canaan Valley has a full-season campground, with full hook-up sites designed to handle 20 to 35-foot campers. Dogs are welcome, but must be on leash while in the campground.

Like Stonewall Jackson, Canaan Valley also offers seasonal specials and packages that can trim dollars from your lodging tab.

Hunting within the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge requires obtaining a permit, which can be printed out from the refuge’s website or at one of several kiosks located within the public area.

The permit, which also contains the hunting regulations, must be signed and carried with you when you hunt. Also know that hunters that bag any species that requires being checked in via the state’s Electronic Game Checking Station need to specify that the game was taken on the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/Canaan_Valley/visit/hunting/html for more information, or to print out a permit.

The nostalgia of the area, as well as having the nearby resort to serve as a home base, make a fall trip to Canaan Valley a great choice this fall.

Jeff Knapp is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.