The Outdoor Section of the Greene Scene Magazine, is extremely excited to announce our first in a series of articles that will be spotlighting an accomplished “outdoor” individual. This new series of articles will be celebrating the stories, skills, and traditions of successful hunters from around Greene County.
These special articles will explore the experiences of individuals who have mastered their craft through patience, knowledge, and respect for nature. Each feature will highlight not only remarkable achievements in the field, but also the dedication, preparation, and ethical practices that define responsible hunting.
Readers can expect in-depth profiles, vivid storytelling, and practical insights drawn from real-life pursuits. From tracking elusive game in rugged wilderness, to understanding animal behavior, the series will present a well-rounded perspective on local hunting legends. By focusing on personal journeys and lessons learned, these articles will inspire appreciation for the outdoors and the skills required to thrive within it.
Our inaugural outdoor icon is Will Orndoff. Born in Winchester VA, Will moved to Greene County in the late 1970s. Having retired as a Drilling Engineer in 2005, Will worked all over the U.S., specializing in oil drilling and drilling air shafts for mines. In 1995, Will opened Orndoff Sporting Goods in Graysville. The business also doubles as a very impressive trophy room that houses all the significant trophies that he has taken over the years.
When you walk in, your eyes are immediately drawn to two large Cape Buffalos. There are also several African plains game mounts, elk, deer, moose, kudo, a mountain lion, zebra, warthogs, a ram, and many other animals. The mounts themselves are reason enough to visit the store.
Will has invested a lifetime into his obsession for hunting big game, and his success is very impressive to say the least. Will had his first hunt at the age of eight years old. His hunting journey is extensive and has led him to eleven states and two continents in pursuit of his passion.
In addition to Pennsylvania, he has hunted in West Virginia, Georgia, and most of the western states. Will has also hunted in Alaska (3 times), Canada (6 times), and Africa (3 times). These hunts are not for the faint of heart. They require knowledge, patience, and a sheer desire to be successful. Many of these hunts are physically demanding and take place over rugged terrain in all conditions.
Nothing beats youth. If you are interested in pursuing some of these animals, Will suggests starting as early as your wallet will allow, and it’s important to do your homework. Hunting is no longer a guarantee, with many states using a lottery system to distribute license.
Hunting is also evolving into a “rich man’s sport” with tags for many species costing thousands of dollars. A Dall Ram hunt can cost you $30,000-$55,000…Stone sheep, $80,000-$105,000, Cape Buffalo $10,000-$20,000, and that is just for the hunt…you still need to get there.
Many outfitters are also incorporating what they call “Trophy Hunts” at an even higher price. With that being said, if you have the money, the time, and are in reasonably decent shape, there are some great adventures awaiting you. Alaska, Canada, and Africa all require hunters to use guides.
I asked Will to elaborate on some of his favorite hunts. “The Dall sheep and Moose hunt in the Yukon territory was by far my most memorable hunt…the day-and-a-half horse ride into the mountains, the wildlife, and the sheer beauty of the Yukon is beyond imagination.”
Hunting Dall sheep is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding pursuits in North American big game hunting. These white-coated sheep inhabit steep, rocky terrain that demands exceptional physical fitness, careful planning, and mental resilience from hunters. Dall sheep are known for their keen eyesight and wariness, making a successful stalk both difficult and exhilarating.
This particular ram hunt was a physically demanding hunt, up and down the mountains daily from a spike camp looking for a mature legal ram (one horn must complete a full 360-degree curl). Several rams were spotted, and they began the long trek to the top of the mountain. Once there, after taking a break, they searched for the rams and unfortunately, they were nowhere to be seen. Disappointed, they sat there glassing for a while and all at once, the rams appeared far below them and were running away…Will settled the cross hairs on the biggest ram and one well-placed shot put the big guy on the ground.
The second tag, the moose, was hunted in the thick brush of the valleys. The PH (professional hunter) miraculously spotted a large moose in the brush and the stalk was on. Again, with a well-placed shot, the giant moose was on the ground. After gutting the animal, the decision was made to return the next day with the horses to retrieve the meat and horns.
Unfortunately, a heavy fog had rolled into the area adding another level of anxiety to the adventure…you see, this is also grizzly territory, and the thought of a grizzly bear charging out of the fog was something no one was comfortable with, especially with a dead moose on the ground.
After arriving at the kill site, it was discovered that a bear had indeed been feeding on the gut pile. Will was instructed by the PH to stand guard. With his rifle in hand, he scanned the dense fog relentlessly for any kind of movement while the guides prepared the moose for transportation. “That was a very tense situation and an unpleasant feeling scanning the fog looking for a charging bear…a bear that thankfully never showed.”
The second location on Will’s list of memorable hunts took place on the Timbavati Preserve, a 150,000-acre area in South Africa for cape buffalo. The preserve borders the Kruger National Park. The animals are free to roam from the park to the preserve and on the fourth day of the hunt the PH spotted a good bull.
After a failed attempt to ambush the bull, spoiled by the wind, the chase was on. After a long and tiring chase, the bull was finally spotted in a mud hole (the buffalo cover themselves in mud to protect themselves from insects and the sun). Sneaking to within forty yards of the bull, looking through a small opening in the brush, the big 357 H&H magnum roared. The bull lunged forward but did not go down. Repositioning for the second shot, the bull spotted their movement and immediately charged them.
The bull was fast and closing the distance quickly. “All I can remember was looking through the scope and seeing a black mass.” Luckily, the second shot found the vitals, and the bull collapsed…ten steps from Will’s feet. “The thrill of the hunt, the adrenaline rush, words cannot define the moment of truth.”
Cape Buffalo… “you-it-death”, “God’s cattle”, “Syncerus Caffer”, and “black death”…. are all words to describe the very capable adversary. The locals say they look at you like you owe them money, and they are coming to collect it. A male buffalo can weigh up to up 1,800 pounds. They are unpredictable and extremely aggressive, making them one of Africa’s “Big Five” dangerous animals. They are responsible for over two hundred deaths yearly.
Will’s hunting boots have a few miles on them now, and he has opted to do more hunting on less risky terrain. Leaving the rugged mountains to the young at heart, looking down the barrel of a shotgun at upland game birds is now a favorite pastime. Easier walking, watching the dogs work, and going back to the camp for a cooked meal and a hot shower takes the place of a cold tent on the side of a mountain.
Will wrapped up our conversation by saying, “Hunting takes me back to the days of the pioneers who hunted to survive…the solitude, the adventure, and being one-on-one with the animal. That’s what it’s all about.”
If you would like to recommend someone for consideration in future issues, please forward the information to: info@greenescenemagazine.com
