The level densities and radiative strength functions (RSFs) in ^50,51V have been experimentally measured using the (³He,\alpha \gamma ) and (³He,³He^' \gamma ) reactions, respectively. From the level density thermodynamic properties such as entropy and temperature can be extracted. The microcanonical heat capacity shows negative branches. The gross properties of the RSF are described by the giant electric dipole resonance. At \gamma energies below 3MeV, the RSFs show an unexpected enhancement.

PACS numbers: 21.10.Ma, 24.10.Pa, 25.55.Hp, 27.40.+z