January 2025
Jan29Wed
Predator Hunting Skills
Staunton, VA
This workshop will cover hunting predators (foxes, bobcat, raccoon, and coyote) in Virginia. Legal hunting methods, hunting equipment (calling equipment, night vision, and firearms), and how to hunt predators will be covered. There will be a demonstration of how to use the hunting equipment.
About the Location:
The Parks and Recreation Department is located in Montgomery Hall Park. Follow the signs to the department office building across from the softball field. This is a one way street. After parking in the parking lot, look for the side entrance to the building and follow the signs to the classroom.
February 2025
Feb1Sat
Duck Decoys for Kids
Warsaw, VA
Kids - Build it, Hunt it, Show it! Free admission. Minimum age is 11; anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Adult does not have to be registered, but must remain with the youth during the workshop.
Construct and paint your own duck hunting decoy. Take it hunting with you. Then take it and show it in competition. Decoy head, body, paints, supplies and instruction provided. This is a partnership event made possible by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the Virginia Waterfowler's Association, and the Newland Volunteer Fire Department. Experts available to help you get started and see you through to the end. There will a free lunch provided around noon for participants.
PLUS:
Local NNK resident and World Class Carver, Wade Johnson, will be on hand to provide painting tips and suggestions.
Feb1Sat
Trapping Skills
Rixeyville, VA
Participants will get an in-depth introduction to the skill, strategy and ethics involved in trapping on land and in water. Topics will include trapping as a wildlife management tool, for meat and fur; types of traps; how and when to use traps, and seasons and regulations. Participants will go into the field to learn how to select trap set locations and practice using several types of traps and sets.
Feb8Sat
Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Launch
Stafford, VA
DWR is excited to announce the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) launch event happening Saturday, February 8th, at the Alexandria Chapter of the Izaak Walton League in Stafford, VA.
Come for a full day of outdoor activities from Fishing, Shotgun, Archery, Outdoor Skills and more! All equipment is provided, and all sessions are led by DWR certified instructors. There will be raffles, prizes and other giveaways! Partnering groups will also be present to allow for networking and to learn about other outdoor recreational activities throughout Virginia!
Come celebrate the launch of the new Virginia Outdoor Women Program with us!
***Women of all ages are welcome, but activities are tailored for 16+. No prior outdoor experience required!!!***
Please come prepared to be outdoors – wear warm layers, bring extra clothing, waterproof boots and water.
Lunch will be provided, including vegetarian/gluten free options. If you have specific dietary needs outside of vegetarian/gluten free, please be prepared to bring your own lunch and/or snack options.
If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to Ciera Strickland directly at Ciera.Strickland@dwr.virginia.gov.
If you have general questions about the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program, please email VOW@dwr.virginia.gov or visit the VOW webpage at https://dwr.virginia.gov/virginia-outdoor-women/.
Feb22Sat
Squirrel Hunting Skills
Churchville, VA
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is sponsoring a winter squirrel hunt on Saturday February 22, 2025. The hunt, weather permitting, will be held at the Staunton Augusta Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA). The class is limited to 10 participants.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a power point presentation, safety discussions, and a live fire exercise. Participants may bring their own shotgun and ammunition (# 4 or #6). Shotguns and ammunition will be provided for those who do not have their own. Lunch will be provided. After lunch, participants will be paired one-on-one with a DWR instructor(s) to go on an actual hunt on the Chapter property or adjacent National Forest. Participants will return to the Chapter house approximately at 3 p.m. for a follow-up exercise. All activities will be completed by 4 p.m.
Participants must have:
Eye and ear protection for the live fire exercise
Valid hunting license with National Forest Stamp
Blaze orange hat and/or vest
Appropriate cold weather clothing and footwear
The Izaak Walton Property is three fourths of a mile off Route 250 outside Churchville, Virginia. The property house has been winterized and there are no indoor restrooms. There is an accessible porta potty outside. Some of the hunting areas are suitable for individuals with physical disabilities. Detailed directions to the class location will provided on the registration page.
This activity could be cancelled depending on weather conditions or driveway conditions that lead to the Izaak Walton property. If the activity must be cancelled, you will receive an email one to two days prior to the scheduled hunt.