January 2026
Jan7Wed
Becoming a Virginia Spring Gobbler Hunter – Virtual Series
Virtual
Join us for a series of weekly virtual sessions designed to guide you step-by-step on the journey to becoming a Virginia Spring Gobbler Hunter. This comprehensive program is tailored for individuals who are interested in learning how to hunt turkeys in Virginia, starting from the initial desire to hunt and concluding with instructions on preparing turkey meat for consumption.
Program Structure:
The series blends interactive virtual classes with hands-on clinics, ensuring that participants gain both the essential knowledge and practical experience needed to confidently pursue Virginia’s wild turkeys.
Registration and Scheduling:
All students are required to register for each class within the entire series. Virtual classes will be held every Wednesday from December through April. In-person clinics will be scheduled at various points throughout the series to complement the online instruction.
Note: We will skip the two Wednesdays during the weeks of Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Class Access:
A Microsoft Teams invite will be sent to participants on the day of each virtual session.
Jan9Fri–Jan10Sat
25th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival
Doswell, VA
The Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival is the largest event of its kind in the country and attracts fly anglers from across the United States and the Mid-Atlantic in particular. Nowhere else can anglers learn about the quiet sport in such a beginner-friendly environment. This unique event combines fine wine tasting, microbrewery beer, and everything you ever wanted to know about fly fishing but were afraid to ask. Bring your family, relax, take a casting class, and pick up a new sport that the entire family can enjoy. Several new beginner classes for both adults and children have been added.
It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance (especially for specialty classes), although attendees may also purchase tickets at the door the weekend of the festival.
DWR will have a booth at this event so be sure to stop by, pick up the new Fishing and Boating Regulations books, and shop for all the gear you’ll need in the new year. For more information: https://vaflyfishingfestival.com/
Jan16Fri–Jan18Sun
2026 Richmond Fishing Expo
Doswell, VA
The Richmond Fishing Expo returns for its 19th season! This is the largest dedicated fishing product show in Virginia! It's one of the finest gatherings of fishing minds you’ll find in the region. The Richmond Fishing Expo has National Pro Anglers with one thing in common…helping you catch more fish. These professional anglers will be on hand all weekend signing autographs, taking pictures, and sharing secrets that helped them be as successful as they are. Come one day or all three…your admission ticket is good all weekend with return pass.
Tickets available at the door or online.
DWR will have a booth at this event so be sure to stop by, pick up the new Fishing and Boating Regulations books, and shop for all the gear you’ll need in the new year. For more information: https://richmondfishingexpo.com/
Jan17Sat
Deer Processing Workshop
Virginia Beach, VA
This hands-on class will demonstrate large game butchering and processing for beginners and experienced individuals with interest. Deer skinning, butchering, and packaging for transport will all be done by participants under the guidance of Hunter Education Instructors. Participants are encouraged to bring a cooler for transporting venison to take home and to bring a lunch. Rain or shine. No personal knives allowed.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Table. This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.
Jan17Sat
Project WILD Educator Workshop
Boyce, VA
Join us for a Project WILD training session. We will practice and model activities from the K-12 curriculum and activity guide and share strategies for teaching in the schoolyard. Each participant receives a Project WILD book full of amazing activities. You must be a resident of Virginia to sign up for this event. To reserve your spot, we ask for a $20 fee (check payable to Blandy Experimental Farm), which is refundable upon arrival. Bring your lunch and be prepared to be outdoors at the State Arboretum!
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource's Wildlife Education Program is an outreach effort to promote wildlife education and conservation in schools through the Virginia Project WILD Program, the Virginia Naturally Schools Recognition Program, and others.
About the Location:
Blandy Experimental Farm is a 712-acre University of Virginia research facility. The purpose of Blandy is to increase the understanding of the natural environment through research and education. Blandy is also home to the State Arboretum of Virginia, which occupies the central 172 acres of Blandy. https://blandy.virginia.edu/
Jan30Fri–Feb1Sun
Next Level Bowhunting Workshop
Chesapeake, VA
This three-day workshop (January 30 – February 1, 2026) is for adults 18 and older who are new to bowhunting or want to sharpen their skills. This workshop includes two hunts.
WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDE:
Bowhunting Methods and Techniques
Treestand Use, Placement and Safety
Camouflage, Scent Control, Lures, Calls
Shot Placement and Recovery of Game (if game is harvested there will also be a processing segment)
THE HUNTS:
A Mentor will help participants select a site on the Triple R Ranch property (Urban Archery season) for Saturday evening and Sunday morning bow hunts.
$204 FEE INCLUDES:
Meals: Friday dinner-Sunday Brunch
Lodging (bunk style; you must provide your own linens)
All instruction provided at no cost by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Hunter Education Instructors
PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO:
Have completed a hunter education course; classes can be located through: https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/education/;
Have a current hunting license, archery license and at least one available either sex/antlerless tag;
Provide their own archery equipment, hunting clothing, treestand with a TMA approved full body harness or ground blind or tree saddle;
Proficiency with archery equipment out to 25 yards is required (bow or crossbow)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 23, 2026, limited to the first 12 participants
REGISTRATION: Triple R Ranch is taking payment and registration here: https://triplerranch.campbrainregistration.com/
You will need to create a user account; once in, scroll down through the program offerings to find the Next Level Bowhunting Workshop to begin your registration.
February 2026
Feb21Sat
Introduction to Falconry: Hunting with Harris’s Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks
Montross, VA
Come experience the sport of the ancient nobility: hunting with raptors. There will be a brief Introduction to Falconry class, then a hunt for small game where participants can observe the hawks working with the falconer. Any participant interested in assisting with the hunt, such as flushing game, must have a valid Virginia hunting license (not needed if only observing).
Feb28Sat
Project WILD Educator Workshop
Norfolk, VA
Project WILD workshops equip formal and community educators with ideas, tools, and resources to share engaging, environmental education with K-12 students. Each participant will receive a copy of the Project WILD K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide. This workshop is free; pre-registration is required. You must be a resident of Virginia to sign up for this event.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource's Wildlife Education Program is an outreach effort to promote wildlife education and conservation in schools through the Virginia Project WILD Program, the Virginia Naturally Schools Recognition Program, and others.
About the Location:
This workshop will occur at the Virginia Zoo. Further details are available on the registration page.
March 2026
Mar28Sat
VOW – Women’s Only Hunter Education Course
Montross, VA
VOW is proud to offer a Women's only Hunter Education Course! This basic hunter education course is geared toward women and girls ages 11 years old and up. The course will include live fire. Firearms and ammunition will be provided. DO NOT bring your own. If you own adequate eye and ear protection, you may bring it to use; eye and ear protection will also be provided. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required to be worn for safety during the outdoor portion of the class.
Self-study is required prior to this course. Students are required to read the Today's Hunter Student Manual and to fill out the 4-page Chapter Review Exercises prior to class. The exercises are found in the back of the Student Manual and will be collected by the instructors upon arrival. STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE CHAPTER REVIEW EXERCISES WILL NOT BE CERTIFIED!
A student manual may be obtained through the following sources:
(1) Pick up and study a free student manual at any regional DWR office
(2) Download a Free Self-study Student Manual (PDF) at https://bookstore.kalkomey.com/products/todays-hunter-in-virginia-pdf