Upcoming Events: Hunting

This workshop will cover the history and habits of the turkey, as well as a variety of hunting methods.

VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Field 1. This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.

The classroom portion of this clinic will cover the basics of turkey calling and hunting strategies including the use of blinds and set up. For the shotgun patterning portion, please bring your own firearm and appropriate shells (only factory loads, no reloaded shells), as well as eye and ear protection. All firearms will be kept cased and only placed on the range when told to do so by the instructor, otherwise must be unloaded and cased as well as locked in your vehicle during other segments of this clinic. No firearms are allowed in the classroom.

ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST ATTEND WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN WHO IS ALSO ENROLLED IN THE CLASS. Instruction provided by Certified Virginia Hunter Education Instructors.

VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Field 2; General Workshop with Live Fire. This event can be used to complete the VOW Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.

Join us and learn about different types of turkey calls, calling techniques, and when to use each call when hunting this beautiful bird in the spring. We will also discuss turkey hunting strategies and safety. If you have your own call, feel free to bring it and practice with us.

VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Field 1. This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.

Join us to learn how to scout for turkeys to help increase your odds for success in spring turkey season. This clinic will review turkey biology, favorite food sources and habitat requirements as we hike and search for fresh turkey sign. We will discuss and identify preferred roosting locations and how to "put one to roost". We will be outdoors for the entire clinic so dress appropriately for the weather and wear a sturdy and comfortable hiking style shoe or boot. A day pack for extra clothing and/or rain gear and snacks/water is recommended. We will meet and stage up at Sowder's Chapel Baptist Church and carpool to a private farm a short distance away.

VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Field 1. This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.

The Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program is happy to offer a VOW @ The Field 2 course - Women Only Turkey Skills Workshop with Live Fire. Women will have the opportunity to learn about and practice calling, shot patterning, turkey biology, turkey hunting strategies, equipment and more.

For the shotgun patterning portion, we encourage women to bring their own firearms and appropriate ammunition (only factory loads, no reloaded shells), but all equipment will be available/provided by DWR, including a variety of firearms, ammunition, and eye/ear protection. All personal firearms will be kept cased and only placed on the range when told to do so by the instructor, otherwise must be unloaded and cased as well as locked in your vehicle during other segments of this clinic. No firearms are allowed during the classroom/skills portions.

Registration for this virtual series opens February 27th @ 8:00am!

Beginning in 2026, the VOW Program will be hosting an annual Women's Mentored Hunting Virtual Series covering all topics related to hunting in Virginia. Virtual classes will be held every other week beginning on March 30th and concluding on August 31st. This series will cover hunting in general, and will not focus on any specific species, but instead is designed for beginners and women interested in hunting and need the basic information and resources to get started. Throughout the series, there will also be scheduled in-person opportunities and additional events/workshops throughout the state to promote a sense of community.

The Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) program's goal is to help women feel comfortable and confident in the outdoors - no matter their experience level. DWR is committed to developing a community of women who enjoy the outdoors, value the importance of conservation and outdoor recreation, and want to have opportunities for personal growth, independence, and empowerment.

Please NOTE: All virtual VOW courses do not qualify for any of the VOW Certificates. By registering for this event, you are automatically registered for ALL classes. Separate registration is not required.

Classes will generally be 45 minutes of instruction/presentation, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Please see the registration page for class schedule and agenda.

The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers in partnership with the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia offers a unique youth/apprentice mentored turkey hunt. Three hunters will be selected and paired with experienced mentors to pursue gobbling spring turkeys on approximately 2000 acres within Albemarle County, Virginia. The event is catered to youth or first time hunters who will be mentored on all aspects of spring turkey hunting from habitat, calling, and safe hunting practices. This is a family-friendly event to provide a nurturing environment to welcome new hunters and offer opportunities to learn from experienced individuals in a safe location. Application will be open until the three hunter opportunities are filled.

Arrival: Afternoon of April 3rd, participants may arrive anytime after 3pm to pattern/sight in firearms, safety briefing, and prepare for the early morning to follow!

Hunt: Hunting will occur from before sunrise to approximately 2pm Saturday to allow ample opportunity and participants flexibility in travel times to return home. Hunting opportunities are expansive and can range from on the move pursuits hiking steep terrain, to handicap accessible blinds if required. We aim to accommodate as much as possible to ensure a meaningful experience.

Qualifications: Resident or non-residents welcome to apply! All applicable hunting licenses are required. Any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. All required hunting licenses apply.

Join us for an exciting in-depth turkey calling clinic! Bring your turkey call and enjoy the hands-on learning before the opener of the Spring Turkey season.

VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Field 1. This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.

Join The Luck Group for a guided Youth Turkey Hunt designed to introduce young hunters ages 10-12 to safe, ethical hunting, and outdoor skills. This experience helps youth build confidence, patience, and respect for wildlife while connecting with the outdoors. Youth will learn about turkey behavior, hunting safety, and calling techniques, and will spend the morning in the woods with experienced mentors. A parent/guardian must be present with the youth at all times.

What to Expect:
- Safety briefing and hunting basics
- Introduction to turkey calling and wildlife awareness
- Guided hunt with experienced mentors
- Outdoor learning and hands-on experience

What to Bring:
- Camouflage or dark clothing (if available)
- Boots or sturdy shoes
- Hat
- Water and snacks

All equipment will be provided.

Successful hunting and outdoor adventure depends on good planning and preparation, especially with the skills needed to survive the unexpected. When it comes to the outdoors, hunting and hiking pose the greatest risk of becoming lost, or worse; being lost, injured and unprepared to survive the elements. When your cell phone loses power and your GPS can’t find a signal, your best hope for making it through, are the skills you’ll learn in this 4-hour block of hands-on, survival training. Led by expert instructors, you’ll practice advanced techniques for making fire in difficult situations. You’ll discover the most efficient methods of using essential survival gear. And, you’ll learn to use those special features of map, compass and the natural surroundings guaranteed to keep you out of trouble, or enable self-rescue when the worst happens. Bring a friend and let us help get you ready for your next outdoor adventure.

VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Backcountry. This event can be used to complete the Outdoor Skills Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.

Every successful hunting or hiking adventure begins with good planning and preparation, plus the ability to survive when things go wrong. Hunters and day hikers are the most vulnerable to becoming lost and hungry for days in the back country. The Back Woods Survival II course will teach you the most essential gear, how to make an emergency fire, how to find your way using timeless natural navigation techniques, and how to find emergency food among common edible plants, fruits, and berries. Bring a friend and learn how to prepare to make the most out of every outdoor adventure.

VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Backcountry. This event can be used to complete the Outdoor Skills Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.