Upcoming Events: Hunting

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.

Join us for an in-depth learning opportunity including discussion and demonstration of safe hunting from an elevated position using saddle gear. Bring your saddle equipment or give ours a try!

VOW is proud to partner with Rassawek Vineyards to present our first Women, Wine & Waterfowl event! Come learn all about waterfowl calling/identification, equipment, dog training, and even painting your own decoys while taking in the beautiful vineyard scenery! After the event, Rassawek Vineyards will be hosting a wine tasting ($15 per participant payable directly to Rassawek Vineyards) and will also have wines available for purchase!

There is a strict 20-person maximum for this event. Please do not register unless you are sure you can attend!

Registering for VOW events and not showing up ("no-shows") prevents other women from participating in the VOW Program. DWR makes every attempt to offer free/low-cost educational opportunities, however, no-shows waste valuable state resources/staff time and continued no-shows may result in implementing participation fees and other increased event costs. Please help DWR/VOW keep our free/low-cost educational programming!

Tentative Schedule/Agenda:

8:30-8:45: Registration
8:45-9:00: Welcome/Introductions
9:00-10:30: Session 1 - Calling/Waterfowl ID
10:30-12:00: Session 2 - Equipment/Working with Dogs
12:00-1:00: Lunch (bring your own)
1:00-3:30: Decoy Painting
3:30-End: Wine Tasting ($15 per participant payable directly to Rassawek Vineyards) Hosted by Rassawek Vineyards

This class will offer insight into the different public lands available to hunters in Virginia and information on how to make the most of your time spent on those properties before and during hunting season. This class is for you if you have interest in hunting public land or if you already do hunt on public land but would like to learn some new tactics.

Agenda

•Public Land Hunting Opportunities
•Quota Hunts
•Hunter Etiquette
•Safety
•Scouting
•Public Land Tips and Tricks
•Public Land Hunting Misconceptions
•Q&A

This class will offer insight into the different public lands available to hunters in Virginia and information on how to make the most of your time spent on those properties before and during hunting season. This class is for you if you have interest in hunting public land or if you already do hunt on public land but would like to learn some new tactics.

Agenda

•Public Land Hunting Opportunities
•Quota Hunts
•Hunter Etiquette
•Safety
•Scouting
•Public Land Tips and Tricks
•Public Land Hunting Misconceptions
•Q&A

Come join us for a great small game hunting experience! This Bullfrog Gigging Workshop is for youth ages 10-17 and will include an evening frog hunt with gigs as well as topics covering the habitat and biology of frogs, safety while in the field, care and cleaning of the game, and legal methods of harvesting frogs. Parents/guardians must stay at the program with the participants. Dinner will be provided and will include a sample of frog legs.

NOTE: A hunting license is required for participants 12 years and older. Participants that do not have a hunting license may hunt with an apprentice license within arm’s reach of the Mentor/Instructor.

The workshop portion will take place at DWR's Region 1 Office conference room and the hunt (gigging) portion will take place just down the road at the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery. Rubber boots are recommended as feet will get wet! This is a partnership program between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, The Luck Association, and the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery.