February 2026
Feb24Tue
Halifax County Hunter-Landowner Meeting
South Boston, VA
The purpose of the newly formed Halifax County Hunter-Landowner meetings is to provide a productive opportunity for hunters, private landowners, law enforcement, and other community stakeholders to positively collaborate with a local focus. Meeting goals include building positive relationships, addressing concerns, and working together to develop solutions that will resolve local conflicts and benefit the community. A conversation will be held on the benefits of establishing a local hunter/landowner committee in Halifax County. Light refreshments will be provided. Parking will be in the bus parking lot. Please enter through the rear entrance, meeting will be held in the Cafeteria. Please note the change of venue.
Feb25Wed
Intro to Archery
Richmond, VA
DWR and Freedom Outdoors RVA are partnering together to offer a beginner-friendly class for ages 11 and up that covers the fundamentals of archery, proper stance, shooting technique, and safe range etiquette. If you have your own bow, you are encouraged to bring your own archery equipment — otherwise, we’ll provide everything you will need to have a great day on the range. A great way to build confidence and get comfortable on the range!
$30 PER PERSON
Register online or at Freedom Outdoors RVA
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Archery Range. This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.
Feb26Thu
3rd Annual Tidal Bass Summit
Charles City, VA
Join DWR for the 3rd Annual Tidal Bass Summit! On Thursday, February 26, DWR biologists will be presenting on largemouth bass population trends in Virginia’s tidal rivers (James, Chickahominy, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, Rappahannock, and Piankatank rivers). In addition, attendees will learn about ongoing projects and have the opportunity to ask questions about Virginia’s tidal river largemouth bass management like, "Where did you catch this 8 pounder?!" Hope to catch ya there!
Can't make it in-person? Join us virtually: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22754544064385?p=NCNh3yDlFmKpDlLRuX
Feb26Thu
Nelson County Hunter-Landowner Meeting
Lovingston, VA
The purpose of the newly formed Nelson County Hunter-Landowner meetings is to provide a productive opportunity for hunters, private landowners, law enforcement, and other community stakeholders to positively collaborate with a local focus. Meeting goals include building positive relationships, addressing concerns, and working together to develop solutions that will resolve local conflicts and benefit the community. A conversation will be held on the benefits of establishing a local hunter/landowner committee in Nelson County.
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.
Feb28Sat
Intro to Hiking Series (Part 2 of 3) – Girls Who Hike VA & VOW (Partner Event)
Chesterfield, VA
We are excited to offer this new opportunity to women who are interested in learning more or getting involved with hiking here in Virginia. Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) has partnered with Girls Who Hike VA to offer an Intro to Hiking three-part series. Three separate sessions at three different locations will be offered. Each session covers a different topic related to hiking for beginners. By registering for this event, you are automatically registered for each session.
Completing all three sessions is not required (but is highly recommended), unless pursuing a VOW Certificate* (see note below).
*Women who complete all three sessions in this series can qualify for the "VOW @ the Trail I" course required for the VOW Certificate in Outdoor Skills. For more information about VOW Certifications, or to download the curriculum tracker, please visit the VOW website at: https://dwr.virginia.gov/virginia-outdoor-women/
Session 2: Leave No Trace Principles (1-hour program followed by 45-minute hike)
Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles focuses on building environmental stewardship and responsible hiking habits through an introduction to the seven Leave No Trace principles as they apply to day hiking. Participants explore how thoughtful preparation, staying on durable surfaces, proper waste disposal, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors help protect natural spaces for everyone. The session emphasizes practical, real-world application through hands-on activities such as demonstrating “pack it in, pack it out” systems, reviewing a backcountry bathroom kit, and taking a short group hike to identify durable surfaces and appropriate rest areas. Visual aids, reusable containers, sample kits, and example “leave-it-behind” items reinforce key concepts and help participants develop a conservation-minded approach they can confidently use on every hike.
Feb28Sat
Spring Turkey Hunting Workshop
Rocky Mount, VA
Join us for a Spring Turkey Hunting Workshop to learn 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; General Workshop. 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.
Feb28Sat
Turkey Hunting Skills
Chesapeake, VA
This workshop for youth (12 years old and up) and adults will focus on turkey hunting topics such as basic knowledge of turkey species, turkey calling (demonstrating different calls and their applications), turkey hunting regulations, and hunting strategies. No lunch will be provided but there are vending machines on site. Ample breaks will also be provided. This is a rain or shine event. Writing materials will be needed to take notes. No firearms will be allowed on city property other than those training firearms provided by DWR.
ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST ATTEND WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN WHO IS ALSO ENROLLED IN THE CLASS.
March 2026
Mar4Wed
Virginia Upland Game Bird Forum
Richmond, VA
Doodles, Fire Birds and Drummers. No matter how you refer to these upland species (woodcock, quail, and ruffed grouse) they each play an integral role here in Virginia. The forum panelists include Quail Forever Farm Bill Biologist Loren Bass; Mike Dye, Wildlife Biologist for Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR); and Sarah Cerv, Forest Conservation Director, Coastal Plain and Piedmont Region and Grant Erhard, Engagement Coordinator of Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS/AWS) to discuss each of these upland species, their habitat, conservation issues and how you can make a huge, positive impact with often simple and small interactions. When registering for this DWR partner event, please select "Adult Registration - Free" option.
Mar7Sat
Spring Turkey Hunting Workshop
Roanoke, VA
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.
Mar11Wed
Fins and Feathers Get Together – Women’s Social
Richmond, VA
Enjoy a fun night socializing with other like-minded ladies in conversations around fly fishing and chasing feathers. This engaging event is hosted by Central Chapter of Virginia Quail Forever (CVQF), Richmond Fly Women; Virginia Outdoors Women (VOW – Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources), and Fly Fishers of Virginia (FFV).
Participate in fly tying and feather earring crafts while enjoying light refreshments and networking. This event is open to all women who love the outdoors and want to learn more about the amazing options that await them across the Commonwealth. When registering for this DWR partner event, please select "Adult Registration - Free" option.
Mar15Sun
Turkey Hunting Skills
Franklin, VA
This turkey hunting workshop is for adults and youth ages 12 years and up. All children under the age of 18 must attend with a parent or guardian who is also enrolled in the class. Main workshop topics will include shooting skills, turkey calling, and turkey hunting regulations and hunting strategies. The regulations portion will be conducted by a Conservation Police Officer. This workshop will include live fire (firearms and ammo provided) and lunch will be provided (or bring your own). Find more details on the workshop registration page.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Field 2. This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.
Mar21Sat
Turkey Hunting Skills
Stafford, VA
This workshop is intended to help turkey hunters develop and improve hunting skills. This is a student driven workshop intended to benefit both novice turkey hunters as well as more experienced turkey hunters. After registering for this workshop, participants will be asked to complete a short survey that will allow the workshop to be fine-tuned to the participants. A broad range of topics will be covered including turkey biology; locating and calling the turkey; turkey hunting strategies for spring and fall; selecting the right turkey hunting equipment; selecting firearms, ammunition and archery equipment as well as patterning on the range; game law and season information; and much more. The depth each topic is covered will largely depend on the experience level of the participants. Question and answer sessions throughout the workshop are expected to help students extract the information they most need. Registration is required to attend this event and seating is limited.
Please see additional details on the registration page.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Field 2. This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.
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
Mar28Sat
Spring Turkey Hunting Workshop
Rocky Mount, VA
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.
Mar28Sat
Intro to Hiking Series (Part 3 of 3) – Girls Who Hike VA & VOW (Partner Event)
Delaplane, VA
We are excited to offer this new opportunity to women who are interested in learning more or getting involved with hiking here in Virginia. Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) has partnered with Girls Who Hike VA to offer an Intro to Hiking three-part series. Three separate sessions at three different locations will be offered. Each session covers a different topic related to hiking for beginners. By registering for this event, you are automatically registered for each session.
Completing all three sessions is not required (but is highly recommended), unless pursuing a VOW Certificate* (see note below).
*Women who complete all three sessions in this series can qualify for the "VOW @ the Trail I" course required for the VOW Certificate in Outdoor Skills. For more information about VOW Certifications, or to download the curriculum tracker, please visit the VOW website at: https://dwr.virginia.gov/virginia-outdoor-women/
Session 3: Safety & Trail Skills (1-hour program followed by 1-hour hike)
Safety & Trail Skills equips participants with essential skills and confidence to handle common challenges encountered on the trail. This session covers reading trail signs, blazes, and maps; basic first aid for common hiking injuries; wildlife awareness and safety; and adapting to changing weather conditions. Participants also discuss the differences between hiking solo and in groups, along with clear emergency procedures for situations such as getting lost or injured. Interactive demonstrations—including blister care, tick checks, and navigation app practice—combined with group problem-solving scenarios allow participants to apply safety knowledge in realistic contexts. Materials such as first aid kits, navigation tools, and safety demos support hands-on learning and prepare hikers to respond calmly and effectively in the outdoors.
Mar28Sat
Turkey Hunting Skills and Shotgun Patterning
Virginia Beach, VA
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.
Mar28Sat
Turkey Calling Clinic
Christiansburg, VA
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.
Mar29Sun
Turkey Scouting
Shawsville, VA
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.
Mar30Mon–Aug31Mon
VOW Women’s Mentored Hunting Virtual Series (12 classes)
Virtual
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.
April 2026
Apr4Sat
Turkey Calling Clinic
Rixeyville, VA
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.
Apr18Sat
Introduction to Flyfishing
Charles City, VA
DWR is excited to offer an Introduction to Flyfishing workshop! During this event, participants will take part in hands-on breakout sessions covering essential fishing skills, including fly casting practice, knot tying, rigging up, and fishing. This event also provides a welcoming space for women to network, share experiences, and build lasting connections with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. A fishing license is required for this event. Click the registration link to view the event structure/agenda.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Lake. This event can be used to complete the Fishing Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.This event is open to all registrants.
May 2026
May9Sat
Backwoods Survival for Hunters and Hikers
Delaplane, VA
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.
May16Sat
Backwoods Survival II
Delaplane, VA
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.
May20Wed–Aug12Wed
VOW Women’s Mentored Flyfishing Virtual Series (8 classes)
Virtual
Registration for this virtual series opens April 17th @ 8:00am.
Beginning in 2026, the VOW Program will be hosting an annual Women's Mentored Flyfishing Virtual Series covering all topics related to flyfishing in Virginia. Virtual classes will be held every other week beginning on May 20th and concluding on September 5th. This series will cover flyfishing in general, and will not focus on any specific fish species, but instead is designed for beginners and women interested in flyfishing 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, EXCEPT the final workshop on Sept. 5th. Separate registration is required for the in-person workshop and will be a first come - first served basis at the conclusion of the August 12th virtual class.
Classes will generally be 45 minutes of instruction/presentation, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Please visit the registration page for class schedule and agenda.