March 2026
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.
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.
Mar29Sun
VOW @ The Field 2 – Turkey Skills Workshop with Live Fire
Nokesville, VA
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.
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
Apr2Thu
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.
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.
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.
Apr4Sat
Youth Turkey Hunting Skills Development and Hunt
Hopewell, VA
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.
Apr17Fri
Senior Archery Wellness Workshop
Prince George, VA
The Luck Group has partnered with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to offer a safe, low-impact archery experience designed for older adults to promote focus, gentle movement, confidence, and social connection. No experience needed—just come ready to enjoy a new activity and hit the target! All equipment provided.
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.
Apr18Sat–Apr19Sun
Never Have a Bad Day of Fly Fishing – An Introduction to the Art Form of Angling
Madison Heights, VA
Introduction to Fly Fishing – Two-Day Workshop
NOTE: All participants 16 years of age and older will need a freshwater fishing license! This workshop will take place at a series of locations over the two days. Please visit the registration page to view addresses for all locations. Bring your own lunch both days.
Saturday, April 18: Morning classroom session at the James River Association’s River Edge facility followed by an afternoon session at Peaks View Park for casting practice and stream reading.
Sunday, April 19: Class at Stonehouse Lake for casting practice and fishing.
Visit the registration page for more details!
Apr19Sun
VOW @ the Backcountry II – Orienteering in partnership with DCR
Chesterfield, VA
VOW is excited to partner with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Pocahontas State Park to offer VOW @ the Backcountry II - Orienteering.
Put away your smartphone and plot a course for adventure with this introduction to orienteering. The Let's Go Adventures (park) staff will demonstrate the basics of reading maps, pacing distances, and navigating cross country. Are you up to the challenge of navigating our orienteering course? This course is limited to 20 participants and ages 10 and up are recommended.
Please dress for the weather and bring your own snacks/water. Meet at the Visitor Center. More information will be emailed in the days prior to the event.
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.
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.
May12Tue
Appomattox County Hunter-Landowner Meeting
Appomattox, VA
The purpose of the newly formed Appomattox 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 Appomattox County. Entrance is located on the left side of the building when facing from Court Street.
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.
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.
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.
May30Sat
Virginia Trapper Education Course
Spotsylvania, VA
Join us for an opportunity to learn the art of trapping. We will provide you with the basic knowledge of trapping in Virginia. This course will occur indoors and outdoors. Please dress for the weather (rain or shine) and bring your own lunch and water.