September 2025
Sep13Sat
Project WILD Educator Workshop
Fredericksburg, VA
Project WILD workshops equip formal and community educators with ideas, tools, and resources to share engaging, environmental education with K-12 students. Each attendee receives a certificate and their own Project WILD Guide with completion of a workshop courtesy of the VA Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Project WILD features activities emphasizing terrestrial species and their habitats. A wide range of ecological concepts are covered, including food webs or energy flow, adaptations, interdependence, carrying capacity, and habitats.
FREE, pre-registration required. You must be a resident of Virginia to sign up for this event. All registrants for this event must be 18 years of age by September 13, 2025.
Dress for the outdoors/weather and bring a packed lunch & water bottle with you. Light refreshments will be provided.
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.
Sep13Sat
Basic Deer Hunting Workshop
Galax, VA
Join us to learn basic deer hunting skills and have a chance to be selected to go on a mentored deer hunt with an experienced deer hunter at the Matthews State Forest in Galax, Virginia. This workshop and mentored hunt is designed for beginner youth hunters from 13 – 15 years of age, or any new hunter 16 years of age or older who plans to hunt for the first time with an apprentice license. At our Deer Hunting Workshop, we will discuss and learn about deer biology and habits, scouting and hunting techniques, game laws, tree-stand and firearm safety, as well as what to do after you harvest an animal.
Lunch will be provided. Our afternoon session will be mostly outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather. A small number of participants will be randomly selected to have the opportunity to participate in a mentored deer hunt at the Matthews State Forest on September 27, 2025.
Sep20Sat
Women’s 3D Archery Clinic
Montpelier, VA
Come join us at the Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club for a fun and educational event tailored specifically for women who are interested in honing their archery skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced archer, this clinic is perfect for anyone looking to improve their accuracy and technique. Our knowledgeable instructors will guide you through various exercises and drills to help you become a more confident archer. You'll have the opportunity to practice shooting at 3D targets in a supportive and friendly environment.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn from the best and connect with other women who share your passion for archery. Sign up now and get ready to hit the bullseye!
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.
Sep27Sat
Tree-stand Safety Workshop
Rixeyville, VA
This is a 3-to-4-hour hands-on workshop designed to increase awareness for the participants on how to safely use all types of tree stands. Emphasis is placed on how to wear and use a full body fall arrest system and stay attached to the tree from the time the hunter leaves the ground until they return. In addition, instructions are given for the proper ways to use a ladder stand, climber stand, hang-on stand, and the new saddle stands.
Sep27Sat
Kennedys Orchard Deer Hunting Workshop & Whitetail Hunt
Bedford, VA
Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of watching the woods wake up and observe wildlife in their natural setting while hunting Virginia’s favorite game animal, the whitetail deer? This is your chance! Join us to learn basic deer hunting skills and have a chance to go on a mentored deer hunt with an experienced deer hunter at the Kennedys Orchard in Bedford County. This workshop and mentored hunt are for beginner youth hunters from 12 – 15 years of age. Must provide a valid hunting license and Hunter Education Certificate.
At our Deer Hunting Workshop & Hunt on September 27th, we will discuss and learn about deer biology and habits, scouting and hunting techniques, and a small reminder on things you learned in your Hunter Education. Participants that are selected for the mentored hunt will be required to have a parent or guardian present with them on the day of the hunt. Our hunt will be mostly outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.
Space is limited! Pre-registration is required. Free lunch provided. Sponsored by Bedford Outdoor Sportsman Association and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
October 2025
Oct2Thu
Deer Hunting 101
Virtual
The Department of Wildlife Resources is pleased to bring you a virtual course on Deer Hunting 101. Thinking about getting started with deer hunting? How do you even get started? Where can you hunt? What equipment do you need? This virtual deer hunting course will answer these questions and more.
Outline: Deer Hunting 101: Getting Started
1. Why Hunt? - History of hunting - Benefits (food, population control, conservation, utilizing a natural resource)
2. Where to Hunt - Public Lands (National Forests, WMAs, State Parks, etc.) - Private Lands (Family, friends, door knocking ethics, etc.) - Quota Hunts (DWR sponsored hunts)
3. Equipment Needed - Clothing - Firearms/archery - Processing equipment and or processor information - Methods to get deer out of the woods/field
4. Finding a Mentor/Workshops - Youth/Apprentice deer workshops
Oct4Sat
Growing Up WILD Educator Workshop
Fredericksburg, VA
Project WILD workshops equip formal and community educators with ideas, tools, and resources to share engaging, environmental education with K-12 students.
Growing Up WILD is an early childhood curriculum that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. This workshop provides an early foundation for developing positive impressions about nature and lifelong social and academic skills. Each attendee receives a certificate and their own Project WILD Guide with completion of a workshop courtesy of the VA Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR).
FREE, pre-registration required. You must be a resident of Virginia to sign up for this event. All registrants for this event must be 18 years of age by October 4, 2025.
Dress for the outdoors/weather and bring a water bottle with you. Light refreshments will be provided.
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.
Oct5Sun
VOW @ the River – Intro to Catfish/Warmwater Species
Stafford, VA
Come learn how to fish for catfish and other warmwater species with Virginia Outdoor Women and partners DCR/Widewater State Park!
NOTE: A FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT, MUST BE PURCHASED PRIOR TO ATTENDING, AND VALID FOR THE DATE OF THE EVENT! You also will be required to purchase a day pass at the State Park ($7). VISIT: https://dwr.virginia.gov/licenses/ to purchase your license and register for this event (account required).
During the workshop, participants will take part in hands-on breakout sessions covering essential fishing skills, including casting practice, knot tying, rigging up, and fishing. See the registration link below for an activity schedule. This event also provides a welcoming space for women to network, share experiences, and build lasting connections with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. DWR is dedicated to fostering a community of women who enjoy the outdoors, recognize the importance of conservation and outdoor recreation, and seek opportunities for personal growth, independence, and empowerment.
Oct11Sat
Basic Deer Hunting Skills
Christiansburg, VA
Join us and learn basic deer hunting skills. We will discuss deer biology and habits, scouting and hunting techniques, game laws, tree-stand and firearm safety, as well as what to do after you harvest an animal. Our afternoon session will be mostly outdoors, so dress appropriately for the forecasted weather. A small number of our class will be randomly selected to have the opportunity to participate in a mentored antlerless deer hunt at the Radford Arsenal on December 3, 2025. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for the mentored hunt. Range days will be held prior to the hunt to prepare those selected for the mentored hunt. Firearms, ammunition, eye and ear protection will be provided.
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.
Oct18Sat
Deer Processing Workshop
Courtland, VA
Join this hands-on class to learn large game butchering and processing. Deer skinning, butchering and packaging for transport will be included. No gutting. Participants are encouraged to bring a cooler for transporting venison to take home and to bring a lunch. A sampling of venison dishes will be prepared for participants to try. 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.
November 2025
Nov9Sun
Deer Processing Workshop
Fries, VA
Learn proper game care after you harvest a deer. We will be learning how to skin, quarter, and process a deer for the freezer. The workshop will include discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice on a legally harvested deer. Instruction provided by a seasoned hunter and DWR Hunter Education Instructor with formal training in meat processing.
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.