May 2025
May31Sat
Shooting Skills – Beginning Archery
Verona, VA
This Beginning Archery class is intended for individuals desiring to learn archery. Students will learn archery terms and techniques needed to successfully and safely engage targets with a bow and arrow. Students will be using Genesis bows that can be easily drawn by all ages. Class will be held rain or shine. Dress accordingly with closed toe shoes. To sign up for this class, contact Augusta County Parks and Recreation at (540) 245-5727.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a Ladies Night @ the Archery Range. This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.
June 2025
Jun7Sat
Free Fishing Days 2025 at Burke Lake Park
Fairfax Station, VA
DWR will be hosting this Free Fishing Days event. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required. No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during Free Fishing Days (June 6–8, 2025). Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect.
Jun7Sat
Free Fishing Days 2025 at Dorey Park
Henrico, VA
DWR will be hosting this Free Fishing Days event. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required. No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during Free Fishing Days (June 6–8, 2025). Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect.
Jun7Sat
Free Fishing Days 2025 at Mt. Trashmore Park
Virginia Beach, VA
DWR will be hosting this Free Fishing Days event. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required. No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during Free Fishing Days (June 6–8, 2025). Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect.
Jun8Sun
Free Fishing Days 2025 at Williams Wharf Landing
Mathews, VA
DWR will be hosting this Free Fishing Days event. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required. No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during Free Fishing Days (June 6–8, 2025). Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect.
Jun11Wed
Predator Hunting Skills
Rixeyville, VA
This workshop will cover hunting predators (foxes, bobcat, raccoon, and coyote) in Virginia. Legal hunting methods, hunting equipment (calling equipment, night vision, and firearms), and how to hunt predators will be covered. Demonstration of the above equipment will also be provided.
Camping is offered at this workshop location. Learn more about camping opportunities at www.verdunadventurebound.org.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Field 1 (General Workshop). This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.
Jun14Sat
BOCO Wild
Buchanan, VA
Botetourt County Parks & Recreation and the Department of Wildlife Resources partner to present the 3rd annual BOCO WILD, a free celebration and expo of outdoor recreation in Botetourt County! Previously known as the Botetourt Fishing Carnival, BOCO WILD encompasses an array of outdoor interests for all ages. Explore a wide range of activities, including fishing instruction, wildlife education, hunting safety, hiking, boating education, and more!
Jun19Thu
Small Game Hunting Series
Virtual
Join us for this virtual Small Game Hunting Series. This series will walk you through how and where to hunt small game (squirrel, rabbit and upland bird) in Virginia. This series will be a mix of virtual classes and hands-on clinics to give you the knowledge and confidence to pursue Virginia's small game. Students will need to register for each class that they are interested in. We will be holding a virtual class every Thursday from June to November with in-person clinics along the way.
Jun21Sat
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 Backwoods 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 (Survival). This event can be used to complete the Outdoor Skills Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.
July 2025
Jul16Wed
Becoming a Virginia Deer Hunter Series
Virtual
Join us for this "Becoming a Virginia Deer Hunter" series. This series will walk you through the knowledge you will need to begin hunting deer in Virginia. This series has a mix of virtual classes and hands-on clinics to give you the knowledge and confidence to pursue Virginia's white-tailed deer.
We will be holding a virtual class every Wednesday from July to November (16 classes in total) with in-person clinics scheduled along the way. Each virtual class will be made available for registration one week prior to its scheduled date.
Jul19Sat
Youth Frog Gigging Workshop
Charles City, VA
Come join us for a great small game hunting experience! This Youth Frog Gigging Workshop is for ages 10-17. Parents/guardians must stay at the program with the participants. Topics covered will include the habitat and biology of frogs, safety while in the field, care and cleaning of the game, and legal methods of harvesting frogs. The program will include an evening frog hunt with gigs. Rubber boots are recommended as feet will get wet! 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 Luck Association will cover the cost of the license or apprentice license for any participant needing one on the day of the workshop.
This is a partnership program between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, The Luck Association, and the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery.
Jul19Sat
Hunting Safety Outreach Event: Hearing Protection (Part 1)
Gainesville, VA
This is the first workshop installment in a series of two to introduce hunters to all the available tools to safely hunt and shoot while protecting their precious hearing. Some of these tools will include a variety of active, passive, and percussive hearing protection systems, as well as firearm suppressors. We will briefly discuss the ATF / NFA process for acquiring one of these legal, highly regulated devices. We will have some devices on hand to exhibit, but a field demonstration will take place at a range a month later for the second installment of this series.
Jul26Sat
Duck Decoy Constructing & Painting Clinic (Morning)
Rixeyville, VA
MAKE IT - HUNT IT - SHOW IT!
Join us for a duck decoy constructing & painting clinic. The participants will construct and paint a decoy (type to be revealed at the event) that can be used for your next hunt and entered in the Rappahannock Carvers Guild decoy contest. Throughout the event, information about waterfowl will be discussed and displayed with the participants to make this a fun-filled opportunity! Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No firearms or live ammunition.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Outdoor Adventure (Variable Course). This event can be used to complete the Outdoor Skills Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.
Jul26Sat
Duck Decoy Constructing & Painting Clinic (Afternoon)
Rixeyville, VA
MAKE IT - HUNT IT - SHOW IT!
Join us for a duck decoy constructing & painting clinic. The participants will construct and paint a decoy (type to be revealed at the event) that can be used for your next hunt and entered in the Rappahannock Carvers Guild decoy contest. Throughout the event, information about waterfowl will be discussed and displayed with the participants to make this a fun-filled opportunity! Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No firearms or live ammunition.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Outdoor Adventure (Variable Course). This event can be used to complete the Outdoor Skills Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.
August 2025
Aug9Sat
Tree-stand Safety Workshop
Nokesville, VA
This interactive workshop will include a discussion about tree stand types (including ladder stands, climbing stands, and saddle equipment), their uses, and safety. Lunch will be provided by The Fairfax Wildlife Club. Donations will be accepted.
Aug23Sat
Shooting Skills: Shotgun and Hunting Rifle Maintenance
Rixeyville, VA
This interactive workshop will show the participants how to successfully clean and maintain a shotgun (pump, semi-automatic, and break open) and a hunting rifle (bolt action and semi-automatic).
The workshop will cover:
1.) Proper cleaning supplies
2.) Proper cleaning materials and fluids
3.) Tool selection and use
4.) Proper cleaning procedures and "how to"
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Outdoor Adventure (Variable Course). This event can be used to complete the Outdoor Skills Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.
Aug23Sat
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 (Survival). This event can be used to complete the Outdoor Skills Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.
Aug30Sat
Deer Processing Clinic
Rixeyville, VA
This hands-on deer processing clinic will demonstrate large game butchering and processing for beginners and experienced individuals with interest. Deer skinning, butchering, and packaging for transport will all be done by participants under the guidance of Hunter Education Instructors. Participants are encouraged to bring a cooler for transporting venison to take home and to bring a lunch. Rain or shine. No personal knives allowed.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Table (Food Prep/Processing). This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.
Aug30Sat
Exploring Virginia’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
Rixeyville, VA
This interactive workshop will cover how to explore Virginia's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and choose the WMA that satisfies your desire to hunt, bird-watch, hike, fish, and primitive camp.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Outdoor Adventure (Variable Course). This event can be used to complete the Outdoor Skills Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program.