October 2026
Oct7Wed
Archery Fun Shoot
Richmond, VA
Come join DWR and Freedom Outdoors for a Fun Shoot! Our experienced instructors will be on hand to help with scoring, range etiquette, equipment, safety, and shooting tips. No experience or equipment is required. We will have recurve and Genesis bows available for anyone who needs them, along with the necessary gear.
Come enjoy a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment while learning the basics of target archery and building your confidence on the range. Archers will have 2 minutes per end to shoot 3 arrows (10 ends total). Genesis archers will be shooting 10m. All other divisions will be shooting 18m.
Warm-up begins at 6:00 pm. Scoring begins at 6:30 pm.
To register through Freedom Outdoors, click the Registration button below. Once on the Freedom Outdoors website, click on the "RVA / DWR Archery" option to select classes/dates.
Oct10Sat
Bowtober Youth and Family Archery Workshop – Morning
Disputanta, VA
This two-hour workshop will introduce participants 9 years old and up to the basics of archery through hands-on instruction. All equipment and sullies will be provided. A parent or guardian must stay with any youth participant for the workshop. This is a partnership workshop with the Luck Group and DWR.
Oct10Sat
Bowtober Youth and Family Archery Workshop – Afternoon
Disputanta, VA
This two-hour workshop will introduce participants 9 years old and up to the basics of archery through hands-on instruction. All equipment and sullies will be provided. A parent or guardian must stay with any youth participant for the workshop. This is a partnership workshop with the Luck Group and DWR.
Oct10Sat
VOW/Women’s Hunter Education Course
Stafford, VA
This VOW (Virginia Outdoor Women)/Women's Hunter Education Course is offered as a free course to the public. This course is geared toward women and girls ages 11 years old and up. The course is designed to teach you how to become a safe hunter and not how to hunt. Successful completion of the class is required for both youth and first-time hunters to apply for a Virginia Hunting License.
This course requires completion of chapter review questions in the "Today’s Hunter in Virginia" student manual prior to class time. The exercises will be collected by the instructors upon arrival. More details about the chapter exercises and how to acquire a student manual are available on the registration page.
NO LIVE FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION ARE PERMITTED IN THE CLASSROOM. All students 15 years of age or younger MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult for the entire class. Please bring a lunch and read all of the information included in the confirmation email when you register for the class.
Oct10Sat
Trout Fishing Clinic and Stocked Trout Q&A
Wytheville, VA
DWR hatchery staff will be on hand following the stocking of Wytheville Community College Pond to provide tips and advice to novice anglers and to provide general information about DWR’s Stocked Trout Program.
Oct11Sun
Ladies’ Learn to Upland Hunt
New Kent, VA
Offered by Central Virginia Chapter of Quail Forever, this event is designed for women who are curious about hunting but don’t know where to start. These beginner-friendly experiences offer hands-on instruction in firearm safety, hunting skills, and conservation, all in a supportive, no-pressure environment.
Led by passionate women mentors and guides, you’ll gain confidence in the field, connect with like-minded ladies, and learn how hunting plays a vital role in wildlife and habitat conservation—no experience or gear needed, just a willingness to learn.
Every attendee will receive a one-year membership to Quail Forever, education in conservation and species education, DWR regulations, parlances of the field, bird dog demo, field first aid, gear review and how to clean and prepare your harvest. Open to all women beginners, 16 years and up, current Quail Forever membership not required. No equipment is required.
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Field 3, Hunting Workshop (any species/active hunt). This event can be used to complete the Hunting Certification in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Program. This event is open to all registrants.
Oct12Mon–Oct13Tue
Upcoming Training Opportunities for Wildlife Control Professionals
Henrico, VA
The Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association (VWDMA) provides education and training specifically for wildlife control professionals. This fall, VWDMA will present a Two-Day Fall Wildlife Control Training Series at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center featuring the VWDMA Fall Conference on October 12 and NWCOA Bat Standards Part I on October 13.
Both programs offer valuable professional development for Virginia WCOs, including CNAP continuing education opportunities. The Bat Standards Part I course also satisfies the additional bat management training and testing requirement for those providing bat management services in Virginia.
Oct17Sat
Virginia Trapper Education Course
Bland, VA
This will be an opportunity to learn the art of trapping. We will provide you with the basic knowledge of trapping in Virginia. You will learn a lot in the time spent in class and in the field. Please dress for the weather, rain or shine. We will set some traps in the dirt. Please bring your lunch and water.
Oct19Mon
Lancaster County Hunter-Landowner Meeting – Change of Date/Location
Lancaster, VA
The purpose of the newly introduced Lancaster 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 enhancing communication, building positive relationships, addressing concerns, and working together to develop solutions that will benefit the community. A conversation will be held on the benefits of establishing a local hunter/landowner committee in Lancaster County.
Oct21Wed
Intro to Archery
Richmond, VA
This beginner-friendly class covers the fundamentals of archery, proper stance, shooting technique, and safe range etiquette. If you have your own archery equipment, feel free to bring what you have! Otherwise, all equipment will be provided.
To register through Freedom Outdoors, click the Registration button below. Once on the Freedom Outdoors website, click on the "RVA / DWR Archery" option to select classes/dates.
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.
Oct23Fri–Oct25Sun
Halloween Campout at First Landing State Park
Virginia Beach, VA
Organized by Sisters of the Tent, the Halloween Campout at First Landing State Park may include hiking, biking, beaching, fishing, and more!
RSVP & Questions to: SistersoftheTent@gmail.com or @sistersofthetent
Oct28Wed
Intermediate Archery
Richmond, VA
This class is for archers who have learned the basics and are ready to take their skills to the next level. Equipment will be provided, but archers are strongly encouraged to bring their own equipment. Our trained instructors will assist archers with both compound and recurve bows and help archers with the fine details of their shot process.
To register through Freedom Outdoors, click the Registration button below. Once on the Freedom Outdoors website, click on the "RVA / DWR Archery" option to select classes/dates.
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.
November 2026
Nov8Sun
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.
Nov11Wed
Intro to Archery
Richmond, VA
This beginner-friendly class covers the fundamentals of archery, proper stance, shooting technique, and safe range etiquette. If you have your own archery equipment, feel free to bring what you have! Otherwise, all equipment will be provided.
To register through Freedom Outdoors, click the Registration button below. Once on the Freedom Outdoors website, click on the "RVA / DWR Archery" option to select classes/dates.
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.
Nov14Sat
Fall Campout for Beginners at Kiptopeke State Park
Cape Charles, VA
Organized by Sisters of the Tent, experience nature's tranquility at the Fall Campout for Beginners at Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore! Ladies who are interested in pursuing the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Outdoor Skills Certificate can participate in a 3-hour camping workshop during this event and have it count as the "VOW @ the Camp I" course required for the certificate. This event is limited to 10 participants and is first-come-first-served. Please email the event coordinator at SistersoftheTent@gmail.com to register.
3-Hour Camping Workshop Curriculum:
Module 1: Shelter & Site Selection (50 mins)
• Campsite Pitching & Orientation
• Hands-on Tent Pitching
• Tent Care & Moisture Control
Module 2: Safety, Fire, & Environmental Care (50 mins)
• Personal Safety & Boundaries
• Wildlife Management & Food Storage
• Fire Safety & Leave No Trace
Module 3: Wind & Severe Storm Readiness (10 mins)
• Wind Resistance & Orientation
• Severe Weather Safety Protocols
• Forecast Check
Module 4: Gear Essentials, Comfort, & Cooking (50 mins)
• The Sleep System
• Camp Stoves & Outdoor Cooking
• Camp Packing Checklist & Layering
Q&A & Wrap-Up (20 mins)
• Open floor for specific questions, gear troubleshooting, and local trip planning resources
VOW Course: This event qualifies as a VOW @ the Camp I. 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.
Nov18Wed
Archery Fun Shoot
Richmond, VA
Come join DWR and Freedom Outdoors for a Fun Shoot! Our experienced instructors will be on hand to help with scoring, range etiquette, equipment, safety, and shooting tips. No experience or equipment is required. We will have recurve and Genesis bows available for anyone who needs them, along with the necessary gear.
Come enjoy a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment while learning the basics of target archery and building your confidence on the range. Archers will have 2 minutes per end to shoot 3 arrows (10 ends total). Genesis archers will be shooting 10m. All other divisions will be shooting 18m.
Warm-up begins at 6:00 pm. Scoring begins at 6:30 pm.
To register through Freedom Outdoors, click the Registration button below. Once on the Freedom Outdoors website, click on the "RVA / DWR Archery" option to select classes/dates.
December 2026
Dec9Wed
Intro to Archery
Richmond, VA
This beginner-friendly class covers the fundamentals of archery, proper stance, shooting technique, and safe range etiquette. If you have your own archery equipment, feel free to bring what you have! Otherwise, all equipment will be provided.
To register through Freedom Outdoors, click the Registration button below. Once on the Freedom Outdoors website, click on the "RVA / DWR Archery" option to select classes/dates.
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.
Dec10Thu
Archery Fun Shoot
Richmond, VA
Come join DWR and Freedom Outdoors for a Fun Shoot! Our experienced instructors will be on hand to help with scoring, range etiquette, equipment, safety, and shooting tips. No experience or equipment is required. We will have recurve and Genesis bows available for anyone who needs them, along with the necessary gear.
Come enjoy a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment while learning the basics of target archery and building your confidence on the range. Archers will have 2 minutes per end to shoot 3 arrows (10 ends total). Genesis archers will be shooting 10m. All other divisions will be shooting 18m.
Warm-up begins at 6:00 pm. Scoring begins at 6:30 pm.
To register through Freedom Outdoors, click the Registration button below. Once on the Freedom Outdoors website, click on the "RVA / DWR Archery" option to select classes/dates.
Dec16Wed
Intermediate Archery
Richmond, VA
This class is for archers who have learned the basics and are ready to take their skills to the next level. Equipment will be provided, but archers are strongly encouraged to bring their own equipment. Our trained instructors will assist archers with both compound and recurve bows and help archers with the fine details of their shot process.
To register through Freedom Outdoors, click the Registration button below. Once on the Freedom Outdoors website, click on the "RVA / DWR Archery" option to select classes/dates.
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.
Dec17Thu
Archery Fun Shoot
Richmond, VA
Come join DWR and Freedom Outdoors for a Fun Shoot! Our experienced instructors will be on hand to help with scoring, range etiquette, equipment, safety, and shooting tips. No experience or equipment is required. We will have recurve and Genesis bows available for anyone who needs them, along with the necessary gear.
Come enjoy a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment while learning the basics of target archery and building your confidence on the range. Archers will have 2 minutes per end to shoot 3 arrows (10 ends total). Genesis archers will be shooting 10m. All other divisions will be shooting 18m.
Warm-up begins at 6:00 pm. Scoring begins at 6:30 pm.
To register through Freedom Outdoors, click the Registration button below. Once on the Freedom Outdoors website, click on the "RVA / DWR Archery" option to select classes/dates.
January 2027
Jan9Sat
2027 DWR Archery Open
Richmond, VA
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), in partnership with Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, invites the archery and conservation community to participate in the 2027 DWR Archery Open, presented by Green Top Sporting Goods. The third annual competition will take place Saturday, January 9th, 2027 in Richmond, Virginia, featuring opportunities for youth and adult level competitors. Event proceeds will contribute to connecting people to conservation.
Adult registration: $50
Youth (11–17) registration: $35
Open Championship: $100