Join the Virginia Outdoor Women Community!
Are you interested in learning how to hunt, fish, or explore the outdoors safely but are unclear where to start? Do you have some basic outdoor skills and are looking to improve them? The Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) program’s goal is to help women feel comfortable and confident in the outdoors no matter the 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.
About VOW
This program is available to women of all skill levels. Events will focus on increasing competencies in these areas: hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills.
The VOW program involves a wide variety of events, from weekends full of learning to virtual educational opportunities, social events with partners where learning and conservation merge, mentorship, certification events, and more! We’ll get you outside with the tools and guidance you need to feel empowered and knowledgeable in the field.
Upcoming Events
VOW Women’s Mentored Hunting Virtual Series (12 classes)
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…
Learn MoreBackwoods Survival for Hunters and Hikers
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; be…
Learn MoreBackwoods Survival II
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 …
Learn MoreVOW Women’s Mentored Flyfishing Virtual Series (8 classes)
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 w…
Learn More View all Upcoming Virginia Outdoor Women Events
Interest Form
Please subscribe below if you are interested in the Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) program. By submitting the form, you will automatically be added to the VOW email distribution list, which will include more details about the program and alerts about upcoming events. Information submitted will also be used for future marketing and event information sharing.
Get Certified!
Looking to up your outdoor game even more? The VOW certification courses are structured so that participants can earn certification in one or all three focal areas of hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills. If you achieve certification in all three areas, you’ll earn Mastery certification. Certified participants can become future instructors for the VOW program, helping grow female representation in the field. We’re looking to foster a community of “women teaching women” in the outdoors!
Get CertifiedVolunteer with VOW
Interested in helping with our VOW events? From setting up to being an instructor, we could use your help! All prospective volunteers will need to complete a volunteer application and background check.
Become a VolunteerPartnerships
This program relies on the expertise and support of its many community partners. If your organization shares these same values and is interested in getting involved, please contact us at VOW@dwr.virginia.gov.