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Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) Certification

Take your outdoor skills to the next level with a Virginia DWR-recognized certification!

On the hunt for your next challenge? Demonstrate your dedication to becoming an outdoor woman by pursuing your Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) certification. Virginia DWR offers certifications in hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills for women ready to expand their skills and get official recognition for it. Interested in all three focus areas? Set your sights on the Mastery Level certificate for the ultimate flex.

How to Get Certified

The process is simple. Make a plan for attending events, track your progress using the appropriate curriculum tracking form, and once complete, submit your request for certification to VOW@dwr.virginia.gov. Courses will be verified by the VOW program manager prior to certificates being mailed.

VOW Hunting Certification

You must complete each of the following courses to attain this certification:

  1. Range (Shooting; Shotgun, Rifle, Pistol, Muzzleloader)
  2. Archery Range (Archery)
  3. Field 1; General Workshop (any species)
  4. Field 2; General Workshop with Live Fire (any species)
  5. Field 3; Hunting Workshop (any species/active hunt)
  6. Table (Food Prep/Processing)

Download Your Hunting Certification Tracker

VOW Fishing Certification

You must complete each of the following courses to attain this certification:

  1. Pond (General Intro to Fishing Course)
  2. Lake (Flyfishing)
  3. River (Catfish)
  4. Tackle Shop (Skills course: Knot Tying, Casting, etc.)

Download Your Fishing Certification Tracker

VOW Outdoor Skills Certification

You must complete each of the following courses to attain this certification:

  1. Outdoor Adventure (Variable Course)
  2. Camp (Dutch oven cooking, basics of camping, tents, etc.)
  3. Trail (Wildlife Viewing, Navigation, Hiking)
  4. Backcountry (Survival, knots, fire starting, first aid, etc.)

Download Your Outdoor Skills Certification Tracker

VOW Mastery Level Certification

You must complete each of the following courses to attain this certification:

  1. Range (Shooting; Shotgun, Rifle, Pistol, Muzzleloader)
  2. Archery Range (Archery)
  3. Field 1; General Workshop (any species)
  4. Field 2; General Workshop with Live Fire (any species)
  5. Field 3; Hunting Workshop (any species/active hunt)
  6. Table (Food Prep/Processing)
  7. Pond (General Intro to Fishing Course)
  8. Lake (Flyfishing)
  9. River (Catfish)
  10. Tackle Shop (Skills course: Knot Tying, Casting, etc.)
  11. Outdoor Adventure (Variable Course)
  12. Camp (Dutch oven cooking, basics of camping, tents, etc.)
  13. Trail (Wildlife Viewing, Navigation, Hiking)
  14. Backcountry (Survival, knots, fire starting, first aid, etc.)
  15. Classroom (Learning the Regulations)

Download Your Mastery Certification Tracker

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will other DWR classes and workshops qualify towards VOW certification?

Specific VOW certification courses are designated with the title “VOW @ the…”. Occasionally, other DWR classes and workshops (outside of the VOW program) will cover the same topics and teach the same skills. If that event qualifies towards the VOW certification, we will state it in that specific event description.

How do I become an instructor for the VOW program?

Certification is one pathway to becoming a VOW instructor, though waivers may be granted to individuals with substantial relevant experience outside the VOW program. Begin the process by filling out a volunteer application. If you are passionate about building a community of women who share a love for conservation and outdoor recreation, this journey is for you!