About the Course
This FREE, two-day course includes the opportunity to safely shoot rifles, shotguns and compound bows; safely climb a tree stand; safely cross a fence and stream; and trail a wounded animal under the direction of experienced instructors. At the end of Day 1, students will receive their Hunter Safety certificate via the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. All live fire and field activities occur on Day 2. Lunch will be provided by the Virginia Sportsmen's Foundation on both days.
The Hunter Skills Weekend course, taught by Ike Wright, a Master Outdoor Hunter Education instructor with over 40 years of outdoor experience, includes a mandatory instructional portion on Saturday, October 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students may also attend the practical portion on Sunday, October 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity to apply the skills learned on Saturday in a safe and fun environment, including wilderness survival, bow hunting, muzzle loading firearms, modern shotguns and rifles.
Important Details
This course is intended for new hunters as young as 12 years of age or those who want to learn about hunting. There is no cost to students. Students in elementary and middle school must attend with a parent.
Firearms, archery equipment, ammunition and eye and ear protection will be provided. You may bring your own .22 rifle and 12 or 20 gauge shotgun, but please DO NOT bring your own archery equipment. You may also bring your own eye and ear protection.
Cost
While there is no cost to participate, charitable donations for the Virginia Sportsmen's Foundation will be accepted. We will provide a wild game lunch both days paid for by private donations.
About the Foundation
The Virginia Sportsmen's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based organization that provides outdoor education to first-time hunters, hosts an annual wild game chili cook-off and holds hunting and fishing outings with veterans and law enforcement officers.
Materials
Students are strongly encouraged to read the Today's Hunter Student Manual and to fill out the 4-page Chapter Review Exercises prior to class. The exercises are found in the back of the Student Manual. A student manual may be obtained through the following sources:
Pick up a free student manual at any regional DGIF office;
Download a Free Self-study Student Manual (PDF) at http://bookstore.kalkomey.com/products/todays-hunter-in-virginia-pdf;
Purchase a student manual. Call 1-800-830-2268. Price is $10.95 plus $5.00 shipping.
Location
The property is located 1.5 miles south of intersection of Porters Road (Route 627) and Irish Road (Route 6) on the left.
Register
Register at https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/124873