event_title: Learn to Hunt Deer with Capital Region BHA

event_time_zone: America/New_York

event_start: November 12, 2023 09:00

event_duration: 300

event_end: November 12, 2023 14:00

event_address: 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States

event_description: The Capital Region Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, will host a mentored deer hunt for new or novice hunters this fall. If you are interested in learning how to hunt deer but haven’t had the opportunity or don’t know where to start, this mentored Learn to Hunt program is a great opportunity.New hunters selected to participate will be paired with mentors who will show them the basics of deer hunting; including scouting, shooting, setting up, and the hunt itself. If we are successful in taking a deer, there will be skinning and butchering demonstrations as well. Please note that only 10 mentees will be selected from the applicant pool — we will contact you if you are selected. Event Details:10 new hunters will be paired 1:1 with mentors. The hunt will take place at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Prince William County, Virginia over multiple days. Events will include an in person meet up at the refuge on November 12, where new hunters will meet their mentors and have an opportunity to scout the refuge, discuss hunting strategies, and be shown how to look for deer. Range time with mentors on their own time and/or an organized range day at CF Phelps WMA November 20. Hunters and mentors will be allowed to set up blinds on the refuge on December 3. Blind must be out of sight from the publicly accessible areas. The hunt date is December 9.This is a managed quota firearms hunt. Only the new hunters are allowed to hunt. Firearms restricted to shotguns only, loaded with slugs only. Non-toxic ammunition is strongly recommended. Antlered and antlerless deer may be taken. This is a DMAP location so antlerless deer do not count toward bag limits. Dates:November 12: In person meet up at the refuge (mandatory attendance) and scouting day.November 20: Shooting range day at CF Phelps WMA (optional attendance, can arrange range time with mentor separately)December 3: Hunters and mentors are allowed to set up blinds on the refuge. The gates will be open for hunters to drive trails.December 9 : Hunt date. Lunch at the pavilion. Processing demonstration. Mentees: If you are interested in participating in this year’s mentored hunt at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge as a new hunter, please Click Here and fill out the questionnaire completely.Mentors: We need experienced hunters to serve as mentors for our new hunters. If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor, please Click Here and fill out the questionnaire completely.  Questions? Contact event leader Wade Truong at the email below.