Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to participate in the 5th Annual Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt, scheduled for April 26-27. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV) are coordinating this annual event.
This year’s One Shot Turkey Hunt will see a couple of changes from 2018. The youth and Wounded Warrior component of this event will continue; with the addition of First Responder (law enforcement, firefighter, and EMS) opportunities. We will continue to engage hunters throughout Virginia who want to hunt some of the most exclusive properties with experienced guides.
Like last year, we will have the return of the popular Youth Essay Contest to fill available scholarships. We have 5 slots for youth hunting scholarships but more may be added with additional sponsorships. We had nearly thirty-five submissions last year! The theme for this year’s essay is “Why are Game Laws Important?” Judges from across Virginia will review and select the scholarships. Please remember that a parent/guardian must accompany the child during the hunt. Deadline for entering the Youth Essay Contest is Friday, March 15 and the Scholarship Notification will be Friday, March 22.
Over the last 2 years, the Youth Essay Contest has been able to introduce youth to turkey hunting. Last year, the One Shot champion was ayouth essay winner and harvested a bird with archery tackle. That is a forever memory!
“In this fast paced world that we live in and where we seem to be tethered to our electronic devices 24/7, it’s becoming more and more difficult to connect people with nature and the outdoors. Finding ways to direct our resources and efforts toward programs like this will be essential if we truly value conserving our wildlife and natural resources for future generations,” said Bob Duncan, Executive Director of DGIF.
The event will kick off Friday April 26 at Bass Pro Shops in Ashland, with hunters and guides pairing up to plan their hunting strategy. Hunters and guides will hunt until noon on Saturday in spectacular locations throughout Virginia, hoping to walk away with an award-winning gobbler. Festivities will conclude Saturday night with a celebration at Bass Pro Shops in Ashland. Don’t wait! The deadline for hunters to register is April 9.
“The One Shot is an opportunity for a broad cross section of Virginians to unite in their passion for hunting turkeys as well as for the outdoors itself. Those involved with the One Shot, whether they be participating hunters, guides, involved landowners or the supporting staff, come together in a unique manner to express their appreciation for Virginia’s wildlife resources. In addition, the efforts of these conservationists are directly contributing to funding that will perpetuate the abundance of wildlife and the expansion of outdoor opportunities in the Commonwealth,” said Jenny West, Executive Director of WFV.
Proceeds from the 2019 Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt will be used to promote hunting and outdoor wildlife opportunities across state and will directly support the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program.
For more information, event details, sponsorships, or how to attend the Richmond Evening Fund Raising Celebration at Bass Pro Shops, visit www.vaoneshot.com.