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The 2022 Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt and Youth Essay Contest
Richmond, VA — Citizens of the Commonwealth who would like to participate in a one-of-a-kind outdoors experience are encouraged to take part in the 6th Annual Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt scheduled for April 22-23. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV) are coordinating this annual event, which provides the opportunity to hunt some of the most exclusive properties with experienced guides.
This annual, organized event, brings together people from all over the country, not just throughout Virginia. Collectively, the partnering organizations are working together to promote the hunting heritage through increased access and youth programming. Proceeds from the 2022 Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt will be used to promote hunting and outdoor wildlife opportunities across the state and support the DWR/WFV Virginia Wildlife Grant Program. The Grant Program provides a funding source to non-profits, schools and government agencies with a focus to connect youth to the outdoors. In 2021-2022, the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program awarded almost $185,000 to support 23 projects impacting thousands of kids.
Young outdoor enthusiasts aged 8-14 who are interested in participating can also enter an essay contest to be considered to hunt with an experienced mentor. There are five slots for those scholarships (more may be added with additional sponsorships). More than 25 youth submitted essays for the 5th Annual Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt in 2019.
The theme for this year’s contest is “What is your favorite quarry and why?” The deadline for entering the Youth Essay Contest is Friday, April 8 and the scholarship notification will be Wednesday, April 13. Youth essay contest participants emerged as the winners of the 2018 and 2019 One Shot Hunts. Information on how to submit an essay can be found at www.vaoneshot.com.
“The Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt is a wonderful event providing a first-class experience for hunters, guides and landowners, while benefiting wildlife and outdoor recreational opportunities across the Commonwealth,” said Ryan Brown, Executive Director of DWR.
The event will kick off Friday, April 22 at Bass Pro Shops in Ashland, VA, with hunters and guides pairing up and planning their hunting strategy. Hunters and guides will hunt until noon on Saturday in spectacular locations throughout Virginia donated for the day by generous landowners, hoping to walk away with an award-winning gobbler. Festivities will conclude Saturday night with a celebration at Bass Pro Shops. The deadline for hunters to register is April 12.
“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 are participating as 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.
For more information, event details, sponsorships, or how to attend the evening celebration at Bass Pro Shops, visit www.vaoneshot.com.