Virginia's Annual One Shot Turkey Hunt Returns for 10th Year

The Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt offers exclusive hunting opportunities and a youth essay contest to connect young people to the outdoors.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV) are hosting the 10th annual Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt on April 17-18, 2026. The event provides residents of the Commonwealth the chance to hunt on exclusive properties with experienced guides, while also offering a youth essay contest for outdoor enthusiasts aged 7-17 to win a scholarship to participate. Proceeds from the hunt will support habitat restoration efforts and expand outdoor recreational opportunities across Virginia.

Why it matters

The One Shot Turkey Hunt is a unique opportunity that brings together a diverse group of Virginians who share a passion for hunting and the outdoors. It directly supports conservation efforts and helps connect young people to nature, which is crucial for the future of wildlife and outdoor recreation in the state.

The details

The 10th annual Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt will take place on April 17-18, 2026. Hunters will pair up with experienced guides and hunt on private properties donated for the event. Prizes will be awarded for the best turkeys in several scoring categories. The event kicks off on April 17 at Bass Pro Shops in Ashland, VA, where hunters and guides will plan their strategy. The hunt takes place on April 18, and the celebration concludes that evening back at Bass Pro Shops.

  • The 10th annual Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt is scheduled for April 17-18, 2026.
  • The youth essay contest submission deadline is March 17, 2026, with winners announced by March 27.
  • Hunters must register for the event by April 5, 2026.

The players

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Virginia's wildlife and natural resources.

Wildlife Foundation of Virginia (WFV)

A non-profit organization that partners with the DWR to promote hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in the Commonwealth.

National Wild Turkey Federation

A non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition.

Green Top Sporting Goods

A Virginia-based retailer that is a sponsor and supporter of the One Shot Turkey Hunt.

Bass Pro Shops

The outdoor retail chain that is hosting the kick-off and closing events for the One Shot Turkey Hunt.

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What they’re saying

“The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is proud to join the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Green Top Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, and Dance's Sporting Goods in celebrating the 10th annual One Shot Turkey Hunt. As the Foundation's premier fundraising event, One Shot directly supports vital habitat restoration efforts and expands outdoor recreational opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth. Equally meaningful is the fellowship it fosters—the camaraderie and enduring friendships shared among landowners, hunters, and guides who come together each year in the spirit of conservation and community.”

— Ryan Brown, DWR Executive Director (virginianreview.com)

“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, 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.”

— Jenny West, Executive Director of WFV (virginianreview.com)

What’s next

The deadline for hunters to register for the 2026 Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt is April 5, 2026. The youth essay contest submission deadline is March 17, 2026, with winners announced by March 27.

The takeaway

The Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt is a unique event that brings together hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts from across Virginia to celebrate the state's wildlife resources and support efforts to expand access to nature and outdoor recreation, especially for young people.