What is VBA?

The Virginia Bowhunters Association (VBA) is a state organization formed in the 1950's to promote archery in Virginia.  The VBA’s mission and interests are as complex as the sport itself.  They include the use of the bow in hunting all legal game, to cooperate with conservation organizations, the Virginina Department of Game and Inland Fishiers (VDGIF), and Forestry Services in their efforts for the preservation of our natural resources and wildlife, to promote and encourage all approaches to competitive field archery, 3-D, indoor shooting, and promoting the highest standards of sportsmen-like conduct in all phases of archery.

VBA members are composed of approximately 23 archery clubs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as individual associate and bowhunting members.

What Has the VBA Done?

Below is a list of some hunting related projects the Virginia Bowhunters Association (VBA) and working with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), has accomplished for the Bowhunters in Virginia:

1.      In 1949, North River area in Rockingham County was the first area opened to bowhunting in Virginia.

2.      In 1953, “Big Levels” in Augusta County was opened to bowhuning.

3.      In 1956, the opening of a state-wide bowhunting season.

4.      In 1985, a separate archery license for the Bowhunters, allowing two additional deer to be harvested.

5.      In 1994, additional week of bow season was opened moving the date from the second Saturday in October to the first Saturday in October.

6.      In 1994, became legal to harvest turkey with a bow during the early archery season.

7.      In 2003, became legal to harvest a black bear during the early archery season state-wide.

8.      In 2005, opposed VDGIF wanting to legalize the use of crossbows in the regular archery season.  (VBA lost their fight against the crossbow and in October 2005, Virginia had its first state-wide crossbow season during the regular archery season.

9.      In 2006, we motion to support the Hunting on Sundays to the VDGIF.

The VBA is interested in conservation and protecting our hunting rights.  With a mounting movement against hunting, the more members we have to fight this movement, the stronger will be our position.

The VBA Benefits?

Archery Education

The VBA has a new program available to all who are interested in spreading the great sport of archery.  It’s called ASAP or After School Archery Program and is designed to bring beginners who have experienced archery in schools or camps more fully into the sport.  The program offers incentives to the participants, instructors and leaders.  ASAP is an NFAA program, but may be taught by any instructor certified by NFAA, NAA/USA Archery or NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program).  ASAP participants become NFAA members and enjoy the membership benefits.

Bowhunting Education

The VBA sponsors the International Bowhunters Education Program (IBEP) to educate those that wish to become bowhunters and teach new instructors throughout the Commonwealth.  We also assist Hunter Education Instructors to teach the Archery section of the program.

Annual Banquet

Our annual banquet is held in March to recognize the success of our Bowhunters/tournament shooters and provide an opportunity to socialize and share experiences with others who have the same interests.

Bill Bennet Big Game Award

The individual bowhunter who successfully harvests one or more deer shall receive this award and is eligible for the annual big Buck and Doe award.

"FLIGHT"

Each household shall receive the Quarterly issue of our official publication to keep them informed of Quarterly Meetings, results and upcoming agenda items, Championship Tournament dates and results, pictures of State Champs and the 'Trophy Room', activities and/or events of our organization and our clubs, articles from the Officers and members, current hunting issues, and other special items of interest.

Schedule Card

Each year club members or associate members receive a schedule shoot card listing all the local and state tournament dates, types and times.

VBA Annual Tournaments

Each year we hold five (5) State Tournaments:  the Indoor, 3-D (marked & unmarked) and Field (Open & Closed) Archery tournaments.

Conservation Scholarship Fund

An annual scholarship of $500 is presented to a Virginia Tech, School of Forestry and Wildlife student.

VBA Membership - to join click on the 'Application for Membership'

Print an Application for Membership

 VBA Membership Dues

    Head of Household/First Adult Member    =  $  20.00
    Spouse                                             =  $    8.00
    Second Member/Youth (Under 18)         =  $    5.00

    Family Membership                                =  $  32.00

    Independent Youth (under age 18)         =  $  10.00

Note:  $32.00 is for folks who join through a club.  The Bowhunters dues are $30.00 per person regardless of the numbers in the family.