About

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) is committed to partnering with schools across the state through the West Virginia’s Archery in Schools Program.

Through this program, physical education students will be given an opportunity to become involved in a life skill that has no barriers. Archery, unlike many sporting activities, is something in which boys and girls of all sizes can easily become involved, whether they are in school or out. With the strong interest in bowhunting and competitive shooting in West Virginia, there are unlimited opportunities for students to participate in this activity outside the classroom and throughout their lifetime.

For additional information on this program, or to attend one of the scheduled upcoming training courses, please contact Chris Scraggs via email at Chris.G.Scraggs@wv.gov

Training Information

Schools interested in participating in the WV Archery in the Schools Program are required to receive the NASP® approved Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) certification offered by the WVDNR. Courses are scheduled throughout the year at various locations around the state. Classes last 8-hours (1 day) and are free to attend. Participants are responsible for their own travel and meals.

Upcoming Trainings 

 The WVDNR hosts several trainings throughout the year free of charge. To register or view a list of upcoming trainings, click below.

 Schools can request to host a training by ensuring an adequately sized facility for three days and free of charge, pre-registering at least 12 participants and filling out and emailing back the “Basic Archery Instructor Training Request Form” click here.

Note: In school BAI training can only be held between June – August unless special approval is given by training coordinator.

Schools that teach NASP® archery (WV Archery in the Schools) as part of the in-school curriculum and qualify through the State Qualifying Tournament are invited to compete in the State Tournament.

Teams: Schools qualifying as a team must send a minimum of 12 shooters of which 4 must be the opposite gender. Teams may have no more than 24 shooters. Only one team per school will be permitted.

Individuals: The top 15 shooters male/female per division (who are not already on a qualifying team) from the State Qualifying Tournament will be eligible to participate in the State Tournament.

Shooting Divisions for teams and individuals are:

Elementary School: 4th – 5th grade
Middle School: 6th – 8th grade
High School: 9th – 12th grade

Featured Articles

Cast a line at one of these 5 streams in West Virginia this spring

Experience the essence of spring fishing at these Almost Heaven streams Spring brings a spirit of revival and fresh starts — not just for nature but for our hobbies and passions. If your fishing routine has become a little stale…

Spring gobbler season arrives April 15 in West Virginia

Hunting safety tips, essential gear and best hunting locations to help you enjoy turkey hunting in West Virginia Spring is just around the corner in West Virginia, and soon, the forests will come alive with the sights and sounds of…

WV DNR Police guide Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy Cadets on second annual deer hunt

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) Police officers from District four and District six partnered with the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy (MCA) for two deer hunts. Officers took 16 cadets through a hunter education course and then an antlerless deer…

Angler catches tagged trout – you won’t believe what happened next!

There’s nothing more exciting than feeling a tug at the end of your line and reeling in a monster trout in West Virginia — except for maybe reeling in a tagged monster trout. That’s what happened to Dylan Young during…

Buyer’s guide to 2024 hunting and fishing licenses in West Virginia

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or angler or a first-time explorer venturing into the world of hunting and fishing, your journey begins with a license. That might not sound exciting, but a license is your ticket to outdoor adventures in…

Gift the Outdoors: WVDNR Holiday Gift Guide

Need a little help finding a gift for the hunter, angler or outdoors lover in your family? To make your holiday shopping easier this year, we’ve partnered with the West Virginia Department of Tourism to bring you a Holiday Gift…

Win Big with the Big Buck Photo Contest

Whether you’ve hunted for decades or it’s your first time in the woods, this fall you can experience hunting in West Virginia’s beautiful hills and enter to win some fantastic prizes. This year’s Big Buck Photo Contest just got announced,…

Want to get your art featured in the WV Wildlife Calendar? Here’s how.

If you’re an artist who’s painted popular game or fish species or other West Virginia wildlife such as snakes, frogs, turtles, salamanders, bats, songbirds, small mammals or non-game fish, the WVDNR is seeking artwork for next year’s calendar and offering…

New Trout Stockings Coming to Elk River in Webster County!

Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, the Elk River in Webster County is one of the best places for a trout fishing adventure and one of the most exciting places to cast your line. And it’s about to get…

West Virginia Wildlife Calendar: The Ultimate Gift for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Beat the holiday stress and surprise the outdoor lovers in your life with a gift that brings the beauty of West Virginia to their doorstep all year round — the 2024 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar! This carefully curated calendar is…

Your guide to fall trout fishing in West Virginia

Tips, best fishing spots and helpful reminders to get you ready for your fall fishing adventures in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, fall is a great time to go fishing in…

Your guide to fall turkey season in West Virginia

Hunting safety tips and essential gear to help you enjoy turkey hunting in West Virginia. Get ready for fall hunting adventures! West Virginia’s 2023 fall turkey season is set to open on Oct. 14. While the fall turkey season might…