APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026-2027 ARCHERY PROGRAM:
June 1, 2026 to June 28, 2026

Archery qualifications are required before applying to the program. 
Visit “Archery Qualifications” for qualification dates, ranges, and standards.

1. APPLICANTS MUST APPLY INDIVIDUALLY. Individual archers will be selected by the program manager and assigned to groups based on the archers’ park preferences and other factors. 

NOTE: Archers must have computer access and an email account since all communication and required documentation is conducted electronically.

2. Archers must meet the qualification requirements outlined below.

• Archers must be at least 18 years old.
• Archers must pass a criminal background check. Disqualifying convictions include, but are not limited to, any type of child exploitation violation, domestic violence, weapons charges, game violations, animal cruelty or any felony.
• Archers must possess a valid Virginia hunting license, Deer/Turkey license (aka big game license) and archery license.
• Archers must hold a current qualification card in order to apply.
• Archers must have successfully completed a hunter safety course - or - be exempted from this requirement ("grandfathered in") by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
• Archers must have completed the International Bowhunter Education Program safety course. International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) is a mandatory course required to participate in the Fairfax County Deer Management Program. Online courses are not accepted. If you need the class or you have taken ANY online courses we will be offering in-person classes that will satisfy this requirement.  Please contact Sergeant Earit Powell for a class schedule. This course is not needed to APPLY for the selection process, but if selected for the program, you must have completed the course by August 23, 2026, in order to participate in the 2026-2027 archery program.

NOTE: Hunter safety education courses became mandatory for youth hunters (12-15 years old) and first-time hunters in 1988. A hunter is exempt from this provision (“grandfathered in”) if having hunted prior to 1988 and 16 years or older in 1988.

3. Applications are to be completed online at the Google form link listed below and will be active on June 1, 2026.

4. Failure to apply by the application deadline, or failure to possess a current qualification card at the time of application, will result in an archer not being considered for this year's program.

5. Archers regardless of status (selected or not selected), will be notified directly by the program manager by July 3, 2026.

6.  Archers NOT initially selected may be placed on standby pending availability of additional openings. 

7. Group application fees will be collected by Group Leaders once archers are assigned to groups. You will be required to pay a $10 County Program Fee and up to a $15 Group Fee. Some group’s fees may be less than $15. The maximum fee an archer will pay for this program will be $25. All fees will be paid to the Group Leader who will then pay the County Program Fee for the group. Failure to pay group fees prior to the group leaders' deadline will result in dismissal from the program.