Deer Hunting Prep Weekend

Enrollment: Open. Please use form below to register.

When: Saturday, Sept 20 and Sunday, Sept 21

Where: Brattleboro, VT and surrounding nearby locations

Who: 18 and up – parents and teens are welcome to attend together.

2025 Cost: Early bird special $200 … pay in full by Aug 15!

After Aug 15 – Sliding Scale Pricing $225 / $250 / $275

Scholarship and Reparations Funds available.

Program Overview:

Day 1: Scouting for Hunting Spots & Understanding Deer “Sign”
Day 2: Making an ethical shot & what to do afterwards

This two day weekend course is designed to help deer hunters better prepare for the upcoming deer season. Participants will spend a full day learning to scout for hunting locations, learning how landscapes inform deer movement and patterns, and learning how to recognize important deer related “sign” on the landscape. On day two, we’ll practice trailing deer in leaf debris, look at ethical shot placement, and more.

This course is designed for novice hunters and hunters with some deer hunting experience. Parents and teens are welcome to attend together.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Instructors:

Bob Etzweiler (Lead) started hunting at age 12. He is not only one of the most passionate hunters you will ever meet, but also one of the most skillful and reverent. Bob is a longtime teacher at the Vermont Wilderness School, leading both youth and adult programs. His adult program offerings at VWS include the Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship, the Summer Tracking Intensive, the Hunter’s Heart and the annual Lynx Tracking Expedition. For years Bob dreamed of this apprenticeship as a way to share his hunting knowledge and experience, and he is thrilled to be offering it once again. Bob is certified by CyberTracker North America as a Track & Sign Specialist (visit Tracker Certification to learn more).

Jasmyn Atsalis-Gogel (Assistant) started attending VWS programs when she was six and is now one of the most senior instructors in today’s youth programs. She is passionate about sharing the gratitude and sense of connection with place and self that she gained from being immersed in nature throughout her youth. Jasmyn is skilled in butchering and animal processing and gifted at sharing those skills with students. A capable hunter, tracker, primitive cook, crafter, and steward of the land, she’s always seeking to develop and push her skills further.

To Register:

Due to the extended length of this program we use an application process. We will respond to your application as soon as possible, likely within 3 weeks. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the course is filled, so we encourage you to apply early!

  1. Complete the application below.
  2. Bob Etzweiler will respond within 2 weeks, and might invite a phone interview. He will inform you if you are accepted.
  3. Deadline for requesting scholarship is Aug 15. Scholarship offers will be emailed the following week.
  4. Send a $75 deposit.
  5. The remaining balance is due Sept 1.
  6. Complete the “VWS Medical Form” via the tab at the bottom of this page.

To Pay:

Questions? Read our scholarship and cancellation policies for more information. Email office@vermontwildernessschool.org with any additional questions.

To receive email notifications about this program (save the dates, opening of registration, etc.), sign up here.