Listen to this content
It’s not too late to register for the Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association’s (VWDMA’s) Fall Wildlife Control Training Series, taking place Oct. 12-13 at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center in Henrico, Va. The series includes the VWDMA Fall Conference on Oct. 12 followed by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) Bat Standards Part I Course on Oct. 13. Attendees may register for either program or participate in both days.
VWDMA Fall Conference — Oct. 12
The VWDMA Fall Conference offers a full day of practical technical education and business management training for wildlife control operators (WCOs). Session topics include:
- snake exclusion and handling
- attic cleanouts
- tube trapping techniques
- live honey bee removal
- bat management
- referrals and advertising
- hiring and retaining employees
- building a profitable company culture
- updates from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
The conference has been approved by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) for eight continuing education units (CEUs) toward the Virginia Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit (CNAP). While the program is especially valuable for WCOs in Virginia, WCOs from throughout the country are invited to attend and take advantage of the practical education and opportunity to connect with industry peers.
NWCOA Bat Standards Part I — Oct. 13
On Oct. 13, VWDMA will sponsor the NWCOA Bat Standards Part I course, a one-day classroom program covering bat biology and identification, inspections, exclusion techniques, safety, service agreements, pricing, decontamination, rabies, white-nose syndrome and other important aspects of professional bat management. Participants who successfully complete the course and pass the exam earn NWCOA Bat Standards Certification.
For Virginia WCOs, the course carries an additional important benefit: It has been approved by the Virginia DWR to satisfy the required additional bat-specific training and exam for CNAP holders who intend to provide bat management or exclusion services in Virginia. The course is also approved for eight Virginia CNAP CEUs.
Bat Standards Part I is also the prerequisite for NWCOA’s Certified Structural Bat Management course, which VWDMA plans to present in Spring 2027. Wildlife professionals interested in advancing their bat management credentials are encouraged to complete Part I this fall so they are prepared for the next level of training.
Both programs will take place at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center, 2810 N. Parham Road, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23294. Registration is open to VWDMA members and nonmembers, and VWDMA extends member registration rates to NWCOA. NWCOA members should email info@nwcoa.com to request a discount code.
For program details and registration, visit VWDMA.org or contact the Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association at office@vwdma.org or 540-376-3194.
About VWDMA
The Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association works to advance professionalism, education and responsible wildlife management by providing training, industry resources, networking opportunities and support for wildlife control professionals.
