Learn to Fish and Hunt in Massachusetts

Examples of Previous Class Offerings

Learn to Hunt Deer Clinics

This hands-on course provides training for adult hunters with little or no deer hunting experience to become safe, successful, and responsible deer hunters. This course covers deer hunting skills, including scouting for a hunting area, mapping out possible hunting locations, selecting the right equipment, the safe use of a treestand, shooting practice, and field dressing techniques.

Learn to Hunt Turkey Clinics

This full-day, hands-on clinic teaches the basic skills needed to become a safe, successful, and responsible turkey hunter. Learn from experienced turkey hunters and practice turkey hunting techniques including shooting, calling in a bird, scouting, and how to pick and set up a location.

Turkey Calling Clinics: These one-hour turkey calling workshops provide guidance as participants practice their turkey calls with experts! Participants spend the hour working on the one type of call; box calls, pot (or slate) calls, or mouth calls. Experienced turkey callers help participants with their calls. MassWildlife provides practice calls or participants can bring their own. 

The youth turkey hunt program is open to minors 12 to 17 years of age and includes a turkey hunt seminar and a mentored turkey hunt.

To participate in the youth turkey hunt the youth must: 

·       Graduate from a Basic Hunter Education course before the day of the hunt. 
·       Register for and complete the mandatory youth turkey seminar before the day of the hunt. 
·       Be accompanied by an adult mentor (18 years of age or older) who holds a Massachusetts hunting license and turkey permit. 

All hunting laws apply. If the youth participant is 15 years of age or older and they wish to hunt with a shotgun, they must have a valid Massachusetts firearms license. To apply for a firearms license, contact your local police department.

Ice fishing clinics and classes 

If you have ever been curious about this fun wintertime activity now is your chance to learn. MassWildlife’s Angler Education Program will be your host to give you the confidence to give hard water fishing a try. You will learn what safe ice is, and how to test for it, how to properly dress for the experience, as well as all the necessary gear and tips to get you started. Please join us so you can be confident “walking on water”.

Fly Fishing Clinics

Come learn the basics of fly fishing. We will take the romance and mystery out of this age-old technique and show you that fly fishing is just another tool in your fishing arsenal. From the necessary equipment needs, essential knots, how to rig up your fly rod and reel outfit, and how to cast, as well as some commonsense tips and techniques to get you started.  

Fly Tying Classes

Have you ever wanted to learn how to tie flies but didn’t know where to start? Tying flies can be enjoyable, is an art form, and once mastered quite rewarding as nothing beats catching a fish on something you created yourself. Let the MassWildlife Angler Education Program be your guide. This is a two session (two hours per session) course for beginners, designed to give you a taste of the pastime. We’ll show you the basic equipment, how to use it, while tying some simple but effective patterns.  Minimum age is 15, pre-registration is required.  Please note: This program is intended for BEGINNERS.

Examples of Previous Class Offerings

Beginner Fishing Classes 

Have you been fishing a few times in the past but need a little more information and practice to feel confident on the water? Women ages 15+ who want to learn how to fish on their own are invited to join one of MassWildlife’s free learn to fish classes. These classes include an online video tutorial that you can watch on your own time, followed by an in-person event to practice. Come try your hand at this great pastime—you're guaranteed to catch some fun!  The in-person class will teach how to use bait, how to set up a line, and how to cast. There will be plenty of time to fish and ask questions. 

Fly Tying for Outdoorswomen

Tying an imitation fly and using it to catch a fish is a relaxing and memorable experience. This workshop is designed for adult women (18 and older) who are new to this activity. Participants will have the opportunity to tie at least two patterns during the class. All materials and equipment will be provided for the class session and the instructor will answer questions about the basic equipment to get you started on your own.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to saltwater fish? Join MarineFisheries and attend one of our Saltwater Angler Education Fishing Clinics and we will show you how! We provide the equipment, bait, and tackle all you have to do is have fun! You’ll learn knot tying to casting and even get to fish! Pre-registration is required. Please note this program is intended for beginners. 

Participants in this FREE program will receive: A two hour training, introducing youth-directed saltwater fishing how-to, best practices, and educational activities. As well as receive an instructor guide and free swag bag and so much more! 

Requirements to Participate in the Program:

·       Be between the ages of 12 to 17.
·       Have graduated from a Basic Hunter Education course (in any state) before the day of the hunt.
·       Participants 15 to 17 years of age must have a hunting license, pheasant/quail permit, and a Firearms Identification Card (FID) (an FID is only required if using a shotgun). 

Steps to Participate:

·       Make sure you meet all the requirements above.
·       Register for a Pheasant Seminar. 
·       Complete the Pheasant Seminar you registered for.
·       Have a great day hunting pheasants! Please note, all other regular pheasant hunting regulations apply including bag limits, hunting implements, hunter orange requirements, etc. Please review pheasant hunting regulations.