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Learn to Fish and Hunt in Massachusetts

Programs

Overview

Hunters with little or no experience can learn skills and techniques used to hunt different game animals. Courses are geared toward recent Basic Hunter Education graduates and include classroom learning and outdoor skills exercises. 

Taught by volunteers, the courses utilize the experience and knowledge of seasoned sportsmen and -women. Courses range from half-day condensed classes to two-day, in-depth courses. 

Click "More Details” to learn about previous class offerings 

Additional Information

Description

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. 

Managed & Approved by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Overview

The mentored youth turkey hunt is a safe and fun program to introduce hunter education graduates ages 12-17 to the world of hunting. This program is offered jointly by MassWildlife, the Massachusetts State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and participating Sportsmen's Clubs. The Youth Turkey Hunt Program consists of a turkey hunt seminar followed by a mentored turkey hunt. Youth hunt programs include Youth Pheasant and Youth Turkey Hunting. 

For more information, including the requirements for this program click "More Details"

Additional Information

Description

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.

Managed & Approved by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Overview

The Becoming and Outdoorswoman Program offers many different outdoor skills classes and activities designed for adult women ages 18+. A sampling of workshop offerings may include: outdoor skills, turkey or deer hunting seminars, mentored hunts, and much more.

Additional Information

Description

Managed & Approved by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Overview

Looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors? MassWildlife's Angler Education Program offers fishing events throughout the year including adult learn to fish classes, family fishing clinics, family fishing festivals. These events are free and open to all skill levels; no fishing license is required. You will learn how to set up your rod, tie knots, cast, identify fish, and much more.

Additional Information

Description

Managed & Approved by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Overview

Our Becoming and Outdoorswoman Fishing programs focus on learning fishing skills for adult women ages 15 years of age and older. A sampling of workshop offerings may include basic fishing, kayak fishing, fly fishing, game cooking and much more. 

Click "More Details” to learn about previous class offerings 


Additional Information

Description

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.
Managed & Approved by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Overview

These events are intended for families and individuals new to saltwater fishing. DMF staff work with participants to teach basic saltwater angling skills through hands on learning and fun educational activities. Our mission is to teach responsible angling and give participants the skills and confidence necessary to go saltwater fishing on their own.

Additional Information

Description

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. 
Managed & Approved by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Overview

These are educational events intended on training adult anglers in the skills necessary for engaging youth in saltwater fishing. 

Additional Information

Description

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! 
Managed & Approved by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Overview

The Massachusetts Youth Pheasant Hunt Program was developed by MassWildlife to provide an opportunity for Hunter Education graduates aged 12 to 17 to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special pheasant hunt under the guidance of a safe, experienced adult hunter. 

This program is more than just a day in the field pheasant hunting and is typically divided into 2 parts, as follows 

Pheasant Seminar: The seminar portion includes hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals and firearm safety, how to have a safe and fun hunt, and information on upland hunting basics. 

Pheasant Hunt: Participants get to experience a real pheasant hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter on 1 of the 6 Saturdays prior to the regular pheasant season. 

For more information, including the requirements for this program click "More Details"

Additional Information

Description

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.  

Managed & Approved by:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts