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Outdoor Programs
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife offers Maine Outdoor Programs to provide hands-on learning experiences for all ages and skill levels. These programs help participants build and enhance skills in hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor preparedness, and wildlife viewing in a supportive and engaging environment.
You won't find a more supportive and welcoming environment to build new skills as an angler, naturalist, outdoor survivalist, and hunter.
Upcoming Workshops & Programs
Project WILD Training for Teachers and Educators K-12
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 9 am - 4 pm
County: Kennebec
Location: Viles Arboretum in Augusta
Contact: For assistance with registration please contact Viles Arboretum at 207-626-7989
Description:
Project WILD is an activity based, experiential learning, curriculum guide. It provides wildlife-based environmental education activities that are hands-on, easy to use, and fun. This award-winning curriculum teaches the fundamentals of wildlife ecology, conservation, and ecological issues. While also developing natural science knowledge and critical thinking skills across several different discipline areas. The activities complement existing curricula, Maine state standards, and national academic standards.
Fur Shed Fridays
Date/Time: Every Friday between November 14 & December 12 - 9am-1pm
County: Kennebec
Location: Augusta - Inland Fisheries & Wildlife - Federal Street location
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Growing Up WILD for Early Childhood Educators
Date/Time: Friday, November 14, 2025 from 9am-12:30pm
County: York
Location: Wells Reserve at Laudholm in Wells
Contact: Pre-registration is required by emailing caryn@wellsnerr.org, or calling (207) 646-1555 x1110.
Description:
Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education program that builds on children's sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them through a wide range of activities and experiences.
Beaver Trapping - A Multi-Season Approach
Date/Time: November 29, 9am-1pm
County: Penobscot
Location: Brewer - Penobscot County Conservation Association (PCCA)
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Beaver Trapping - A Multi-Season Approach
Date/Time: December 12, 9am-1pm
County: Kennebec
Location: Augusta - Sportsman Alliance of Maine - Outdoor Center
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Not finding what you are looking for? Be sure to check back as programs are added each month. You can also learn more about program types and when they are typically offered below.
Camp North Woods
Camp North Woods provides opportunities for youth and their families to learn lifelong outdoor skills as well as the importance of sustaining Maine's natural resources.
Next Step Hunting Workshops
Learning to hunt is a lifelong journey. Join us to learn how to get started, learn how to safely use firearms, target a new species, share and learn tips from fellow hunters, or refresh your knowledge.
Shooting Ranges
Whether you are looking to sight in your firearm for an upcoming hunting season, target practice, or shoot a firearm for the very first time, you are invited to MDIFW's two state-owned shooting ranges in Fryeburg and Augusta.
NatureQuest
Are you up for a challenge? Join NatureQuest, a seasonal challenge designed to elevate your sense of adventure this year.
Can't find a course for your area? Contact the Recreational Safety Division Office at (207) 287-5220.
Are you looking for an ATV, boating, snowmobile, hunting, or trapping safety and education course? Click here to view our safety courses.