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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
Winter Fest Outdoor Skills Day
Date/Time: Sunday, February 15 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM
County: Androscoggin
Location: Beaver Park, Lisbon, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice!
Learn to Fish: Annual Children's Ice Fishing Day
Date/Time: Sunday, February 15 from 9am - 2pm
County: Penobscot
Location: PCCA Brewer Maine
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Children and families are invited to join us at Penobscot County Conservation Association to learn and build confidence ice fishing in Maine!
Exploring Maine's Fishing Opportunities: Laws, Requirements and Access
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 17 from 8am to 1pm
County: Oxford
Location: Norway-Paris Fish and Game Association - South Paris, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Join us at this information session to learn about fishing laws, requirements, access, and tools.
Youth and Family Winter Outdoor Skills Day - Augusta
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 8:30am-2pm
County: Kennebec
Location: Sportsman's Alliance of Maine Outdoor Center, Augusta, ME
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov
Description:
Learn + Try Ice Fishing, Clay Target Shotgun Shooting, Snowshoe Hiking, Intro to Hunting, Wild Game Cooking, and Beaver Trapping
Age Minimum: 10+ and all youth must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn to Fish: Intro to Ice Fishing
Date/Time: Friday, February 20 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM
County: York
Location: Rock Haven Lake, West Newfield, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice!
Learn to Fish: Intro to Ice Fishing
Date/Time: Saturday, February 21 from 7:00AM to 12:00PM
County: Oxford
Location: Norway Lake, Norway, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice!
Winter Outdoor Skills Day in Brewer
Date/Time: Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 8:30am - 2pm
County: Penobscot
Location: Penobscot County Conservation Association, Brewer, ME
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov
Description:
Learn + Try Ice Fishing, Rifle Shooting, Snowshoe Hiking, and Bowhunting
All ages are welcome, though children must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn to Fish: Intro to Ice Fishing
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 24 from 8am to 1pm
County: Franklin
Location: Mt Blue Pond
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice!
Learn to Fish: Intro to Fly Tying
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 25 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
County: Cumberland
Location: MDIFW HQ - Gray, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Join us for an evening to learn the art of fly tying! This is perfect for beginners wanting to explore this fun and creative hobby.
Exploring Maine's Fishing Opportunities: Laws, Requirements and Access
Date/Time: Thursday, March 5 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM
County: Kennebec
Location: Sportsman's Alliance of Maine HQ - Augusta, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Join us at this information session to learn about fishing laws, requirements, access, and tools.
Learn to Fish: Intro to Ice Fishing
Date/Time: Sunday, March 8 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM
County: Piscataquis
Location: Sebec Lake, Dover-Foxcroft, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice!
Project Wild
Date/Time: Thursday, March 12 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
County: Kennebec
Location: Viles Arboretum - Augusta, ME
Contact: Laura Craver-Rogers - education.IFW@maine.gov or 207-592-0750
Description:
Join us for a walk on the wild side and learn about Project Wild - an activity based, experiential learning, K-12 curriculum guide.
Learn to Fish: Intro to Fly Tying
Date/Time: Thursday, March 19 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
County: Cumberland
Location: MDIFW HQ - Gray, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Join us for an evening to learn the art of fly tying! This is perfect for beginners wanting to explore this fun and creative hobby.
Growing Up Wild
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 25 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
County: Kennebec
Location: Viles Arboretum - Augusta, ME
Contact: Laura Craver-Rogers - education.IFW@maine.gov or 207-592-0750
Description:
Join us for a walk and a ramble through the pre-K world of Growing Up Wild - an activity based, experiential learning curriculum guide.
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Turkey Hunting: Part 1
Date/Time: April 10, 9am-1pm
County: Waldo
Location: Northport - Maine Outdoor Sportsman
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Aquatic WILD K-12 Interdisciplinary Educator Workshop
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 14 from 8:30AM to 3:30PM
County: Penobscot
Location: Fields Pond Audubon Center - Holden, ME
Contact: Laura Craver-Rogers - education.IFW@maine.gov or 207-592-0750
Description:
Aquatic WILD is a hands-on interdisciplinary STEM curriculum focused on aquatic and wetland wildlife, water resources, and ecological concepts.
PROJECT WILD! Workshop for K-12 Teachers & Outdoor Educators
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 15 from 9am to 3pm
County: York
Location: Center for Wildlife - Cape Neddick
Contact: Laura Craver-Rogers - education.IFW@maine.gov or 207-592-0750
Description:
Spend a day learning engaging ways to share nature-based learning in the classroom and outdoors with Project WILD's curriculum guide.
Learn to Fish: Intro to Fly Tying
Date/Time: Thursday, April 16 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
County: Kennebec
Location: MDIFW HQ - Augusta, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Join us for an evening to learn the art of fly tying! This is perfect for beginners wanting to explore this fun and creative hobby.
Turkey Patterning at Summerhaven Range
Date/Time: April 22, 24, and 25
County: Kennebec
Location: Summerhaven Range, 211 Sanford Road Augusta, ME
Description:
Come pattern your turkey hunting gun at the State-owned Summerhaven Shooting Range in Augusta!
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Turkey Hunting: Part 1
Date/Time: April 25, 9am-12pm
County: Franklin
Location: Wilton - Wilton Fish & Game
Contact: Meredith Podgurski - (207) 592-0954 or Meredith.Podgurski@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Learn to Hunt; Introduction to Turkey Hunt Pt 2
Date/Time: April 25, 1pm-3pm
County: Franklin
Location: Wilton - Wilton Fish & Game
Contact: Meredith Podgurski - (207) 592-0954 or Meredith.Podgurski@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Turkey Patterning at Fryeburg Range
Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11am, 12pm, and 2pm
County: Oxford
Location: Fryeburg Shooting Range, 58 Fish and Game Rd, Fryeburg, Maine
Description:
Come pattern your turkey hunting gun at the State-owned Fryeburg Shooting Range!
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Turkey Hunting
Date/Time: April 26, 9am-5pm
County: Androscoggin
Location: Auburn - Androscoggin County Fish & Game
Contact: Michael Mayo - 446-4125 or Michael.Mayo@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Turkey Hunt Pt 1
Date/Time: April 26, 9am-1pm
County: Franklin
Location: Oquossoc - Rangeley Regions Guide/Sportsmans Club
Contact: Meredith Podgurski - (207) 592-0954 or Meredith.Podgurski@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Aquatic WILD K-12 Interdisciplinary Educator Workshop
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 6 from 9:00am to 4:00pm
County: Kennebec
Location: Viles Arboretum - Augusta, ME
Contact: Laura Craver-Rogers - education.IFW@maine.gov or 207-592-0750
Description:
Aquatic WILD is a hands-on interdisciplinary STEM curriculum focused on aquatic and wetland wildlife, water resources, and ecological concepts.
Project Wild
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 15 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
County: Kennebec
Location: Viles Arboretum - Augusta, ME
Contact: Laura Craver-Rogers - education.IFW@maine.gov or 207-592-0750
Description:
Join us for a walk on the wild side and learn about Project Wild - an activity based, experiential learning, K-12 curriculum guide.
Growing Up Wild
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 22 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
County: Kennebec
Location: Viles Arboretum - Augusta, ME
Contact: Laura Craver-Rogers - education.IFW@maine.gov or 207-592-0750
Description:
Join us for a walk and a ramble through the pre-K world of Growing Up Wild - an activity based, experiential learning curriculum guide.
Growing Up WILD! for Homeschool Teachers, Scout Leaders, Day Care Providers & Parents
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
County: Kennebec
Location: Viles Arboretum - Augusta, ME
Contact: Laura Craver-Rogers - education.IFW@maine.gov or 207-592-0750
Description:
Join us for a walk and a ramble through the pre-K world of Growing Up Wild. This workshop is specifically designed for homeschool teachers , scout leaders, community program educators, daycare teachers, and parents.
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Muzzleloader
Date/Time: September 27, 9am-12pm
County: Androscoggin
Location: Auburn - Androscoggin County Fish & Game
Contact: Michael Mayo - 446-4125 or Michael.Mayo@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Shelter Building & Fire Making
Date/Time: October 11, 9am-3pm
County: Androscoggin
Location: Auburn - Androscoggin County Fish & Game
Contact: Michael Mayo - 446-4125 or Michael.Mayo@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Project Wild
Date/Time: Thursday, November 12 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
County: Kennebec
Location: Viles Arboretum - Augusta, ME
Contact: Laura Craver-Rogers - education.IFW@maine.gov or 207-592-0750
Description:
Join us for a walk on the wild side and learn about Project Wild - an activity based, experiential learning, K-12 curriculum guide.
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.