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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
Women's Winter Outdoor Skills Day - Augusta
Date/Time: Sunday, January 25, 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
Open to all women 18+.
Below Zero: Winter Wildlife Ecology Training for Educators
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 from 9am-3pm
County: Cumberland
Location: Center for Wildlife - Cape Neddick, Maine
Description:
Part of the the Project WILD family of curricula, this is an interdisciplinary environmental education program for K-12 educators focuses on wildlife and natural resources.
Have you ever wondered where birds, insects, and other animals go when the snow flies? What keeps wood frogs from croaking in the winter? Or how do certain mammals move through the snow with such ease? Most Mainers live with snow and ice for at least three to four months of the year, yet many of us know surprisingly little about life in frozen environments.
Join us for an interactive workshop as we explore and highlight a variety of environmental and outdoor education activities and curriculum-based lesson plans that will help you connect students with the natural world in all seasons!
Winter Skills Weekend
Date/Time: February 7 & 8; 9am-5pm (AM & PM sessions)
County: Oxford
Location: Bryant Pond - University of Maine 4H Camp
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - chelsea.lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Learn + Try Ice Fishing, Snowshoe Mountain Hiking, Hunting, Rifle Shooting, Campfire Cooking, Archery, Beaver Trapping, Rock Climbing, Fly Tying, and Winter Survival.
Open to adults 18+.
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.
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.
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.