Home → Programs & Resources → Educational Programs → Outdoor Programs
Outdoor Programs
The Maine outdoors is a place for everyone. Whether you are looking to learn to shoot a firearm for the first time, improve your outdoor survival skills, or try your hand at fishing, hunting, or trapping, we have a workshop that might interest you. Programs are designed for first timers as well as those eager to bring their skills to the next level.
No matter where you are in your outdoor journey, there is always something new to learn or try. Browse our upcoming workshops and programs below.
Upcoming Workshops & Programs
Map & Compass Basics
Date/Time: May 02, 5:30pm=8pm
County: Cumberland
Location: Windham - Windham/Raymond Adult Ed
Contact: Windham/Raymond Adult Ed - (207) 892-1819 or Cheryl.paradis@rsu14.org for questions/information
Description:
Turkey Patterning at Summerhaven Range
Date/Time: Friday, April 26, 2024 - 1 hour time slots from 10am - 4pm
County: Kennebec
Location: Turkey Patterning at Summerhaven Range
Contact: Craig Gerry - 1-207 446 4249 or Craig.I.Gerry@maine.gov
Description:
Get ready for turkey hunting season by patterning your shotgun at MDIFW's Summerhaven State Range located in Augusta. Sign up for a one hour time slot for hands on training to gain comfort and confidence. Please bring your firearm and several rounds of lead target loads, #6 through #9 shot to practice with, and a couple of the loads that you plan to hunt with to ensure the pattern stays true.
Introduction to Shotguns
Date/Time: May 08, 1pm-4pm
County: Cumberland
Location: Harrison - Western Maine Fish & Game
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Introduction to Shotguns
Date/Time: May 15, 8:30am-12pm
County: Cumberland
Location: Harrison - Western Maine Fish & Game
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Introduction to Rifles
Date/Time: May 22, 1pm-4pm
County: Cumberland
Location: Harrison - Western Maine Fish & Game
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Handloading Centerfire Cartridges & Shotshells
Date/Time: May 22, 6pm-8:30pm
County: Cumberland
Location: Harrison - Western Maine Fish & Game
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207)287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Rifles for Hunting & Recreation
Date/Time: May 05, 9am-3pm
County: Oxford
Location: Bryant Pond - University of Maine 4H Camp
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs Instructor Training
Date/Time: May 20, 9am-2pm
County: Kennebec
Location: Augusta - Sportsman Alliance of Maine - Outdoor Center
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - chelsea.lathrop@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.
SustainME
Become more self-reliant and create a more sustainable way of living by learning to gather and forage, start a small backyard farm, or fish and hunt. Designed with the beginner in mind, this hands-on workshop will help you gain the confidence and knowledge you need to get started.
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.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman means becoming more competent, more confident and more aware. Through this program we hope to not only provide the opportunity to learn about the outdoors but to also provide a venue for women to learn more about themselves.
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.
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.