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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
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!
Pond-a-palooza
Date/Time: Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
County: Cumberland
Location: Pineland Farms - New Gloucester, Maine
Contact: Education Department: 207.650.3031 or education@pinelandfarms.org
Description:
Spring is here and the pond has come back to life after a long cold winter! Join us to explore the pond and observe pond life. Nets will be available for participants to try their hand at capturing critters for our observation tank. The pond is stocked with brook trout, so bring your fishing pole and see what you can reel in! This family-friendly event offers educational activities for all ages and opportunities to engage with nature through hands-on experiences, including a pond life discovery tank and a visit from the Dry Mills Hatchery stocking truck.
Wildlife Walk at Fahi Wildlife Management Area - Embden
Date/Time: Sunday, May 3 from 9 am to 11 am
County: Somerset
Location: Fahi Wildlife Management Area - Embden Pond Road - Emden, ME
Contact: education.IFW@maine.gov or call 207-287-8000
Description:
Join an MDIFW wildlife biologist at Hancock Pond at Fahi Wildlife Management Area (WMA). We'll pass through mix of mature softwood forest, mixed hardwood, and areas of recent selective and strip cuts and see the pond's edge. The property was also historically a cider orchard, and remnant stone foundations and wells are visible throughout. This is a great conversation about how landscapes change over time and how MDIFW stewards them for wildlife. The walk will focus on this WMA's habitat management story, including selective cuts, early successional habitat, and future woodcock and grouse management plans. Enjoy spring songbird and warbler watching, and identify tracks and scat along the trail.
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.
Outdoors Skills: Survival & Navigation
Date/Time: Saturday, May 09, 9am-3:30pm
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:
Women's Spring Skills Day
Date/Time: May 17, 8:30am-4:30pm
County: Hancock
Location: Camp Beech Cliff 264 Beech Hill Rd. Mount Desert, ME
Contact: info@campbeechcliff.com for questions/information
Description:
Outdoors Skills: Survival & Navigation
Date/Time: June 07, 9am-4pm
County: Oxford
Location: Bethel - Mahoosuc Land Trust (Valentine Farm)
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Shotguns
Date/Time: June 11, 9am-3pm
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:
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Archery
Date/Time: June 24, 8:30am-12pm
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:
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Rifles
Date/Time: June 24, 1pm-5pm
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:
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Shotguns
Date/Time: June 25, 8:30am-1pm
County: Cumberland
Location: Harrison - Western Maine Fish & Game
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
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: Sunday, 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: Sunday, 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.