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Outdoor Skills Academy
Outdoor Skills Academy
Want to try something new in Michigan’s great outdoors and need some help getting started? Or maybe you just want to brush up on your skills and learn some tips and tricks from the pros? The Outdoor Skills Academy can help! We offer expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities, from hunting and fishing to hiking, birding and much more. Classes explore each topic in-depth, for a full day or more, with knowledgeable and skilled instructors leading the way. Participants will receive a certificate of completion for each class, with special recognition for Outdoor Skills Academy “graduates” who complete multiple classes.
Both beginners and those with more experience are welcome. Most of these in-depth classes are designed for adults, youth ages 16 and older, and children over 10 who are accompanied by an adult. Please see the age requirements for each class before signing up.
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- June 07Mitchell State Park - June 7, Wild Mushroom Clinic Dive into the world of Michigan’s seasonal edible wild mushrooms. Learn where to find them and discover the best practices for safely harvesting, cleaning and preparing these wild delights. Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
- June 08Bay City State Park - Fishing 101 Clinic Dive into the basics of flat-water fishing! Learn about different kinds of gear, and practice on our lagoon pond. Location: Saginaw Bay Visitor Center
- June 14 - June 15Mitchell State Park - June 14-15, Fly Fishing Clinic An introduction to the art of fly fishing with expert-led demonstrations, hands-on instruction and time on the water fishing. Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
- June 21Mitchell State Park - June 21, Hive Minds: The Buzz on Bee Health and Summer Survival - an Intermediate Class on Beekeeping Deepen your understanding of honeybee anatomy and biology to better support your colonies and learn advanced practices for maintaining healthy bees throughout the active season. Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
- June 28Bay City State Park - Tobico Marsh Survival Challenge Take the challenge of surviving in Tobico Marsh, with introductions to fire building and safety, shelter building, packing for preparedness, survival fishing techniques, a primitive archery shoot, the chance to camp overnight and more! Location: Saginaw Bay Visitor Center
- July 12Mitchell State Park - July 12, Fly Fishing Seminar An introduction to the art of fly fishing with expert-led demonstrations and hands-on instruction. Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
- July 13Mitchell State Park - July 13, Hive Minds: The Buzz on Bee Health and Summer Survival - an Intermediate Class on Beekeeping Deepen your understanding of honeybee anatomy and biology to better support your colonies and learn advanced practices for maintaining healthy bees throughout the active season. Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
- July 26Mitchell State Park - July 26, Bear Hunting Clinic Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to sharpen your skills or a beginner eager to learn from the experts, this clinic will provide you with the tools, techniques and confidence you need for your next bear hunt. Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
- August 02Mitchell State Park - Aug. 2, Bear Hunting Clinic Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to sharpen your skills or a beginner eager to learn from the experts, this clinic will provide you with the tools, techniques and confidence you need for your next bear hunt. Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
- August 02Oden State Fish Hatchery - Wild Mushroom Clinic Dive into the world of Michigan’s seasonal edible wild mushrooms. Learn where to find them and discover the best practices for safely harvesting, cleaning and preparing these wild delights. Location: Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center