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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- FULL Mitchell State Park - Fly Fishing Clinic for Beginners
This class will cover the basics of fly fishing, including demonstrations and instruction for various ...
- FULL Mitchell State Park - Wild Mushroom Clinic, May 2
Learn how to identify a variety of Michigan's edible wild mushrooms and get some tips on where ...
- Waterloo Recreation Area - Begin to Backpack Workshop
Learn backpacking basics with an overview of necessary gear, what to wear, how to pack, meal planning, ...
- FULL Mitchell State Park - Wild Mushroom Clinic, June 6
Learn how to identify a variety of Michigan's edible wild mushrooms and get some tips on where ...
- Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center - Walleye Clinic
Learn the A to Z of walleye fishing from the pros, including seasonal activities, how to ...
- FULL Mitchell State Park - Wild Mushroom Clinic, July 18
Learn how to identify a variety of Michigan's edible wild mushrooms and get some tips on where ...
- Mitchell State Park - Bear Hunting Clinic, Aug. 7
Learn the ins and outs of bear hunting with experienced hunters and experienced DNR educators. ...
- Mitchell State Park - Bear Hunting Clinic, Aug. 8
Learn the ins and outs of bear hunting with experienced hunters and experienced DNR educators. ...
- Mitchell State Park - North Woods Survival Skills Clinic
If 2020 left you wondering what you would do if the power grid failed or you if find yourself and f ...
- FULL Mitchell State Park - Hunting Whitetails Naturally
Learn how to trail hunt whitetails and better manage your property for wildlife habitat.
- FULL Mitchell State Park - Wild Mushroom Clinic, Aug. 22
Learn how to identify a variety of Michigan's edible wild mushrooms and get some tips on where ...
- Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center - Bush Craft, Wild Mushroom and Wild Edibles Clinic
Learn about wilderness safety, bush craft and wild edibles the first day, then how to identify ...
- FULL Mitchell State Park - Trapping Clinic
Join us as the Outdoor Skills Academy pro-staff walks through the ins and outs of starting a trap l ...
- Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center - Ice Fishing for Beginners
Focusing on techniques for pan fish, walleye and pike, this class will go through how Outdoor Skills ...
- Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center - Advanced Hard Water School (ice fishing class)
Learn to ice fish from the pros in this two-day class. Each student will pick a topic of interest a ...
