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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- Birding for Beginners: Virtual Class Only
Are you new to birding and want to work on perfecting the skill? This class will help you build ...
- FULL Bay City State Park - Tobico Marsh Wild Mushroom Clinic
Learn how to identify a variety of Michigan's edible wild mushrooms, where to start looking for ...
- FULL Mitchell State Park - Walleye Clinic
This class will go through how Outdoor Skills Academy pro-staffers spend their day chasing trophy w ...
- FULL Mitchell State Park - Whitetail Food Plot and Habitat Management Clinic
This class will go through how Outdoor Skills Academy pro-staffers spend their day chasing trophy w ...
- Hoffmaster State Park - Birding for Beginners: Virtual/Field Experience
Are you new to birding and want to work on perfecting the skill? This class will help you build ...
- Mitchell State Park - Birding for Beginners: Virtual/Field Experience
Are you new to birding and want to work on perfecting the skill? This class will help you build ...
- Maybury State Park - Birding for Beginners: Virtual/Field Experience
Are you new to birding and want to work on perfecting the skill? This class will help you build ...
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center - Birding for Beginners: Virtual/Field Experience
Are you new to birding and want to work on perfecting the skill? This class will help you build ...
- 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 ...
- 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 - 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 ...
- 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 ...
