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.
View Classes by Topic
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- Mitchell State Park - Hard Water School (Ice Fishing Class), Jan. 25-26
Learn how to set up equipment and how and where to fish to ice safety and rules and regulations. ...
- Hoffmaster State Park - Picture Perfect Photography Workshop
This class will cover all the basics of capturing the perfect winter picture in a natural setting.& ...
- Mitchell State Park - Advanced Hard Water School (Ice Fishing Clinic)
Learn to fish from the pros with this three-day class. Class topics will be very specific – e ...
- Mitchell State Park - Hard Water School (Ice Fishing Class), March 7-8
This class will cover everything from how to set up equipment and how and where to fish to ice ...
- Hoffmaster State Park - Bluebird and Nest Box Basics
In this class you will learn how to attract bluebirds to your open spaces with carefully maintained ...
- Mitchell State Park - Wild Mushroom Clinic, May 3
Learn how to identify a variety of Michigan’s edible wild mushrooms and get some tips on where ...
- Mitchell State Park - Whitetail Food Plot and Habitat Management Clinic
Join the Outdoor Skills Academy and Killer Food Plots to learn how to put in food plots and better ...
- Mitchell State Park - Bass Fishing for Beginners Clinic
Learn various strategies and techniques for chasing northern Michigan bass.
- Mitchell State Park - Fly Fishing Clinic
This class will cover the basics of fly fishing, including demonstrations and instruction for various ...
- Mitchell State Park - Backpacking 101
Join us for an overnight hike on the North Country Trail.
- Mitchell State Park - Bear Hunting Clinic, July 26
Learn the ins and outs of bear hunting with experienced hunters and experienced DNR educators.
... - Mitchell State Park - Bear Hunting Clinic, Aug. 2
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.
- Mitchell State Park - Wild Mushroom Clinic, Sept. 27
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 ...
