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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
Winter Skills Weekend
Date/Time: February 7 & 8; 9am-5pm (AM & PM sessions)
County: Oxford
Location: Bryant Pond - University of Maine 4H Camp
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - chelsea.lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Learn + Try Ice Fishing, Snowshoe Mountain Hiking, Hunting, Rifle Shooting, Campfire Cooking, Archery, Beaver Trapping, Rock Climbing, Fly Tying, and Winter Survival.
Open to adults 18+.
Winter Fest Outdoor Skills Day
Date/Time: Sunday, February 15 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM
County: Androscoggin
Location: Beaver Park, Lisbon, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice!
Learn to Fish: Annual Children's Ice Fishing Day
Date/Time: Sunday, February 15 from 9am - 2pm
County: Penobscot
Location: PCCA Brewer Maine
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Children and families are invited to join us at Penobscot County Conservation Association to learn and build confidence ice fishing in Maine!
Youth and Family Winter Outdoor Skills Day - Augusta
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 8:30am-2pm
County: Kennebec
Location: Sportsman's Alliance of Maine Outdoor Center, Augusta, ME
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov
Description:
Learn + Try Ice Fishing, Clay Target Shotgun Shooting, Snowshoe Hiking, Intro to Hunting, Wild Game Cooking, and Beaver Trapping
Age Minimum: 10+ and all youth must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn to Fish: Intro to Ice Fishing
Date/Time: Friday, February 20 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM
County: York
Location: Rock Haven Lake, West Newfield, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice!
Learn to Fish: Intro to Ice Fishing
Date/Time: Saturday, February 21 from 7:00AM to 12:00PM
County: Oxford
Location: Norway Lake, Norway, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice!
Winter Outdoor Skills Day in Brewer
Date/Time: Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 8:30am - 2pm
County: Penobscot
Location: Penobscot County Conservation Association, Brewer, ME
Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov
Description:
Learn + Try Ice Fishing, Rifle Shooting, Snowshoe Hiking, and Bowhunting
All ages are welcome, though children must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn to Fish: Intro to Fly Tying
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 25 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
County: Cumberland
Location: MDIFW HQ - Gray, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Join us for an evening to learn the art of fly tying! This is perfect for beginners wanting to explore this fun and creative hobby.
Learn to Fish: Intro to Ice Fishing
Date/Time: Sunday, March 8 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM
County: Piscataquis
Location: Sebec Lake, Dover-Foxcroft, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice!
Learn to Fish: Intro to Fly Tying
Date/Time: Thursday, March 19 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
County: Cumberland
Location: MDIFW HQ - Gray, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Join us for an evening to learn the art of fly tying! This is perfect for beginners wanting to explore this fun and creative hobby.
Learn to Fish: Intro to Fly Tying
Date/Time: Thursday, April 16 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
County: Kennebec
Location: MDIFW HQ - Augusta, ME
Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - Chelsea.Lathrop@maine.gov or 207-446-8692
Description:
Join us for an evening to learn the art of fly tying! This is perfect for beginners wanting to explore this fun and creative hobby.
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Turkey Hunting
Date/Time: April 26, 9am-5pm
County: Androscoggin
Location: Auburn - Androscoggin County Fish & Game
Contact: Michael Mayo - 446-4125 or Michael.Mayo@maine.gov for questions/information
Description:
Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Muzzleloader
Date/Time: 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:
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.