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Learn To Hunt Program

Outdoor Alabama Academy

Learn to hunt and build skills for a lifetime!

The Learn to Hunt Program is designed to provide participants with little or limited experience an opportunity to learn basic hunting skills and receive one on one guidance from veteran mentors. The program is for individuals interested in learning how to hunt, be it to revive a family tradition, to learn more about consumptive outdoor recreation, or simply wanting to put wild game on the dinner table.

Learn to Hunt Program events are conducted in a safe and constructive environment and provide participants with the opportunity to learn from well-skilled hunting mentors. Participants will be exposed to the many facets of hunting including:

 

Firearms safety • Equipment needs • Scouting • Hunting • Game cleaning • Cooking

 WORKSHOPS

  • These workshops are available to everyone 19 years of age and older, regardless of previous experience, interests, or backgrounds.

  • Learn basic firearm safety, where to hunt, how to hunt, and what gear you need to get started.

  • Finish the day hunting small game with a mentor!

  • Great opportunity to network with experienced mentors and meet other new hunters.

  • The workshop fee is only $20 (per workshop)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Hunting 101 Video Series:

The Hunting 101 video series, produced by our partners at the National Deer Association, is a great way to become familiar with and more confident in hunting. This thirteen-part video series is a great way to start your hunting journey. 

HUNTING 101 Video Series

UPCOMING EVENTS - Registration Opening Soon

Workshop Date Time Location
Archery 101 Workshop Jun. 8, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park
Archery 101 Workshop Jun. 25, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Hoover Archery Park
Archery 202 Workshop Jun. 29, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park
Archery 202 Workshop Jul. 16, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Hoover Archery Park
Bowhunting 101 & 202 Aug. 3, 2025 2 - 6 p.m. Choccolocco WMA
Bowhunting 101 Sept. 4, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Tuscaloosa Archery Park
Deer Hunting Public Land 101 & 202 Sept. 6, 2025 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Perdido WMA
Deer Hunting Public Land 101 & 202 Sept. 7, 2025 2 - 6 p.m. Upper Delta WMA
Bowhunting 101 Sept. 9, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Tuscaloosa Archery Park
Bowhunting 202 Sept. 11, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Tuscaloosa Archery Park
Bowhunting 303 Sept. 13, 2025 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Choccolocco WMA
Bowhunting 202 Sept. 16, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Tuscaloosa Archery Park
Bowhunting 101 Sept. 18, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Cahaba River WMA
Bowhunting 303 Sept. 20, 2025 3 - 7 p.m. Oakmulgee WMA
Bowhunting 202 Sept. 25, 2025 5 - 7 p.m. Cahaba River WMA
Deer Hunting Public Land 303 Sept. 27, 2025 2 - 6 p.m. Perdido WMA
Squirrel Hunting 101 & 202 Workshop Sept. 27, 2025 1 - 7 p.m. Swan Creek WMA
Deer Hunting Public Land 303 Sept. 28, 2025 2 - 6 p.m. Upper Delta WMA
Squirrel Hunting 101 & 202 Workshop Sept. 30, 2025 5 - 8 p.m. Shelby SOA
Bowhunting 303 Oct. 4, 2025 3 - 7 p.m. Cahaba River WMA
Squirrel Hunting 101 & 202 Workshop Oct. 11, 2025 4 - 7 p.m. Shelby SOA
Squirrel Hunting 101 & 202 Workshop Nov. 2, 2025 2 - 6 p.m. Shelby SOA
Turkey Hunting Public Land 101 & 202 Workshop Feb. 21, 2026 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cahaba River WMA
Turkey Hunting Public Land 101 & 202 Workshop Mar. 7, 2026 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Oakmulgee WMA
Turkey Hunting Public Land 101 & 202 Workshop Mar. 14, 2026 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Choccolocco WMA

*Eligible participants should be at least 19 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. You must attend one of the workshops above to be considered for any of the other Learn to Hunt events.

Use the map below to find a workshop near you. Click on the icons for event location and date.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING!

Jennifer Hearle, Vance, Ala.

“I love the judgement-free environment. I never felt uncomfortable. I felt at ease the whole time, and my confidence in hunting has increased tremendously. This program has changed my life, and I would not have found this passion, rekindled my relationship with my brother, or gotten closer to my husband, if it was not for all of you!”

Forrest Evans, Huntsville, Ala.

“I cannot say thank you enough for the opportunity that you gave me with the Adult Mentored Hunt last weekend. It was a wonderful experience and I truly learned a lot. I have definitely caught the hunting fever and plan to be a lifetime hunter, as well as introduce the sport to my children.”

Jennifer Hearle, Vance, Ala.

“I love the judgement-free environment. I never felt uncomfortable. I felt at ease the whole time, and my confidence in hunting has increased tremendously. This program has changed my life, and I would not have found this passion, rekindled my relationship with my brother, or gotten closer to my husband, if it was not for all of you!”

Forrest Evans, Huntsville, Ala.

“I cannot say thank you enough for the opportunity that you gave me with the Adult Mentored Hunt last weekend. It was a wonderful experience and I truly learned a lot. I have definitely caught the hunting fever and plan to be a lifetime hunter, as well as introduce the sport to my children.”

“The food was wonderful. The mentors were excellent. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Thank you for this excellent opportunity!” – James Hopper, Athens, Ala.

Dianna Valdez, Huntsville, Ala.

“My favorite aspect of the Adult Mentored Hunting Program was coming in as a stranger/geek/nerd and being treated with equality and respect.”

John Kelly, Huntsville, Ala.

“Thank you so much! This was fantastic!”

Dianna Valdez, Huntsville, Ala.

“My favorite aspect of the Adult Mentored Hunting Program was coming in as a stranger/geek/nerd and being treated with equality and respect.”

John Kelly, Huntsville, Ala.

“Thank you so much! This was fantastic!”

Click Here To Register!

 

QUESTIONS? / CONTACT

If you have questions about the application or selection process, email Brandon Holloway, Regional R3 Coordinator

NOTE: All Learn to Hunt Program correspondence is through email, so please be sure to include a valid email address when registering.

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STAY CONNECTED!

The Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources offers opportunities to learn outdoor skills for a lifetime, like hunting, fishing, trapping, and target shooting. Sign up to receive information on upcoming workshops, hunts, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Outdoor Alabama Academy

Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

© 2025 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130