Hunting and Fishing Academy

Adult Workshops

Have you ever wanted to learn how to source your own fresh, local protein?

Do you have a desire to become more self-reliant in the outdoors and at home?

Have you ever had an interest in learning how to hunt or fish, but weren’t sure where or how to start?

If so, Tennessee Wildlife Federation invites you to participate in our Hunting and Fishing Academy. We welcome adult, beginner hunters and anglers of all ages, races, and genders to receive hands-on instruction in the art of being an outdoorsman.

Upcoming Workshops

Fly Fishing Workshop in Knoxville

Thursday, April 11, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. EDT

Join us for a 2-hour workshop where we’ll cover the fundamentals of fly fishing. The initial part of the session will focus on acquiring the essential skills for successful fly fishing. The remaining time will be dedicated to hands-on fly casting. Fly rods and all necessary fishing gear will be supplied, and the event will take place regardless of the weather. Come for a fantastic day of learning, complete with snacks and refreshments.

Topics include:

  • Common Fish Species
  • Fly Fishing Entomology
  • Casting Techniques
  • Knot Tying

Turkey Calling Workshop in Henderson

Saturday, April 20, 2024
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CDT

An important part of turkey hunting is learning to call. Turkeys are vocal creatures and communicate through a variety of different sounds. Learning to recreate these as a hunter will help you get closer to the birds and potentially increase your harvest potential. During this workshop, we will address the different types of sounds turkeys make, the types of calls used by hunters, and how to correctly use each type of call. This three-hour workshop will give you a good starting place in learning to call turkeys.

Fishing Basics Workshop in Knoxville

Thursday, May 9 2024
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. EDT

In this 2-hour workshop, we will be teaching you the basics of fishing. Join us for a fantastic evening of learning! 

Topics include:

  • Common Fish Species
  • Choosing Rods and Reels
  • Casting

Bass Fishing Workshop in Chattanooga

Sunday, May 19, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT

Bass can be found in all parts of Tennessee. They are a blast to catch and provide a good meal. Join us for this three-hour in-person workshop as we explain where to find bass and the correct tackle for targeting them!

Topics include:

  • Bass Habitat
  • Tackle Preparation
  • Pairing Lures with Rods and Reels
  • Patterns and Locations
  • Techniques and Strategies

Fly Fishing Workshop near Nashville

Saturday, May 25, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT

In this 3-hour workshop, we will be teaching you the basics of fly fishing. The first portion of the workshop will be spent learning the skills needed to successfully fly fish. The remainder of the time will be spent fishing in a private pond! Fly rods and other fishing equipment will be provided. This event will be rain or shine. Join us for an amazing day of learning! Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Topics include:

  • Common Fish Species
  • Fly Fishing Entomology
  • Casting
  • Knot Tying

Fishing Basics Workshop in Sevierville

Saturday, June 8, 2024
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT

In this 3-hour workshop, we will be teaching you the basics of fishing. This event will be rain or shine. Join us for an amazing day of learning! Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Topics include:

  • Common Fish Species
  • Choosing Rods and Reels
  • Casting

Fishing Basics Workshop in Henderson

Saturday, June 29, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CDT

In this 3-hour workshop, we will be teaching you the basics of fishing. This event will be rain or shine. Join us for an amazing day of learning! Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Topics include:

  • Common Fish Species
  • Choosing Rods and Reels
  • Casting
  • Knot Tying

Fly Fishing Workshop in Knoxville

Sunday, June 30, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT

This 3-hour workshop will teach you the basics of fly fishing. The first portion of the workshop will be spent learning the skills needed to fly fish successfully. The remainder of the time will be spent fishing in a private pond! Fly rods and other fishing equipment will be provided. This event will be rain or shine. Join us for a fantastic day of learning! Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Topics include:

  • Common Fish Species
  • Fly Fishing Entomology
  • Casting Techniques
  • Knot Tying
Young women dove hunting

How it works

Learn everything you need to go hunting or fishing on your own.

Participants learn fundamentals of hunting or fishing—and its conservation impact—from highly trained volunteers and staff.

Each workshop focuses on a different topic, including how to properly use equipment, tracking and locating wild game or fish, ethical harvesting methods, and more.

It’s More Than Just Hunting and Fishing

Ethically harvest your own fresh, local protein for yourself, your friends, and your family.

Gain outdoor skills such as orienteering, wildlife conservation principles, and more.

Become part of the conservation movement that has brought fish and wildlife back from the brink.

Join a proud family that—through licenses and equipment sales—is the single largest funder of wildlife conservation in Tennessee.

Get the benefits of decreased stress from reconnecting with nature.

Woman fly fishing

Begin Your Outdoor Journey

Discover Tennessee’s wilderness by being in it. Live, eat, and wake up underneath the big Tennessee sky while you get to know wildlife from outdoorsmen and women with a lifetime of experience.

No previous experience necessary. We will provide all the equipment and training you’ll need for a great experience.

Hunting and Fishing Academy

Classes and events

More from Hunting and Fishing Academy

How Your Donation Improves Conservation

How Your Donation Improves Conservation

When you donate to Tennessee Wildlife Federation, you become a catalyst for change through our programs that focus on the perpetual improvement of conservation, wildlife habitat, recreation, and more all across our beautiful state. 

read more

Start a new tradition

A lone stag bellows in a flowerbed

Family Experiences

Explore one and multiple day hunting and fishing experiences with hands-on instruction for families (youth nine years or older).

Teaching how to use a crossbow in a tree stand

Adult Workshops

Our adult workshops work with the busiest schedules and are great for those who want to become self-reliant in the outdoors and source their own local food.

Turkey calling demonstration

Virtual Classes

Join our free virtual classes to learn new skills and dust off old ones to make your next hunting and fishing adventures even more successful.

Tossing duck decoys

Become a Volunteer

Our comprehensive training course will prepare you to help with a hunting or fishing experience or host one from start to finish to pass on your experience.

Get the latest conservation news and actions to take!