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
Intro to Turkey Hunting in Waverly
Saturday, March 1, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT
Learn the basics of turkey hunting this season and increase your odds of success! During this three-hour workshop, you will learn about the conservation story of wild turkeys, turkey behavior, hunting seasons and regulations, identifying a place to hunt, and the gear you will need! This class is a great starting point for the first time turkey hunter wanting to build new skills and knowledge.
*Prerequisite to apply for Adult Turkey Hunts
Intro to Turkey Hunting near Franklin
Sunday, March 2, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT
Learn the basics of turkey hunting this season and increase your odds of success! During this three-hour workshop, you will learn about the conservation story of wild turkeys, turkey behavior, hunting seasons and regulations, identifying a place to hunt, and the gear you will need! This class is a great starting point for the first-time turkey hunter wanting to build new skills and knowledge.
*Prerequisite to apply for Adult Turkey Hunts
Intro to Turkey Hunting in Knoxville
Saturday, March 8, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT
Learn the basics of turkey hunting this season and increase your odds of success! During this three-hour workshop, you will learn about the conservation story of wild turkeys, turkey behavior, hunting seasons and regulations, identifying a place to hunt, and the gear you will need! This class is a great starting point for the first-time turkey hunter wanting to build new skills and knowledge.
*Prerequisite to apply for Adult Turkey Hunts
Learn to Shoot Archery in Maryville
Sunday, March 16, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT
Learn to shoot a bow or crossbow this year and add a new skill to your bag. If you are a new hunter, learning to shoot archery equipment can be a great way to extend your hunting season. If you are not a hunter, shooting a bow can be a great way to have fun at the range. During this three-hour workshop, you will learn about the different types of archery equipment, arrows, broadheads, and the additional equipment needed to shoot and hunt with them. All participants will be presented with the opportunity to shoot different archery equipment before the conclusion of the workshop.
Advanced Turkey Hunting in Crossville
Saturday, March 29, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT
Take your next step towards becoming a seasoned turkey hunter this spring. In this three-hour workshop, you’ll practice essential skills for success in the field, including setting a blind, deploying decoys, using a variety of calls, and participating in live-fire exercises. Be sure to bring your turkey shotgun and ammo, as we’ll pattern shotguns at the range to ensure you’re ready for the field. Don’t have a shotgun yet? No problem—we’ll have a few on hand for you to try out and find what suits you best. You’ll also gain practical experience firing from a blind or seated hunting position, preparing you for real-world scenarios.
*Prerequisite to apply for Adult Turkey Hunts
Learn to Shoot Shotguns in Crossville
Sunday, March 30, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT
Learn to shoot a shotgun this year and add a new skill to your bag. If you are a new hunter, learning to shoot a shotgun can be a great way to extend your hunting opportunities. If you are not a hunter, shooting a shotgun can be a great way to have fun at the range. During this four hour workshop, you will learn about different types of shotguns, types of ammunition, as well as the loading and firing process. All participants will be presented with the opportunity to shoot a shotgun before the conclusion of the workshop.
*Prerequisite to apply for Adult Turkey Hunts
Learn to Shoot Shotguns in Middleton
Sunday, April, 27, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT
Learn to shoot a shotgun this year and add a new skill to your bag. If you are a new hunter, learning to shoot a shotgun can be a great way to extend your hunting opportunities. If you are not a hunter, shooting a shotgun can be a great way to have fun at the range. During this four hour workshop, you will learn about different types of shotguns, types of ammunition, as well as the loading and firing process. All participants will be presented with the opportunity to shoot a shotgun before the conclusion of the workshop.
*Prerequisite to apply for Adult Turkey Hunts
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.
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
Click the blue boxes to view event details.
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Start a new tradition
Virtual Classes
Join our free live stream classes that allow anyone to learn new skills and refresh old ones from the comfort of their home.
Adult Workshops
A low-cost learning option perfect for those seeking an in-depth, tactile experience. Workshops across Tennessee provide valuable hands-on experience in various topics.
Youth Events
Holistic hunting and fishing experiences for youth ages 9-16 teach safety, species information, and include pursuits to harvest wildlife.
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.