Hunting and Fishing Academy
Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunting and Fishing Academy provides hands-on instruction in the art of being an outdoorsman to hunters and anglers of all ages, races, and genders. No matter your skill level or phase of life, Hunting and Fishing Academy has a way for you to get outside with confidence.
Never hunted or fished before? No problem.
The Academy’s highly trained, lifelong sportsmen and women lead participants through essential skills giving them all of the basic skills and knowledge needed to go out again on their own.
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.
Hunting and Fishing Academy
Classes and events
Click the blue boxes to view event details.
Why We Need Sportsmen and Women
Hunters and anglers pay for the majority of wildlife conservation in Tennessee through hunting and fishing license sales, as well as an excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment.
Over the last century, hunters and anglers led the restoration of our wildlife and have stayed deeply involved in wildlife conservation efforts. In fact, outdoorsmen and women are eight times more likely to support conservation policies.
Without hunters and anglers, there would be no statewide conservation effort in Tennessee.
But their numbers are declining.
For every 10 sportsmen today, only 7 are growing up to take their place. This decline threatens the primary source for wildlife conservation funding.
How We’re Recruiting More Outdoorsmen and Women
More often, those who have an interest in learning how to hunt or fish do not have connections with people to teach them. Hunting and Fishing Academy bridges this gap to cultivate new generations of conservationists.
Get the latest conservation news and actions to take!
More from Hunting and Fishing Academy
Cooking Wild Game: Spaghetti and Venison Meatballs
You’ve got the venison in your freezer, now what?
Like a Duck to Water: Waterfowl Hunting Gear Everyone Needs to Start
If you have ever been hunting, you know what a special connection you feel with nature. But, if not, the Federation is here to take you under our wing.
Michael Butler Looks Back On 20 Years as CEO
It’s been an eventful 20 years for Michael, and he is nowhere near done with his work in conservation.