Hunting and Fishing Academy
Virtual Classes
Hunting and Fishing Academy wants to help you make being a sportsman a lifelong pursuit. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or dust off old skills, our free virtual classes will get you ready for the next season. Whatever that season might be!
Hear from our outdoor staff and from other lifelong sportsmen and women about what works for them in the blind and on the boat.
New classes are being posted all the time, so check back often and become a part of our outdoors community!
How to Sign Up for Virtual Classes on GoOutdoorsTennessee.com
Step 1: Create an Account in GoOutdoorsTennessee
- Go to gooutdoorstennessee.com
- Click Licensing
- Select Enroll Now
- Insert Required Information
Step 2: Register for Virtual Classes in GoOutdoorsTennessee
- Go to gooutdoorstennessee.com
- Click Events
- Filter Event Type for Hunting and Fishing Academy
- Select Desired Event
- Click Register for Event
Upcoming Classes
Waterfowl Decoys and Placement
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Having the right decoys and placing them correctly is the most important part of any waterfowl hunt. In this virtual class, we will discuss the different types of available decoys and how to arrange your decoy spread for the best chance of success. It doesn’t matter if you are a mobile hunter using two dozen decoys or hunting from a permanent blind with over 1,000 decoys, this class will give you the knowledge to get more ducks into range this season.
Trapping 101
Thursday, January 9, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Trapping can be a great management tool to increase game on your property! Join us for the Trapping 101 virtual class as we discuss the different types of traps, common furbearer species, and basic techniques.
Crow Hunting
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Many hunting opportunities exist that most hunters don’t even know about. Did you know that you could hunt crows in Tennessee? Crow hunting can be a great way to practice your wing-shooting skills while enjoying the outdoors between other hunting seasons. During this virtual class we will discuss the regulations regarding crow hunting, what you will need to get started, and strategies that will help draw these clever birds in close.
Predator Hunting
Thursday, January 16, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Hunting predators can be a great way to extend your hunting season while managing predation on your property. In this virtual class, we’ll discuss commonly hunted predator species, calls used to call them, weapon setups, and strategy.
Rabbit Hunting
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Rabbit hunting is a cherished tradition in Tennessee, filled with the sounds of beagles, camaraderie, and fast-paced excitement. In this virtual class, we’ll explore the elements of a classic rabbit hunt. You’ll learn about the essential gear to get started, where to locate rabbits, and how our trusty four-legged companions play a key role in bringing them out.
Elk Hunting in Tennessee
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
There is no sound in the wild that compares to the bugle of a bull elk, and because of the hard work of TWRA and partnering organizations, we have a huntable population of elk in East Tennessee. Join us for this free one-hour virtual class as we discuss the conservation story of elk in Tennessee, how to apply for permits, equipment for the hunt, and basic elk hunting strategy.
Antler Shed Hunting
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
As most of you know, whitetail deer shed their antlers each year around February. Looking for these shed antlers is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, but it also helps you become a more successful hunter. Locating deer sheds can help you determine the antler size but most importantly, signals that he made it through the hunting season! Join us for this virtual class as we discuss the ins and outs of everything shed hunting.
Upland Bird Hunting
Thursday, February 20, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Tennessee offers a variety of upland bird hunting opportunities that hunters can enjoy in each region of the state. During this class, we will discuss the types of upland bird species found in Tennessee, where to find these birds and some helpful hunting strategies that will increase your odds of success.
Intro to Hunting
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Learning to hunt for the first time can be intimidating. How do I buy my license? Where can I hunt? What can I hunt? What gear do I need to get started? These are all common questions we will address during the Intro to Hunting virtual class. This class is perfect for the first time hunter and will give you a great starting point to build on going into this hunting season.
White Bass Fishing
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Winter is almost behind us and it’s time to put up the hunting gear and get out the fishing rods! Early spring can be an exciting time to fish and one of our favorite species to fish for this time of year is the White Bass (Stripe). White Bass are found in many tributaries across the state. In this virtual class, we’ll show you where to find white bass, the tackle used, and the best lures to catch them.
Intro to Turkey Calling
Thursday, March 6, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Turkey season in Tennessee is just weeks away, and we want to make sure you’re ready before heading into the woods this April. Join us for the first in a four-part series on turkey calling. This virtual class will introduce you to the key turkey vocalizations and calling techniques, from locator calls that entice a shock gobble to a putt that can make a Tom raise his head at the last moment. After this session, we’ll dive deeper into the most popular turkey calls, with upcoming classes on Slate Calls (3/11), Diaphragm Calls (3/13), and Box Calls (3/20).
Intro to Turkey Calling: Slate Calls
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
With a little practice, slate calls can make some of the most realistic turkey sounds. In this virtual class, we will discuss the different types of materials used to make slate calls/strikers and help you choose the one that fits your hunting style best. We will also discuss everything from preparing your call for the field, to how to grip the striker to make consistent turkey sounds. This is the second of the four-part series on turkey calling. After this session, we’ll dive deeper into the other popular turkey calls, with upcoming classes on Diaphragm Calls (3/13), and Box Calls (3/20).
Intro to Turkey Calling: Diaphragm Calls
Thursday, March 13, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
For a beginner, diaphragm calls can be intimidating. In this virtual class, we will cover choosing a diaphragm call, how to position it in your mouth, how to properly store it, and how to make different turkey sounds with diaphragm calls. This is the third of our four-part series on turkey calling. After this session, we’ll dive deeper into the last popular turkey call, Box Calls (3/20).
Women in the Outdoors
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Women are the fastest-growing demographic in the outdoors. Creating a space for women to join our outdoor community is vital. Join us for a discussion with some experienced outdoors women as they discuss their journeys and paths for them to be involved in the outdoors. These women have different specialties including hunting with dogs, trapping, gear expertise, and what it is like to move and learn how to hunt in a different environment.
Intro to Turkey Calling: Box Calls
Thursday, March 20, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
If you are new to turkey hunting or a seasoned veteran, a box call will have its place in your turkey vest. In this virtual class, we will discuss the different shapes, sizes, and materials box calls can be found in and help you choose the best one for you. We will also cover how to prepare your box call for the field and turkey sounds that can be made with box calls. This is the last class in the four-part series on turkey calling.
Turkey Decoys
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Turkey decoys can be the most helpful tool in a hunter’s bag of tricks. In this virtual class, we will discuss the different decoy options available and the reaction these different decoys receive from male turkeys. Even for a novice, when the proper decoys are paired with soft calling and a good set-up, success should follow. Join us for this one-hour virtual class and learn how decoys can help you leave the woods with a tom on your shoulder.
Field Dressing and Processing (Turkey)
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Turkey season is almost underway here in Tennessee, and we hope you are able to get out into the field and have some success. If you are successful, we want to ensure you know what to do after the harvest. Wild turkey meat is definitely a favorite amongst hunters, and we want to make sure you know what to do with it. Join Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunting and Fishing Academy as we discuss how to clean (dress) your harvested turkey. Also, if you have more questions than answers about what you have been seeing and hearing in the woods, we will block off some time to answer any questions you may have.
Crappie Fishing
Thursday, April 10, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Crappie fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy Tennessee’s vast tributaries in the spring. They can be found almost anywhere and are one of Tennessee’s tastiest game fish. Join us for this virtual class to discuss where to find crappie, the best lures, and techniques to help you land more fish this spring.
Digital Mapping and Orienteering
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
One of the biggest changes the hunting world has experienced over the last 20 years is the advent of digital mapping apps. In this virtual class, we will identify some of the major app brands and their many functions. Topics will include base map options, using waypoints and tracks, offline mapping, and identifying property boundaries. If you are new to these apps or just want to have a better understanding of the functions available, this virtual class is for you.
Wild Game Cooking (Turkey)
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Perhaps the biggest driving force behind learning to hunt is providing a sustainable source of protein for you or your family. Learning to properly prepare and cook your wild game is an important step in fully enjoying the outdoors. During this virtual class, we will discuss some tips and cooking techniques to help you prepare your harvested turkey. After this class, you should have a better understanding of how to handle your wild game in the kitchen and how to prepare some of our favorite recipes for you to enjoy at home.
Bass Fishing
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Bass are one of the most popular sport fish found in Tennessee. Join the Hunting and Fishing Academy for this virtual class, as we discuss where to find bass, how to identify the different species, the best lures to catch them, and the proper tackle.
Bullfrog Hunting
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Are you looking for an exciting way to extend your hunting season throughout the year? Learn to hunt bullfrogs and add a unique skill to your outdoor resume. During this class, we will discuss the regulations you need to know, the gear you might need, and finding a place to hunt. You don’t want to miss this class!
Trout Fishing
Thursday, May 29, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Tennessee is home to some of the best trout fishing in North America. We are privileged to have an abundance of rivers and streams that hold beautiful rainbow, mighty brown, and wild brook trout. We hope you join us for this virtual class where we will introduce you to each of these species and how you can plan your next fishing adventure.
Deer Quota Hunt Applications
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Tennessee is fortunate to have an abundance of public land hunting opportunities. While some Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) follow statewide seasons and regulations, others require a special quota permit allocated through a computerized draw. Join us for our next virtual class to learn how to apply for deer quota hunts for the upcoming season.
Waterfowl Quota Hunt Applications
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Tennessee is fortunate to have an abundance of public land hunting opportunities. While some Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) follow statewide seasons and regulations, others require a special quota permit allocated through a computerized draw. Join us for our next virtual class to learn how to apply for waterfowl quota hunts for the upcoming season.
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
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More from Hunting and Fishing Academy
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Delta Waterfowl Announced as Title Sponsor for 2024 Davis P. Rice Memorial Hunt
For 14 years, Delta Waterfowl has been proudly sponsoring the Davis P. Rice Memorial Youth Waterfowl Hunt which has introduced over 1300 youth across the state to waterfowl hunting since its inception.
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.