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
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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
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Upcoming Classes
Introduction to Hunting Firearms
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
There are various ways to get into hunting, but many involve understanding firearms and their appropriate usage. In this virtual class, we will explore the firearms suitable for hunting different game types in Tennessee. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of firearm safety in hunting practices. If you are a brand new hunter looking to purchase your first rifle or shotgun, this class will help you make a more informed decision.
Hunting with a Muzzleloader
Thursday, October 30, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Hunting with a muzzleloader can be an exciting way to extend your hunting opportunities. During the virtual class, we will discuss a brief history of muzzleloading rifles, the types of muzzleloaders found today, and some helpful strategies to consider when hunting with this type of rifle. This class will be beneficial to the first time muzzleloader hunter or the experienced black powder enthusiast!
Deer Hunting the Rut
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
The rut is the peak of breeding season for white tail deer and this often times a hunter’s best chance to find success. The rut is never fully predictable, but knowing some basic trends can still help elevate your game. Join us for this virtual class and learn how to use the rut to your advantage this season!
Rabbit Hunting
Thursday, November 6, 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.
Digital Mapping and Orienteering
Tuesday, November 18, 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.
Introduction to Waterfowl Hunting
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Waterfowl hunting has deep roots in the state of Tennessee and our diverse landscape provides ideal habitat for migrating ducks and geese. If you would like to learn how to duck hunt this year, then consider signing up for this virtual class where we will discuss finding a place to hunt, the gear you will need to get started, common waterfowl species found in Tennessee, and some rules of etiquette every hunter should know.
Duck Decoys
Tuesday, December 9, 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.
Late Season Deer Hunting
Thursday, December 11, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Late season deer hunting can be challenging even for experienced hunters. The pressures of a long season weigh heavy on the herd and their patterns and behavior start to change. Sign up for this virtual class and learn some helpful tips and tricks that can help you find more deer late in the season.
Hunting Dogs
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Dogs are man’s best friend. They are great companions, but when properly trained they can be a great asset when it comes to hunting. Join us for the Hunting Dogs virtual class as we discuss the many ways that dogs can aid in hunting. Topics include: breeds of hunting dogs, hunting with dogs, etiquette, applications for hunting dogs, training resources, and choosing a hunting companion.
Trapping 101
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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.
Introduction to Hunting
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
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 that 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.
Quail Hunting
Thursday, January 22, 2026
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Bobwhite Quail are Tennessee’s state game bird and are currently facing many challenges in maintaining healthy population numbers. However, lots of work is being done to make sure these birds stick around for generations to come. Because of this work we are seeing some positive trends across the state to bring quail numbers up! There are hunting opportunities for quail in Tennessee and in this virtual class we will explore the history, style, and cultural value of quail hunting in Tennessee.
Predator Hunting
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
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.
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.
Want to Sign Up for a Class Today?
Browse upcoming classes below and reserve your spot now.
Hunting and Fishing Academy
Classes and events
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More from Hunting and Fishing Academy
2,000 and Counting: A Duck Hunter’s Legacy Lives On
The Federation celebrated a milestone at the 17th annual Davis P. Rice Memorial Youth Waterfowl Hunt, surpassing 2,000 youth participants since the event’s inception.
A Commitment to Revitalize Hunting and Fishing in Tennessee
Hunting and Fishing Academy’s goal is to recruit, reactivate, and retain hunters and anglers in Tennessee, ensuring the tradition continues.
Federation Introduces 90 Youth to Waterfowl Hunting
The Davis P. Rice Memorial Youth Waterfowl Hunt marked its 16th anniversary in northwest Tennessee, continuing its legacy of fostering a passion for waterfowl hunting among the younger generation.
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.
