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!
Upcoming Classes
Bream Fishing
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Bream fishing is an action-packed way to enjoy Tennessee’s great outdoors. In May, Bluegill and other panfish species move into shallow water to bed. This makes them concentrated in one area and easier to locate. Join us for this one-hour virtual class as we discuss where to find bream, rigs to catch them, and the best bait to use.
Fly Fishing
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Join Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunting and Fishing Academy as we discuss everything you need to know to get started in fly fishing. We will discuss different species commonly pursued by fly fishermen in Tennessee, the basic gear needed to get started, regulations, and where to go fish. We hope you join us as we take an in-depth look into the world of fly fishing.
Fishing Basics
Thursday, May 2, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Fishing is one of Tennessee’s greatest pastimes and a great way to share the outdoors with friends and family. Getting started in fishing can be overwhelming with all the different types of rods, reels, line, and lures to choose from. In this virtual class, we will discuss which rods and reels work best for different scenarios, common knots used to tie on lures, and much more. This is the perfect virtual class to use as a first step into the world of fishing.
Intro to Boating
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Summer is here and it’s time to get out on the water. In this virtual class, boating officer Seth Snow joins the Hunting and Fishing Academy crew to talk about things you will need to know before heading to the lake. We will cover the equipment you’ll need in your vessel, launching your boat, and the basics to safely operate your boat while out on the water.
Trout Fishing
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
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.
Bass Fishing
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
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.
Fishing Small Streams and Rivers
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Tennessee is a popular destination for anglers across the country. Our abundant lakes and rivers are well known for producing a variety of fishing opportunities, but there are many overlooked bodies of water that provide exciting and unique fishing experiences. The small streams, creeks, and rivers that feed our larger waterways are excellent locations for anglers who are looking for a big challenge in small places. Join our next virtual class to learn more about the fish that inhabit these spaces and the gear you will need to pursue them this summer.
Deer Quota Hunt Applications
Thursday, June 13, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Tennessee is fortunate to have an abundance of public land hunting opportunities. While some Wildlife Management Areas 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.
Fishing Electronics
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Over the last 30 years, advancements in fishing technology have drastically changed the way the modern-day fisherman locates fish. In this virtual class, we will discuss cartography, sonar, down imaging, side imaging, live imaging, and the basics of how to use each. This virtual class will be the first step to using the electronics that will make you a more successful angler.
Waterfowl Quota Hunt Applications
Thursday, June 27, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Tennessee is fortunate to have an abundance of public land hunting opportunities. While some Wildlife Management Areas 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
More from Hunting and Fishing Academy
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.
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.
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.
Start a new tradition
Family Experiences
Explore one and multiple day hunting and fishing experiences with hands-on instruction for families (youth nine years or older).
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.
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.
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.