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
Intro to Waterfowl Hunting
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
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.
Deer Aging and Scoring
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
As hunters, we all desire to see healthy and flourishing deer herds that result from sound management practices. Understanding how to properly determine the age of individuals within the deer herd is oftentimes crucial to ensuring we reach our goals as hunters and wildlife managers. Join us for our next virtual class where we will discuss techniques to determine the age of deer on the hoof as well as post-harvest. We will also discuss the process to correctly score your deer to measure antler growth.
Raccoon Hunting
Thursday, December 12, 2024
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Raccoon hunting is an age old tradition in Tennessee and we want to share a bit of that heritage with you. Join us for this virtual class where we will provide some insights into the world of raccoon hunting in Tennessee. Whether you are pursuing raccoons with dogs, using electronic calls, or trapping, success can be found nearly anywhere in Tennessee where woods and water are in close proximity. During this virtual class, we will discuss some of the items needed to start hunting raccoons in Tennessee.
Hunting Dogs
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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.
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
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.
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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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.