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Outdoor Skills Academy
Outdoor Skills Academy
Want to try something new in Michigan’s great outdoors and need some help getting started? Or maybe you just want to brush up on your skills and learn some tips and tricks from the pros? The Outdoor Skills Academy can help! We offer expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities, from hunting and fishing to hiking, birding and much more. Classes explore each topic in-depth, for a full day or more, with knowledgeable and skilled instructors leading the way. Participants will receive a certificate of completion for each class, with special recognition for Outdoor Skills Academy “graduates” who complete multiple classes.
Both beginners and those with more experience are welcome. Most of these in-depth classes are designed for adults, youth ages 16 and older, and children over 10 who are accompanied by an adult. Please see the age requirements for each class before signing up.
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- August 23 - August 24Mitchell State Park - Aug. 23-24, Fly Fishing Clinic An introduction to the art of fly fishing with expert-led demonstrations, hands-on instruction and time on the water fishing. Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
- September 14Bay City State Park - Sept. 14, Tobico Marsh Wild Mushroom Clinic Learn how to identify a variety of Michigan’s edible wild mushrooms, where to start looking and how to properly transport, clean, consume and preserve them. Location: Saginaw Bay Visitor Center
- September 27Bay City State Park - Tobico Marsh Survival Clinic Take the challenge of surviving in Tobico Marsh, with introductions to fire building and safety, shelter building, packing for preparedness, survival fishing techniques, a primitive archery shoot, the chance to camp overnight and more! Location: Saginaw Bay Visitor Center
- October 04Hartwick Pines State Park - Wild Mushroom Clinic Dive into the world of Michigan’s seasonal edible wild mushrooms. Learn where to find them and discover the best practices for safely harvesting, cleaning and preparing these wild delights. Location: Hartwick Pines Visitor Center