INDIANA – Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ hunting, trapping, and shooting education program offers instruction for those interested in learning more about these outdoor activities. The initiative promotes, supports, and conducts events for novices of all ages, including families, adults, veterans, women, and individuals with disabilities. The program is designed to create lifelong hunting, trapping, and shooting enthusiasts. It also encourages healthy lifestyles through physical activity, social interaction, and the consumption of locally sourced, free-range proteins from hunting.
Hunting, trapping, and shooting can’t be learned in a day, so the program offers a variety of events. These events are typically held at Fish & Wildlife Areas or State Forests and include:
- Multi-day workshops: These species-specific workshops focus on the science and skills of hunting. Each workshop is made up of two to four learning sessions, lasting two to four hours. Formats:
- Classroom sessions on laws and regulations, biology, hunting, scouting techniques, and recommended equipment.
- Field sessions of hands-on hunting in different habitats.
- Range sessions that include practice of shooting techniques and shot placement.
- Hunt sessions where participants pair with seasoned hunters in either a small group (two students to one mentor) or one-on-one.
- Seminars: Mini workshops (one to three hours) on a particular hunting topic such as cooking wild game, selecting a firearm, field dressing wild game, turkey calling, and waterfowl calling. Seminars are a refresher or elective portion for the multi-day workshops.
- Mentored hunts: Participants are paired with an experienced hunter for a safe and educational experience. Mentored hunts are operated either as small group hunts (two students to one mentor) or one-on-one hunts.
DNR’s Learn to Hunt, Trap, & Shoot program offers a variety of classes year-round to prepare outdoor recreationists with the skills they need to aim, key in on animal signs, and enjoy their hunting experience.
Upcoming opportunities are available on the DNR Calendar.
