MONTGOMERY-The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers workshops, field days and mentored experiences designed to help participants build practical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Through the Outdoor Alabama Academy, experienced instructors can help you learn to hunt, fish, shoot and trap responsibly and confidently.
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EXPLORE THE OUTDOOR ALABAMA ACADEMY
The Outdoor Alabama Academy brings the agency’s skill-building programs together in one convenient location.
Opportunities include:
- Hunting 101 – Learn about firearm safety, equipment, scouting, ethical hunting, game care and preparing wild game.
- Fishing 101 – Learn how to select tackle, cast, identify fish and confidently enjoy Alabama’s waters.
- Firearms 101 – Develop a foundation in safe firearm handling and operation through hands-on instruction.
- Trapping 101 – Explore responsible trapping practices and the role trapping plays in wildlife management.
- On-Demand Learning – Access videos and other resources that allow you to continue learning from home.
Explore the Outdoor Alabama Academy!
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Learn How to Hunt, Alabama!
Designed for adults with little or no hunting experience, these workshops cover firearm safety, equipment, scouting, hunting techniques and game care. Each workshop concludes with an opportunity to hunt small game alongside an experienced mentor.
Fall 2026 workshops are scheduled for:
- September 12 – Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Tanner
- September 19 – Upper Delta WMA near Stockton
- October 3 – Cahaba River WMA near Helena
- October 24 – Choccolocco WMA near Piedmont
The workshop fee is $20. Participants must be at least 19 years old.
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Go Fish, Alabama!
Go Fish, Alabama! provides adults and families with the basic knowledge and hands-on experience needed to begin fishing.
Upcoming virtual webinars and field days:
- August 6 – Virtual Webinar, Part 1
- August 13 – Virtual Webinar, Part 2
- August 29 – Veterans Park in Hoover
- September 12 – Madison County State Public Fishing Lake near Gurley
- September 26 – M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area near Greensboro
- October 10 – Auburn University E.W. Shell Fisheries Center in Auburn
- October 24 – Frederick D. Richardson Tricentennial Park in Mobile
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Firearms 101
Whether you are new to firearms or want to become more comfortable at the range, Firearms 101 offers hands-on instruction in the safe handling and operation of handguns, shotguns and rifles. Workshops are scheduled at public shooting ranges in north, central and south Alabama throughout August, September, October and November. Firearms, ammunition, and eye and ear protection are provided.
Upcoming workshops are scheduled for:
- August 15 – Shotgun 101 at Upper Delta WMA near Stockton
- August 22 – Shotgun 101 at 19208 Highway 25, Columbiana, AL
- August 29 – Shotgun 101 at Swan Creek WMA Range near Tanner
- August 29 – Shotgun 101 at Upper Delta WMA near Stockton
- September 19 – Handgun 101 at 19208 Highway 25, Columbiana, AL
- September 26 – Handgun 101 at Swan Creek WMA Range near Tanner
- September 26 – Handgun 101 at Orange Beach Shooting Range near Foley
- October 3 – Shotgun 101 at 19208 Highway 25, Columbiana, AL
- October 3 – Rifle 101 at 19208 Highway 25, Columbiana, AL
- October 10 – Handgun 101 at Orange Beach Shooting Range near Foley
- November 7 – Handgun 101 at Orange Beach Shooting Range near Foley
- November 14 – Rifle 101 at Swan Creek WMA Range near Tanner
Space is limited. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.
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Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop provides women ages 18 and up with an opportunity to learn outdoor skills in a comfortable and encouraging environment. The fall workshop will be held October 2-4, 2026, at the Alabama 4-H Center near Columbiana. The registration fee includes instruction, program materials, equipment, meals and lodging.
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Youth Dove Hunts
ADCNR’s youth dove hunts provide young people with a safe and welcoming introduction to hunting. Youth participants must be age 15 or younger and accompanied by a qualifying adult. Registration opens August 17, 2026, at 8 a.m.
Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Hunter Education and Trapping Opportunities
New hunters can complete Alabama’s hunter safety education requirements through an in-person or approved online course.
Adult and youth trapping workshops provide opportunities to learn about furbearers, equipment, responsible trapping practices and wildlife management.
Find a hunter safety education course:
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Find a Trapping Workshop:
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START YOUR OUTDOOR JOURNEY
Whether you want to cast your first line, become more confident with a firearm, prepare for your first hunt or introduce a young person to the outdoors, there is an opportunity for you this fall.
Registration is required for many programs, and available spaces may fill quickly. Visit the Outdoor Alabama Academy today, find an opportunity near you and take the next step in your outdoor journey.
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Program requirements – minimum ages, licenses needed and registration fees vary. ADCNR is committed to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals of all physical abilities. To request assistance or ask about accessible programs and locations, please contact us in advance at (334) 242-3881.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
