INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting residents to step off the sidelines and into the field this season with a new series of Learn to Hunt and Learn to Fish workshops.
Designed for both the complete novice and the experienced sportsman looking to diversify their skills, these adult-oriented workshops (ages 16+) provide a pressure-free environment to master traditional outdoor skills under the guidance of expert instructors.
Each workshop is structured to maximize learning by combining a 60- to 90-minute classroom-style lesson with immediate hands-on practice. Participants will walk away with the practical resources needed to plan their own independent hunting or fishing excursions.
Featured 2026 Workshop Offerings:
- Intro to Waterfowl Hunting: Learn decoy placement, calling techniques, and wetland safety.
- Intro to Deer Hunting: Master tracking, stand placement, and essential gear.
- Species-Specific Fishing: Targeted sessions for Bass Fishing and Catfish Fishing, covering lures, bait, and seasonal patterns.
- Basic Fishing: A foundational course for those who have never picked up a rod and reel.
These workshops are part of a national effort known as R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation). By providing free training, the Indiana DNR aims to build a new generation of conservationists who understand and appreciate the state’s natural resources.
Whether you are looking to harvest your own organic meat or simply find a new way to connect with the outdoors, these workshops bridge the gap between curiosity and confidence.
While the workshops are free of charge, space is limited to ensure a high-quality, hands-on experience for every attendee.
- Eligibility: Open to residents and visitors ages 16 and older.
- Equipment: Most workshops provide the necessary gear for the hands-on portion, though participants are welcome to bring their own for evaluation.
- How to Sign Up: Interested participants can view a full schedule of locations and dates by visiting the DNR’s official Learn to Hunt/Fish portal.
As many hunting seasons require a valid license and hunter education certification, these workshops serve as an excellent supplement to the standard certification process, providing the “real-world” context that books cannot.
