Fly Fishing Excursion: Introduction to Fly Fishing and Fly Tying
Experience the art and tradition of fly fishing through this beginner-friendly, hands-on excursion designed for all ages and experience levels. Participants will learn the fundamentals of fly casting, equipment selection, knot tying, aquatic insect identification, and the role fly fishing plays in conservation and stewardship of our waterways.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to observe live fly-tying demonstrations while learning how different fly patterns imitate aquatic insects and baitfish. Whether you are completely new to fly fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, this interactive excursion offers a welcoming environment to learn from experienced anglers and outdoor educators.
This excursion emphasizes outdoor recreation, conservation, and accessibility while introducing participants to one of the fastest-growing outdoor pursuits in North America.
Deer Hunting Academy presented by Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Whether you are brand new to deer hunting or looking to build confidence in the field, the Deer Hunting Academy offers an engaging, beginner-friendly introduction to one of Tennessee’s most cherished outdoor traditions. Led by experienced mentors and conservation professionals from the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, participants will explore the fundamentals of deer hunting, wildlife conservation, hunting ethics, scouting, equipment, safety, and hunter preparation.
This hands-on educational experience is designed to help participants better understand the role hunters play in wildlife management and conservation funding while providing a welcoming environment to ask questions and gain practical knowledge. Topics may include deer biology, habitat, stand placement, shot placement, gear selection, regulations, and preparing for a successful and ethical hunt.
The Deer Hunting Academy emphasizes mentorship, conservation, and accessibility while helping participants build the confidence and skills needed to begin their hunting journey or expand their outdoor experiences.
Waterfowl Hunting Polytech presented by Delta Waterfowl
Discover the excitement, tradition, and conservation impact of waterfowl hunting through this interactive educational experience led by the experts at Delta Waterfowl. The Waterfowl Hunting Polytech is designed for both new and experienced hunters interested in developing practical hunting skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the current state of waterfowl hunting and conservation across North America.
Participants will explore essential waterfowl hunting topics including decoy strategies, calling techniques, gear and equipment, waterfowl identification, hunting safety, scouting, regulations, and ethical hunting practices. Instructors will also discuss modern challenges and opportunities facing waterfowl hunters and wetlands conservation, including habitat conditions, migration patterns, hunter recruitment, and the future of waterfowl management.
This hands-on session emphasizes conservation, mentorship, and outdoor skills while providing attendees with the knowledge and confidence to become more informed and successful waterfowl hunters. Whether you are interested in your first duck hunt or simply want to sharpen your understanding of the sport, this excursion offers a welcoming environment to learn from experienced waterfowl hunters and conservation leaders.
Gun Dog College: Hunting Dogs, Breed Demonstrations, and Hunt Test Experience
Experience the world of sporting dogs through Gun Dog College, an interactive educational session designed to showcase the incredible partnership between hunters and working dogs in the field. Participants will have the opportunity to meet a variety of hunting dog breeds while learning how different dogs are used for upland bird hunting, waterfowl retrieval, tracking, flushing, and other hunting applications.
This hands-on experience will feature a live demo hunt test where attendees can watch trained dogs perform the tasks they were bred to do, including retrieving, scent work, obedience, marking, and field handling. Instructors and handlers will discuss breed characteristics, training fundamentals, responsible dog ownership, safety, and the important role gun dogs play in ethical game recovery and successful hunts.
Whether you are interested in owning a hunting dog, learning more about sporting breeds, or simply seeing highly trained dogs in action, Gun Dog College offers a fun and educational experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. This program emphasizes conservation, tradition, mentorship, and the unique bond between hunters and their dogs.
Kayaking Adventure: Paddling, Safety, and Exploring the Outdoors
Experience the excitement and accessibility of paddlesports through this beginner-friendly kayaking adventure designed for participants of all ages and skill levels. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of kayaking including basic paddling techniques, water safety, equipment use, and how kayaking can serve as a gateway to lifelong outdoor recreation and conservation appreciation.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore hands-on instruction focused on entering and exiting a kayak, paddle control, maneuvering, balance, and safe recreation on the water. Instructors will also discuss water safety, personal flotation devices, trip planning, and responsible recreation practices that help protect waterways and aquatic habitats.
As part of this excursion, participants will travel off site for a guided on-the-water paddling experience, providing the opportunity to apply newly learned skills in a real outdoor setting while exploring local waterways.
Whether you are completely new to kayaking or simply looking to spend time outdoors and improve your confidence on the water, this interactive excursion offers a welcoming environment to learn from experienced outdoor educators and paddling enthusiasts. The program emphasizes outdoor recreation, wellness, conservation, and accessibility while encouraging participants to connect with Tennessee’s rivers, lakes, and waterways.
Habitat Rx: Habitat Management and Conservation in Action
Discover how land managers and conservation professionals use habitat management practices to improve wildlife populations, ecosystem health, and outdoor recreation opportunities through Habitat Rx. This educational session introduces participants to the science and application of habitat management techniques including invasive species control, forest management, native plant restoration, and wildlife habitat improvement.
Participants will learn how active habitat management benefits a wide variety of wildlife species while supporting healthier forests, grasslands, wetlands, and recreational landscapes. Instructors will discuss how habitat conditions influence wildlife populations and the importance of long-term stewardship on both public and private lands.
Whether you are a hunter, landowner, outdoor enthusiast, student, or conservation-minded citizen, Habitat Rx provides an engaging introduction to the practices used to restore and maintain healthy ecosystems across Tennessee and beyond. This session emphasizes conservation, stewardship, and the connection between habitat health, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Backcountry Hiking: Preparedness, Navigation, and Outdoor Skills
Learn the fundamentals of safe and enjoyable backcountry travel through this beginner-friendly introduction to hiking and outdoor preparedness. Backcountry Hiking 101 is designed to help participants build confidence and knowledge for exploring trails, public lands, and remote outdoor environments responsibly.
Participants will explore essential outdoor skills including trip planning, proper gear selection, layering and clothing systems, navigation basics, hydration, weather awareness, campsite considerations, and Leave No Trace principles. Instructors will also discuss common outdoor hazards, wildlife awareness, and how to prepare for changing conditions while hiking in the backcountry.
Whether you are interested in day hiking, overnight backpacking, or simply becoming more comfortable exploring the outdoors, this educational session provides practical knowledge and hands-on guidance for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels. The program emphasizes safety, conservation, stewardship, and building a lifelong connection to the outdoors.
Mountain Biking: Trails, Skills, and Outdoor Adventure
Experience the thrill and excitement of mountain biking through this interactive session focused on trail riding, bike handling skills, and outdoor recreation. Designed for riders of all experience levels, this program introduces participants to the fundamentals of mountain biking while encouraging safe and responsible trail use.
Participants will learn basic riding techniques including balance, braking, cornering, shifting, trail etiquette, and obstacle navigation. Instructors will also discuss essential equipment, helmet and safety considerations, bike maintenance basics, and how mountain biking contributes to outdoor wellness and recreation opportunities on public lands and trail systems.
Whether you are completely new to mountain biking or looking to improve your confidence on the trail, this educational experience offers a welcoming environment to learn from experienced riders and outdoor educators. The program emphasizes recreation, conservation, fitness, and outdoor adventure while encouraging participants to explore Tennessee’s growing network of biking trails and natural areas.
Your Wild Network: Building Connections in the Outdoor Community
The outdoors are built on relationships, mentorship, and shared experiences. Your Wild Network is an interactive discussion focused on helping participants connect with the people, organizations, and communities that make outdoor recreation and conservation possible.
This session will explore how networking can open doors to new outdoor opportunities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, conservation work, volunteering, mentorships, outdoor careers, and community involvement. Participants will hear from outdoor professionals, conservation leaders, and experienced enthusiasts about the importance of relationships in the outdoor world and how strong networks help grow and sustain outdoor traditions.
Whether you are trying to find hunting partners, connect with conservation organizations, explore career paths, or simply become more involved in the outdoor community, this session provides a welcoming environment to build connections, ask questions, and discover opportunities within the outdoor space.
