Wilderness Awareness: Outdoor Hazards, Survival, and Backcountry First Aid
From bee stings and snake bites to unexpected wildlife encounters and backcountry emergencies, spending time outdoors comes with unique challenges that every outdoor enthusiast should be prepared to face. This interactive wilderness awareness session is designed to help participants better understand common outdoor hazards while learning practical skills that can improve safety and preparedness in the field.
Participants will explore topics including snake bite awareness and response, insect stings and allergic reactions, heat-related illness, dehydration, navigation basics, storm preparedness, and what to do during wildlife encounters such as bear attacks or aggressive animal behavior. Instructors will also introduce basic wilderness first aid concepts and emergency response strategies that can help individuals remain calm and make informed decisions in stressful outdoor situations.
Whether you are a hunter, hiker, camper, angler, or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, this educational session provides valuable knowledge that can increase confidence, awareness, and personal safety in remote environments. The program emphasizes preparedness, prevention, and responsible outdoor recreation while encouraging participants to think critically about risk management in the outdoors.
Conservation Conversations: Different Perspectives, Shared Outdoors
Join us for an engaging and respectful discussion exploring the relationship between traditional outdoor activities and nature-based recreation and their roles in modern conservation. This breakout session will feature a friendly conversation and debate between individuals with differing perspectives on hunting, outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and conservation priorities.
Topics may include conservation funding, public land use, wildlife management, outdoor ethics, recreation conflicts, cultural perceptions of hunting, and how diverse outdoor communities can work together to support healthy ecosystems and access to the outdoors.
Audience participation is encouraged, and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panel to discuss throughout the session. The goal of this conversation is not division, but understanding — creating an open environment where people from different outdoor backgrounds can share perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and explore the future of conservation together.
Whether you are a hunter, hiker, birder, angler, paddler, wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about conservation issues, this session offers a unique opportunity to hear multiple viewpoints and participate in meaningful outdoor dialogue.
