A. *Introduction to Panfishing - Participants will be introduced to a variety of fishing equipment used to catch different species of panfish. This will include rods, reels, poles, and a demonstration on how to rig them, and tie basic knots for fishing. In addition, laws, regulations, and ethics pertaining to fishing and how to identify common panfish will be discussed. A review of basic aquatic ecology and fish habitat will provide information needed to plan a panfishing trip. Participants will put all of their knowledge to use when they go to the lake and try their hand at fishing. B. *Introduction to Bass Fishing - Participants will be introduced to various types of fishing equipment used to catch largemouth bass. This will include basic types of tackle, rods and reels, different rigs, lines, floats, lures, and live bait. They will be shown how to use spinning, spincasting, and baitcasting tackle. Instructors will also discuss laws, regulations, ethics, habitat, and bass management. Participants will then enjoy fishing at the lake. C. Introduction to Fly-Fishing - To watch an experienced flycaster is like watching an outdoor ballet. The art of fly-fishing is a graceful and gentle presentation of a lure to our watery friends. Participants will learn the technique of basic fly-casting, fly-fishing terminology, selecting & purchasing equipment and how to take care of it. They will be taught about fish habitat, laws, regulations and ethics pertaining to fly-fishing. Participants do not need a fishing license because time will be spent on dry land casting, not on the water. D. Boating Basics - Participants will be familiarized with safety equipment and procedures to make their next trip to the water both safe and fun. You will learn to back a trailer, start a motor and run a powerboat (weather permitting). Participants should wear water shoes & bring a PFD if you have one. This course is offered in Ocala and Tallahassee. E. Canoeing/Kayaking Basics - Participants will be introduced to the different types and styles of canoes and kayaks, paddles and strokes, equipment, safety and etiquette. They will get hands-on experience paddling on the water. This is a course for beginners. Participants should wear clothing and shoes suitable for water sports. If you have your own PFD, canoe or kayak, please feel free to bring them. F. Basic Camping/Backpacking Skills - Participants will learn how to plan and prepare for a safe and enjoyable camping and/or hiking trip, determine the type of equipment needed and how to use it, select a campsite, set up, and animal proof the camp. They will learn the basics for low impact camping, including food planning and preparation, and personal hygiene and comfort. G. Florida Whitetails - An introductory course designed to develop the basic skills necessary to begin hunting or to photograph the Florida whitetail deer. This course includes instruction in tracking skills, determining buck sign, reading food source, laws and ethics, supplies and tools, tree climbers and stands and much more! Each participant will get a chance to use a climber and a hike through the woods will allow a "hands-on" experience to develop the skills needed to begin the thrill of Florida hunting! Participants will enjoy a ride on a swamp buggy at the Palm Beach workshop. H. Small Game Hunting Basics - This course covers laws, techniques and hunting areas specific to Florida's small game populations. Each participant will learn to identify small game, recognize signs and food source, and the right equipment to use. In addition you will experience a real hunting atmosphere by taking a hike in the woods. Participants will enjoy a ride on a swamp buggy at the Palm Beach workshop. I. Talkin' Turkey - This course covers the biology and habits of the wild turkey. Equipment, clothing, camouflage, hunting strategies, calling techniques and safety considerations will be discussed. The outdoor session will include a simulated turkey hunt. Participants will enjoy a ride on a swamp buggy at the Palm Beach workshop. J. Introduction to Shooting Sports Participants will be introduced to basic types of firearms, firearm safety, nomenclature, and marksmanship. Then they will go to the range for live firing exercises using rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and crossbows. K. Introduction to Handgun Shooting & Hunting - Participants will learn handgun safety, nomenclature, and participate in a live firing exercise. Discussions will center on safe handling and storage of a handgun in the home. In addition, they will be taught to safely load, unload and shoot various handguns. L. Basic Archery & Bowhunting Skills - Participants will learn bow safety, equipment identification and selection, types of bows and their uses, how to shoot and shooting form, clothing and bow hunting basics. They will also have an opportunity to handle the equipment and shoot at various targets. By the end of this course, participants will be able to shoot a bow and arrow unaided, accurately and safely. M. Basic Wilderness Survival Skills - Participants will learn to read a map, use a compass and how to find their way in the wilderness. Instruction on how to avoid being involved in a survival situation will help the student be better prepared to go afield. Additional instruction on what to do in case you are lost or have an emergency arise will give the participants the confidence needed to be comfortable while in the woods. Methods of acquiring water in a survival situation will be discussed. Finding or constructing shelters and how to build a fire with both primitive and modern equipment will be taught, along with what to carry in a survival kit for a particular area. N. Outdoor Photography Basics- Participants will gain knowledge of basic equipment and camera operation needed for outdoor photography and will be introduced to observational and artistic skills needed to take nature photographs. They will learn basic techniques used in photography, including the use of blinds, stalking and cover, the importance of lighting and timing, and what is needed to specialize in given subjects. Outdoor ethics discussions will better prepare the participants to venture afield in a responsible manner. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras (all kinds) and film for a hands-on experience during an outdoor "photo session". O. Bird Watching Basics- Participants will increase observational skills, awareness, and enjoyment of bird watching and will be instructed in different types of bird habitat as well as seasonal and daily cycles necessary for watching birds. They will be instructed in the ethics associated with bird watching and how to identify birds by habitat, sound, color, and field markings. They will also be instructed in places to go to watch for birds and the necessary equipment to take with them, as well as the techniques to use for successful bird watching. Finally, networks and volunteer opportunities will be discussed, as well as how to attract birds. Bring binoculars (if you have them) as a field trip will present an opportunity for birds to be observed. P. Introduction to Reading the Woods- Participants will learn tracking skills and how to interpret signs left by wildlife. They will also learn how to recognize essential components of wildlife habitats and relate observations to wildlife behavior. During a nature walk, students will stop for track identification and observation, scent stations, plant food identification, nest sites, burrows, watering sites, variations in ecosystems and movement corridors. Q. The Primitive Chef- This course allows participants to learn how to cook over a campfire, in a dutch oven and on a camp stove! Each participant will receive instruction on the basic requirements for storage, preparation and cooking in the outdoors. There will be several opportunities to practice your newly developed skill. Bring your appetite because you will be eating throughout the entire class! R. Basic Personal Safety Skills- Participants will learn about self-protection through a demonstration and discussion of current personal protection devices and "weapons" (non-gun) on the market today. Interaction with the "red-man" will give a hands-on experience. S. Hunter Safety Course- Participants who sign up for this course will receive a Hunter Safety CD-Rom, or may complete the course via the internet. Bring the printout to the workshop. You must also take one of the Archery (Class L) classes and the Shooting Sports (Class J) class, leaving one class of your choice. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive their Hunter Safety certification, which is good for a lifetime and acceptable in all states. Click here for more information about the online Hunter Safety course. T. Black Powder Firearms Basics- Learn and experience the art of black powder firearms. Emphasis will be on loading, firing, care and cleaning. The types and purposes of muzzleloaders will be discussed as they apply to hunting and shooting sports. There will be plenty of shooting and other hands-on experiences. U. Basic Wilderness First Aid - This course will give an introductory overview of outdoor first aid with plenty of hands-on scenarios. This is a non-certification course. Wear old clothes - something you won't mind getting stained or dirty. V. Introduction to Shotgun Shooting & Hunting- Participants will be introduced to shotgun types, their versatility in a variety of shooting and hunting sports, nomenclature, cleaning, and safety. The course will focus on hands-on one-on-one live firing instruction in the successful shooting of moving clay targets. *Participants will need to purchase a FL freshwater fishing license to participate in the fishing portion of the courses. Participants can use these skills for purposes other than hunting. Harvesting an animal may not be your goal, but the hunting classes teach the skills necessary to find animals for photography, videography or just tracking animals for observation. All firearms and ammunition will be furnished. If a participant wishes instruction in the use of their personal firearm, they will need to bring it along with a box of appropriate ammunition. These must be checked by an instructor prior to being removed from the locked vehicle. All personal firearms must be checked by an instructor before shooting. |