Learn to Hunt
Interested in learning about hunting, but don’t know any hunters?
Learn to Hunt is designed for new hunters, inactive hunters, or hunters who lack social support. The workshops span several game species like waterfowl, upland game, turkey, deer, squirrel, and bear. Learn the basics of hunting, including:
- Hunting skills
- Equipment and strategies
- Wild game processing and cooking
Hunting Workshops, Minis, and Webinars
What is the Learn to Hunt Program?
Learn to Hunt workshops address informational barriers to participation and are primarily meant for those who are interested in hunting, but don’t know how to get started. The program provides a surrogate mentored experience for those lacking social support via an existing hunting family member or friend.
Workshops are designed to teach new-to-hunting individuals "how to hunt" via a multi-faceted hunting-related skills and strategies experience, and then begin hunting on their own, or with the support of family members and friends following the Learn to Hunt program.
Learn to Hunt Workshop Design
The full-day workshops combine classroom instruction with field practice. The workshop minis focus on core Learn to Hunt activities like gear demos, scouting scenarios, and shooting practice. The webinars provide virtual resources for hunters, covering regulations, species behavior, and more.
Scouting and game recovery.
Shooting practice (firearms or archery).
Gear demostrations.
Insight into game behavior and hunting strategies.
Potential hunts, although not guaranteed, may follow the Learn to Hunt workshop, but are largely dependent on conservation partner support (i.e. experienced hunter volunteers) with dates/times TBD, and individuals must complete the Learn to Hunt workshop to be eligible.
Learn to Hunt Participants
While all are welcome to attend, this course was specifically developed with the following people in mind:
- Individuals who have never hunted or have not actively hunted for more than three years.
- Individuals who lack the social support to hunt (i.e., have no readily available hunting family members or friends).
- Individuals whose licenses may have lapsed (inactive hunters), including those who have never harvested big game.
Learn To Hunt Attendance Requirements
- Hunter Safety Certification: Hunter Education Courses (Online, virtual and in person courses are available)
- VALID NC Hunting License: Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Licenses
Questions regarding hunting license requirements contact NCWRC Customer Service Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. @ 833-950-0575 or by email at info@gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com.
Learn to Hunt Webinars
Free, seasonal hunting seminars are offered to novice and experienced sportsmen. These courses and other agency courses and events can be found at the new Go Outdoors Calendar.
Webinar topics include turkey, squirrel, waterfowl, deer, and upland game hunting. Or, check out our deer processing webinar. If you don't know where to start, there is a Learn to Hunt overview webinar.
- Learn to Hunt program attendance is by request only and subject to attendance requirements and prerequisites as noted above.
- Since Learn to Hunt programs are largely dependent on conservation partner facilitation, existing and experienced hunters are needed as instructors, assistant instructors, logistics assistants and scouting/hunting mentors. Volunteer by contacting Deet James.
- Check out previous Learn to Hunt webinars in our NC Wildlife YouTube playlists.
2025 Webinar: Upland Game Hunting
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Individuals who have hunting family members already have readily available access to a hunting mentor. Learn to Hunt programs are intended for individuals lacking social support via a readily available hunting mentor.
Yes. Learn to Hunt Workshops provide an opportunity for lapsed (inactive) hunters interested in getting started again including those that have NEVER harvested big game (i.e. deer or turkey) regardless of previous state of residence.
Yes. Building a pool of volunteer instructors/assistants is critical to Learn to Hunt program expansion. Individuals interested in assisting as instructors with Learn to Hunt program will be required to “shadow” during a pre-workshop training session before becoming a Learn to Hunt instructor.
Yes. Learn to Hunt Workshops offer new, inexperienced hunters a mentor experience while encouraging continued mentoring of family members and friends beyond the workshop.
Yes. Learn to Hunt Workshops offer individuals interested in hunting a mentor experience in the absence of an existing mentor.
Learn to Hunt Contact
For additional webinar and Learn to Hunt program information, including volunteer opportunities to be part of the Learn to Hunt team, Contact the Hunter Engagement Coordinator at learntohunt@ncwildlife.gov.