March is full of outdoor-themed learning opportunities, especially for those curious about ice fishing, backyard bluebirds, snowshoes and more. Registration is now open for the following DNR Outdoor Skills Academy classes:
Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic, March 7 at Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea – This class looks at the basics of hunter safety, shotgun patterning, turkey hunting tactics, calling, decoys and blinds. Participants will get insider intel on turkey habitat in the park and help with mapping out a successful hunt. Cost is $25, which includes lunch.
Hard Water School (ice fishing class), March 7-8 at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac – This two-day class covers everything from how to set up equipment and how and where to fish to ice safety and rules and regulations, with a focus on panfish, walleye and pike. Cost is $25.
Bluebird and Nest Box Basics, March 14 at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon – Learn to attract bluebirds with carefully maintained nest boxes. This class will cover how to discourage predators and parasites, pros and cons of different box designs, and how and where to mount them. Cost is $40 and includes lunch, a nest box kit, a book and other materials.
Snowshoe Tying Workshop, March 21 at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon – This all-day workshop is dedicated to helping participants weave their own traditional wood-framed snowshoes. Cost is $200 per person, which includes one pair of wood frames, tubular nylon lacing, boot bindings and step-by-step instruction.
The Outdoor Skills Academy offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. See a full calendar of classes at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.
