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Axemanship
One of the most iconic traditions in Maine is putting up firewood for the winter. But first, you’ll need to know a bit about swinging an axe and using it efficiently. The growing popularity of woods skills has sparked interest in this workshop where you’ll learn how to choose, maintain, and use safely and effectively axes, saws, and knives. There will be plenty of hands-on action, so prepare for a fun woods workout!
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Campfire Cooking
Have you ever tried getting that smoky fire-cooked taste, only to wind up with a charred mess? In this class, we will teach you the art of fire cooking. We will introduce cooking directly in the coals with foil, Dutch ovens, and cast iron skillets. This primitive backcountry skill isn’t quite as hard as it may seem; with the right direction from our experienced teachers, you will be baking up some tasty cobbler or stew in no time!
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Deer Processing
Looking to increase your self-reliance and hunting skills by cutting your own wild game up after the harvest? This workshop is designed for hunters and those considering hunting to learn the proper way to break a deer down and maximize your yield from your harvest. Professional meat cutter, Sam Margolin will show you the proper way to bring your deer from the game pole to the table in this informative and exciting workshop using a recently harvested whitetail deer.
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Fire and Survival Skills
Proper fire building is a skill that many folks will call on at some point. This workshop will combine a fire and survival lesson to provide you with the basic essential skills to survive an emergency. Whether you are building fires for some summer nights or to keep warm lost in the mountains, you will learn the skills to start a fire anywhere, anytime. We’ll also focus a great deal on prevention and preparedness, moving right into specific key skills that will give you the best odds at survival in the backcountry.
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Intro to firearms: Rifle shooting for recreation or hunting
Have you recently completed your hunter education or maybe you’re interested in recreational target shooting? Or maybe you’re simply looking for more information on the various types of firearms, action types, and what they are best used for. This workshop will fully prepare you with a focus on safe gun handling, types of rifles and their uses, and how to shoot accurately.
In this workshop we’ll cover:
-Safe ways to handle various firearms
-Types of common firearms
-Action types of rifles
-Differences between bullet calibers
-Choosing the right firearm for hunting or target shooting
-How to store and secure your firearms.
This workshop will be a blend of hands-on demonstration, practice, and live fire exercises led by professional staff and range safety officers. You will soon be prepared for the upcoming season whether it’s hunting, or a day at the range. This is great for the new hunter or shooter, and an excellent refresher for experienced folks.
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Introduction to Waterfowl Hunting
Maine has plenty of opportunities to hunt waterfowl, including ducks and geese. During this session, we will cover the basics to waterfowl hunting, including laws and regulations, equipment, identifying areas to hunt, use of decoys, and calling techniques. We will also venture to the shotgun range to demonstrate shotgun patterning and shooting techniques. We will finish the session by demonstrating waterfowl processing and preservation.
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Learn to Hunt: Whitetail Deer Hunting
Deer hunting is an exciting way to spend time in the woods while matching your skills with one of Maine’s most sought-after big game species. Deer hunting is also a great introduction to the traditions held sacred in Maine and a way to learn about this important species in our ecosystem, while supporting Maine’s conservation goals. This workshop is a blend of hands-on demonstration and in the field scouting. Participants will learn deer habitats, what they feed on, ways a whitetail deer may be harvested in Maine, hunting tactics and equipment, personal safety, shot placement, and basic game care.
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Learn to Shoot: Introduction to Shotguns
Whether it’s hunting or target shooting that you’re interested in, this workshop will begin with safe gun handling and basic shotgun skills and then we’ll take it to the sporting clays range for some high-flying clay target shooting! Shotguns are very versatile and can be used for a range of hunting and shooting sports. Learn proper shooting techniques from certified instructors. Whether you are a novice or have some experience, this workshop will not disappoint!
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Map and Compass
While GPS use is common these days, basic map and compass skills are the key to navigation in the backcountry. Learn how to read topographic maps and put a compass to use. Orient a map, set a bearing, and set a course, and soon you’ll find out how much fun it is! We’ll cover triangulation, declination compensation, and route planning.
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