DNR seeking volunteers, landowners to teach hunters of all experience levels

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers to teach hunters of all experience levels practical hunting skills. Volunteer opportunities are available in all parts of the state.
Becoming a volunteer instructor is a great way to shape the future of hunting in Wisconsin, get hands-on teaching experience, work closely with DNR staff, and engage with your local community.
In addition to hunter education classes, the DNR and its contracted partners (Becoming an Outdoors Woman, National Deer Association, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Pheasants Forever, and Raised at Full Draw) offer additional instruction and continuing education to hunters of all experience levels. The DNR is seeking volunteers to coordinate and instruct programs that teach hands-on skills to help participants gain the experience and confidence needed to hunt independently. Opportunities for volunteer and landowner involvement to support Wisconsin’s hunting heritage include:
• Outdoor Skills — Outdoor Skills programs teach specific skills related to hunting and the outdoors, such as shooting basics, processing deer, dog training, and cooking wild game. Lesson plans are available to use as a guide, but if interested volunteers have a hunting or shooting sports skill they can teach, they are encouraged to reach out to DNR program staff to talk more.
• Learn to Hunt — The Learn to Hunt program is a unique opportunity in Wisconsin that allows volunteers to host educational mentored hunts outside of the normal hunting season. The Learn to Hunt program requires at least four hours of pre-hunt instruction for participants, and program volunteers must have at least five years of experience hunting the target species. At least one program volunteer must be an active hunter education instructor.

• Landowners to Host Educational Hunts — Mentored hunting programs often rely on partnerships with private landowners to provide accessible, controlled experiences for new hunters. Most programs require participants to complete hunter safety education, online training, live virtual meetings, and hands-on field days to practice shooting and other skills prior to hunting. Landowners passionate about wildlife and habitat management, the future of hunting, and connecting people with nature are encouraged to get involved by working with program coordinators to provide managed hunting access.
All volunteer instructors must pass a background check, either through the DNR or through one of its partner organizations.
For more information about becoming a volunteer instructor, a participating landowner, or to apply, contact Emily Iehl, DNR Hunting and Shooting Sports Program Specialist, at Emily.Iehl@wisconsin.gov.