Welcome to the Outdoor Skills Academy!
Your Gateway to Outdoor Confidence!
The Outdoor Skills Academy is more than just a program — it’s a movement. This program is designed for adventurous women aged 18 and up, as a hands-on experience that empowers you to explore, learn, and thrive in the great outdoors. Whether you're brand new to outdoor activities or looking to sharpen your skills, our expert-led workshops in shooting, hunting, fishing, and conservation are built to boost your confidence and independence in nature. Join a welcoming community of like-minded women and discover just how capable, and unstoppable you are. It’s time to step outside your comfort zone and into your power.
Adventure starts here. Confidence lasts a lifetime.
What is an Outdoor Skills Academy event like?
Outdoor Skills Academy events can be held in a single day or an entire weekend. Events will be held across the state throughout the year. You’ll experience a variety of classes but will pick a specific skill to spend the majority of your time on during the weekend training.
Women attending Skills Academy events are not experts. In fact, we anticipate that you may never have experienced some of these skills before. We are here to support you in a fun, safe and non-competitive environment.
This program is for you if…
- you have never tried one of the many outdoor skills such as hunting, shooting, fishing, hiking, etc. and want to give it shot.
- you are a novice and would like to improve your skills.
- you would like to learn a new skill, but don’t have the equipment to try it out.
- you already do some outdoor skills but would like to learn new ones.
- you enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, and you seek time away to reconnect with nature.
2025 Events
June 3rd, 8:30-4:30: Skill Set Sampler
NC Forest Service’s Mountain Training Facility (Avery County)
Registration: Coming Soon
Women will rotate through 4 classes representative of the four Women’s Outdoor Skills Academy tracks: fishing, hunting, shooting sports and conservation. At this event the four classes will be:
Introduction to Shotgun:
Type, gauges, and use of different shotguns
Shotgun fitting and swing
Shotgun shooting and entry level wing shooting
Participants should be able to stand for about an hour and safely hold an 8-pound shotgun.
Introduction to Turkey Calls and Calling:
- Learn how to yelp, cluck and purr using three air and friction turkey calls: box, pot and diaphragm. You’ll even get your own mouth call.
Introduction to Fishing:
- A comprehensive, introductory session designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful start in fishing. NCWRC instructors will guide you through a variety of topics, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for your fishing adventures. The topics covered include equipment and tackle, fishing knots, and casting. This session includes both hands-on classroom instruction and on-the-water fishing, providing a well-rounded learning experience.
Fieldcraft for Her:
- Designed to build your confidence and skill set in wildlife conservation. Held indoors and outside, this session will help you learn to identify common local wildlife species and their tracks, sounds, and signs in the environment. You will also practice basic monitoring techniques, such as setting up wildlife cameras or using mobile apps to contribute to real-world conservation efforts.
No prior knowledge is required for any of the sessions and all materials and equipment are provided, unless otherwise specified. We strive to provide an environment that is as accessible as possible. If you have questions about accessibility, please email Tanya Poole, Women’s Outdoor Skills Academy Coordinator, at womensoutdoorskillsacademy@ncwildlife.gov.
Aug. 23rd, 8:30 – 4:00: Shooting Skills
Wake County Wildlife Club
Registration Link: North Carolina WRC License - View Event
Fee: free
This one-day free event will provide an opportunity for you to learn and practice shooting rifles, shotguns, pistols and bows. No prior experience is needed, and all equipment will be provided. No personal firearms or ammunition are allowed. Women 18 years of age and older are welcome to register.
You are encouraged to bring sunscreen, bug repellent, a folding chair, and any other items need to making being outdoors all day more comfortable.
Water will be provided at all range stations. Lunch and snacks will be provided. If you have special dietary needs, you are encouraged to bring your own food and beverage.
The education center has a ramp for wheelchair access. The walking path to the ranges is gravel or dirt and no more than 400 yards from the education center. For questions or more information on accessibility and accommodations, please call the Wake County Wildlife Club at 919-596-3022.
Sept. 6th, 8:30 – 4:30: Skill Set Sampler
John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center (Cumberland County)
Registration and more details coming soon!
Women will rotate through 4 classes representative of the four Women’s Outdoor Skills Academy tracks: fishing, hunting, shooting sports and conservation.
Oct. 4th, 8:30-4:30: Skill Set Sampler
YMCA Camp Hanes (Stokes County)
Registration and more details coming soon!
Women will rotate through 4 classes representative of the four Women’s Outdoor Skills Academy tracks: fishing, hunting, shooting sports and conservation.
Oct. 24th – 26th, Noon Friday – 1pm Sunday: Wild Skills Weekend
Millstone 4-H Camp (Richmond County)
Registration and more details coming soon!
The Wild Skills Weekend will be a weekend of outdoor skills galore. Women will be able to choose the classes they would like to take. We encourage you to choose a track to participate in which will allow you to hone your skills throughout the weekend and build relationships with other women working on the same skill set. If you are a first timer you do not have to pick a track if you need to experience a variety of classes to determine what skills you are interested in.
Volunteer Instructors
Instructors come from a variety of backgrounds including agency staff, partner agencies and the private sector. Instructors are giving their time with the Skills Academy because they believe in the camaraderie and skill-building that are created from day- and weekend-long experiences.
We are always looking for new instructors, assistant instructors and general volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete an application form. Background checks will be conducted for all potential volunteers.
Scholarships
Limited partial scholarships will be available to support women in attending an Outdoor Skills Academy event. More information on scholarships will be posted in 2025.
Coordinator Contact Info:
Tanya Poole
Email
Phone: 828-329-3472