IFW Educational Programs

Hooked on Fishing Program: The Future Fisherman Foundation’s Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs program is used by the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife as a tool to educate youth in basic fishing skills, life skills, conservation ethics, and aquatic science.  There are over 100 trained volunteer instructors throughout Maine that hold classroom activities in local schools, organize community “learn-to-fish” events and coordinate fishing derbies and events.  Hooked on Fishing  events are held year round throughout Maine. IF&W hosts several volunteer training workshops each year, which are open to anyone interested in implementing the program within their community.  IF&W also provides loaner equipment and tackle for groups utilizing Hooked on Fishing.  You can learn more about the program at www.futurefisherman.org

Maine Youth Field Days: Field Days provide an opportunity for youth to learn various outdoor skills that will last them a lifetime.  Rod and Gun Clubs from throughout the state and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife join together to create this unique hands-on outdoor learning opportunity.  At each field day, children are divided into groups each with a group guide that escorts them through different activity stations.  Each group spends approximately 45 minutes at each station.  Certified instructors, Maine Guides, and other outdoor professionals staff each station.  The activity stations range from archery, muzzleloaders, .22 rifle, skeet and trap shooting, ATV operation, orienteering, fishing, kayaking, trapping and wildlife identification.  These events are designed to provide parents with a hands-on opportunity to learn these skills with their children.  A list of current Field Days can be found at www.mefishwildlife.com

National Archery in the Schools Program: In 2006 Maine became the 36^th State to adopt the National Archery in the Schools Program.  The program is overseen by IF&W and is designed to provide training for school physical education teachers so they can teach their students about archery.  The program utilizes Genesis Bows, which provide an easy and safe learning experience for students of any age because they do not have a specific draw length and can be adjusted to low poundage.  The program provides a curriculum for teachers to utilize over a semester time period and offers a standardized and safe opportunity for youth to learn and compete in target archery.  You can learn more about National Archery in the Schools at www.archeryintheschools.org

The Maine Wildlife Park: The Maine Wildlife Park in located in Gray, Maine.  Special wildlife exhibits and presentations for all ages are offered at the park on Saturdays from mid-May through August.  Wildlife and conservation education programs taught by professional natural resource educators, and guided tours of the park led by trained volunteers are offered to school groups in May, June, September and October and are available for reservation.  Visitors will see more animals in one day than they would ever spot in the wild.  In fact, this on one of the only places you’re guaranteed to see a real Maine moose up close.  Visiting the park is a great opportunity for children to learn about the habitat, behavior and biology of Maine’s wildlife.  More information about the park its event schedule can be found at www.mainewildlifepark.com

Safety Courses: Maine law requires hunters and trappers in Maine to complete safety courses before obtaining their license.  These courses provide information about hunting/trapping skills, safety precautions, laws and regulations, ethics, conservation measures and more.  Students must be at least 10 years of age to attend a class for firearms, archery, or trapping. Students under 10 may attend a recreational vehicle course.  A person under 16 years of age must attend the ATV training course with that person’s parent or guardian.  Safety courses are held year round throughout Maine.  An updated course schedule can be found on the IF&W website at www.mefishwildlife.com.

Swan Island Wildlife Management Area: The island management area, about 1,755 acres in size, is located in the Kennebec River between the towns of Richmond and Dresden. It includes Swan Island, Little Swan Island, and several hundred acres of tidal flats. Swan Island, known for its abundant and often quite visible wildlife (especially nesting bald eagles, white-tailed deer and wild turkey), is actually an abandoned 18th and 19th century town called Perkins Township, and has long been recognized for its varied and interesting history. It was used by Native American tribes, early explorers, and settlers, and was reportedly visited by American historical figures such as Aaron Burr and Benedict Arnold.  Visitors are transported to the island from the boat landing in Richmond and can participate in a guided tour of the island.  Reservations for school trips are also accepted. The area is available for daily use between the hours of 9 a.m. and sunset. Ten Adirondack type shelters are available for overnight use; picnic facilities for day use; firewood; drinking water; and island tours. No more than six persons will be assigned to a shelter. Campers will be limited to a stay of 2 nights unless extended by the facility manager. More information about Swan Island can be found on the IF&W website at www.mefishwildlife.com.

School Programs: Department personnel including Game Wardens and Biologists often visit classrooms throughout Maine to speak about Maine’s wildlife, conservation issues and the Department’s mission.  Project WILD workshops provide hands-on learning opportunities for Maine’s schoolteachers and are sponsored by IF&W.  The Maine Wildlife Park and Swan Island host several school programs to provide field trip opportunities for Maine’s school children.