Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
Midwest Region

Gray Wolf photo by National Park Service staff

Western Great Lakes Gray Wolf
Removed from Endangered List

 

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Phone: 612-713-5360
Address: BHW Federal Building
One Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056

Archery 101

Get in touch with your inner Amazon and learn the ancient art of archery, including how to select the right bow and equipment, technique and safety plus lots of time to practice.  You'll be bowfishing, putting venison on the table or just smacking the bull's eye in no time.

Basic Canoeing

Learn how to get in and out of a canoe while staying dry. Practice several paddling methods including how to travel in a straight line.  This class is taught on a lake, so be prepared.  You may get wet.  Bring extra clothing and a towel...just in case.  Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses would be good, too

Basic Fishing

After taking this course, you'll understand why people love to fish. You'll learn about fish, knot tying, casting skills and finding a good fishing spot.  You'll learn about different types of fishing tackle, lures, bait and what to do after you've landed one.  Then try out your new skills by fishing at the lake.

Basic Fly Fishing

Hunting fish with a fly rod is the natural way to catch fish.  Learn about basics of equipment, rods, lines, reels and flies, and general casting techniques.  The class should provide you with enough information to start you off in the right direction for years of fly-fishing adventures.  All equipment for the class will be provided.

Bird Watching and Identification

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge is home to many different species of birds.  You'll learn how to select and use the right binoculars and field guides.  Then you'll go birding in the field with an expert to learn birds by sight and song. Bring binoculars and a guide book if you have them, although they will be available if you don't. 

Camping Techniques & Equipment

This course welcomes anyone who has ever taken an interest in camping, but is not sure how to get started.  In this course you will learn everything from how to select the proper tent to setting up a campsite for a weekend excursion.  This includes camping essentials, how to build a campfire, setting up a tent, food to bring and cooking in camp.  Learn safety tips, and how to Leave No Trace while having a great time in the outdoors.

Deer Hunting

Learn to think like a deer. This course will cover deer biology, hunting equipment selection, techniques and safety.  You might hear some tall tales.

Dutch Oven Cooking

There's more to it than burying a covered pot in a campfire.  You'll find out what you'll need to get started, including seasoning a Dutch oven, cooking and clean up.  Several amazing meals will be prepared including main courses and desserts.  Bring note taking equipment and an appetite

Orienteering with Map and Compass

Learn a great new outdoor sport. After this class, you can walk off into the wilderness confident that you'll be able to find your way with your trusty map and compass--probably. Bring a basic field compass if you have one.  Some will be available if you don't

Tree Identification

Being out of doors is more fun when you recognize the trees around you.  In this class you'll learn the basics of identifying them and how to use a field guide as a clue to the ones you don't know.

Turkey calling-Basic to Advanced

Let's talk turkey.  Hopefully we'll get some refuge-dwelling turkeys to respond to our verbal challenges.  We'll also learn techniques for sneaking up on them, turkey psychology, and the state of the turkey population in this part of the world.

Discovery Nature Walk

Take a walk with a naturalist who will show you some amazing things you might never have seen. 

Wilderness Survival

You will learn basic survival needs and the necessary mental frame of mind required to survive in short-term wilderness emergencies.  Demonstration included.  Survival guaranteed.

Cooking Wild Game

You will learn the tricks to prepare delicious recipes for wild game.  This course is essential for those with freezers full of nature’s bounty.

Life in a Creek

Discover all the amazing creatures that live in the bubbling brook. Some are beautiful; others are uniquely adapted to their surroundings. A course highly recommended for those who are still curious and like to get their feet wet!

Living Green Everyday

Learn the tricks to sustainable, healthy living.  This course will teach you how to live a life better for the earth.

Tomahawk Throwing

Learn to throw a tomahawk like a pro.  This will be exciting and great conservation when you get back home!


Last updated: April 23, 2009