South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks: Educational Event Management

Each learn to hunt class builds confidence in novice hunters and allows them to advance their skillsets towards becoming an independent hunter. Starting with scouting and finding places to hunt, students begin to lay the foundation for how they could plan a hunting experience in the field. From there, our instructors provide instruction in necessary gear, licenses, and skills needed to harvest the species of choice. From there, students learn how to successfully and ethically harvest the species of their choice, process the meat to prepare it for cooking, and finally cook their harvested wild game. 

These classes will give you the opportunity to practice wing-shooting in preparation for upland game bird hunting, will teach you how to care for your firearms so they last a lifetime, how to sight in your rifle or bow,  how to take ethical shots while hunting, and how to enjoy recreational shooting on your own. 

These classes will begin with an introduction to the type of fishing you will be learning: fly fishing, ice fishing, shore fishing etc..  You will be introduced to your equipment and how to prepare for a fishing trip.  Once a basic foundation is set you will be able to practice your fishing techniques, identifying your catch, cleaning your catch and cooking your fish.  Classes will include understanding fishing regulations and ethics of fishing.

These courses introduce folks to practical skills for enjoying South Dakota’s landscape.  Classes include kayak and canoe classes on flat and moving bodies of water, skills for how to start a fire and cook on an open fire, and skills for wilderness survival.  During the winter months, these courses also include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

These courses offer the opportunity for the public to learn about South Dakota and its environment.  Learn about the specific aquatic and terrestrial habitats found in South Dakota and how native species are adapted for the climate.  Learn about native grasses, trees, or forbs and how they are quintessential to life here.  Classes also include understanding wildlife management and best practices when it comes to conservation. 

Students will engage in a comprehensive series of classes that will teach them the best trap, bait, lure, and trap set for each target species. Students will leave the class with an understanding of how to find the best location to set traps, what tools and resources are necessary to be successful, and what their options are once an animal has been captured. 

Environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.  PLT helps develop students’ awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the environment, builds their skills and ability to make informed decisions and encourages them to take personal responsibility for sustaining the environment.  Once certified you will be provided curriculum and supplies necessary to engage children in learning both outside and indoors.  

In a partnership between Pheasants Forever, and South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, the Veterans and Veterans Families program, will be tailored to providing Veterans, and Veteran Families the tools needed to explore the expansive outdoor resources offered in South Dakota. By using a comprehensive network of Pheasants Forever staff, Game Fish and Parks staff, and Volunteers, program attendants, can expect a professional and personal learning environment accommodating to all skill levels of outdoors enthusiasts.