Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
January 2025
Build Confidence in the Outdoors
Alaskans Afield connects learners with experts
On a dewy bluebird morning in late July, 2024, a motley band of people, dogs, and birds gathered on a field outside of Palmer. Fifteen students, three ADF&G staff, eleven volunteers from the Alaska-Yukon chapter of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA), and eleven trained versatile hunting dogs made up the Alaskans Afield program’s Introduction to Upland Bird Hunting class. The group spent the day learning the basics of upland bird hunting with dogs: from firearm fitting and handling to working dogs in the field, shooting, and finally cleaning and cooking the birds.
The Alaskans Afield program, a partnership between the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and the Outdoor Heritage Foundation of Alaska, offers fun, hands-on learning of hunting, shooting, and outdoor skills for youth and adults and is entering its 12th year of programming.
Alaskans Afield stands out in several ways, especially by connecting local expertise with newcomers and long-term residents alike. Many instructors are passionate volunteers from the local community with diverse backgrounds: from seasoned hunters and wilderness guides to wildlife biologists and passionate recreationalists. Instructors share their knowledge, experience, and love for the outdoors and bring a deep understanding of Alaska’s unique environment, ensuring that classes are informative and based on lived experience.
The program offers hands-on learning, focusing on practical skills that people can use immediately in the field. Classes cover topics related to hunting, shooting, wildlife conservation, and general outdoor recreation. Students learn about sustainable hunting practices, firearm safety, wildlife tracking, and navigating Alaska’s diverse and often challenging terrain. More importantly, these classes provide safe, practical experiences to help participants gain confidence in their outdoor skills.
Another standout feature of Alaskans Afield classes is their non-competitive nature. These courses are designed to welcome people of all skill levels, from beginners looking to try something new to those who want to deepen their knowledge and abilities. The atmosphere is supportive, and instructors focus on personal growth and skill development. This encourages participants to feel comfortable learning at their own pace without pressure, which is especially important for those new to outdoor activities.
Additionally, the program allows participants to try new activities without investing in expensive equipment upfront. Many classes provide all the necessary gear, making it easier for people to test out new activities without committing to a large purchase. Whether it’s firearms training, fly-fishing, or learning to build a shelter, participants can explore various aspects of Alaska’s outdoor life with minimal financial investment.
The program’s reach continues to grow. In 2024 the Alaskans Afield program offered 40 classes across the state from Fairbanks to Juneau. The courses covered a variety of topics, from beginner-level outdoor skills to more advanced classes focused on specific activities like avalanche safety, knife sharpening, muzzle loader certification, and trapping.
Looking to the future, the Alaskans Afield program hopes to expand even further. As the instructor base grows, so will the number of available courses. With the increasing demand for outdoor education, the program aims to offer more classes each year, reaching more communities and offering new opportunities for skill-building and outdoor enjoyment.
The future of the Alaskans Afield program is bright, promising more opportunities for people to learn, explore, and enjoy the beautiful and wild places of Alaska. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the state, Alaskans Afield offers something for everyone looking to grow their outdoor skills in a fun, affordable, and supportive environment.
Learn more about the program, check out the schedule of classes around the state, and subscribe to updates!
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