MassWildlife's outdoor education programs are only possible with the support of dedicated and passionate volunteers. Depending on the program, volunteers can expect to commit to anywhere from 1 hour to a full day. Volunteers support MassWildlife staff with a variety of tasks including setting up equipment, registering participants, and teaching or co-teaching established lessons alongside veteran volunteers and agency staff. Volunteers engage at their own comfort level with support from MassWildlife.
How to volunteer
Read the descriptions below to learn about our programs and volunteer needs. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about what's involved, complete this form or contact MassWildlife’s Volunteer Coordinator Jeff Osgood at jeffrey.osgood@mass.gov or (508) 389-7825.
Teach Freshwater Fishing
MassWildlife’s Angler Education Program offers clinics, festivals, and seminars to teach people of all ages and abilities about freshwater fishing. These hands-on programs are designed to be engaging and fun for all. While most program offerings are geared towards beginners and families, MassWildlife also offers some next level fishing programs such as Ice Fishing and Fly Tying. If you want to share your fishing knowledge and experience with others, consider becoming a Volunteer Angler Education Instructor. To learn more, complete this form or email Outdoor Education Volunteer Coordinator Jeff Osgood at jeffrey.osgood@mass.gov.
Teach Hunter Education
The MassWildlife Hunter Education Program offers six different courses. The main course is Basic Hunter Education which is open to everyone and is required for adults who want to purchase a hunting license for the first time. Click here to learn how to become a Volunteer Instructor with the Hunter Education Program.
Teach Next-Step Hunting Skills Programs
MassWildlife offers a range of next-step classes for new hunters to help build their confidence in the field. There are a range of programs that help new hunters, which are listed below:
- The Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program: Shooting skills workshops, hunting seminars, mentored hunts, and other classes and activities designed for adult women.
- Learn to Hunt: In-person and online hunting classes that teach safety and skills to beginning and intermediate hunters. Types of classes include skill-specific classes such as Turkey Calling, Scouting, Treestand Safety, and Field Dressing, as well as species-specific classes such as Deer Hunting 101, Turkey Hunting 101, and Small Game Hunting.
- Youth Turkey Hunt and Youth Pheasant Hunt Programs: These programs introduce hunter education graduates aged 12–17 to hunting through this safe and fun program that includes a seminar, time on the range, and a mentored hunt.
To learn more about volunteering for any of these hunting skills programs, complete this form or email Outdoor Education Volunteer Coordinator Jeff Osgood at jeffrey.osgood@mass.gov.
Become a hunting mentor
Mentors play a critical role by encouraging new hunters and helping them develop their hunting skills. For new hunters who may not have family or a social network to help them get started, the support and guidance of a mentor can be crucial to learning the ropes in the field. If you are interested in being a mentor, visit the International Hunter Education Association’s Learnhunting.org website which pairs new hunters with experienced hunters. Mentees will need to subscribe and pay a fee, but it is free for mentors. After signing up as a mentor, which includes a background check, you would have access to educational courses and be matched with new hunters. You can change your availability at any time, and you decide who you want to connect with and how, whether it's meeting up in the field or providing guidance virtually. Click here to learn more and sign up.