Advanced Hunting Clinics

CDFW's Advanced Hunting Clinics focus on the "how-tos" of hunting. The series includes sessions on how to hunt turkey, upland game, waterfowl, and big game. Topics covered in each clinic include type of firearm, ammunition, importance of sighting in the firearm, gauging distance, scouting, tracking, field dressing, shoot-don't shoot scenarios, hunter ethics, landowner-hunter relationships, conservation, and safety. The goal of this series of hunting clinics is to develop ethical, conservation-minded, successful hunters through education... taking the hunter a step beyond the basic hunter education course.

Check out our Upcoming Events(opens in new tab)

For more information, email Lt. Erick Elliot, Erick.Elliott@wildlife.ca.gov.

Past Webinars

2024

  • Webinar #38: Buying a Rifle Scope

    January 16, 2024
    In this webinar, we discuss scope nomenclature and considerations prior to purchasing a rifle scope, This is part 1 of a 3 part webinar series.
  • Webinar #39: Bighorn Sheep Hunting

    January 23, 2024
    In this webinar, we'll discuss bighorn sheep, an amazing big game animal. We cover biology, habitat and population distribution with a CDFW wildlife biologist. Then, we discuss hunting tactics with a lifelong sheep hunter and pick his brain regarding practical strategies to make the most of this coveted tag. The webinar also includes some ways for hunters to help with bighorn sheep conservation efforts.
  • Webinar #40: How to Mount a Scope on a Rifle

    January, 30, 2024
    In this webinar, well discuss the how to mount a rifle scope. This is part 2 of a 3 part webinar series.
  • Webinar #41: Land Navigation

    February 6, 2024
    In this webinar, hunters gain practical and basic land navigation strategies, which will lead to making confident, safer and successful hunters.
  • Webinar #42: How to Sight in a Scoped Rifle

    February 20, 2024
    Watch this video to gain a jump start in preparing for hunting season. This webinar discusses how to sight in your scoped rifle.
  • Webinar #43: Gobbler Fever - Catch the Turkey Hunting Bug This Spring!

    March 5, 2024
    This video will provide you the tips, tricks and strategies for making your time in the turkey woods more enjoyable, fun and perhaps even more successful. We conducted a round table discussion with a few long-time turkey hunters as well as with a newbie turkey hunter. The main topic of discussion was tips to successful turkey calling. We talk about when not to call, duration of calling, and tips to calling in wary public land birds. We also discussed some public land tactics for California gobblers.

2023

  • Webinar #29: Turkey Calling and Talking Turkey

    April 11, 2023
    Watch this video for information on turkey calling and how to improve your turkey hunting success. We discuss call technique, give tips to attracting wary public land birds and information on how to optimize turkey hunting on public lands.
  • Webinar #30: The Not So Basics of Bowhunting

    May 16, 2023
    Watch this video to hear about the basics of bowhunting. Hunter Education staff discuss wildlife anatomy and physiology and how this knowledge applies to ethical bowhunting followed by a breakdown of the Broadhead Delivery System (AKA Bow and Arrow). Additionally, there is a discussion of the 12 key arrow factors that can increase or decrease your arrow's penetration, and ultimately your efficiency in the field.
  • Webinar #31: Deer Hunting Tactics

    May 25, 2023
    In this video, you'll hear tips and strategies for making your time in the deer woods more enjoyable, and perhaps even more successful. We discuss deer hunting tactics with a California Wildlife officer, who is also an exceptional deer hunter.
  • Webinar #32: How To Achieve The Perfect Trigger Press

    June 1, 2023
    This video covers the vital importance of creating a perfect trigger press. By using “dry practice” and the use of technology, we will have some fun mastering this key fundamental to marksmanship. This video will appeal to all types of people involved in the shooting sports.
  • Webinar #33: How To Stop the Bleed

    August 10, 2023
    Watch this video to learn a skill set that could help save lives. A Stop the Bleed® certified instructor will teach you three quick actions proven to save lives. Bleeding injuries can happen anywhere.
  • Webinar #34: Shotgunning Tips for Upland Game

    August 29, 2023
    This video provides helpful information on becoming more proficient with your shotgun to optimize your bird hunting. We cover hunter safety, shotgun fit, choke and ammunition choice. We also cover foot and body positioning to help acquire, focus on and hit a moving target.
  • Webinar #35: Deer Hunting Tactics - After The Shot

    September 5, 2023
    In this video, you'll hear tips and strategies for what to do after you harvest a deer. CDFW talk deer hunting tactics with experienced deer hunters who will give practical hunting fundamentals to assist you in game recovery techniques to effectively get the deer from the field to your freezer.
  • Webinar#36 - What's in Your Backpack

    November 16, 2023
    Watch this video to learn what are the essential items for your hunting backpack and the other items to put in your pack depending upon your specific hunt. What you choose to include in your pack may just save a life and add to your hunting experience.
  • Webinar #37: How to Build a Medical Kit for Hunters

    December 12, 2023
    Watch this video to hear about the essential items which all hunters should have with them. By carrying a well-built medical kit, hunters can better respond to medical emergencies.

2022

  • Webinar #22: Public Land Target Shooting

    June 23, 2022
    This recorded webinar will give you the tips, tricks and considerations necessary for making your range time safe and effective. It will focus on using public land safely and ethically to help you prepare for your hunting season.
  • Webinar #23: Applying for Dove Hunts

    July 7, 2022
    This webinar provides information you will need to successfully apply for dove hunting opportunities on our state wildlife areas.
  • Webinar #24: Eurasian Dove - A Year Round Hunting Opportunity

    July 21, 2022
    In this recorded webinar, you will learn the distribution and habits of this prevalent invasive species. These birds offer hunting opportunity throughout the year, and they offer great table fare.
  • Webinar #25: California Dove Hunting

    August 4, 2022
    In this recorded webinar, you'll learn about the distribution and habits of California dove and how to take them in the field.
  • Webinar #26: Deer Hunting in D3, D4, and D5 Hunt Zones

    August 25, 2022
    In this recorded webinar, you'll hear information on hunting deer in the D3-5 Deer Zone. Discussed are herd dynamics, access points, range movements and other helpful tips to help you have success in this popular unit.
  • Webinar #26: Choosing the Right Rifle Ammunition

    September 7, 2022
    Watch this recorded webinar for information on purchasing California-compliant rifle ammunition. In this webinar, we discuss rifle ammunition choices and getting ready for your big game hunts. Being an ethical hunter requires using the right equipment and knowing what you and your equipment are capable of in the field.
  • Webinar #27: California Snipe Hunting - A REAL challenge

    October 12, 2022
    Watch this recorded webinar for information on snipe hunting in California. It is a REAL game bird and although it is not a highly sought-after species, it provides another challenging opportunity and is fine on the table.
  • Webinar#28: Tick Talk - It's Time to Talk Ticks

    December 21, 2022
    Watch this recorded webinar for information on ticks you may encounter during your outdoor expeditions. We discuss dangers of ticks and diseases they are known to carry. We identify different species of ticks and how to prevent exposure or bites from these disease vectors and what to do in case you become a host to one.

2021

  • Webinar #11: Rabbits and Hares- What to Know

    June 24, 2021
    This webinar will prepare you for your pursuits of rabbits and hares throughout our state. You will be taught to recognize the various species and given tips for successful harvest.
  • Webinar #12: Archery Deer Hunting

    July 8, 2021
    This webinar will cover specifics to archery deer hunting in California. We will cover gear, tactics, regulations and other considerations to help you in this pursuit.
  • Webinar #13: Public A-Zone Opportunities

    July 22, 2021
    This webinar will discuss public areas for hunting deer in A-zone. This is an expansive area with not many public land opportunities but you will be given information about many of them and tactics to be successful.
  • Webinar #14: D11, D13, and D15 Deer Zone Opportunities

    August 12, 2021
    This webinar will help those tag holders or future tag holders with their hunting ventures in the D11, D13, and D15 Deer Zones. These zones can all be hunted by possessors of one of the tags and the area is home to the closest deer and bear hunting opportunities for the greater Los Angeles area.
  • Webinar #15: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Hunter Responsibility

    August 25, 2021
    We will cover Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) – what it is, your responsibilities as a hunter and how to keep it out of California. CWD is prevalent in many popular western hunting states. Hunters returning to California with their take play an important role in keeping our herds free of this disease.
  • Webinar #16: CalTIP: Hunter Responsibility and Rewards

    September 15, 2021
    This webinar will feature our CalTIP program: Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters. All Californians have a responsibility to conserve our state's resources. Hunters and anglers are the front line in recognizing and discovering many violations. We will cover program specifics and success stories of responsible Californians doing their duty to report violations.
  • Webinar #17: South SF Bay Duck Hunting- Eden Landing and Don Edwards NWR

    October 28, 2021
    This webinar will feature duck hunting opportunities in the San Francisco Bay. Believe it or not there are some great opportunities to hunt waterfowl within this massive metropolitan area.
  • Webinar #18: Waterfowl Hunting and Other Opportunities- Grizzly Island/ Suisun Marsh

    November 2, 2021
    This webinar will feature waterfowl hunting and other opportunities at Grizzly Island WLA and the Suisun Marsh. Come join us for inside information on this CDFW property and this historic marsh.
  • Webinar #19: Waterfowl Hunting-San Pablo Bay and Napa-Sonoma Marshes

    November 4, 2021
    This webinar will feature waterfowl hunting opportunities in San Pablo Bay and Napa-Sonoma Marshes. Come join us for inside information on this little known waterfowl wonderland.
  • Webinar #20: Hunting California Tree Squirrels

    December 23, 2021
    This webinar will present information on our four species of tree squirrels which some consider our most challenging small game mammals. Come learn their distributions, their habitat, and their patterns to help you encounter more squirrels in the field.

2020

Partner Organizations

  • California Deer Association
  • California Hunter Education Instructors Assoc.
  • California Waterfowl Association
  • Friends of Cañada de los Osos Ecological Reserve
  • International Culinary Center
  • National Bow hunters Education Foundation
  • National Wild Turkey Federation, California Chapter
  • Pacific Coast Hunter Education Association
  • Hunter Education Instructor Association of Southern California
  • Safety First Shooting Association
  • Santa Clarita Valley Chapter Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation
  • Hasting Island Hunting Preserve
  • Tejon Ranch
  • Wilderness Unlimited Foundation
Hunter Education Logo

AHE Wild Game Cookbook

Advanced Hunter Education Wild Game Cookbook cover - link opens in new window


The agency receives federal funds. Under federal law, discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, etc. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility of this agency, please contact CDFW’s CRO Officer at (916) 902-5577 or  CivilRights@wildlife.ca.gov, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(opens in new tab), or the U.S. Department of the Interior(opens in new tab), or contact their office as follows:

   Chief, Public Civil Rights Division
   Department of the Interior
   1849 C Street NW
   Washington, DC 20240