Advanced Hunting Clinics

We would love your suggestions! Help us determine topics for upcoming Advanced Hunter Education Program clinics by taking this 5-minute survey. We value your input, aim to meet your needs, and will only offer clinics that fit the current COVID-19 response circumstances.

Start Survey

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 #52: Deer Management and Chronic Wasting Disease

    August 13, 2024
    In this video, we discuss deer hunting opportunities, deer management/conservation efforts and Chronic Wasting Disease also known as CWD.
  • Webinar #51: Tule Elk Hunting

    July 23, 2024
    In this video, we teach hunters about the Tule Elk, which is found only in California. We will discuss the history, habitat and population distribution with an expert in the field. Then, we'll discuss hunting tactics with an experienced Tule Elk hunter and pick his brain on practical strategies to make the most of this coveted tag.
  • Webinar #50: Wild Game Canning 101

    July 16, 2024
    Are you tired of freezer burned meat? Is your freezer full? Are you looking for a creative and delicious method to make the most of the wild game meat you harvest this fall? This video will cover how to ‘can’ and preserve wild game meat. Our presenter shares 40 years of experience, cover the many benefits of canning wild game and teach the entire process of canning.
  • Webinar #49: Wildlife Tracking

    June 25, 2024
    This recorded webinar is designed to help people better identify different animal tracks (mainly deer vs elk, mountain lion vs dog vs coyote, black bear, and other small critters found in California). The presenter, who is certified with Tracker Certification North America, discusses information on animal sign, myths with tracking, and basics on how to get into it and practice tracking animals (following them). Information includes some of the legal considerations and some of the related laws in regard to wildlife harassment and ethics.
  • Webinar #48: Hunting With Kids - The Next Generation of Hunters

    June 11, 2024
    In a world that has so many competing attractions, how do we get kids excited about hunting? This video discusses practical ways we can help young people foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors. This video is designed to show some tried and true strategies which have been used to encourage and motivate our young people to enjoy hunting, talk about it with their friends... so, they too will be looking forward to the next season opener.
  • Webinar #47: Hunting Fitness: Some Strategies for the Everyday Hunter

    May 28, 2024
    Have you ever thought of the positive impact that hunting can have on other aspects of your life? This video discusses the following:
    - How hunting can help motivate people to get into and stay in year-round shape.
    - Benefits to fitness as it applies to hunting.
    - Some practical things that a person can do to increase their fitness level and better enjoy their hunts.
  • Webinar #46: Pronghorn Hunting

    May 21, 2024
    In this video, we discuss, biology, habitat and population distribution of pronghorn. Then, we cover hunting tactics with pronghorn hunters and provide practical strategies to make the most of this coveted tag.
  • Webinar #45: Elk Hunting

    April 30, 2024
    This video provides hunters information about the largest of the California big game animals. We discuss biology, habitat and population distribution with a wildlife biologist. Then, we cover hunting tactics with some elk hunters and pick their brains about some practical strategies to make the most of this coveted tag. The video includes some of the ways hunters help in elk conservation efforts.
  • Webinar #44: Common Mistakes Made in a Wilderness Emergency

    March 26, 2024
    How well would you respond during a wilderness emergency? During emergencies, we often respond to our training or lack of it. In this video, some of the common mistakes to avoid during a wilderness emergency are presented.
  • 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.
  • 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.

2023

  • 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.
  • 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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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.

2022

  • 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.
  • 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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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.

2021

  • Webinar #1: The Mentor and Mentoree-Some Expectations

    January 28, 2021
    This Advanced Hunter Education webinar will address some expectations of a hunting mentor and those of a mentoree. Both parties want to feel like they had the best experience possible sharing the field. All shared success will provide a reason to share again. Learn some important elements.
  • Webinar #2: Wild Turkey Hunting Applications for CDFW Hunts

    February 4, 2021
    This webinar will guide you through the application process for upcoming turkey hunts on CDFW lands. Get the help you need for successfully submitting your applications for these great hunting opportunities.
  • Webinar #3: Wild Pig Hunting on Public Lands

    February 11, 2021
    This webinar will discuss options for public land wild pig hunting. Learn where you may pursue this highly sought-after big game mammals.
  • Webinar #4: Turkey Hunting with a Junior or New Hunter

    March 4, 2021
    This webinar will discuss turkey hunting with a junior or new hunter and the steps necessary to make it an enjoyable and successful hunt.
  • Webinar #5: Turkey Hunting 101

    March 18, 2021
    This webinar will cover many aspects for a successful turkey hunt. Join us as we share information on how to bag a wild turkey.
  • Webinar #6: Archery Turkey Hunting

    April 8, 2021
    This webinar will cover many aspects for a successful turkey hunt with a bow. Join us as we share information on how to bag a wild turkey using archery equipment.
  • Webinar #7: Applying for Big Game Tags

    April 22, 2021
    This webinar will cover how to successfully apply for all big game tag applications. Learn how the process works and how to properly apply for your hunt choices.
  • Webinar #8: Introduction to Bowhunting

    May 13, 2021
    This webinar will cover how to get started in the bow hunting tradition. We will help you make the proper steps to safely and effectively enter this challenging pursuit.
  • Webinar #9: Wilderness First Aid

    May 27, 2021
    This webinar will help you with considerations for safely going into and coming from the field. You will be given some ideas for treatment of injuries you may experience in the field. All outdoor recreationalist should benefit from this webinar.
  • Webinar #10: Virtual Scouting

    June 17, 2021
    This webinar will expose you to tools to help you scout your area of interest from the comfort of your home prior to going into the field. You will be able to learn some tips to make your field scout more productive.

2020

AHE
Wild Game
Cookbook

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

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

This 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, or the U.S. Department of the Interior, or contact their office as follows:

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

Hunter Education Program
P.O. Box 980215, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9939
HunterEducation@wildlife.ca.gov | (916) 653-1235