Learning  >  Courses, Seminars & Workshops  >  Getting Started Outdoors

Getting Started Outdoors

 

Interested in learning about hunting but don’t know any hunters?

Then our Hunting Webinars or Getting Started Outdoors (GSO) Hunting Workshops are for you! Learn the basics of hunting including:

  • Hunting skills
  • Equipment and strategies
  • Wild game processing and cooking

 

Attend a Hunting Webinar ALL skill levels welcome

REQUEST to Attend a GSO Hunting Workshop Please review all below before requesting to attend

 

What is Getting Started Outdoors?

Getting Started Outdoors Hunting Workshops address informational barriers to participation and primarily meant for those who are interested in hunting, but don’t know how to get started. GSO is accomplished by providing a surrogate mentored experience for those lacking social support via existing hunting family member or friend.

GSO workshops are designed to teach new to hunting individuals "how to hunt" via a multi-faceted hunting-related skills and strategies experience and then begin hunting on their own, or with the support from family member and friends following the GSO.

Potential hunts, although not guaranteed, may/might follow the GSO workshop, but are largely dependent on conservation partner support (i.e., experienced hunter volunteers) with dates/times TBD and individuals must complete the GSO workshop to be eligible….no exceptions.

 

Getting Started Outdoors Attendance Requirements

  • NEVER Hunted (primary target audience).
  • MINIMAL Hunting Experience (you have NOT ACTIVELY hunted for MORE than THREE years).
  • LACKING Social Support (you have no readily available hunting family members or friends).
  • LAPSED (non-active) hunters including those that have NEVER harvested big game (i.e., turkey or deer).

 

Getting Started Outdoors Attendance Pre-requirements

 

Questions regarding hunting license requirements contact NCWRC Customer Service Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. @ 888-248-6834 or licenses@ncwildlife.org.

 

Webinar and Getting Started Outdoors Must Read

  • Learn about upcoming webinars by subscribing to the agency's monthly e-newsletter N.C. Wildlife Update.
  • GSO attendance is by request only and subject to attendance requirements and prerequisites as noted above.    
  • Since GSO’s are largely dependent on conservation partner facilitation, existing, experienced hunters are sorely needed as instructors, assistant instructors, logistics assistants and scouting/hunting mentors.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I’m an experienced hunter wanting to register a family member for a GSO. Can I register my family member?

Answer: No. Individuals who have hunting family members already have readily available access to a hunting mentor. GSOs are intended for individuals lacking social support via a readily available hunting mentor.

 

Question: I’m an experienced hunter wishing to donate my experience, time and effort at GSOs. Can I assist with a GSO Workshop?

Answer: Yes. Building a pool of volunteer instructors/assistants is critical to GSO expansion. Individuals interested in assisting as instructors with GSOs will be required to “shadow” during a pre-workshop training session before becoming a GSO instructor.  

 

Question: I’m an inexperienced, new hunter and want to learn more so I can mentor my own family and friends. Can I attend the GSO Workshop?

Answer: Yes. GSO Workshops offer new, inexperienced hunters a mentor experience while encouraging continued mentoring of family members and friends beyond the workshop.

 

Question: I’ve never hunted and want to learn more before I begin hunting. Can I attend the GSO Workshop?

Answer: Yes. GSO Workshops offer individuals interested in hunting a mentor experience in the absence of an existing mentor. 

 

Contact

For additional webinar and GSO information including volunteer opportunities to be part of the GSO team, Contact Walter “Deet” James, the Commission’s Hunting Engagement Specialist at gso@ncwildlife.org (preferred), 919-707-0059 (office), 984-202-1387 (mobile).