Introduction to Hunting - Level 1

Have you ever wanted to learn how to hunt waterfowl or big game and harvest your own steroid or hormone-free, non-GMO meat, but lacked a mentor to guide you? If so, the SPFGA's inaugural Introduction to Hunting - Level 1 is perfect for you!

This course aims to engage new hunters in this rewarding outdoor activity, aligning with the SPFGA’s mission to promote the conservation and utilization of fish and wildlife resources, habitat protection, and the safe and responsible practice of shooting sports.

Participants will learn about all aspects of hunting from experienced hunters and have hands-on experience with hunting equipment, gear, and Eco-Aim Optical Rifles. In addition to learning about hunting, participants will learn about the importance of hunting to conservation, Alberta's cultural heritage, and the benefits of consumptive use of wildlife.

Registrants will begin the day in the Clubhouse learning about how hunting is an important population management and conservation tool. The larger group will then be split in half, with half heading down to the Archery Range and 3D Archery Trail with our expert bow hunters to shoot both recurve and compound bows, learn about various archery equipment and techniques, as well as learning about bow hunting. The other half will remain in the Clubhouse to learn about essential safety and hunting gear and equipment, how to properly prepare for a hunting trip, track and read sign from various species of wildlife, how a rifle and shotgun work, target shoot with an Eco-Aim Optical Hunting Rifle, and much more.

Lunch is provided as part of the session, with time to reconvene and discuss the morning activities. The groups will switch activities, ensuring everyone experiences both archery and firearm components of hunting.

The day will conclude at the Clubhouse around 4:00 p.m., where we will address any remaining questions and wrap up by 5:00 p.m.

Join us to embark on this journey into the world of hunting, learn valuable skills, and become part of Alberta's hunting heritage! The skills used for hunting animals are also the same skills used for viewing and photographing wildlife.

Based on interest and success, we may offer Introduction to Hunting - Level 2 in 2025, including target shooting at one of our firearms ranges.

If a youth is attending without adult accompaniment, they must be 16 years of age or older. If the youth is accompanied by an adult however, there really isn’t a minimum age. As long as they are old enough to make it through this day of activities and do so safely, they are absolutely welcome to attend.

Chris Russell

Chris is like a superhero, a commercial Millworker at Pro Spec Woodwork by day and serves as the SPFGA President by night. He is also the Vice President of the Field Officer Program for the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights (CCFR). With 10 years of hunting experience, Chris and his wife Debra enjoy hunting together and mentor their two children, aged 12 and 14, in the sport.

Debra Russell

Debra is as into hunting as one can get! During the big game season on any given afternoon Debbie is most likely to be found out in her hunting spot working on calling in her next big buck in for harvest. With 10 years of hunting experience, a 2019 attendee of Becoming and Outdoors Woman (BOW) camp, and key in calling in the largest buck Chris has harvested to date, in the 2023 season. Debbie is a strong advocate for promoting and encouraging women to enter the sport.

Nate Seecharan

Nate, one of our new Board Directors, brings 40 years of hunting experience to the table. Known for his passion for inclusivity and diversity, he embodies a blend of community service, academic excellence, workplace safety, and a love of nature. With a background in lecturing at the University of the West Indies and extensive martial arts training, Nate fervently advocates for safe and responsible firearms ownership and meaningful conservation efforts.

Brandon Myre

Brandon Myre is also one of our new SPFGA Board members who chose to join our team because his interests and values align closely with those of the SPFGA. As an Executive Union Officer and Committee Chairperson with Canadian Pacific Railway, and as an avid hunter, archer and angler, Brandon has tonnes of experience coaching and mentoring people of all ages on a multitude of topic areas.

Don Brockway

Don Brockway has been hunting since he was 12, and bowhunting for more than 20 years. With a profound appreciation for nature, he loves hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. After a 31-year career as a Locomotive Engineer with Canadian Pacific Railway, the SPFGA is fortunate to be able to call Don our Maintenance Technician.

Mike Lepine

Mike Lepine has been passionate about archery since he was 10 years old. Over the years, he has taught archery to people of all ages in varying locals including the Sherwood Park Archery Lanes. Mike was even Don’s archery instructor and mentor! Mike finds great joy in guiding others, whether introducing beginners to the fundamentals or helping seasoned archers refine their techniques. He also loves hunting, and just got back from a hunting adventure of a lifetime in Africa.

Delinda Ryerson

Delinda has nearly three decades of experience in fisheries and wildlife-related research and management in Alberta. Motivated by her love of wild places and wild critters, as well as her commitment to their conservation, Delinda is a passionate advocate for scientifically informed land and wildlife management. For the past two years, she has served as the Executive Director of the Sherwood Park Fish and Game Association (SPFGA). In this role, she has been instrumental in launching the SPFGA Naturalist Series, the SPFGA Outdoor Woman’s Program, the SPFGA Outdoor Youth Program, and this Introduction to Hunting Level 1, all aimed at reconnecting people with nature and the outdoors.

Is lunch provided?

A light lunch and beverages will be provided.

What happens if there's bad weather?

Unless the weather poses safety conditions, this event will happen rain, shine or snow. Please check the forecast and ensure you are dressed appropriately.

What else should I bring?

As there will be an outdoors component to this course, ensure you wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the weather for the day.

We will registration fees if an event is cancelled. Outside of that, individual refunds will not be provided. Please ensure your availability prior to booking. Individuals who cannot make the event may transfer their registration to another individual.

Introduction to Hunting - Level 1 is made possible through a generous grant from the Minister’s Special Licence – Auction (MSLA).

Host or Publisher Sherwood Park Fish & Game Association Board