Helena will host a Plan to Hunt workshop series from August through December for adults that are new to hunting or just want to expand their skills and understanding in order to hunt more confidently in Montana. The first workshop is Aug. 25, 6pm, at Montana WILD (2688 Broadwater Ave).

These free workshops will offer hands-on training and access to local experts and mentor hunter instructors. Attend all or just one, and no pre-registration is required.

Workshops are hosted and instructed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), Montana Wildlife Federation, Helena Hunters and Anglers and Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO). For more information, contact Thomas Baumeister at 406-444-9946.

• The hunting experience you want
  Aug. 25 — 6pm — Montana WILD (2668 Broadwater Ave)
  Discover how to decode the hunting regulations and what permits, licenses, gear, mapping and other tools are available to help you plan and prepare for your hunt.
• Getting into the game
  Sept. 1 — 6pm — Mt Helena Trailhead (Reeder’s Village Trailhead Parking Lot)
  Experienced hunters will share how to map, scout, track and better understand the behavior and movement patterns of the game you are pursuing.
• Packed and sighted-in
  Sept. 15 — 6pm — Capital Sports (1092 Helena Ave)
  See what gear is in the pack of Montana’s hunters and the firearms and archery equipment you need for the animals you are pursuing.
• From field to freezer
  Sept. 29 — 6pm — Montana WILD (2668 Broadwater Ave)
  Learn the steps—from field dressing, to transport, to wild game processing, that help you move an animal from the field to freezer. This workshop includes hands-on field dressing and other demos.
• Pre-season questions
  Oct. 6 — 6pm — Montana WILD (2668 Broadwater Ave)
  Join us for an open-session Q&A with local experts to help ensure you are ready for opening day.
• Locally grown and served
  Oct. 25 — 6pm — Location TBD
  Local hunters and farmers will show you how to take your harvest and turn it into easy, healthy and creative wild harvest meals. Enjoy a meal as you learn.
• Celebrate the hunt!
  Dec. 9 — 6pm — Montana Wildlife Federation (5530 North Montana Ave)
  A post-season potluck filled with locally harvested and gathered ingredients. We’ll share stories, talk about what we learned and plan for the 2017 season, all while enjoying food and refreshments.