Learn To Hunt and Fish Series

Learn To Hunt and Fish Series

The knowledge you need to bridge the gap between CORE and the great outdoors

Have you ever wanted to take that plunge into the outdoors to join the ranks of sourcing the cleanest proteins available as a hunter? Perhaps you already have your hunting license, and are looking for some tips and tricks, and to fill some gaps in your knowledge.

Ever wanted to chuck a line into a lake but have no idea where to start?

The new B.C. Wildlife Federation Learn to Hunt and Fish Series is for you.

We are offering education – both in person and virtual – to teach new hunters how to get started and to give experienced hunters the tips and tricks they need to elevate their skills.

 

Online Episodes

Learn to Hunt and Fish Series online episodes will cover everything from virtual sessions with the BC Conservation Officer Service that touch on common infractions in the backcountry, and how you can avoid them- to learning how to hunt turkey, as well as how to fish for kokanee, and more!

A BCWF membership gets you free access to all episodes of the Learn to Hunt and Fish Series! Presentations are $30 an episode (except those offered by the BC Conservation Officer Service, and our first “Biology of a Trout Lake with Brian Chan” presentation, which are free to all)

$56 for a membership for a year gets you live access to all episodes, as well as the ability to replay them at your convenience if you missed one! Get yours today at bcwf.bc.ca/membership!

Note: You must be an active BCWF member prior to the session to be able to access it for free. No refunds will be provided for joining after an episode has occurred.

Learn to Fly-tie #1 - Learning The Basics - Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 8pm on Zoom

A beginners deep dive into learning your fly tying vise, essential tying tools, and how to properly use them. During this session we will be featuring a basic Bloodworm pattern that is essential for early season ice-off and throughout the open water season.

Presented by Brandon Molzahn from Tying is My Vise

Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 8:00pm on Zoom

Tools Required:

  • Tying Vise
  • Bobbin
  • Scissors
  • Whip Finisher
  • Bodkin
  • UV Flashlight

Optional Tools:

  • Half Hitch Tool
  • Hackle Pliers
  • Bead Tweezers
  • Bobbin Holder
  • Needle Nose Pliers

Materials Needed:

  • Curved Nymph Hook Sz 12 (or similar profile)
  • Matte Black or Black Nickel Bead Sz 5/64 or 2mm
  • Red Thread 70D or similar thickness
  • Red Holographic Chironie Skin or Tinsel
  • Black or Silver Wire Sz X-Small or 0.1mm
  • Thin Viscosity UV Resin or Sally Hansen Hard as Nails
Learn to Fly-tie #2 - The Chironomid - Wednesday, March 13 at 8pm on Zoom

Learn how to tie the Chironomid Pupa; an essential pattern for your fly box. These tiny insects can make up over 70% of trout’s diet and in this session, I will show you tips and techniques to create extremely imitative chironomids and how to fish these patterns effectively.

Presented by Brandon Molzahn from Tying is My Vise

Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 8:00pm on Zoom

Tools Required:

  • See list in “Learn to Fly-tie #1”

Materials Needed (2 Chironomid Patterns):

  • Curved Nymph Hook Sz 12, 14, or 16 (or similar profile)
  • Black Nickel Beads & White Beads Sz 2.8mm, 2.4mm, or 2.0mm respectively
  • Black Thread 70D or similar thickness
  • Rusty Brown Thread 70D or similar thickness
  • Uni Stretch in White (gills)
  • Silver Wire Sz Small or 2.0mm
  • Anti Static Bag Sz .75mm
  • Red & Brown (Mocha) Holographic Chironie Skin or Tinsel
Learn to Fly-tie #3 - Essential Stillwater Patterns Vol 1 - Wednesday, March 20 at 8pm on Zoom

In this session we will discuss a few essential stillwater patterns to have in your fly box. Patterns discussed in this session will include: Scuds, Leeches, Damselfly Nymphs, and Dragonfly Nymphs; featuring tying demonstrations of two must-have patterns: The Straggle Leg Scud, and Brian Chan’s Ruby Eyed Leech.

Presented by Brandon Molzahn from Tying is My Vise

Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 8:00pm on Zoom

Tools Required:

  • See list in “Learn to Fly-tie #1” PLUS
  • Dubbing Brush
  • Lighter

Materials Needed:

The Straggle Leg Scud

  • Scud Hook Sz 10, 12, or 14
  • Olive Thread 70D or similar thickness
  • Olive Straggle String or similar material
  • Gold Wire Sz Small
  • Uni Stretch White
  • Ostrich Herl Tan or White
  • 20lb Monofilament
  • Scud Back 1/8″ in Olive or Sow Bug

Brian’s Ruby Eyed Leech

  • Curved Nymph Hook Sz 10 (or similar profile)
  • Black Thread 70D or similar thickness
  • Conehead Bead Sz X-Small
  • Red Glass Bead Sz 2.8mm
  • Black/Red Arizona Simi Seal
Learn to Fly-tie #4 - Essential Stillwater Patterns Vol 2 - Wednesday, March 27 at 8pm on Zoom

In this session we will continue our deep dive into Essential Stillwater Patterns with a focus on the Damselfly Nymph and the Dragonfly Nymph. These are a staple on a trout’s diet throughout the year and showcased during this tying session will be two of my favorite patterns to add to your fly box.

Presented by Brandon Molzahn from Tying is My Vise

Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 8:00pm on Zoom

Tools Required:

  • See list in “Learn to Fly-tie #1” PLUS
  • Lighter
  • Thin Point Sharpie
  • Tongue and Groove Channel Lock Pliers

Materials Needed:

Damselfly Nymph

  • Curved Nymph Hook Sz 12 or 14 (or similar profile)
  • Olive Thread 70D or similar thickness
  • Olive Marabou
  • Gold Wire Sz Small
  • Olive Straggle Legs or similar material
  • 20lb Monofilament
  • Scud Back 1/8″ in Olive or Sow Bug

Dragonfly Nymph

  • Nymph Hook Sz 8 or 10
  • Brown or Olive Thread 110D or similar thickness
  • 3mm Brown or Olive Foam
  • Burnt Orange Barred or Red Barred Sililegs
  • 20lb Monofilament
  • UV Resin Flexman or Flexible Gorilla Clear Glue
Learn to Fly-tie #5 - Attractor Patterns: The Blob & The Boobie - Wednesday, April 3 at 8pm on Zoom

Attractor patterns can be an absolute day-saver when there aren’t any insect hatches present, if the fish aren’t actively feeding, or as a pattern to first start out your day in order to obtain a throat sample. This session will walk you through two irresistable Attractor patterns The Blob, and The Boobie.

Presented by Brandon Molzahn from Tying is My Vise

Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 8:00pm on Zoom

Materials Needed:

The Blob

  • Scud Hook Sz 10
  • White Thread 70D or similar thickness
  • Chartruese or Orange Bead 2.8mm
  • Jelly Fritz Material 15mm Biscuit (or any color)
  • Pearl Krystal Flash

The Boobie (Tequila)

  • Nymph Hook Sz 10
  • White Thread 70D or similar thickness
  • White Boobie Eyes
  • Orange Marabou
  • Orange and Yellow Jelly Fritz Material 15mm

Learn to Hunt Academy

A two-day in-person workshop to develop your hunting field skills

The BCWF Learn To Hunt Academy is an immersive hunter education program that will help you gain all the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to be a safe and successful hunter in BC. Whether you’re brand new to hunting or looking to further develop your hunter competencies, this workshop provides the opportunity to learn hands-on skills from local experts.

2024 Dates Coming Soon!

Missed an Episode? Catch up online!

BCWF members can log into the member portal on our site to watch past episodes of the Learn to Hunt and Fish Series. The first time you log in, you will have to register and create an account, which will be linked to your membership. Please allow up to 24 hours for your account to be approved.

After your account has been approved and you have logged on, you will see the episode headers on the left side under ‘Membership Benefits’.

If you have technical difficulties using the member portal, please contact advocacy@bcwf.bc.ca.

Free episodes available on YouTube:

Title: Presenter: Original Air Date:
Learn to Hunt: What You Need to Know in the Field Inspector Shawn Brinsky, Conservation Officer Service August 23, 2023
Learn to Hunt: How to Get Your CORE in B.C. Travis and Tiffany Bader, Silvercore Outdoors August 28, 2023
Learn to Hunt: How to Get Your Canadian Firearms License  Travis and Tiffany Bader, Silvercore Outdoors September 6, 2023

Episodes hosted in the member portal include:

The “Learn to Flyfish” series, hosted by Brian Chan of Riseform Flyfishing Ventures:

Title: Presenter: Original Air Date:
Learn to Flyfish 1: Biology of a Trout Lake Brian Chan, Riseform Flyfishing Ventures February 13, 2023
Learn to Flyfish 2: Introduction to Common Trout Food Sources and Provincial Stocking Program Brian Chan, Riseform Flyfishing Ventures March 23, 2023
Learn to Flyfish 3: Gearing Up for Lake Flyfishing Brian Chan, Riseform Flyfishing Ventures April 3, 2023
Learn to Flyfish 4: How to Fish Chironomids Brian Chan, Riseform Flyfishing Ventures April 12, 2023
Learn to Flyfish 5: How to Fish Mayflies and Damselflies Brian Chan, Riseform Flyfishing Ventures May 31, 2023
Learn to Flyfish 6: How to Fish Caddisflies and Dragonflies Brian Chan, Riseform Flyfishing Ventures June 5, 2023
Learn to Flyfish 7: How to Fish Shrimp and Leeches Brian Chan, Riseform Flyfishing Ventures June 21, 2023

The Learn to Hunt Series:

Title: Presenter: Original Air Date:
Learn to Hunt: Turkey Mark Hall, the Hunter Conservationist March 15, 2023
Learn to Hunt: Black Bears Dylan Eyers, Eat Wild April 5, 2023
Learn to Hunt: Elk Hunting Basics TJ Schwanky, Outdoor Quest May 2, 2023
Learn to Hunt: Before the Hunt Jeremy Pauls, BC Conservation Officer Service May 15, 2023
Learn to Hunt: Butchering Stan Troyer, Stan’s Custom Cutting July 29, 2023
Learn to Hunt: Trail Cameras Grant Hiebert,  Southern Interior Mule Deer Project October 16, 2023

The Learn to Fish Series:

Title: Presenter: Original Air Date:
Learn to Fish: The Basics of Kokanee Fishing Danny Coyne, Freelance Outdoor Writer April 17, 2023
Learn to Fish: Freshwater Fisheries Mike Gass, Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. June 27, 2023
Learn to Fish: An Introduction for Women Anglers Beverly Rice and Sarah Bellows July 10, 2023
Learn to Fish: Fly Fishing a Stream Danie Erasmus September 24, 2023
Learn to Fish: The Basics of Ice Fishing Ben Fougere from Fougere Family Adventures November 21, 2023