Have you ever wanted to volunteer with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries? Or how about host your own fishing clinic? The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will offer a free* Virtual Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Workshop on Wednesday, July 8, through Zoom. Through LDWF’s Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program (Aquatic VIP), participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to teach others about fishing and fisheries-related topics. This program is perfect for homeschoolers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who just enjoys increasing awareness and sharing information with others.

The virtual workshop is open to 10 participants, and attendees will receive the training necessary to become a volunteer instructor, a vital ally in LDWF’s efforts to increase fishing participation and wise utilization of natural resources across Louisiana. Topics and activities include knot tying, casting skills, basic fishing techniques, fish identification, fisheries management, and more. All attendees will be given access to lesson plans and activity guides for grades K-12, as well as additional educational materials.

After completing the training, passing a background check, and attending a field day, volunteers can request to borrow equipment to help teach these topics to others.

To find out more information or to sign up, please visit: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/ldwf-volunteer-programs. Selected participants will receive instructions on how to log in and participate in the Zoom workshop. For any questions about the Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program, contact Heather David at 225-763-5415 or hdavid@wlf.la.gov.

If you cannot make this particular workshop but have a group of people interested in taking this course together, please contact Heather David (hdavid@wlf.la.gov) to set one up.

LDWF’s Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation.? The LWFF was formed to provide a means for individuals and corporations to become partners with the Department and Commission in the challenge of conserving Louisiana’s wildlife and fisheries resources.? 

The Fisheries Extension Outreach Program fosters responsible, licensed anglers by organizing community fishing events and developing opportunities for anglers to participate in the conservation of Louisiana’s aquatic resources. The program promotes awareness of the Sport Fish Restoration Program, which utilizes angler support to help ensure the future of recreational fishing in Louisiana for generations to come. 

*A $10 registration fee is required to reserve your spot during the Zoom webinar. This fee will be returned to you upon your participation.

 The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF receives no state general funding and depends on license sales as a major funding source.  Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here