Program kickoff, introductions, tour of facilities, overview of learning path and expectations.

Licensing info and CORE exam guidance.

Meet mentors, steering committee, First Nations and conservation partners.

Social BBQ — great opportunity to make friends and swap stories.

Overview of hunting styles (blind, stalk, tree stand), legal requirements for Gulf Islands.

Basic navigation: map, GPS, compass, and orienteering essentials

Practical shooting test with mentors evaluating accuracy, safety and handling.

Passing earns certificate eligibility.

Year-round: Mayne Island fallow deer hunts (dates & logistics TBC). These trips offer intense, real-world experience for those ready and licensed.

Aug 25 — Youth blacktail bowhunting season (start) — mentorship-focused outings.

Sep 10 — Adult blacktail bowhunting season (start) — guided group hunts available.

Deep dive into island ecology and the impacts of deer over browsing.

First Nations perspectives on food sovereignty, stewardship and respectful harvesting.

Practical discussion: how cultural protocols shape behavior in the field.

Group reflection and commitment to ethical conduct.

Essential gear lists for varying conditions; how to prepare for a hunt.

After-shot procedures: tracking, recovery, and respecting property boundaries.

Field-dressing basics and disease awareness.

Hygienic field-dressing and butchering basics, best preservation practices.

Cooking ideas and community sharing: quick demos on tasty, sustainable venison recipes.

Resources: local butchers, freezers and processing options.

Hands-on equipment setup and tuning with mentors; safety checks and legal requirements.

Target practice basics, sighting, arrow selection and maintaining your equipment.

Establish personal practice plans to reach certification.

Group safety and communication protocols for guided hunts.

First aid basics, accident response and what to do in difficult situations.

Transporting and temporary preservation of meat; respectful disposal of remains for landowners.

(evening hunts starting at 5 PM until dusk)