The Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) is a program designed to offer hands-on, outdoor activities for women 18 years of age or older and of all fitness levels. BOW is a nationally recognized program and it originally began in 1991, offered through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources held the first BOW workshop in West Virginia in the autumn of 1997.

Upcoming Events

Fall Workshop

Learn how to fish and hunt, or rekindle your love for outdoor activities at the WVDNR’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman fall workshop. With more than 20 classes to choose from, this event will help you embrace your inner adventurer.

Date: September 26-28, 2025
Location: Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Cost: (includes meals and materials/equipment needed for each class)

Workshop is limited to 75 individuals. Register today to secure your spot!

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshops

BOW weekend workshops are designed to introduce women to a variety of hunting, fishing, and other outdoor related activities.  Workshops are held in a non-competitive atmosphere with patience, encouragement and support from instructors, staff, and participants. Classes may include fly fishing, fly tying, canning, wild game cooking, archery, shotgun and rifle shooting, wildlife habitat, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, nature photography, basic fishing, boat and trailering, and more. Classes vary from year to year and setting to setting.  These weekend workshops are designed to be at the beginner level and provide the opportunity for ladies to experience something new or to renew interests in outdoor pursuits.  BOW (Becoming an Outdoors Woman) is a great way to try a new hobby or activity and discover if you would truly like it, before buying all the equipment.  Regardless, the activities and classes are great way to discover and explore the great outdoors of Almost Heaven.

For additional information about the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program and activities, call 304-352-5114.

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