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

Spring BOW Workshop

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

Date: April 4–6, 2025
Location: Pipestem Resort State Park
Cost: $225 (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) 352-1040.

Featured Articles

Backyard pollinator garden tips to help you support native wildlife

Support native wildlife with these simple tips for creating a year-round pollinator habitat on your property. Did you know that pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food you eat? Sadly, several natural and human-caused factors…

Spring into adventure at BOW spring workshop

2025 Becoming an Outdoors Woman Spring Workshop Preview Have you ever wanted to learn how to hunt, fish or explore the great outdoors but felt unsure how to get started? The WVDNR’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman spring workshop is the…

Your 2025 Guide to Spring Gobbler Season in West Virginia

Everything you need to know to prepare for a safe and successful spring turkey hunt in West Virginia West Virginia’s spring gobbler season kicks off with a two-day youth season on April 19–20, giving young hunters a chance to take…

4 Ways You Can Support Wildlife Conservation in West Virginia

How you can help protect West Virginia’s wildlife West Virginia’s diverse landscape is home to 57 species of amphibians and reptiles, 70 wild mammals, 178 species of fish, nearly 300 species of birds and numerous plants and fungi. Supporting wildlife…

Explore West Virginia with Online Hunting and Fishing Map

Interactive hunting and fishing map helps you plan outdoor adventures Are you new to hunting in West Virginia and need a place to practice your shot? Maybe you’re an experienced angler who wants to find your next favorite place to…

GIS Team: Powering Conservation and Outdoor Adventures

Behind the Scenes with the WVDNR’s Geographic Information Systems Team Behind every successful hunting trip, fishing expedition and wildlife conservation effort in West Virginia is the often unseen work of the WVDNR’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team. From tracking wildlife…

Start Your Hunting and Fishing Journey in 2025

Tips and resources to help you become a hunter and angler in 2025 If you’ve ever wanted to hunt or fish but didn’t grow up with those traditions, 2025 is a perfect time to get started. Learning the rules, gathering…

Field Report: Tracking Snowshoe Hares in West Virginia

How WVDNR biologists are uncovering the secrets of a hidden small game species In the quiet, snowy forests of West Virginia, the elusive snowshoe hare can be found hopping across the landscape. Known for their white seasonal coat and oversized…

Bet You Didn’t Know These French Creek Freddie Facts

West Virginia’s 2025 Groundhog Day Celebration is scheduled for Feb. 2 You might know French Creek Freddie as West Virginia’s most popular weather-predicting groundhog, but do you know the story of how Freddie started forecasting or how he got his…

How to Use West Virginia’s Updated Fishing Regulations Summary

Fishing Regulations are a helpful resource for planning fishing adventures in West Virginia Every year, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources releases an update to the state’s fishing regulations. While most regulations remain consistent from year to year, occasional…

Gift of the Outdoors: 2024 WVDNR Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday gifts designed for hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts Need a little help finding a gift for the hunter, angler or outdoors lover in your family? To make holiday shopping easier this year, we’ve partnered with the West Virginia Department…

Top Hunting and Fishing Resolutions for 2025

Your guide to setting outdoor goals for 2025 and beyond The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals and make resolutions for the activities you love. For hunters and anglers in West Virginia, that means…