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 perfect solution! This inclusive community will help you embrace your inner adventure, whether you’re seeking a fresh experience or rekindling your love for outdoor activities. The workshop is scheduled for April 4–6 at Pipestem Resort State Park. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program?
Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) is a nationally recognized program administered through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. It is designed to offer hands-on, outdoor activities for women 18 years of age or older and of all fitness levels.
The program began in 1991 at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In 1997 the WVDNR held the first BOW workshop in West Virginia. The workshop is designed to teach women outdoor skills in hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation–activities that have traditionally been male-dominated.
BOW fosters a welcoming environment by recognizing that beginners are attending with a genuine interest in learning. The program offers a safe, professional environment for beginners to learn and apply their new skills. Instructors are patient, enthusiastic and passionate about their subjects. They strive to create an atmosphere where women feel comfortable asking questions, taking their time, and receiving encouragement throughout their learning experience.
Why You Should Attend the Spring BOW Workshop
WVNDR hosts both a fall and spring workshop annually. The spring workshop is traditionally held in the southern region, allowing instructors to offer classes suited to warmer weather, such as river snorkeling and wildflower identification. This year marks WVDNR’s first BOW workshop at Pipestem Resort State Park, where participants will have the opportunity to explore several park amenities. The fall workshop will take place at Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
The BOW workshop covers a range of skills on a variety of subjects. To keep the experience engaging and fresh, the classes are rotated annually. A sampling of classes and electives might include:
- Introduction to Firearms
- Fly Fishing
- Wild Game Cooking
- Archery
- Stream Ecology
Confidence and Community in the Outdoors
The women who complete this innovative program are rewarded with a new sense of accomplishment and a new set of friends who share their passion for the outdoors. Learning an outdoor skill enhances their confidence by enabling them to accomplish tasks they may have once thought beyond their abilities, particularly on their own. In addition to acquiring new skills, participants discover that they are capable and well-equipped to perform these tasks independently. This process fosters a sense of empowerment, demonstrating that they are capable of achieving anything they set their mind to.
The WVDNR boasts many success stories from satisfied graduates. The most recent success involves a participant who has attended several BOW events over the past few years. She proudly shared photos of herself holding her first squirrel during a squirrel hunt. She was thrilled with her achievement and eager to share it with the community, who were all equally excited and proud of her accomplishment.
Staying Connected
BOW workshops typically host over 75 women who travel from across West Virginia and even from out of state to attend. Throughout the event, participants engage with one another in classes, room together and share meals, fostering a strong sense of community. Over the course of the three days, participants exchange contact information, share stories about their families, and make plans to connect throughout the year.
Workshop graduates are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming events by subscribing to the newsletter and visiting the WVDNR website. Throughout the year, instructors host smaller events known as “Beyond BOW,” which typically focus on a single area of interest. Past events have included the Upland Bird Hunt, Beginner Fly Fishing and Hatchery Tours, and Float Trips. Classmates are also encouraged to connect with one another and organize their own excursions.
What to Expect and How to Sign Up
Long after the workshop is completed, the program continues to inspire women to continue exploring outdoor recreation. Instructors equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to explore their newly acquired skills independently, without waiting for a BOW event. The goal is for them to leave the weekend feeling informed, educated, and confident in the skills they’ve learned. Connecting with like-minded individuals further encourages outdoor exploration, as they share photos from their adventures, exchange stories, and venture out together to continue exploring
The BOW spring workshop takes place April 4–6, 2025 at Pipestem Resort State Park. Registration is $225 and includes classes, required equipment and meals. Lodging is an additional fee and cost is dependent on single or double occupancy. While WVDNR does not require participants to bring materials for every class, some instructors may recommend bringing specific items to enhance their experience in certain classes.
Register for the Spring Workshop Today!
Don’t miss your chance to join a community of outdoor enthusiasts and discover your potential at the WVDNR’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman spring workshop. Register today at WVdnr.gov/becoming-an-outdoor-woman. But hurry. Space is limited to the first 75 participants (18 and older) who submit a completed registration form and spots fill up fast.