Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop comes to Canaan Valley for weekend of hunting, fishing and outdoor activities

Have you ever wanted to immerse yourself in the great outdoors but felt unsure where to start? The Becoming an Outdoors Woman fall workshop is the perfect solution! Join us from September 13–15 at Canaan Valley Resort State Park for an empowering weekend filled with adventure and learning. Whether you’re seeking a fresh experience or rekindling your love for outdoor activities, this workshop offers everything you need to embrace your inner adventurer.

What is Becoming an Outdoors Woman?

The Becoming an Outdoors Woman program is specially designed to introduce women to hunting, fishing, and various outdoor activities in a supportive and encouraging environment. The heart of the BOW experience lies in its weekend workshops, tailored for beginners but open to all skill levels. It’s more than just a getaway — it’s a lifelong apprenticeship program that fosters confidence and skills for outdoor pursuits.

What can I expect from a Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop?

Attending a Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop is an incredible opportunity to step away from the daily grind and dive into the natural beauty of West Virginia. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Expert Guidance: Learn how to hunt, fish and do other outdoor activities with the help of fellow participants, volunteers and the WVDNR’s friendly staff from the Wildlife Resources, Law Enforcement and State Parks sections.

All-Inclusive Experience: Come as you are and immerse yourself in the experience. Your registration fee covers meals and all of the materials and equipment needed for each class. A Friday and Saturday night lodging package is available for an additional fee.

Diverse Activities: Enjoy three days of exciting classes in a friendly and collaborative environment. Classes include:

Archery

There won’t be any “drawbacks” with this class! Learn the basic techniques of target archery with an emphasis on the care and use of the equipment, range safety, stance and shooting style.

Bee Keeping

Buzz into the fascinating world of bees with our Introduction to Beekeeping class! Discover the basics of hive management, honey extraction, and bee care as you learn the essential skills needed to start your own beekeeping journey. Perfect for aspiring apiarists, this class offers hands-on experience and expert guidance to help you nurture your very own buzzing hive.

Beginning Fishing

This will be an introduction to the equipment and skills necessary for the novice to begin to enjoy fishing. Participants will learn to identify fish habitat, basic equipment, knot tying and casting. Participants will then have the opportunity to test out their new skills at Long Branch Lake. First one to catch a fish will win a prize!

Birding

Join me for a crash course in birding! We’ll start by going over the fundamentals of birding including proper binocular use and identifying common West Virginia birds. After, we will venture out on the trails and use our new skills to find and properly identify birds in their natural habitats.

Bow Fishing

Experience the thrill of Bow Fishing! Combine the precision of archery with the excitement of fishing as you aim for a catch in the water. Perfect for adventure seekers, this hands-on class will teach you the techniques and skills needed to successfully hit your target and reel in the fun.

Fish Fillet and Tasting

Join us for Fish Fillet and Tasting! Learn the art of filleting fish with expert guidance, transforming your catch into perfect, boneless fillets. After mastering your filleting skills, enjoy a tasting session where you’ll savor the fresh flavors of your hard work. Perfect for foodies and fishing enthusiasts alike!

Fishing By Boat

Set sail for adventure with our Fishing by Boat class! Learn the essentials of boating and fishing techniques as you navigate waterways in search of your next big catch. With hands-on instruction on equipment, casting, and fish-finding strategies, this class promises a fun and rewarding experience on the water at Mount Storm.

Fly Tying

Dive into the intricate art of Fly Tying! Join our expert instructors to learn the techniques and creativity needed to craft your own fishing flies. Perfect for anglers and hobbyists alike, this hands-on class will equip you with the skills to create custom flies that are as effective as they are beautiful.

Gun Cleaning

Keep your firearms in top shape with our Gun Cleaning class! Learn the essential techniques for disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling your guns to ensure peak performance and longevity. Perfect for enthusiasts and responsible owners, this class combines practical skills with expert tips for maintaining your firearms with precision and care.

Hiking

Do you love being outdoors? Looking for a way to get your steps in? Join us for our hiking course and learn the appropriate equipment and techniques for every level of hiking. With this class you can determine what style of hiking best fits you and your lifestyle!

Introduction to Firearms

Get ready to lock, load, and learn in our Introduction to Firearms class! Experience hands-on training with pistols, .22 rifles, and ARs as our expert instructors guide you through safety, handling, and shooting techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a comprehensive introduction to the exciting world of firearms.

Introduction to Fly Fishing

A laid back how-to style introduction to the sport/art of fly fishing. Information on equipment needed and choosing the right fly rod and reel combo for you. Participants will learn basic aquatic insect identification, beginner knot tying, streamside safety, and various casting techniques. We’ll go through everything you need to get started and get addicted to the art of catching fish on the fly!

Introduction to Shotgun

Step into the world of shotguns with our Introduction to Shotgun class! Gain hands-on experience with this powerful firearm as our expert instructors cover essential safety, handling, and shooting techniques. Whether you’re new to shotguns or looking to refine your skills, this class will equip you with the confidence and knowledge to hit your target with precision.

Jams With Pam

Join us for Jams with Pam! Learn the delightful art of jam-making from our expert, Pam. From selecting the perfect fruits to mastering the canning process, this hands-on class will have you creating delicious homemade jams in no time. Come for the fun, leave with tasty jars of goodness and the skills to sweeten your pantry!

Meat Processing

Master the craft of Meat Processing in this comprehensive class! Learn the essential skills of butchering, deboning, and preparing venison from field to table. With hands-on instruction from experienced professionals, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to turn your deer harvest into delicious, high-quality cuts ready for your next meal.

Mountain Biking I

Hit the trails with confidence in our Mountain Biking 1 class! Perfect for beginners, this introductory course covers the basics of bike handling, gear selection, and trail navigation. Learn essential skills and techniques to tackle mountain terrain while enjoying the thrill of off-road cycling and the stunning beauty of nature.

Mountain Biking II

Take your mountain biking skills to the next level in Mountain Biking 2! This advanced class dives into more challenging techniques, including advanced trail navigation, obstacle handling, and bike maintenance. Push your limits, refine your skills, and conquer more technical terrain while enjoying the thrill of elevated off-road adventures.

Nature Photography

Capture the beauty of the great outdoors in our Nature Photography class! Learn the art of photographing landscapes, wildlife, and natural details as our expert instructors guide you through techniques for lighting, composition, and camera settings. Whether you’re a budding photographer or just love nature, this class will help you frame stunning shots and preserve nature’s splendor through your lens.

So You Got A Deer?

So, you got a deer…now what? This hands-on class will take the mystery out of getting your game from field to table. You will be guided by skilled law enforcement officers through the proper techniques and equipment for field dressing.

Stream Ecology

Basic stream ecology relevant to freshwater fish, freshwater crayfish, freshwater mussels, and aquatic insects. Introduction to their classification, identification, life history, behavior and conservation. Emphasis on stream sampling/surveying for fly fishing or recreation. Waders/high boots/ waterproof shoes recommended.

Trapping

Step into the wild with our Trapping class! Learn the age-old skills of setting traps, understanding animal behavior, and ethically sourcing materials. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists, this hands-on class will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to successfully navigate the art of trapping in the great outdoors.

Up-Cycling

Get creative with Up-Cycling! Transform everyday recycled materials into stunning crafts and unique treasures in this hands-on class. From turning old newspapers into decorative art to repurposing bottles into functional pieces, discover how to give new life to discarded items and unleash your imagination with sustainable, stylish projects.

Wild Game Cooking

Want to transform your successful hunt into a delicious meal? In this course, we will demonstrate quick and easy ways of preparing wild game.

Wilderness First Aid

Equip yourself for any adventure with our Wilderness First Aid class! Learn essential life-saving skills and techniques for handling injuries and emergencies in remote settings. From treating wounds to managing medical situations away from immediate help, this hands-on class prepares you to stay calm, act confidently, and keep yourself and others safe in the wild.

Be prepared for unpredictable weather by packing layered wool clothing and rain gear. Stay updated with the latest information on the WV Becoming an Outdoors Woman Facebook page. If you participate in hunting or fishing courses, you must purchase a license, available at WVdnr.gov.

Benefits of attending a Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop

One of the best things about attending a Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop is that it gives you an opportunity to try a variety of outdoor activities in a low-pressure environment. This hands-on experience helps you determine if you truly enjoy an activity before investing in your own equipment.

Another benefit is that you get to explore these new interests of yours in the breathtaking landscapes of Almost Heaven, West Virginia. From serene fishing spots to challenging hiking trails, you’ll get to experience the beauty of West Virginia’s forests, streams and mountains.

But attending a Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop is more than a weekend of learning — it’s a life-changing experience that empowers you to embrace your inner adventurer with confidence and courage. Whether it’s learning how to navigate a trail and how to row in tandem with a friend, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for yourself, for others and for the outdoors we all love. And as you come back, year after year, the friendships you make will quickly become a caring network of adventurous women who support and inspire you.

Become an Outdoors Woman — register for the fall workshop today!

If you’ve ever wondered how to become outdoorsy without any prior experience, the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop is a perfect solution. Register for the fall workshop 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. Don’t miss your chance to gain the skills, confidence and community support you need to thrive in nature. Register today and get ready to embrace your inner adventurer and make memories that will last a lifetime!