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 (WVDNR) held the first BOW workshop in West Virginia in the autumn of 1997.
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 please contact Ashley Anderson at ashley.n.anderson@wv.gov, or (304) 558-2771.