BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN

"You are part of a pioneering effort to break down barriers to participation of women in outdoor activities"
Christine L. Thomas, Ph.D., Founder of "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman"

The "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" program was started in 1991 by Doctor Christine L. Thomas, Professor of Resource Management, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. The program focuses on providing opportunities for women to learn skills that enhance and encourage participation in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. BOW is an introductory-level workshop that teaches basic courses only. Advanced courses are taught in Beyond BOW.

In September 1994 the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Information and Education Section offered its first "Becoming and Outdoors-Woman" program. It was a sellout. Today, LDWF conducts weekend workshops once a year offering more than 20 specialty courses, ranging from markswomanship to turkey hunting. The National Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Rules state that each workshop must consist of 1/3 hunting-shooting, 1/3 fishing, and 1/3 non-harvest activities to complete a balanced program. For those not interested in hunting, courses like beginning fly fishing and canoeing are offered. The woman who loves nature but not hunting and fishing can learn about outdoor photography, ecology, backpacking and more.

The program does not stop with educational courses. Unity and fellowship flourish at a "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" weekend. LDWF staff makes sure participants are well fed, entertained and housed at one of the finest educational camps in the state. The BOW workshops are held in Pollock, LA (just North of Alexandria, LA) at the Camp Grant Walker 4-H Center.

Regular check-in at the workshop is from 10a.m.-11a.m. Friday. Meals will be provided from Friday Lunch to Sunday Lunch. You will sign up for 4 hands-on educational sessions that are 3.5 hours each and are taught by LDWF personnel and qualified volunteer instructors. Accomodations are dormitory style (bunk beds) with one centrally located bathhouse. You must bring bedding, towels, and toiletry items. At night, enjoy mini sessions, style shows, and bon fires.

You must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

We have scholarships available.

Make for sure that you read the Course Descriptions before registering.

Forms can either be downloaded from this site, faxed to you, or requested by phone. These forms will not be available until the date below.

Registration will only be accepted through the mail and must be accompanied by a check or money order.

2009 Registration Form

Next Workshop: March 19-21, 2010
Registration Begins: Mid-January
Cost: $170
Number of Participants: 125

For more information about Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, visit their Web site at www.uwsp.edu/cnr/bow

For more information contact Dana Norsworthy at 318-345-3912
dnorsworthy@wlf.louisiana.gov
or Bill Breed at 318-343-4044
wbreed@wlf.louisiana.gov