By Hoy Murphy
Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Outdoor recreation is becoming increasingly popular with women of all ages, and there are many activities from which to choose. Hiking, biking, camping, shooting, fishing, outdoor cooking—all are fun, but they take some instruction. Finding someone to teach those skills in a safe, female-friendly environment is what the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is all about.
This outreach program, sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR), hosts two weekend workshops each year designed for hands-on training in an atmosphere where women can have fun learning new skills. The BOW program is for women who are at least 18 years old and interested in improving an existing skill, learning a new skill or looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. Each person may participate in four half-day courses along with special activities each night. Hundreds of women have gone through the program over the years, learning new outdoors skills with other women and taught by women.
“It’s a tremendous weekend of outdoor experiences,” says Billie Shearer, BOW coordinator. “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman classes are conducted by DNR staff members and volunteers with specific areas of expertise. The sessions are in-depth, and class sizes allow for personal instruction.”
The next BOW workshop is scheduled for April 22-24, 2016, at Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis in Tucker County. Advance registration is required. Class choices include overnight backpacking, Dutch oven cooking, self-defense, fly fishing, canning, building emergency bivouacs, canoeing, digital nature photography, beginning rifle shooting, wild game cooking, National Rifle Association Pistol Marksmanship Simulator and birding. Additional classes may be added.
The registration fee includes two nights’ lodging at the Blackwater Falls State Park lodge or cabins, five full meals, refreshments, all equipment necessary for each class and workshop and class instruction. The fee varies depending on the type of lodging chosen.
“BOW welcomes women from all backgrounds to enjoy camaraderie with other women in a supportive, noncompetitive learning environment,” says Shearer.
To learn more about the BOW workshop, contact Billie Shearer at (304) 558-2771 or billie.j.shearer@wv.gov. The BOW registration form can be downloaded at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/bow.shtm.
