The outdoors is no place for a woman…or so some used to say. Those days are gone. Move over guys. The Becoming an Outdoors Woman program is helping thousands of women discover
BOW participants can choose from over 50 activities such as camping, backyard wildlife, camp cooking, map and compass, mountain biking, shooting sports (pistol, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader), fishing, hunting, canoeing, nature crafts, archery, ATV handling, motor boat handling, and more. The two newest classes added to the program are fly-tying, and falconry. Participants can also obtain their Hunter Education Certification and Boating Safety Certification during the weekend event.
The BOW workshop is open to females at least 18 years of age, and attendance regularly includes senior adults. Jerry de Bin, Chief of Information and Education, stated, “This event is very popular with women throughout the South. Participants travel from six to eight surrounding states to attend. They are wives, fiancés, mothers, sisters, and grandmothers. The average age of participants is 41, and we routinely have participants ranging from age 18 to over age 70. The fact that women come back and bring others with them is proof that the BOW program makes a difference. The most rewarding part is knowing we are helping families find ways to spend time together in the great outdoors.”
Registration is $175, and covers all meals, lodging, program materials and instruction. All demonstration equipment is provided. Enrollment is limited to 130 applicants. Classes fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit www.outdooralabama.com/administrative/ie/bow.html to download registration form and event details. In the near future, online registration will be available.
For additional information, contact Sylvia Payne, Information and Education Section at 1-800-262-3151; Email: spayne@dcnr.state.al.us; website: www.outdooralabama.com
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