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 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.
Upcoming Events
Beyond BOW Intermediate Backcountry Fly Fishing
When: April 26-28, 2024
Where: Dolly Sods Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest
Fly Fishing trip at Dolly Sods Wilderness! We will journey 12 miles from Bear Rocks to Red Creek, indulging in the serene art of fly fishing amidst breathtaking landscapes. This trip is geared towards people who are familiar with fly fishing and have experience backpacking. On this trip we will hone our fly fishing skills and potentially embrace cold weather camping!
BOW Spring Workshop
When: May 3-5, 2024
Where: Twin Falls Resort State Park, Mullens, WV
Join the West Virginia BOW program from Friday, May 3rd to Sunday, May 5th at Twin Falls Resort State Park for our Spring Workshop! Participants can register for over 20 unique courses, including hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, target shooting, outdoor recreation and more!