Becoming An Outdoors-Woman are workshop's focused on the learning of outdoor skills - skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, but useful for many outdoor pursuits. Designed primarily for women, it is an opportunity for anyone 18 years of age or older, and is for you if: you have never tried these activities and want the opportunity to learn; you are a beginner looking to improve your skills; you are familiar with some outdoor activities, but would like to try your hand at new challenges; you are looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman began as a course at the University of Wisconsin looking into the reasons more women don't participate in many outdoors activities, such as hunting and fishing. It was determined that women preferred to learn these skills in a non-competitive atmosphere along with other women. Professor Christine Thomas ran a workshop the following year that quickly filled to capacity. More than double the number accepted were interested in attending.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW's) are hands-on workshops that teach adults outdoor skills while building their confidence in their ability to get out and safely enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. BOW helps women grow and become more confident by offering classes in an encouraging, supportive, and non-competitive learning environment. BOW classes are kept small so that participants receive plenty of one-on-one interaction with friendly, supportive instructors. No experience is necessary and BOW is for adults of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Colorado BOW has had participants ranging in age from 18 to 85. BOW attendees enjoy camaraderie with others and experience what many call a life-changing, fun-filled weekend.
Class offerings at BOW workshops vary according to season but focus on three areas: shooting/hunting, fishing/boating, and other outdoor activities. The workshops span a weekend, beginning at noon on Friday and ending around 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The weekend is divided into four instructional sessions, that are three and a half hours each. Participants choose from a variety of classes such as big game hunting, field dressing, spin and fly fishing, snow machining, archery, dog mushing, kayaking, skijoring, cross-country skiing, canoeing, canning and smoking fish, wild edible plants, survival, map and compass, tracking and trapping, and outdoor cooking. Classes are hands-on and include time outdoors.
Evenings at a weekend workshop are filled with fun and camaraderie. There may be activities such as campfires, "round robin" skill stations, fish and game tasting opportunities, BOW Olympics, outdoor clothing fashion shows, or special guest presentations. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the social side that comes with outdoor activities and to make connections with like-minded individuals whom they may be able to enjoy outdoor activities.
Becoming an Outdoors Women (BOW) is proudly operated by the Colorado Wildlife Federation and is the reason the Becoming an Outdoors Women program strives here in Colorado!
The Colorado Wildlife Federation is Colorado’s oldest and most effective wildlife conservation organization. They are advocates for our state’s wildlife. Their membership includes those who care about wildlife - anglers, hunters, wildlife viewers, wildlife photographers and others who believe in the stewardship of a wildlife population that defines our state heritage and traditions.
The unprecedented energy development that is changing our Rocky Mountain landscape threatens iconic native species such as mule deer, sage grouse and Colorado River cutthroat trout. Impacts have been documented by respected wildlife biologists, including CWF members and supporters. As Coloradans and Americans, we recognize the need for responsible energy development. Yet we also know that energy development need not, and must not, jeopardize our remarkable wildlife resource and the sustainable economy that depend on healthy populations and habitats.
The Colorado Wildlife Federation focuses on ensuring that this natural bounty be sustained. Their mission is to serve as determined stewards of our state’s wildlife and the winter range, migration corridors, reproduction areas and waterways they depend on to survive.
They will not shy away from this formidable challenge. As advocates for wildlife, they will demand that the needs of wildlife be fully considered and addressed before energy leasing and development begins in an area, not as an afterthought.
Colorado’s wildlife is worth sustaining. As an organization, they intended to assure our wildlife heritage is handed down for generations to come.