Woman flyfishing during Being an Outdoorswoman Workshop

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

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Becoming an Outdoors Woman Logo

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) and Beyond BOW are programs designed to teach women outdoor skills. These programs provide women with information, encouragement, and hands-on instruction in outdoor skills such as fishing, shooting, archery, hunting, trapping, outdoor photography, map and compass, survival, camping, canoeing, and outdoor cooking. BOW workshops are designed primarily for anyone who identifies with the female community, who has little or no experience with outdoor activities. Our three-day workshops  offer many different classes throughout a weekend.

Beyond BOW workshops are another opportunity for women to learn outdoor skills and are anything we offer that is not the traditional three-day BOW workshop. They may be "next step" classes for women who have completed a beginner class at a BOW workshop. They may be one day, one-subject classes. They may even be an actual hunt, canoe trip, or camp-out.

BOW and Beyond BOW workshops are open to anyone aged 18 and over. Past participants have ranged in age from 18 to 80!

View the photo gallery from past BOW workshops on DEC's Flickr page.

Challenge Yourself

These workshops are for you, if you:

Have always wanted to try outdoor activities, but never had the opportunity.

Would like to learn new skills surrounded by supportive and enthusiastic instructors and students.

Would like to meet other women interested in the outdoors.

Support the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program

Members of the public can support DEC lands, facilities, and programs through our charitable partner, the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). Online giving is simple and secure and fully tax-deductible. Donations to NHT directly support projects and programs that enhance facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, provide public land access, and protect natural resources.

Support the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program
Woman flyfishing during Being an Outdoorswoman Workshop

Testimonials from BOW Students

"This and previous workshops have really changed my life. I participate in so many activities that I never would have tried otherwise. My husband doesn't hunt or fish, so when I go out to do these things I'm alone, and the education I got here gave me the start I needed to get going and continue enjoying these activities."

Group of people around fishing hole on ice with person in foreground holding fish

Testimonials from BOW Students

"This is an extremely wonderful program that brings women together-all ages, all walks of life, with similar interests. It empowers women to take on a challenge that they may have been intimidated to take on their own."

Group posing at top of mountain at sunset

Testimonials from BOW Students

"It is a life changing experience! I wanted to learn skills that my husband, brother and father never had a chance to teach me. And to challenge myself without the guys around, I felt this was my chance."

People in kayaks in a circle raising their paddles together

Testimonials from BOW Students

“I now see that being an ‘empty-nester’ means I can learn new skills and still have adventures.”

Upcoming BOW Events

Person in hunting gear with turkey on back

Beyond BOW: Cast and Blast

For Women, Taught by Women
Mentored Turkey Hunt
Fly casting instruction
Mentored Fly Fishing

May 16-18, 2025
Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake
Cost: $440

All equipment is provided, or you may bring your own. All meals and 2 nights. Lodging included.

Register for the Workshop More Information
Fish in a net

Beyond BOW: Women's Beginner Fly Fishing Bootcamp

For Women, Taught by Women
Learn the basics of fly casting and fishing

Friday May 30 - Sunday June 1, 2025
Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake
Cost: $500

Includes lodging, meals, fly fishing bootcamp activities and access to optional daily activities and recreational equipment at the camp.

Register for the Workshop More Information

Beyond BOW Workshops

Beyond BOW workshops are any event other than the 3-day, 30+ courses BOW workshop listed above. To get the most updated information on all Beyond BOW events, enter your email address in the DEC Delivers section at the bottom of this page.

For More Information

The best way to get up to date information about BOW and Beyond BOW events, when BOW registration opens and other programs of interest to outdoors women, is to sign up for the BOW email notification list. To sign up, look for the green "DEC Delivers" box below. Enter your email address to get started.

To contact us, please call (518) 402-8963 or e-mail us.

Contact for this Page

DFW, Hunter Education Program
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

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