Becoming An Outdoors-Woman

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 WV Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) 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.  All 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 trailer 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. 

Spring BOW at Blackwater Falls State Park is postponed due to scheduling conflicts. A fall BOW is being planned for September 13-15, 2019. Details will be posted on or before June 30, 2019 as logistics and classes are confirmed.

Beyond BOW events are 1-3 days focused on a specific activity, which may be at an advanced level compared to BOW weekend workshops.

Fly Fishing Basics and Advanced Casting on Water is April 12-14, 2019 at Blackwater Falls State Park is designed for beginning or intermediate women anglers and is fee based. Blackwater Falls State Park cannot enroll students. Enrollment is via Jacob Jackson. Course overview: Learn the basics of fly fishing and advance to casting on water in this Beyond BOW (Becoming and Outdoors-Woman) program for women ages 18 and older.

The weekend course introduces the basics of casting and fly presentation, fly design, knot-tying, proper equipment , and basic knowledge and understanding fly fishing. Participants bring their own gear, but equipment will be provided if necessary. Participants must bring waders, wading shoes or old shoes, rain gear, hat, and polarized sunglasses. A walking stick is a great idea, too! Fly rods, reels, and flies will be provided. The stream may be slippery! Outdoor elements are all part of the BOW experience. Fly fishing instruction, supplies, mentoring instructor, two-night lodging in a vacation cabin shared, and five meals is $250.00 per student. The maximum enrollment for this course is SIX students. A waiting list is maintained as necessary.

Enrollment is ONLY available by contacting Jacob.A.Jackson@wv.gov. Please include Beyond BOW Fly Fishing (and your name) in the subject line when corresponding.

WV DNR BOW Coordinator 
Click to email with activity or BOW questions.

To received emails from West Virginia State Parks, please follow this link to sign up! To receive emails about BOW events, email Jacob.A.Jackson@wv.gov.