BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN (BOW)
Louisiana Style

The "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" program was started in 1991 by Doctor Christine L. Thomas, Professor of Resource Management, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. The program focuses on providing opportunities for women to learn skills that enhance and encourage participation in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. BOW is an introductory-level workshop that teaches basic courses only. Advanced courses are taught in Beyond BOW.

LDWF conducts weekend workshops once a year offering more than 30 specialty courses, ranging from markswomanship to turkey hunting. The National Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Rules state that each workshop must consist of 1/3 hunting-shooting, 1/3 fishing, and 1/3 non-harvest activities to complete a balanced program. For those not interested in hunting, courses like basic fishing, beginning fly fishing and archery are offered. The woman who loves nature but not hunting and fishing, can learn about outdoor photography, outdoor cooking, kayaking, backpacking and more. Women 18 or older can sign up and take (4) hands-on educational sessions that are 3.5 hours each and are taught by LDWF personnel and qualified volunteer instructors.

The program does not stop with educational courses. Unity and fellowship flourish at a "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" weekend. LDWF staff and volunteers make sure participants are well fed, entertained and housed at one of the finest educational camps in the state. The BOW workshops are held in Pollock, LA (just North of Alexandria, LA) at the Camp Grant Walker 4-H Center.

Updates and further information can also be found on LDWF’s website: https://wlf.louisiana.gov/page/bow.

For more information contact Karen Crabtree Edwards at 318-757-0051 or e-mail at kcrabtree@wlf.la.gov.

WORKSHOP DATES: March 21 - 23, 2025
REGISTRATION BEGINS: January 24, 2025
WORKSHOP FEE: $250

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

  • You must be at least 18 years old to attend.

  • Check-in: 9am to 11 am on Friday. You will sign up for four hands-on outdoor education sessions that are 3.5 hours each and taught by LDWF personnel and qualified volunteer instructors.

  • Accommodations: Dormitory-style (bunk beds) with one centrally located bathhouse. You must bring bedding, towels, and toiletry items.

  • Meals: We will provide meals from Friday lunch to Sunday lunch. At night, enjoy the bonfire or music from a scheduled DJ on Friday night.

  • Cost: $250; (scholarships are available)

  • Registration: Download and mail in your registration form, with the fee, when registration opens (January 24, 2025). We will process registrations as we receive them until all slots are filled. However, if you have attended more than three workshops (this workshop makes your fourth), we will register you in order of arrival beginning on the Wednesday morning following the opening of registration (provided space is available) unless you are bringing a first-time participant. In that case, we will register you and the new participant together when your applications arrive. Please mail both forms together if possible. Hand delivered forms will not be accepted.