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Becoming an Outdoors Woman

BOW offers interactive workshops for adult women with an interest in learning outdoor skills.

About BOW

The Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, or BOW, empowers women with the knowledge of outdoor skills. Outdoor experts and instructors teach women a variety of workshops and interactive courses related to hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, archery, target shooting, plant and wildlife identification, nature photography, outdoor cooking and more!

Events

Our outdoor educators host a wide variety of BOW events throughout the year, including cornerstone events like BOW weekend, along with archery and shooting classes, hunting workshops, kayaking trips and more!

Signature events

April 27, 2024

On April 27 from 9-11 a.m., seven different shooting ranges across the state are teaming up to host the first annual Ladies’ Day on the Range. Each range will dedicate their venue to women wanting to try their hand at archery or shooting. While this will be geared towards the beginners, we want to also encourage women to come check out their local shooting ranges.  Click on our events link for details and registration.

October 4-6, 2024 at Fort Robinson State Park

BOW Weekend Workshop is our cornerstone event, held annually on the first weekend in October. This three-day workshop includes sessions taught by expert instructors in a supportive environment conducive to learning, making friends and having fun! Participants complete four sessions of their choosing; session workshop topics include hunting, shooting, fishing, ecological education and more.

Registration

Registration will open at 10 a.m. on April 1, 2024 for first time participants, and any repeat participants who bring a new participants. The repeat participant must register on the same day as their invited new participant, and list each other as roommates. The registration date for repeat attendees without a first time participant guest will open in May 23, 2024. Registration is taken on a first-come, first served basis; however, there is no guarantee seats will be available in May. Please note that registration is opening later this year as we work to update and improve the registration system. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified about BOW registration dates.

Scholarship

Limited funds are available for partial scholarship(s) valued at $125 for BOW Weekend. Scholarships will be given preference to first time participants and Nebraska residents. Applicants are graded on financial need and desired outcome by attending the weekend event. These are partial scholarships only; the remainder of the registration fee and additional Thursday night lodging (optional) is the responsibility of the participant.

Contact

If you have questions about BOW events, please contact Julia Plugge at julia.plugge@nebraska.gov 402-471-6009.

Workshops

Beyond BOW workshops provide the next step on the path in becoming confident and independent outdoors. Beyond BOW offers single-topic programs teaching advanced outdoor skills. Workshops may take place in half day, occur over a weekend, or take place over several evenings.

Women’s-only hunter education courses

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers women’s only hunter education courses, designed give women the chance to learn the basics of hunter safety and gain firsthand firearm and archery experience in a fun, safe environment. All courses will be led by women who are experienced hunters and certified volunteer hunter education instructors.

Newsletter

Sign up for our monthly BOW Newsletter to learn about upcoming events, resources, highlights, opportunities to get involved and more!

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