Division of Fish & Wildlife

ADVISORY: DNREC's Division of Fish and Wildlife is set to sponsor Delaware's 15th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program in 2012. This year's program will take place in beautiful Lums Pond State Park. The program is going "Back to Basics" this year with tent camping, camp food and being outdoors in gorgeous fall weather. Registration materials will be available by March 31, 2012 - please check back at this webpage for details.

Since the first BOW event was held in Wisconsin in 1991, this exciting international program has expanded to 46 states and seven provinces with more than 80 workshops offered each year. The main goal of the BOW program is to provide women the opportunity to learn skills that encourage and enhance participation in outdoor activities, like hunting and shooting, fishing and boating, and non-harvest activities.  

While Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is aimed primarily at women, it offers an opportunity for anyone 18 or older to learn skills that allow them to participate in numerous outdoor activities.

The BOW Weekend features four half-day training sessions that begin on Friday afternoon. Participants have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of course offerings during each of the sessions. Included among the many hands-on courses during the weekend are archery, surf fishing, camping, shotgun shooting, basic boating, canoe/kayaking, hunting skills, flyfishing, nature photography, and various other outdoor activities. The instructors of these courses have been selected for their expertise as well as their ability to provide instruction in a safe, supportive, and non-competitive atmosphere.

A list of local resources is provided to all participants so that they can continue with their newly-learned skills beyond the BOW program.

This workshop is for you if: 

• You have never tried these activities but have hoped for an opportunity to learn.
• You are a beginner who would like to improve your skills.
• You have some experience but would like to try your hand at new activities.
• You are just looking for camaraderie with like-minded individuals. 

For more information about Delaware's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, please contact:

   BOW Program
   Aquatic Resources Education Center
   4876 Hay Point Landing Road
   Smyrna, DE  19977
   302-735-8656
   or via email to: Tess Belcher, BOW Program Coordinator.

Photos by J.Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs