Division of Fish & Wildlife

DNREC's Division of Fish and Wildlife  sponsored Delaware's 15th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program at beautiful Lums Pond State Park 2012. The program theme was "Back to Basics" with tent camping, camp food and just being outdoors in gorgeous fall weather.

Offered on the 2012 BOW program were sessions in Emergency Preparedness, Fresh-Water Fishing, Canoeing, Camping, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Tree ID, Nature Photography and the popular BOW mainstays: Shotgun, Rifle, Pistol and Archery shooting. All sessions received stellar evaluations! Thanks to all of our outstanding instructors who volunteered their time, expertise and passion to this event.

The 2013 program will be held in gorgeous Killens Pond State Park in Felton - in the geological center of Delaware. The program will be held in the campground where bathhouses, walking trails and a screened pavillion will be available for use. RV sites and, of course, tent camping will once again be the accomodation of choice! Cabins for the 2013 are already filled.  Remember: no "glamping" (glamour camping) allowed!  For 2013 BOW session offerings, please click here.

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 needed for numerous outdoor activities. Please see Delaware's YouTube channel video: Becoming an Outdoor Woman 2012

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 wanting 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 the Becoming an Outdoor Woman program, please contact:
BOW Program
Aquatic Resources Education Center 
4876 Hay Point Landing Road 
Smyrna, DE  19977 
Telephone: 302-735-8656 or via email to: Tess Belcher, BOW Program Coordinator.