The Lisbon Reporter: Introductory Outdoors Skills for Women Weekend Coming Up

MDIF&W: Becoming an Outdoors Woman Introductory Skills Weekend Set

AUGUSTA, Maine, Sept. 7 -- The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife issued the following news release:

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is hosting its annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Introductory Skills Weekend from Friday, Sept. 17 to Sunday, Sept. 19 at Camp Caribou on Pattee Pond in Winslow.

Registrations still are being accepted. No previous experience is required. So sign up now! A brochure and the registration form are posted at www.mainebow.com. For more information, contact BOW Coordinator Emily Jones at (207) 287-8069 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (207) 287-8069 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or at emily.jones@maine.gov.

The workshop is directed towards women 18 years and older who are interested in gaining or improving their skills in hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in a safe and comfortable environment.

The weekend workshop provides participants with the opportunity to try a variety of outdoor activities under the supervision of experienced instructors and registered guides. The cost is $225 and covers everything -- good food, lodging, all equipment and lots of opportunity to learn. Partial scholarships are available based on need. Participants stay in heated bunk-style cabins, and meals are served cafeteria-style in the main lodge.

Some of the 36 instruction courses offered over the three days include: canoeing, kayaking, outdoor survival, firearms use and range safety, skeet shooting, fly casting, knot tying, GPS, map and compass, archery, trapping, bow hunting, trip planning, outdoor cooking, ropes course, forest ecology, planting for wildlife, basic fishing, biking, and much more!

A complete Hunter Safety Certification Course is available as a course strand for the weekend. Participants in Hunter Safety take four required classes with additional evening instruction and a Sunday afternoon final test.

The national Becoming an Outdoors Woman program began in 1991 when it was first offered at the University of Wisconsin after a study there concluded that women preferred to learn hunting, fishing and outdoor skills in a non-competitive atmosphere with other women.

More than 80 women, ranging in age from 18 to over 60, attend Maine BOW's Introductory Skills Weekend each year.