Skip to main content

Outdoor Skills

Game and Parks' outdoor skills programs are geared toward women, youth and families who want to improve their enjoyment of the outdoors.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers women, youth and families a variety of workshops, events and resources to become comfortable and confident in their outdoor skills.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman & Beyond BOW

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, or BOW, offers interactive workshops for adult women with an interest in learning outdoor skills such as hunting, fishing, target shooting and kayaking, among other outdoor endeavors. Workshops are tailored primarily to women who are new or who are beginners eager to improve their skills.

For women looking to take the next step, Beyond BOW workshops provide single-topic programs that cover more advanced outdoor skills.

Becoming an Outdoors-Family

Becoming an Outdoors-Family is a workshop focused on teaching basic outdoor skills to help families enjoy the outdoors, including fishing, camping, kayaking, archery, hunting and hiking. Funds from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund will help keep the program free for participants.

Outdoor Discovery Program

The Outdoor Discovery Program provides interactive programs so all youth, novice or experienced, have the opportunity to explore new outdoor activities and recreational possibilities and learn new outdoor skills. Additionally, the program is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and ethical understanding of wildlife and the outdoors; encourage health and wellness by promoting active outdoor lifestyles; and engage students through fun, interactive outdoor activities.

Expos

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions hosts two expos each year, one at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area in May and the other at Ponca State Park each September. These expos are intended to introduce Nebraskans and visitors alike to the diverse and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities Nebraska has to offer. More information about each expo follows:

Outdoor skills after-school programs

Outdoor skills after-school programs teach youth wildlife identification, birding, hiking, turkey hunting, outdoor safety, fishing, geocaching and much more. The program allows youth to challenge themselves, accomplish new goals, make new friends and gain a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors.

National Archery in the Schools

More than 275 Nebraska schools offer the National Archery in the Schools Program for 4-12 grade students. The benefits of archery to youth are numerous, including enhanced self-esteem, self respect and patience; development of fine motor skills; and greater enjoyment of physical education, including for youth who are physically impaired or disabled. One of the highlights of NASP is students participating in the state archery tournament each spring in Lincoln.

Nebraska outdoor trailers

Nebraska outdoor trailers provide a turn-key ready trailer filled with 13 activities to host a one-day event. The goal is to engage Nebraska’s youth and families in nature and outdoor activities. Groups such as Pheasants Forever chapters, Boy and Girl Scout troops, churches, youth groups and schools are welcome to check out the trailer.

Related Content

Foraging

Foraging

Foraging is an excellent way to explore nature and eat healthy, wild-grown foods.

Read More
Learn to Fish

Learn to Fish

Looking for fishing advice from the experts? Check out these Nebraska fishing resources.

Read More
Learn to Hunt

Learn to Hunt

Whether you’re learning to hunt or want to share your skills, the resources below can help.

Read More
Learn to Shoot

Learn to Shoot

Learn how you can participate in shooting sports in Nebraska.

Read More
Watch wildlife

Watch wildlife

Following a few key tips will help make your wildlife watching excursion as successful as it can be.

Read More
Visit a shooting range

Visit a shooting range

Nebraska state parks offer facilities and ranges for those interested in shooting sports or hunting.

Read More
Visit a nature center

Visit a nature center

These centers connect you with opportunities to learn about our state's wildlife & natural history.

Read More