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!
Beyond BOW
The Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, a continuation of BOW, provides more advanced training, workshops, and events that allow women to build confidence and expertise in a range of outdoor skills.
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!
October 3-5, 2025 at Fort Robinson
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.
Designed primarily for women ages 18 and over, BOW Weekend is especially for you if:
- you have never tried these activities and want the opportunity to learn;
- you are a beginner looking to improve your skills;
- you are familiar with some outdoor activities, but would like to try your hand at new challenges;
- you are looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.
Registration
Registration will open at 10 a.m. on April 1, 2025, for first time participants and any repeat participants who bring a new participant. 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 2025. Registration is taken on a first-come, first-served basis; however, there is no guarantee seats will be available in May.
BOW scholarship
Limited funds are available for a partial scholarship valued at $150 for Nebraska residents only. Preference will be given as follows:
- First-time participants
- Nebraska residents
- Financial need
- Outdoor enthusiast who wants to learn hunting, fishing, and/or shooting sports skills
- Ability to impact others with newly learned skills
Scholarship deadline: May 1, 2025
Ladies Learn to Hunt Turkey details coming soon.
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.
Women kayak near cliffs at Lewis and Clark SRA during the Beyond BOW kayaking trip on the Missouri River. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) pheasant hunt at Clear Creek Hunting Lodge in Bartlett. Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Participants and instructors pose for a group photo during the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop at Ponca State Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Hunters in a blind during a Beyond Becoming and Outdoors-Woman goose hunt. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Ladies Hunting Cohort
The Nebraska Ladies Hunting Cohort is for those who find value in sharing hunting experiences with other women, fostering a supportive environment to learn and discuss hunting strategies. Cohort participants benefit from insights and guidance lead by experienced facilitators and guest speakers. Free monthly “huddles” meet on the first Tuesday of each month at the Turpin Outdoor Education Center. Request to join the closed Facebook group “Nebraska Ladies Hunting Cohort” to get involved.
Newsletter
Sign up for our monthly BOW Newsletter to learn about upcoming events, resources, highlights, opportunities to get involved and more!
Contact
If you have questions or requests regarding BOW programs or events, please contact Julia Plugge.
