Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is an international program aimed primarily at women, but is an opportunity for anyone 18 years or older to learn outdoor skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, but useful for many outdoor pursuits. 

The workshop is for you if...

  • you have never tried these activities, but have hoped for an opportunity to learn.
  • you are a beginner who hopes to improve your skills.
  • you know how to do some of these activities, but would like to try your hand at some new ones.
  • you are looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.
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Upcoming BOW Events

These events have been made possible by the Iowa Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program. This workshop is open to both residents and non-residents and any adult 18 years age or older.

2025 Iowa Spring BOW

Looking to learn new skills or dust off the rust? Join us at St Thomas More Center  and enjoy all that spring has to offer! This weekend event is geared to give you skills to spend more time outdoors this year!

Learn how to fish, explore wild edibles, discover fungi, go on a mentored turkey hunt, freshen up on your shooting skills or even learn to forage! 

Our BOW instructors are there to help you along the way. Join us for this wonderful Friday-Sunday weekend event! 

Download the BOW Spring Catalog to find class descriptions and learn more.

Scholarships

The goal of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) scholarship program is to broaden participation in the weekend workshop to women 18 years old and older who would be unable to attend without financial assistance. Iowa BOW encourages anyone to apply for a scholarship. However, preference will be given to first-time attendees and those promoting diversity in outdoors education across the state through their community affiliations, culture, region, and/or profession. 

Mini BOW: Spring Fishing

Ladies, are you ready for a memorable Saturday adventure? Join us at Green Valley State Park for a fantastic day filled with fishing, fun, and learning! 

On May 31, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, immerse yourself in an introductory fishing experience that includes knot tying, casting, and a crash course on fish identification and basic regulations. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch, followed by the thrill of shore and kayak fishing—split into two groups for more hands-on fun! As the day winds down, learn how to clean your catch before savoring a delicious dinner together. Plus, every participant will leave with their own fishing pole and a small tackle box to keep the adventure going. Don't forget to bring your water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, life jacket if you have one, and, of course, your biggest smile! This is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and each other while making lasting memories. Sign up today and let’s make this weekend unforgettable!

Looking to make it a weekend? Camping cabins and camping spots are available at Green Valley State Park.

Special thanks to Pure Fishing for their support of this event! 

Mini BOW: Spring Fishing and Paddling

Ladies, are you ready for a memorable Sunday adventure? Join us at George Wyth State Park for a fantastic day filled with fishing, kayaking, and fun! 

On May 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, immerse yourself in an introductory fishing experience that includes knot tying, casting, and a crash course on fish identification and basic regulations. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch, including delicious fish provided by the Cedar Valley Walleye Club, followed by fishing and kayaking—split into two groups for more hands-on fun! CrawDaddy Outdoors will be on hand with their kayaks. Plus, every participant will leave with their own fishing pole and a small tackle box to keep the adventure going. Don't forget to bring your water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, life jacket if you have one, and, of course, your biggest smile! This is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and each other while making lasting memories. Sign up today and let’s make this weekend unforgettable!

Special thanks to Pure Fishing, CrawDaddy Outdoors, and Cedar Valley Walleye Club for their support of this event. 

Geology Rock Stars Family Camp

Join us for a family campout to discover your inner geology Rockstar! Join Iowa DNR Naturalist Anne Riordan for a family camping adventure as we discover our inner rock stars! Saturday morning, we will meet at Rockford Fossil and Prairie Park. We'll travel back in time and learn about the Devonian period while collecting and identifying fossils. After a picnic lunch, we will visit the historic brick kiln and tour the nature center there to learn even more!

Saturday afternoon, we'll head to Tosanak Recreation Area to hike through the history with Floyd County Naturalist Heidi Reams. We will set up our communal camp in a group cabin. (You will need to bring sleeping bags and mats.) That evening, we'll also practice fire building, outdoor cooking and flint knapping. Rustic camping in the group cabin is included in registration.

On Sunday, after breakfast over the fire, we'll travel to Dolliver Memorial State Park. While there, we'll hike to explore the impressive geology and history of the area. We'll cook lunch over the fire before heading home.

Lodging on Saturday night will be in a rustic lodge. There will be space for sleeping bags, sleeping pads and registrants. If you would like to arrange your own lodging, there are other tent, camper, and cabin camping options available. Individuals are responsible for booking and paying for those options if they so choose. Floyd County Conservation, Tosanak Recreation Area will show you other sleeping options.

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She Goes Outdoors Podcast

She Goes Outdoors has a great group of ladies talking about spending time outdoors and would love to share these conversations with you. Check out the podcast that is both educational and entertaining! 

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Questions & Resources

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