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Outdoorswoman Events

Keep your eyes on this space! Registration materials will be posted for each workshop when available.

Join the Outdoorswoman e-Mailing List -- Sign up for the Becoming an Outdoorswoman e-mail list and get registration materials e-mailed to you when they are ready! All you need to do is send an email to join-BOW-Massachusetts@listserv.state.ma.us. (No subject or message is needed.)

2009 Calendar of Workshops

A listing of events for 2009 is listed below. Not all details have been finalized, but when registration materials and more details are available for these sessions, they will be posted in this area. If you have any questions about registration, please call (508) 389-6329.

July

July 18--Discover Geocaching, Acton -- A walk in the woods is more fun if you take some buddies with you - and two of those buddies should be your map and compass. Another good buddy could be your handheld GPS. In this workshop, we will learn to use the GPS first as a trail guide and then a tool for fun and adventure. From learning to interpret motion, to using new skills to seek out our lunch, to searching for hidden treasures and solving geocache riddles, this course will have you ready to head out on your own adventures with friends! Registration slots are limited! Cost is $30 and includes lunch and materials. Registration and medical forms must accompany check. Sorry, but we unable to take credit cards or register participants by phone.

September

September 19--Shooting Sports Day, Hanson -- A day designed for adult women to learn how to use different kinds of guns, from shotguns and rifles to handguns. This is a popular workshop that fills up fast.

A Day At Quabbin Reservoir --History and Fishing. Learn about the history of the Quabbin Reservoir, the forest and wildlife history in the region and take the opportunity to drop a line in the water supply for Greater Boston.

November

November/December -- Deer Hunting Seminar and Deer Hunt Dates TBA -- This is a 2-part workshop, consisting of a 1-day seminar and a 1-day deer hunt. Participants may choose to take part in one session or both. No previous hunting experience is required, but participants must have shotgun and a valid 2009 Massachusetts hunting license. It would also be useful to apply for an Antlerless Deer permit in Zone 9 before July 16. You need a hunting license in order to applly. First-time participants are required to take the seminar segment if they want to participate in the Deer Hunt. The Deer Hunting Seminar segment will provide information on deer ecology, behavior and deer management in Massachusetts. There will be an overview of deer hunting strategies and an opportunity to check your hunting gear and to sight in (target shoot) your shotgun with expert assistance.

Outdoorswoman Workshops Held in 2009

January

January 23-25--Women's Wellness Weekend Workshop Session, Becket -- The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA is hosting an annual Womens Wellness Weekend at their winterized camp facility. The Mass. Becoming an Outdoorswoman program will be supplying instructors for Ice Fishing, Animal Tracking and Winter Photography--3 of many hands-on sessions being offered throughout the weekend. Registration for the weekend is through the YMCA. To learn more and for a registration form link, go to the YMCA website at www.bccymca.org/seasons/programs/adult/women.htm.

February

February 21--Beginning Fly Tying, Belchertown -- Tying an imitation fly and using it to catch a fish is a thrilling and memorable experience. Winter is a great time to create fishing flies as you plan your spring fishing expeditions! Jim Lafley of the Federation of Fly Fishers will teach you the skills to get started. All materials and equipment will be provided for this session. Space is limited to 10 participants. Cost is $30 and includes lunch. To register, please send in registration form and check. Sorry but reservations by phone will not be accepted.

March

March 7-- Woodlands Management, Harvard Forest, Petersham -- Do you want to improve wildlife habitat, derive income from timber in the futre, create trails for woodland walks or conserve habitat for rare or endangered species? This Forest Stewardship workshop is designed for women own woodlands, or work with a Conservation Commission, Land Trusts or other large land holders. Professional foresters and wildlife experts will provide an introduction to reading the forested landscape, techniques to formulate your stewardship goals and include some hands-on experience in using some of the tools needed to evaluate your woodland. Minimum of 10 people, 20 is the max. Registration form and medical form must accompany payment for pre-registration. Registration deadline is March 2.

March 21 -- Hunting 101, Leominster -- So you want to go hunting but where and how do you begin? Planning can (and should start) well in advance of the hunt. In this workshop designed for adult women novice hunters who want to go to the next step, we will consider: how to select a property to hunt; habits and habitat of the game you seek, where to start scouting; how to maximize your chances of success; selecting equipment, Developing a preparation plan. Limit: 20 participants Cost: $35 Registration Deadline March 17 - No refunds after this date. Be sure that both registration and medical information are sent in with your check. This is an all day workshop that will take place at the Leominster Sportsmens' Association.

April

April 25 -- Turkey Hunting Seminar, Shirley. This is part one of the Turkey Hunt for Outdoorswomen consisting of a 1 day seminar on April 25 and a 1 day turkey hunt to be offered May 4. This program is designed for women 18 and older. Participants may choose to take part in one session or both. For the seminar no previous hunting experience is required. First time hunt participants are required to take the seminar segment if they want to participate in the Turkey Hunt in May. Hunt participants must also have a valid FID or LTC, shotgun, MA hunting license and turkey permit. Space is unlimited for the seminar, buth only 10 women may participate in the Hunt on May 4. Registration and medical forms must accompany check. Sorry but we unable to take credit cards or reserve over the phone.

May

May 2 -- Hiking to Waterfalls, Gardner. (CANCELLED) This hiking experience will take you to several waterfalls found in central Massachusetts that could provide you with some lovely scenic photos. Due to extreme damage to trees and trails caused by the December 2008 ice storm, this workshop session will not be held this spring.

May 4 -- (Monday) Turkey Hunt, Devens RFTA -- Hunt participants must have a shotgun and valid gun license as well as a valid Massachusetts hunting or sporting license and turkey permit. Particpants also must have taken the BOW Turkey Seminar. Cost includes guide service, field assistance and a light lunch and dinner. Space is limited to 10 people with preference given to first time participants.

May 8 & 9--Seabird and Whale Watching for Outdoor Families, Grafton & Gloucester -- This is a Becoming an OutdoorsWoman Family Program — spouses, significant others and children are welcome! This is a 2 part experience. May 8--Evening program in Grafton on May 8, 7:30 PM with noted naturalist and outdoor writer Mark Blazis who will present a slide presentation on the common pelagic (open ocean) seabirds and marine mammals seen off the Massachusetts coast. May 9--Whale and seabird watching trip departs from Gloucester in the afternoon wheer you will observe birds, whales and learn about important conservation programs to protect these kinds of wildlife and their habitat. Registrants may sign up for one or both portions of the experience. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pre-registration is required. Deadline is May 4, no refunds after May 1. Registration and medical forms for each participant must accompany checks or cash. Sorry, but we are unable to take credit cards or make reservations by phone or fax.

June

June 5-7 -- Outdoorswoman Weekend, Becket (NEW LOCATION!)-- Registration Materials are now available! Registration deadline is June 1. This weekend offers 25+ separate workshop options plus fun and activities for the full group. Learn about new outdoor skills and recreation opportunities right here in Massachusetts including archery, kayaking, wild edible plants, nature photography, fly fishing, shooting and more. Bring a friend or relative and have a great weekend at "Camp for Women" located at the beautiful Chimney Corners YMCA Camp. All sessions are designed for novices and taught by friendly, experienced instructors. Chimney Corners YMCA camp. is situated on the banks of Rudd Pond and Smith Ponds; two lakes which offer wonderful boating and fishing opportunities. At 100 acres in size, Rudd Pond is a treasure; a natural, spring-fed lake. Swimming, boating and fishing, as well as hiking and camping around the perimeter are available. There are miles of hiking trails. For more information about the camp visit their website.

2008 Outdoorswoman Offerings & Session Descriptions

January 25 - 27-- Becoming an Outdoorswoman at the Women's Wellness Weekend, Becket--This weekend workshop, sponsored by the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA at Chimney Pond Camp in Becket offers a wide range of programs including - for the first time this year - an ice fishing workshop and an animal tracks and signs workshop which will be the Massachusetts Becoming an Outdoorswoman program's contribution to women's wellness. Registration for this event is being handled by the YMCA.
March 29--How Sweet It Is! Maple Syrup Production and Woodlot Management, for Outdoorswomen, Orange--Think about Sunday morning breakfast or warmer days in March and many New Englanders think about maple syrup. Producing the state's first agricultural product of the year is a complex process, beginning with careful management of a "sugarbush" consisting of sugar maple trees and ending with a deliciously sweet product that can be used in many ways. This workshop for the Massachusetts Becoming an Outdoorswomen Program involves a visit to a sugaring operation at Johnson's Farm to learn about caring for our woodlands and making syrup. Limited to 15 participants. Cost is $40 which includes a farmer's breakfast and mid-day snacks. Registration form, fee and medical form required.
April 5--Turkey Hunting Seminar, Shirley -- The Turkey Hunting Workshop for Outdoorswomen consisting of a 1 day seminar and a 1 day turkey hunt will be offered in April and May. This program is designed for women 18 and older. Participants may choose to take part in one session or both. No previous hunting experience is required. First time participants are required to take the seminar segment if they want to participate in the Turkey Hunt Day. Registration form and medical form must accompany your check in order to be fully registered.
May 5--(Monday!) Turkey Hunt, Devens RFTA -- Hunt participants must have a shotgun, valid Massachusetts hunting or sporting license and proper gun license.Cost includes guide service, field assistance and a light lunch and dinner. Space is limited with preference given to first time participants. See the above seminar info for registration and medical form.
May 17--Shooting Sports Day for Outdoorswomen, Harvard--This workshop is designed from women 18 and over who would like to learn a new outdoor skill. This workshop will be taught by friendly and experienced instructors at the Harvard Sportsmen's Club. The workshop runs from 9 am - 4pm. A special 1 hour session on the Massachusetts Gun Law will follow for those who wish to apply for a Firearms Identification Card (FID) which is required of anyone who wishes to use a rifle or shotgun. Registration deadline is May 5. Fee covers materials, lunch, eye and ear protection and all equipment. You must send in the Registration Form AND the Medical Form with your check.
June 6 - 8--Becoming An Outdoorswoman Weekend, Lenox -- This weekend offers 25+ separate workshop options plus fun and activities for the full group. Learn about new outdoor skills and recreation opportunities right here in Massachusetts including archery, kayaking, wild edible plants, nature photography, fly fishing, shooting and more. Bring a friend or relative and have a great weekend at "Camp for Women"!!! Limited to 100. Registration forms will be processed on a first-come, first serve basis. Limited scholarships available.
July-- Becoming an Outdoor Family--Due to scheduling difficulties, we are unable to offer this workshop this summer.
July 26-27--Survivors' Retreat, Leominster--This workshop is open to those women who have previously participated in a Mass. Outdoorswoman Survival event.
September 20--Coastal Fishing Excursion , Plymouth --This session is designed to introduce novice adult women to the joys and excitement of salt water fishing. This early fall saltwater fishing experience is taking place in the late afternoon through 8PM and will be departing from Plymouth Harbor. Consider spending the weekend in the Plymouth area! Limited to 35 participants.
October 25 -- Upland Bird Hunt and Intro. to Hunting Dogs, Royalston -- This is a special workshop which will combine an introduction to Hunting Dogs with an opportunity to hunt for pheasants over a well trained hunting dog (varied breeds). Because of the unique and experimental nature of this program is limited to 12 participants. Pictured below are the successful participants from this session!
Photo Courtesy of Paul Horwitz
November 8 and December 6 -- Deer Hunting Seminar & Deer Hunt , Devens Reserve Forces Training Area -- This is a 2-part workshop, consisting of a 1-day seminar and a 1-day deer hunt. Participants may choose to take part in one session or both. No previous hunting experience is required, but participants must have shotgun and a valid 2008 Massachusetts hunting license. First-time participants are required to take the seminar segment if they want to participate in the Deer Hunt. The Deer Hunting Seminar segment will provide information on deer ecology, behavior and deer management in Massachusetts. There will be an overview of deer hunting strategies and an opportunity to check your hunting gear and to sight in (target shoot) your shotgun with expert assistance. Act now, registration is limited. No refunds after October 31. This workshop is in conjunction with the Shirley Rod & Gun Club and the Devens RFTA. Cost includes guide service, field assistance and a light lunch and dinner. Space is limited with preference given to first time participants.
Last Updated: 06/29/2009