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Outdoorswoman Events

Below is the current schedule of events for the Becoming An Outdoorswoman Program. There will be some additional workshop scheduled but at this time those details have not been finalized. 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.)

2011 Calendar of Workshops

October 29 & December 3- Deer Hunting Seminar and Hunt, Shirley -- This is a 2-part workshop, consisting of a 1-day seminar October 29 on and a 1-day deer hunt on December 3. 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 2011 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. Register now! Registration materials.

Past Workshops offered in 2011

January 21 - 23, 2011 – Women's Winter Wellness Weekend, Becket --The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA hosting it's annual Women’s Wellness Weekend. MassWildlife’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is providing instructorsto lead sessions on winter wildlife, winter tree identification and winter survival. There are many other interesting outdoor and indoor activities to try, lodging is in comfortable lodges with indoor plumbing, heat and electricity for those unfamiliar with the facility. Registration information.

February 19 - Fly-Tying for Outdoorswomen, Belchertown -- Tying an imitation fly and using it to catch a fish is a thrilling and memorable experience, and winter is a great time to create fishing flies while planning for spring fishing. Jim Lafley of the Federation of Fly Fishers will teach this workshop designed for beginner adult women the skills to get started in fly tying. The class will cover materials, tools and various types of fishing flies. All materials and equipment will be provided for the class session and the instructor will answer questions about the basic equipment to get you started on your own.

March 19--Hunting 101 for Outdoorswomen, Georgetown--This workshop is particularly suited to women who have participated in one or more Becoming an Outdoorswoman program hunts and would now like to move out on their own, but it is NOT a prerequisite. In this workshop we will consider: How to select a property, habits and habitat of the game you seek, where to start scouting, how to maximize your chances of success, selecting equipment,and developing a preparation plan. Registration materials are now available with a deadline of March 11. Registration is handled on a first come, first serve basis! Sorry, but we do not accept credit cards or register participants by phone or fax. THIS COURSE IS FULL!

April 2 & May 2 - Turkey Hunting Seminar and Hunt, Shirley -- This is a two part of the Turkey Hunt for Outdoorswomen consisting of a one-day seminar on April 2 and a one-day turkey hunt to be offered May 2 at Devens. 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, valid MA 2011 hunting license and turkey permit. Space is unlimited for the seminar, but only a limited number of women may participate in the Hunt. Registration materials are now available. Registration/refund deadline is March 25, 2011. Registration is handled on a first come, first serve basis. Sorry, but we do not accept credit cards or register participants by phone or fax. Space is still available for the Turkey Seminar, but the Hunt portion of this workshop is now full, with a waiting list started.

April 16 - Forest Stewardship, Belchertown -- This is a workshop on Forest Stewardship designed for those women who work with a personal property, town lands, land trust lands -- or who just want to know more about how to look at a forest and set directions for management. At this workshop, professional foresters and wildlife experts will provide an introduction to reading a forested landscape and formulating your individual stewardship goals and then the group will head into the woods for some hands-on experience. Share your questions and experiences with other women who share an interest in understanding the forest. Registration materials now available! Registration/refund deadline is April 8, 2011. Registration is handled on a first come, first serve basis. Sorry, but we do not accept credit cards or register participants by phone or fax.

May 13-14 (15th optional)- Striper Fishing, Dennis -- The Cape Cod Salties, our partner in this workshop, tell us that times and tides will be right, stripers will be in and instructors will be on hand to help beginning adult women learn to catch Bluefish and Striped Bass. The workshop itself will take place on Saturday May 14 from 10AM - 4 PM. However, the best fishing is from about 4 PM to dark, there will be menotred fishing opportunities for participants on Friday night, May 13, Saturday night, May 14 and even on Sunday. Special lodging rates will be available from the Inn at Swann River, West Dennis for those who want to stay over and we will make arrangements for those who want a guide while fishing the evening tide. You must have a saltwater fishing permit. Registration is limited to 15 participants. Register now! Registration materials. THIS WORKSHOP IS ALREADY FULL, A WAITING LIST HAS STARTED.

June 3-5 - Mass. Outdoorswoman Weekend Workshop, Camp Becket, Becket --

A host of outdoor skills aimed at educating the novice will be available, including: shooting firearms, bows and arrows, and muzzleloaders, spin fishing, fly fishing, nature photography, edible plants, kayaking, outdoor cooking and many more opportunities! Ask for the Outdoorswoman weekend event as a holiday, birthday, Mother's Day, or women's get-away weekend! Gift certificates are available by calling Sue Fritze at (508) 389-6329.

Registration materials are now available! SORRY BUT THIS WORKSHOP WAS CANCELLED.

  • The Facilities at the Becket YMCA Camp--At Camp Becket, you will be staying in winterized lodges which include bathroom facilities with showers and beds with mattresses. Bunk beds are available, but there are plenty of beds for anyone to sleep on a lower bunk! Sheets and a blanket are also provided. After you register, you will receive a confirmation letter with more details on items to bring and directions.
  • August 13 & 14 -- Outdoors Camping Family Weekend, Carver -- Becoming an
    Outdoors Family Camping Weekend is focused on learning a variety of skills for a lifetime of outdoor recreation. Designed primarily for families of all kinds, (bring your grandchild, niece or nephew!) it is a great opportunity if you are a beginning camping family who wants to learn about camping or improve your skills, you would like to try some new family activities or you enjoy the company of like-minded families. This workshop, to be held at Myles Standish State Forest is a joint partnership between the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. No prior outdoor experience is necessary, this weekend is especially designed for families new to camping. We will focus on learning basic camping and recreation skills to help you and your family to enjoy the outdoors. Sign up now, deadline is August 5!

  • September 10 - Kayaking and Fishing, Norton -- Learn about kayaks and kayaking on the Norton Reservoir in the morning, in the afternoon, you can get some instruction on fishing and try your hand at fishing from a kayak! Rain date of September 17 is scheduled.

    September 16-17 -- Trailblazing for Outdoorswomen, Savoy -- This workshop (re-scheduled from July) is designed for adult women who would like to try a new level of camping; striking out off trail (some people call it bushwhacking) in Savoy State Forest using a map and compass. If you’ve ever wanted to learn land navigation, or have learned it only to forget it, this workshop will give you the confidence you gain through practice. No experience is necessary, but this is a backcountry trip: You should be in good shape; able to hike over uneven, uncleared terrain at a moderate pace while carrying all your own gear, rain or shine. Meals will be provided, with one overnight in a tent. Registration deadline is September 2 (To give you time to assemble your gear.) Co-Sponsored with the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


Last Updated: 09/27/2011