Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW)

The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program offers shooting skills workshops, hunting seminars, and other classes and activities designed for adult women.

Click here to join the BOW email list to receive updates about upcoming workshops.

Upcoming events

Waterfowl Hunting Program

Join the New England Chapter of Artemis, USFWS, and MassWildlife to learn all about waterfowl hunting! This free program is designed for adult women (18+) who are new to waterfowl hunting. Participants must attend the seminar to be able to participate in the mentored hunt.

Part One: Waterfowl Seminar
When: Sunday, Sept. 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Minute Man Sportsmen's Club, Burlington, MA.
What: The class will cover topics including waterfowl identification, regulations, gear, where to hunt, calling, shooting, and waterfowl hunting techniques.

Part Two: Mentored Waterfowl Hunt
When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 5 a.m. – noon
Where: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport MA
What: Spend the day waterfowl hunting with an experienced waterfowl hunter as your mentor. 

Participants must meet the following requirements by the day of the hunt:

• Complete basic hunter education
• Participate in the waterfowl seminar
• 2024 MA hunting or sporting license plus state and federal waterfowl stamps
• Valid MA gun license
• Shotgun and ammunition to use for the hunt

Space is limited. To be considered for this program, please complete the online application below by September 8. 

Click here apply for the Waterfowl Hunting Program

    
Deer Hunting Program

Learn all about deer hunting from experienced mentors! This free program is designed for adult women (18+) with little or no experience deer hunting.  (Seminar attendance is required if you want to join the hunt.)

Part One: Deer Seminar
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Shirley Rod & Gun Club, Shirley MA
What: This class will cover shooting, hunting gear, scouting, following a blood trail, and shoot/no shoot scenarios.

Part Two: Mentored Deer Hunt
When: Monday, Dec. 2, all day
Where: Devens South Post Military Area, Lancaster
What: Spend the day deer hunting with an experienced deer hunter as your mentor.

Participants must meet the following requirements by the day of the hunt:

• If new to the program, participation in the Seminar is mandatory
• Complete basic hunter education
• 2024 MA hunting or sporting license
• Valid MA gun license
• Shotgun and ammunition to use for the hunt

Space is limited. To be considered for this program, please complete the online application below by September 8. Registration preference will be given to new participants. First-time participants must attend the seminar to be able to participate in the mentored hunt. Returning participants are encouraged to attend the seminar and the hunt. 

Click here to apply for the Deer Hunting Program

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Examples of BOW workshops

Deer hunting seminar and guided hunt
Designed for adult women (18 and older) who are new to deer hunting, this seminar teaches deer behavior, deer hunter clothing, what gear to bring on a deer hunt, deer management, sighting in a firearm and other useful tips. The seminar is Part 1 of a 2-part workshop. Part 2 is a guided Deer Hunt for adult women. No previous hunting experience is required for the seminar. Registration priority will be given to new hunters.

Turkey hunting seminar and guided hunt
This is a 2-part program consisting of a 1-day seminar and a 1-day turkey hunt. This program is especially designed for the beginning adult female hunter (18 and older). Photographers and others interested in turkeys will also learn ways to find and view the state's official game bird. Participants may choose to take part in one session or both. For the seminar, no previous hunting experience is required. Hunt participants are required to complete the seminar to participate in the hunt. Hunt participants must also have a valid Firearm Identification Card (FID) or License To Carry (LTC), shotgun, hunting license, and turkey permit.

Fly tying
Tying an imitation fly and using it to catch a fish is a relaxing and memorable experience. This workshop is designed for adult women (18 and older) who are new to this activity. Participants will have the opportunity to tie at least two patterns during the class. All materials and equipment for the workshop will be provided. The instructor will answer questions to help get you started on your own.

Event accommodations

If you have a disability or medical condition and would like to request special accommodations or will require translation services for an upcoming event, please contact Ian Sypek via email at [e-mail].