A few years ago, I had the privilege of participating in a unique program sponsored by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Known as BOW, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, this program is an annual weekend long opportunity for women to gather with other women and take classes of their choosing related to the outdoors. Everything from driving boats, backing boat trailers, fishing, bowfishing, canoeing, kayaking, firearms (classes for every kind), bird watching, archery, hunting, tracking, trapping, plant identification, orienteering, and much more was offered for the price of around $250 for the three days. This included meals, lodging, all supplies for every class, the class itself led by experts with hands-on interaction, and a t-shirt/water bottle. Scholarships were also available for anyone for whom the cost was prohibitive.
While this program is operated in other states, North Carolina’s program has been particularly robust, enjoying good attendance of women from all stages of life and regions of the state. Despite alternating locations in the eastern and western regions, many fellow participants I spoke with had driven several hours to be involved and be around like-minded women in a supportive environment.
I became enamored with bowfishing after taking a class during BOW and found the insights that the game warden on-site shared to be helpful in terms of how bowfishing can help control invasive species in our waters and support the health of the ecosystem when done respectfully and properly. Not only did I learn everything I needed to know to bowfish on my own, and get to practice alongside the experts, but I learned how to explain it to a bystander and how to take safety precautions to keep from losing an eye or having an arrow hop backwards.
I was able to learn what made other participants come alive when they weren’t at their day job. I got to watch a friend’s delight as she climbed into one of the ready truck and boat trailer combos and learned how to back through cones/different scenarios before trying out a boat ramp setup.
I listened to people tell me how they were gaining independence and confidence in these skills they wanted to pursue but didn’t know how to–especially when it felt like they were male dominated hobbies. These were women who were excited to teach their children and share with family members their new skill sets.
I attended BOW once, just before moving across the country, and upon my recent return to eastern NC was looking forward to signing back up–only to discover the program was not offered this year and is currently under review to determine if it will be offered again.
Every participant I’ve talked to was saddened by this decision and has shared with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission how valuable an opportunity it is.
The Commission does offer additional training opportunities open to the public at limited to no cost. There are excellent opportunities for fishing and hunting classes. In fact, I attended one yesterday and earned my trapping certification. Another female in the class had also been a BOW participant, and we both felt empowered to pursue these opportunities as a result of that.
However, these classes don’t come close to matching the diversity of topic and depth that is found at BOW, and they aren’t focused on women.
While the other opportunities are grand, there is no substitute for the chance to meet other women in an encouraging environment where an array of hobbies are offered in an introductory format and having no knowledge is not just accepted but celebrated as a springboard to an enlightened future. There’s something to be said for a space where women can discuss the challenges that they have faced and find other girls to hunt, fish, and hike with.
Access to outdoor education is as important as ever, and we need BOW in North Carolina. As I continue the friendships I made there, I hope to have the chance to gather again one day while learning more about ways to enjoy the outdoors in our great state.
