Twenty-five years ago, women who enjoyed traditional outdoor sports like fishing, hunting and shooting were considered novelties. Their predecessors were considered odd.
Today, seeing women at hunting or fishing camp, on the shooting range or participating in shooting competitions is not only normal, ladies are encouraged to get involved and are welcomed with open arms. The intimidation of being the only gal at hunting or fishing camp or on the range is rarely experienced by today's outdoor women.
Many ladies are introduced to and learn the traditional outdoor sports from a family member, friend or spouse. Those who don't have an outdoor connection, or who prefer professional instruction, often get involved through a myriad of terrific female-focused instructional programs conducted in welcoming and comfortable settings.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program
Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) is one of the oldest and most influential of the woman-specific outdoor education networks. A non-profit, founded in 1991 by Dr. Christine Thomas and initially offered through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, BOW has become popular in more than 40 states, several Canadian provinces and New Zealand.
BOW offers 80-plus weekend-long, hands-on workshops to introduce women to a variety of activities in a supportive environment conducive to learning, making friends, and having fun. The activities taught are equally balanced between hunting and shooting, fishing, and non-harvest sports like canoeing and camping. Participants choose from a list of over 20 activities. More than 20,000 women attend workshops each year.
Ladies Let's Go Fishing Organization and Educational Programs
Founded in 1997 by Betty Bauman, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Ladies, Let's Go Fishing (LLGF), is a national organization dedicated to attracting more women to sportfishing and promoting conservation and responsible angling. LLGF promotes networking among women anglers and emphasizes mentorship between novice and experienced members.
LLGF has over 5,000 graduates and is the largest organization in the world whose objective is to introduce women to fishing.
The national organization sponsors numerous weekend seminars each year that teach women fishing techniques at the beginner and advanced levels. Classes include inshore, offshore, bottom and fly fishing. Some freshwater seminars also are offered.
Participants enjoy a wide range of exercises, via a hands-on approach to everything from casting to filleting, backing a truck and trailer, and gaffing (with grapefruits!). In one highly acclaimed exercise, participants go poolside and reel in one of the instructors, using an angler's fighting belt.
LLGF also plans organized fishing trips to Florida, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, and Alaska. The group has local chapters that plan monthly meetings and fishing trips.
Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation's Passport to Fishing and Boating Programs
Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation's (RBFF) Passport to Fishing & Boating Program provides skills, techniques and information that novices need to begin boating and fishing in their communities. This is a terrific program for women and their children. Participants enjoy six different hands-on stations with activities focused on fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship have been developed for family participation.
Six groups of about 10 people each, rotate between the six stations, accommodating a total of 60 people at one time. Stations may be completed in any order. Reading levels and activities are designed for 4th grade, about age 10, for whole-family participation. Rotating though the stations takes about an hour and 45 minutes.
National Rifle Association Women's Hunting and Shooting Programs
The National Rifle Association (NRA) offers a wide spectrum of programs for women. Since 1999, the Women On Target Hunting Program has offered hunting and educational program to gals who share a passion for the great outdoors. The excursions have taken gals across the United States, and as far away as Africa.
NRA's Women's Hunting Program
Whether a seasoned or novice huntress, the NRA's Women's Hunting Program excursions are designed to open the door to hunting to all ladies. The program enables women to share camaraderie with individuals who seek the same interests, make new friendships, hone skills and experience exciting hunts.
The hunts mix affordability with awesome locations. Additionally, outfitters are carefully screened to ensure a supportive and friendly environment.
NRA's Women's Wilderness Escape
Women's Wilderness Escape attendees are guided by some of the most skilled firearms instructors and outdoor specialists in the country. And, the event takes place at the incredible NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico.
Participants learn to shoot:
- small-bore rifle silhouettes
- scoped/tactical carbines
- long-range high-power rifles
- conventional and tactical pistols
- historic firearms, and
- shotguns (five-stand shooting sport).
Completion of training in pistol, shotgun and rifle, attendees earn participants the NRA FIRST Steps Firearm Certificate in each discipline.
Ladies also learn:
- archery
- tree-stand safety, and
- participate in a mock hunt.
Completion of these three events will earn participants the Bow Hunter Education Certificate. Successful completion of a recognized bowhunter education course is often required in addition to your hunting license by many states and provinces.
Other planned activities may include survival training, game calling and laser shot. The adventure also includes a special evening dinner buffet, a wine social and a Friends of NRA Event.
Babes With Bullets
Babes With Bullets offers a series of women's shooting camps across the US. The camps offer practical pistol training for novice, intermediate and advanced shooters.
Two camps programs are offered, Practical Handgun 101 and 102. Attendees may attend one-session camps or a combined camp, which covers both programs.
National Shooting Sports Foundation's (NSSF) First Shots Program
First Shots Program provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to shooting by qualified range operators and instructors that includes firearm safety, local ownership requirements, shooting fundamentals, hands-on instruction and how and where to continue.
First Shots was developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Events are hosted by independent shooting facilities and the calendar of events is lengthy.
With all these traditional outdoor sports educational programs available, no woman who wants to enjoy hunting, fishing or the shooting sports needs to be left behind. The outdoor industry welcomes new women participants, is focused on providing high-level mentoring and helping women share the outdoors with their families.
Laurie Lee Dovey - By Laurie Lee Dovey
