Education

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman or BOW, is a national education program that strives to make women more comfortable in and more aware of the outdoor world around them. South Dakota offers both a traditional Becoming and Outdoors-Woman workshop and an advanced workshop called Backcountry BOW.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

The BOW workshop, hosted annually each fall, focuses on the learning of outdoor skills - skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, but useful for many outdoor pursuits.

Designed primarily for women, it is an opportunity for anyone 18 years of age or older, and is for you if:

  • You have never tried these activities, but have hoped for an opportunity to learn
  • You are a beginner who hopes to improve your skills
  • You know how to do some of these activities, but would like to try your hand at some new ones
  • You are just looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals

Event Overview

  • Designed for women
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Participate in four classes of your choice, including activities such as archery, fly fishing, birding, shooting, paddling, photography, and much more
  • Take part in several group activities
  • Class materials and equipment provided
  • Several meals included
  • Lodging provided in shared, one-room sleeping cabins
  • Bring your own bedding and personal items
  • No alcohol
  • No smoking
  • No pets
  • Cost: $225

Class Offerings

There are dozens of possible course offerings. A snapshot of just a few classes offered include:

  • Archery
  • Birding/Bird ID
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Outdoor Hacks
  • Photography
  • Shooting Sports
  • Trapping Basics
  • Wilderness Survival
  • and much more!

Online Registration

Register now for Becoming an Outdoors-Woman 2024! This workshop will be held September 13-15 at Outlaw Ranch near Custer.

Contact Information

For more information contact: Maggie Lindsey at 605.223.7667 or via email. 

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Facebook Page

Backcountry BOW

Backcountry BOW is an advanced take on the traditional Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop. This event is smaller in size and is focused on advancing skills learned at the traditional BOW workshop so participants can confidently continue these skills on their own. 

This event places an emphasis on advancing people to the next step in their outdoor recreation journey and creating relationships with like-minded individuals. 

Unlike the traditional Becoming an Outdoors-Woman weekend, there will only be three classes offered throughout the weekend. Everyone will be taking all three classes and rotating through each class with the same group of participants. 
Registration opens March 1 at 8 a.m. and closes on April 24 at 11:59 p.m.