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 an annual BOW workshop each fall that rotates around the state at different state parks and recreation areas. Learning new outdoors skills as women can feel inaccessible or intimidating, especially in male-dominated activities. This workshop is critical to providing the tools and resources needed for women to grow their relationship with the outdoors.

What is BOW?

The BOW workshop introduces and develops skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, but useful for many outdoor pursuits.

Designed 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 want 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 want to spend time with your significant other in new ways 
  • You want to foster friendships built around outdoor recreation 
  • You want to connect to where you live differently
  • You want to learn to provide for yourself/your family

Event Overview

  • Designed for women
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Participate in classes and 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: $200

Class Offerings

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

  • Archery
  • Fishing & Flyfishing
  • Hunting & Trapping
  • Shooting Sports
  • Paddling & Boating
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Backpacking
  • Hiking
  • Camping

Online Registration

Register now for Becoming an Outdoors-Woman 2026! This workshop will be held October 2-4 at Roy Lake State Park in northeastern SD.

Registration will open April and close midnight on July 31. Applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be informed of status shortly after application deadline via email.

Contact Information

For more information contact: KayCee Smith at 605.394.3354 or via email. 

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Facebook Page

Complete this interest form to be added to contact list for updates and information.

Pathways after BOW

Encouraging new participants with a willingness to continue outdoor recreation in a meaningful, committed manner is a priority of SD Becoming an Outdoors-Woman. The weekend will be considered a launching point to the outdoors. Current and past participants will be encouraged to engage in future BOW-focused events around the state on semi-regular basis such as ice fishing, archery shoots, trapping, fly fishing, and various kinds of hunting to continue building knowledge and skills. These kind of events around the state will serve to cultivate and continue the strong community of women that BOW is built around.