The "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" (B.O.W.) and "Beyond B.O.W." are sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. The following workshops are designed primarily to provide women with a welcoming environment in which to learn outdoor skills. However, anyone over 18 years of age is welcome to participate.

Below is the 2005 workshop schedule. For registration information please visit the Registration Information page.

February 26: Fly-Tying Workshop - FULL
Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center, Oxford, NJ
Fee: $40 (includes lunch and morning refreshments)
This workshop will consist of a morning seminar introducing the equipment and materials used in fly tying, types of flies and tying techniques and an afternoon of fly tying. You may keep everything you make. Registration deadline is February 4, 2005.

April 29 - May 1: Becoming an Outdoors-Woman - Northern Workshop (New Location!)
NJ School of Conservation, Montclair State University, Branchville, NJ
Fee: $200 (includes food and lodging)
Participants choose four sessions during the weekend from a list of courses that include backpacking, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, rock climbing, hunting, shooting, archery, mountain biking and much more.
Register Now!

June 4: Fly Fishing Clinic for Women
Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center, Oxford, NJ
Fee: $40 (includes lunch and morning refreshments)
This workshop will consist of a morning seminar and an afternoon of casting and fishing at Pequest's Fishing Education Pond and, as an option, on the Pequest River. Covers equipment basics including rods, reels and flies.
Register Now!

June 18: Introduction to Shooting Sports
Salem County Sportsmens Club, Deepwater, NJ
Fee: $40 (includes use of equipment, ammunition and lunch)
Participants will be introduced to the shooting sports: trap, skeet, and target shooting using 12 and 20 gauge shotguns, .22 rifles and .22 pistols. Brief classroom instruction will cover the different types of firearms, ammunition and safe handling procedures before heading to the range.
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July 23 and July 30: Sedge Island Sampler
Sedge Island House, Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, NJ
Fee: $50 (includes lunch)
Participants will spend the day exploring a sedge island and the waters of beautiful Barnegat Bay while kayaking, crabbing, seining, fishing, clamming, snorkeling and hiking.
Register Now!

September 9 - 11: Becoming an Outdoors-Woman - Coastal Workshop
Golden Inn, Avalon, NJ
Fee: $310 (includes food, lodging and all equipment)
Similar in design to the B.O.W. Northern workshop, the coastal workshop focuses on marine-based recreation like crabbing, clamming, small motor boat handling, bay kayaking, deep sea fishing, coastal ecology, waterfowl hunting and much more.

October 1: Surf Fishing Workshop and Salt Water Fly Fishing Clinic
Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, NJ
Fee: $50
These hands-on workshops will cover equipment basics such as how to choose and use rods, reels, bait and lures; fish identification; fundamentals of casting; reading the surf; and knowing the tides.

October TBA: Pheasant Hunt for Women
Buttonwood Game Farm, Harmony, NJ
Fee: $50
If you have ever wanted to try small game hunting, this workshop is for you. Participants will experience a one-on-one situation with an experienced hunting guide and dog. A current hunting license will be required.

Pequest Fishing Education Programs
Multiple dates
No Fee
Though not part of the BOW program, the classes at Pequest are an excellent opportunity to broaden your knowledge and skills. Courses include fly tying and beginner and intermediate fly fishing, spin casting and other outdoor skills programs. Telephone registration is on a first come-first served basis taken no sooner than two weeks prior to each event. Courses are held at the division's Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center near Oxford, Warren County.

Join us at one or many of these workshops and experience the enjoyment of getting outdoors.