The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program today announced that a few slots remain for an all-women's hunter safety class Aug. 27-28 at the Ingham County Conservation District in Mason and the DNR's Rose Lake Shooting Range in East Lansing.

The class is open to any female, 18 and older, who wishes to attain a hunter safety certificate necessary for hunting. All hunters born on or after January 1, l960 must have this certificate or proof of a previous license to purchase any Michigan hunting license.

The classroom portion of the class will take place Aug. 27 at the Ingham County Conservation District, 1031 W. Dexter Trail, Mason, beginning at 7:45 a.m. On Sunday, the class moves to the outdoor shooting range at Rose Lake for a day of hands-on instruction in firearms and archery equipment.

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant will receive a hunter safety certificate. A $5 donation is suggested to cover the cost of materials. Participants should bring their own sack lunch and beverages.

"These classes are a good way for women to familiarize themselves with guns and how to handle them safely, even if they don't intend to hunt," said Lynn Marla, DNR BOW coordinator. "This is important information for single mothers, for example, who may not be interested in hunting, but whose children may be going out to shoot with relatives."

A reservation form is available on the DNR Web site. The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is a hands-on, outdoor skills program for women who wish to enjoy all that Michigan has to offer. For more information, contact Lynn Marla at (517) 241-2225 or marlal@michigan.gov.