GREEN RIVER - When was the last time you were able to escape for a weekend of outdoor recreation, complete with instruction, meals and lodging for $150? If you are like most women, the answer is, not lately.

Thanks to a program sponsored by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, it is possible.

The Becoming an Outdoors Woman in Wyoming program (BOW) is targeted toward women 18 years and older who have an interest in learning outdoor skills, principally associated with hunting and fishing.

Green River Information and Education Specialist and BOW instructor Lucy Wold says the three-day event is a great way for women to learn outdoor skills in a safe, non-intimidating, outdoor setting.

"Women may pick from a variety of classes, including shooting, fly-tying, backpacking, mountain biking, outdoor photography, archery, survival, canoeing, fishing basics, campfire cooking, camping basics, horsepacking and much more," Wold says. "Instruction is done at the Whiskey Mountain Camp, southeast of Dubois, one mile from the Fitzpatrick Wilderness Area and home to the world’s largest Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep population. The setting is outstanding for this type of event."

Wold says the registration fee covers meals and lodging from noon, June 22, through noon on June 24.

"BOW is so popular that many women want to return and we appreciate and understand that," she said. "However, the participants are selected by random drawing, with preference given to first-time registrants. This way, we can offer the program to as many new women as possible."

Application forms may be picked up at Game and Fish offices or online at http://gf.state.wy.us. Mail the form and $150 fee to WGFD, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, 3030 Energy Lane, Casper, WY 82006. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. April 13.

"BOW is a wonderful way to be with women of shared interests and skill levels, in a relaxing, yet energizing, setting," Wold said. "The scenery is spectacular. The food is good and the cabins have running water and electricity. You feel like you are roughing it in style for the weekend."

Equipment for instruction is provided, however, participants are responsible to bring their own personal items.

Call Wold at (800) 843-8096 with questions or read more about the workshop at the Game and Fish Web site.
(contact: Lucy Wold (307) 875-3223)