Introducing women to different outdoor skills such as fishing, hunting, shooting, archery, orienteering, camp cooking, kayaking, and much more. BOW provides participants with information, encouragement, and hands-on instruction.
A BOW workshop 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 enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals and you seek time away to reconnect with nature.
BOW offers partial scholarships for women aged 18 years and older who are full-time residents of Montana and who have not previously attended a BOW event. These scholarships enable women to participate in BOW who otherwise may not be able to afford the full registration fee. Recipients may receive only one scholarship in a lifetime.
For further information on the history of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program or to find BOW programs in other states, visit the national BOW website
Workshops
February 6-7, 2026: Ice Fishing in Kalispell
Reel in some fun and sharpen your skills with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Kalispell ice fishing workshop on February 6 and 7.
This two-part ice fishing workshop is designed for women 18 and older who have never ice fished, or have only gone ice fishing a few times, and are looking to learn or improve basic skills and meet likeminded individuals.
Cost: $15, plus your own conservation license through our ‘ONLINE LICENSING’ system here https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply or at and license provider such as sports store or FWP offices
February 13-14, 2026: Beginning Ice Fishing in Helena
Reel in some fun and sharpen your skills with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Helena ice fishing workshop on February 13 and 14.
This two-part ice fishing workshop is designed for women 18 and older who have never ice fished, or have only gone ice fishing a few times, and are looking to learn or improve basic skills and meet likeminded individuals.
Date: Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14, 2026
Location: Helena, MT
Cost: $15, plus your own conservation license through our ‘ONLINE LICENSING’ system here https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply or at and license provider such as sports store or FWP offices
February 14, 2026: Intermediate Ice Fishing in Helena
Join Montana’s BOW program for our intermediate ice fishing course. This class is designed for anglers who have ice fished one or more times and are looking to improve skills and spend time with likeminded people. This is a field session only class, and FWP staff will be present to assist and offer tips as needed or desired while on the ice. Fishing licenses will be required for this class as it is designed for existing anglers and provides no classroom education portion necessary for an education exemption.
The BOW program is designed for adult women to learn and participate in outdoor recreation in a safe and non-competitive atmosphere.
Cost: Free, must bring your own fishing license which can be purchased through our ‘ONLINE LICENSING’ system here https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply or at and license provider such as sports store or FWP offices
Join us for a weekend of self discovery and adventure in the beautiful Lubrecht Forest!
The "Summer BOW" workshop is a 3-day event beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday and ending around 1 p.m. on Sunday. The workshop is held in a camp setting where meals and lodging or tent/camper space is provided.
The weekend is divided into four instructional sessions that run 3.5 hours each. Participants choose from a variety of classes that provide hands-on learning in a comfortable and non-competitive learning environment. Classes are held outdoors as much as possible.
Evenings at this weekend workshop are filled with more learning opportunities, fun, and camaraderie.
