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
MAY 16-17, 2025: Missoula Beginning Bird Watching
Birdwatching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the U.S. It can be done anywhere – your backyard, local parks, cross country, or exotic locales. And identifying birds is a challenging but satisfying pastime – or, in the case of instructor Pat Jamieson, an overwhelming passion. With all the variety of birds, where do you begin?
Spend an evening and a day with Pat to learn tips and tricks. Then get out and enjoy birds.
Instructor: Pat Jamieson is a retired National Bison Range ranger. While there she taught people of all ages about the flora and fauna of the Bison Range. Pat continues to work with outdoor and educational groups to lead bird programs and tours.
Must be 18 to register. B.O.W. is a program designed for adult women, all adults are welcome.
Cost of class: $15
What to Bring:
Optional:
Binoculars (we have some to borrow)
Bird field guide (we have some to borrow)
Recommended:
Clothes appropriate for changing weather conditions – layers, sun or shine, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes – trails are level but may have some stones, and mud depending on weather
Water and snacks, lunch if you want
There are a few free apps from Cornell University that help with birding (Merlin) and with contributing to citizen science (eBird). You can download those on your phone. Pat will demonstrate how to use these if folks want to follow along (optional)
Questions: Contact Kylie at 406-444-5280, kylie.kembel@mt.gov
May 30-31, 2025: Flathead Valley BOW Workshop
Join us at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell to Unleash Your Wild Side!
Unleash your wild side with this year’s Flathead Valley BOW program, designed to build confidence, expand your skills, and inspire new adventures in Montana’s breathtaking outdoors. Starting at 5:30 pm Friday and ending around 5:30 pm on Saturday, you’ll immerse yourself in a variety of activities designed to match your passions through engaging plenary sessions and three themed tracks,
Whether you’re sharpening your wildlife identification, finding your creative spark in nature’s beauty, or mastering key outdoor activities, each session offers a hands-on, personal experience.
Connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, gain new insights, and leave with the confidence to explore Montana’s wild landscapes with ease.
Registration opens April 3rd. Link coming soon. Space is limited so reserve your seat early!
June 6-8 (evening pre-class on May 28 or 29), 2025: Helena Beginning Backpacking Workshop
Join Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Program for a 2-night/3-day backpacking adventure in the greater Helena area. This backpacking class is all about empowering you to explore the outdoors with confidence, curiosity, and a good dose of fun. Whether you are brand new to backpacking or just want to brush up on your skills, we’ll dive into the essentials - from packing smart and choosing the right gear to staying safe and comfortable on the trail – all in a fun, low-pressure environment. Think of it as your adventure toolkit! Bring some campfire stories to share with your new trail friends and make unforgettable memories with BOW.
Class Details
May 28 - Classroom evening education session at MT WILD in Helena
OR
May 29 – Zoom evening education session
June 6-8, 2025 - Weekend trip into the backcountry. Location TBD, in the greater Helena area (within a 2-hour drive).
This workshop consists of two parts: a required, pre-requisite classroom session and a field session (backpacking trip). Class will cover Leave No Trace practices, what to bring, how to pack your backpack, backcountry cooking, camp set up, bear safety, and more. Each person will carry a backpack weighing between 20 – 40 lbs. for 3-5 miles and up to 2,000 ft elevation gain. The group will have a layover day - one day of rest with more activities planned - before packing up and returning to the trailhead. This class occurs in a remote setting with no immediate emergency services available. BOW’s priority is safety, but there are inherent risks to recreating in backcountry settings.
*This workshop is not for beginner hikers. This class is for adults who are experienced hikers and who are new to or interested in expanding their skills in backpacking. Participants should be able to comfortably lift and carry a backpack weighing approximately 20 – 40 lbs., and hike 3 to 5 miles with up to 2,000 ft elevation gain in a day.
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.
