'Discovery Weekend' Jan. 27-29 Offers Women an Opportunity to Explore Ice Fishing, Snowshoeing and More
The Department of Natural Resources will offer a “Winter Discovery Weekend” – designed to give women an opportunity to try a variety of outdoor skills in a fun, safe and non-competitive environment – Jan 27-29 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon. The event is part of the DNR's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program, and classes are geared toward beginners, with no skill level required.
Participants choose three classes from among several topics offered, including ice fishing, self-defense basics, wilderness first aid, snowshoeing, hiking, turkey and duck hunting and basic pistol shooting.
Guests should plan to arrive Friday evening between 4 and 9 p.m. On Saturday, guests participate in morning and afternoon classes (three hours each) with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided as part of the paid package. All sessions are taught by experienced volunteer instructors who enjoy the outdoors and have a true desire to share it with others.
The Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center is located on the north shore of Higgins Lake at 104 Conservation Dr. in Roscommon. The registration fee is $225 and includes two nights of lodging, four meals, all instruction and materials. Registration deadline is Jan. 12. For registration forms and information on this and other BOW programs, visit www.michigan.gov/bow, call 517-241-2225 or email dnr-outdoors-woman@michigan.gov. BOW is a noncompetitive program in which each individual is encouraged to learn at her own pace. The emphasis is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities, and sharing in the success of one another.

DNR Offers Women an Opportunity to Explore Ice Fishing, Snowshoeing, Hunting and More Jan. 28

The Department of Natural Resources is offering a Winter Discovery Day on Saturday, Jan 28 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon. Part of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program, the program is designed for women to try a variety of outdoor skills in a fun, safe and non-competitive environment.  

The $50 fee includes lunch and participants' choice of two classes. Sessions, taught by experienced volunteer instructors, include:

·         Ice Fishing

·         Beginning Snowshoeing

·         Basic Map and Compass Skills

·         Day Hiking

·         Duck Hunting

·         Self Defense

·         Basic Pistol Shooting

·         Outdoor Cooking

·         Spring Turkey Hunting

"We decided to offer this one-day program for those who want to try some new outdoor recreation activities but can't get away for the full Winter Discovery Weekend," said BOW program coordinator Sue Tabor.  "Women who are interested in getting outdoors and having some fun are invited to join us.  All classes are geared toward beginners – no skill level required!" The Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center is on the north shore of Higgins Lake at 104 Conservation Drive in Roscommon. Registration and payment must be received no later than Jan. 24. BOW is a noncompetitive program in which each individual is encouraged to learn at her own pace. The emphasis is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities, and sharing in the success of one another. For registration forms and information on this and other BOW programs, visit www.michigan.gov/bow, call 517-241-2225 or email dnr-outdoors-woman@michigan.gov.

Winter Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Set for Upper Peninsula Feb. 24-26 - Women seeking the opportunity to improve their outdoor skills are invited to register for the 12th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman ( BOW ) winter program in the Upper Peninsula . The program will be held in Big Bay on Feb. 24-26. Sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, this program offers instruction in more than a dozen kinds of indoor and outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice fishing, fly tying, wilderness first aid, wood burning and more. Instructors provide basic and advanced instruction that is tailored to each participant's individual ability. The program takes place at Bay Cliff Health Camp, a universally accessible facility, located in a picturesque wooded setting overlooking Lake Superior approximately 30 miles north of Marquette. The $180 registration fee includes all food and lodging, as well as most equipment and supplies, except as noted in the registration materials. Participants will be housed in a dorm-style facility with amenities including a sauna and hiking trails with access to Lake Superior. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops are for women, 18 and older, who wish to learn outdoor skills in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. The winter BOW program also includes special evening programs during the weekend event. Early registration is recommended as the program fills quickly each year. Class information and registration materials are available online at www.michigan.gov/bow, and payments may now be made online as well. For more information, contact Sharon Pitz at the DNR office in Marquette at 906-228-6561 or e-mail pitzs@michigan.gov. Many other outdoors programs for women are scheduled across Michigan . To learn more about these additional opportunities, check the BOW website or contact Sue Tabor at 517-241-2225; e-mail: DNR-Outdoors-Woman@michigan.gov.