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Becoming An Outdoors-Woman

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A hands-on educational retreat designed to introduce adult women to outdoor skills in a supportive, encouraging environment. Whether you're brand new or looking to build confidence.

Texas Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

The Texas BOW offers expert instruction, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences outdoors.

The format is a 3-day, multi-course retreat with more than 20 courses to choose from including fly fishing, archery, shotgun and rifle shooting, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, nature photography, basic fishing, outdoor cooking and many more. Texas BOW offers 2 weekend retreats, 1 in the Fall and 1 in the Spring. Locations vary around the State of Texas to give all women the opportunity to attend.

BOW retreats are hosted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Hunter Education and supported by dedicated instructors, volunteers, and partners who are passionate about empowering women through outdoor education.

women fishing McKinney SP

What can I expect from a Texas Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Multi-Day Retreat?

Retreats span a weekend, typically Friday noon through Sunday noon. The weekend is divided into 4 sessions that are typically 4 hours long; you pick the classes in which you'd like to participate. Around 15 classes per session are offered.

Class topics are diverse and are divided into three categories:

  1. Hunting & shooting sports
  2. Fishing & water sports
  3. Nature & other outdoor topics (e.g., camping, cooking, bird watching, plant identification)

*Classes are taught with a "hands-on" approach and equipment is provided!

BOW Retreat Dates

Texas BOW offers 2 weekend retreats a year, 1 in the Fall and 1 in the Spring. Locations vary around the State of Texas to give all women the opportunity to attend.

The BOW Experience

BOW retreats typically include:

  • On-site lodging & meals
  • Small-group instruction
  • All class equipment provided (unless noted)
  • Evening programs

From the first welcome to the final send-off, BOW creates an atmosphere where women feel encouraged, supported, and inspired.

Registration

Registration for BOW opens approximately 4-6 weeks before the retreat. The exact registration date is not announced publicly in advance.

Once registration opens, TPWD will post on Facebook and in digital newsletters.

BOW Retreat Fee

$300-$350 - Includes:

  1. 4 Classes of your choice
  2. Meals/Lodging
  3. Evening Activities

Scholarship Opportunities Available

Lodging

BOW retreats typically include on-site lodging to create a comfortable, immersive experience. Participants are housed in shared cabins, with room assignments coordinated by TPWD staff.

Class Descriptions

Every BOW includes a variety of classes that are usually 4 hours long, which include a balance among the three main areas: Hunting, Fishing and Nature.

Classes vary by session and location.

View Class Descriptions

Texas Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BBOW 101)

Recognizing that becoming a confident, independent outdoors person is a process that is developed over time, TPWD Hunter Education offers advanced hands-on outdoor educational 101 workshops through BBOW 101.

Texas BBOW 101's build on beginner skills, teach more advanced skills, and may be conducted almost entirely in an outdoors setting. These workshops focus on teaching a skill that takes more time than is available in a traditional BOW weekend retreat, while still having supportive instructors on hand to coach and encourage.

BBOW 101's are for you if you are:

  • Interested in becoming more active in the outdoors
  • Looking for new outdoor experiences
  • A graduate from BOW retreat looking for the next step in learning
  • An intermediate or advanced outdoors woman who enjoys the camaraderie of like-minded individuals

Texas BBOW 101 is part of TPWD Hunter Education is designed for small groups of women ages 18+. Smaller groups enable us to give greater one-on-one attention and instruction that fulfills the needs of safety, education, and personal assurance in a non-threatening environment.

Learn more about Texas BBOW 101

mentored dove hunt Chaparral WMA

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Questions? Send email to: bow@tpwd.texas.gov