Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW)

LET'S GET OUTDOORS!

The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program (BOW) is an international program sponsored in part by the KDFWR and other partners including Kentucky State Parks and the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation. BOW is designed primarily for adult age women interested in building confidence and outdoor skills relevant in hunting and shooting sports.

Workshops range from 1-3 day events and are held at various locations across Kentucky. Come find out why thousands of women have already participated in this unique opportunity to learn more about hunting and shooting sports, and wildlife-related adventures in the Bluegrass State!

The BOW workshops are 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 are just looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.

Some of the classes held at most workshops are...

Basics of Archery
Wild Game Cooking
Introduction to Wild Mushrooms
Survival in the Outdoors

Edible Wild Plants
Basics of Hunting in KY
Pistol Safety

Basic Rifle Use and Safety
Tree Identification
Basic Shotgun and Safety
Wildlife ID and Game Tracking

Conducted by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Department of Parks, the Cooperative Extension Service, and the University of Kentucky.

Contact Us!

Megan Bagby

BOW Program Coordinator
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
1 Sportsman's Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 401-6101 | Agency: 1-800-858-1549

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2026 Upcoming Events

Fall BOW Weekend Workshop

Dates: August 21-23, 2026
Location: Camp Wallace, in Monticello, Kentucky
Registration: Opens June 24th at 9 a.m. for first-timers. 10 a.m. for returning participants.

Our Annual BOW Weekend is now happening at Camp Wallace on August 21-23! This is our annual BOW Weekend Workshop that we offer every year for women 18 years and up. Participants will be able to sign up for 4 classes. Each class is roughly 3 hours long. Registration fee also covers meals and lodging for the weekend.

Participants can sleep in a bunkhouse or bring their own tent/hammock. Everyone has access to use the bathhouses. A registration link will be posted on this website, posted on our Facebook page (@kentuckybow) and sent out in our email list. Mark your calendars and get ready for another incredible weekend of outdoor adventure, skill-building, and fun!

Download this year's BOW Weekend class descriptions (PDF).

BEYOND BOW Mentor Hunt - October 24-25

Date: Oct. 24-25, 2026
Location: Camp Wallace, 103 Camp Earl Wallace Road, Monticello, KY 42633
Cost: Free
Contact: Megan Bagby, megan.bagby@ky.gov | (502) 401-6101

This overnight weekend event will begin Saturday and conclude Sunday. Participants will enjoy range time, Hunting 101 and squirrel-focused instruction, evening hunt planning and assignments, and a Sunday morning hunt. We are also working to include a special squirrel dog demonstration as part of the educational experience.

More details and registration information coming soon — mark your calendars!