LANSING, MICH. — Women looking to learn new outdoor skills can find free workshops hosted on Instagram by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources this month.
During the next several weeks, the DNR’s popular Becoming an Outdoorswoman (BOW) programing will hold a variety of outdoors skills classes over Instagram Live, with topics including beginner snowshoeing, turkey hunting, fire-starting basics, fly fishing, and wilderness backpack preparation.
Typically the BOW program’s winter session is held in person over a weekend in February, but due to pandemic restrictions, the DNR opted to hold the workshops virtually.
“With our winter program cancelled this year, some of our very talented volunteer BOW instructors are teaming up to offer some tips and instruction for women hoping to learn more about a range of popular subjects,” said Michelle Zellar, BOW coordinator with the DNR. “We have an initial slate of these instructional sessions set up as Instagram Live events during March and April, with additional sessions being discussed.”
The BOW program aims to give women ages 18 and older the opportunity to sharpen their outdoors skills and learn new ones in a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere. The program’s workshops are taught by volunteers, many from the DNR.
To watch the workshops, users can follow the BOW program on Instagram at Instagram.com/BOW_Michigan.
Five upcoming Instagram Live events are currently scheduled; according to the DNR, a decision on the summer program will be made in the coming weeks.
5 p.m. EST, Thursday, March 11 – Basic Snowshoeing with instructor Sandra Kivela. Learn the basics of snowshoeing, snowshoe selection, how to dress for snowshoeing and more.
5 p.m. EDT, Thursday, March 18 – Talking Turkey with instructor Jen Davis. Spring turkey hunting tactics will be explained, including scouting, calling, tools of the trade, turkey behavior and a little about field care and cooking.
5:30 p.m. EDT, Thursday, March 25 – Fly Fishing with instructor Nome Buckman. Discussions will include being prepared and choosing the right fly.
5 p.m. EDT, Thursday, April 1 – Wilderness Survival Pack Preparation with instructor Tara Gluski. Always be prepared. Learn what to carry in your daypack when you venture into the woods.
5 p.m. EDT, Thursday, April 8 – The Basics of Fire Starting with instructor Dave Kalishek. Tips and techniques for building a fire while in the backcountry will be presented.
For more about the Becoming an Outdoorswoman program, or to sign up to receive updates and announcements on upcoming sessions, visit Michigan.gov/BOW. Registration for the program’s summer workshops typically opens in spring and fills up quickly.
For outdoor tips, pictures and BOW features past and present, follow the program on Facebook at Facebook.com/BecomingAnOutdoorsWomanMichigan.
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