She was a woman, so we asked her if she could handle it, because it was big, Mrs. Donovan said

May 22, 2011 10:44 AM

They might not teach you how to be an alligator trapper who works barefoot in Florida, but The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Becoming an Outdoors Woman program is patterned after a similar one that began in Wisconsin, and Becoming an Outdoors Woman programs are available across the U.S. and Canada.

For about $150-200, the weekend-long programs offer lodging, meals and training. A 20th anniversary program in Wisconsin features program founder Dr. Christine Thomas.

posted by cashman (11 comments total)

Interesting combination of university, government, and hunting-equipment company funding. But I am intrigued. And hey there's one in my state in September.
posted by emjaybee at 11:01 AM on May 22, 2011

No BOW program, Pennsylvania? For shame. Even Delaware has one.
posted by MonkeyToes at 11:15 AM on May 22, 2011

It's wrong to limit this to women. Lots of men grow up in the city/suburbs, too. I'm sure more than a few of them don't have country friends or relatives.
posted by codswallop at 11:52 AM on May 22, 2011

"Our workshops are designed primarily for women; however, it is an excellent opportunity for anyone 18 years of age or older to learn the outdoor skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, and a variety of outdoor pursuits."
posted by cashman at 12:31 PM on May 22, 2011

"BOW began at the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s point out of the idea that women would like to be more involved in the outdoors, but traditionally did not have a supportive place to learn. BOW provides opportunities for women to learn skills that enhance and encourage participation in outdoor activities and conservation."
posted by Alice Russel-Wallace at 1:31 PM on May 22, 2011

It's wrong to limit this to women. Lots of men grow up in the city/suburbs, too. I'm sure more than a few of them don't have country friends or relatives.

I'm pretty sure they will have the opportunity to bring this matriarchal oppression up in their drum circle but I suggest they do it quietly now that there will be woods full of camoed up crossbearing outdoorswomen hunting turkey.
posted by srboisvert at 2:28 PM on May 22, 2011 [3 favorites]

I am so doing this.
posted by zennie at 5:11 PM on May 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

Goddammit, this FPP just cost me $225 because I mentioned it to my wife and now she's signed up for Beekeeping I, Geocaching, and Introductory Shotgun Handling.

I tried to get her to sign up for Wooly Buggers & Friends, but nooooooo.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 7:49 PM on May 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

I think this is wonderful. But I don't understand why it's limited to women. I understand the reasons for woman-only classes, but why not also offer this to men?
posted by apiaryist at 12:16 AM on May 23, 2011

Again, "Our workshops are designed primarily for women; however, it is an excellent opportunity for anyone 18 years of age or older to learn the outdoor skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, and a variety of outdoor pursuits."
posted by cashman at 7:52 AM on May 23, 2011

There is no shortage of classes for men to learn outdoors skills. See the class schedule of any outdoors mega-store.
posted by QIbHom at 12:23 PM on May 23, 2011