Becoming An Outdoors Woman Newsletter Winter - 2025-26

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minnesota department of natural resources

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Newsletter

Winter 2025-26


Winter Workshop

BOW Winter Workshop

Join us this January 23-25 at Osprey Wilds for our Winter Workshop! Workshop Registration   $225 Fee includes Friday night – Sunday afternoon lodging & meals; three outdoor skill classes, evening program and campfire. Instruction, equipment and fun are all included.  Workshops are a great way for women to learn skills and meet other women who are also interested in the outdoors. Fee includes two nights lodging, all meals, instruction, equipment, and fun!

BOW Winter ice fishing class

Class Descriptions

To keep overall costs of the workshop down some classes have material fees payable (*) the day of the event.

SESSION 1

SATURDAY MORNING - 9:00 am - Noon

Introduction to Ice Fishing  

This class will cover the basics of ice fishing then go on the lake to ice fish. Learn how to drill holes, equipment needed and how to fish using tip-ups and rods.  Licenses not required for this class.

Beginning Archery   

Learn about archery and how to properly shoot a bow.  Then try your hand on Osprey Wilds new indoor archery range.  We will be using Genesis compound bows with an easy draw weight.  

Beginning Snowshoeing

Snowshoes is a great way to explore the outdoors and exercise.  Learn the basics of snowshoeing then go on a short hike, with an option for a longer snowshoe hike.

Beginning Cross-Country Skiing

Topics include equipment selection and basic skiing skills.  This class is for someone who has never cross-country skied or only tried it a few times and is looking for more help with techniques.  Skiing will be on a flat surface to practice basic skills then progress to an easy trail that includes hills.

Wood Carving*

This class is an opportunity to learn how to carve wood using the tools of the trade. You’ll carve a tree atop a pile of rocks using blanks provided by the instructor.  You’ll then have time to paint the carving in class.  This is an indoor class.   Extra fee payable the day of the event.

Turkey Calls * 

Friction or slate calls are used to mimic turkey sounds.  Strut your stuff by making your own from a “pot”, glass, slate and striker during this class.  Sanding, assembling, varnishing, and practicing included.  Extra fee payable the day of the event.

 

SESSION 2

SATURDAY AFTERNOON - 1:15 – 4:15 p.m.

Introduction to Ice Fishing 

Description under Session 1

Cooking Outdoors

So you've been in the field, forest or on the water, now what do you do with your harvest?  Learn how to preserve & prepare wild foods in this hands-on-cooking class.  Lots of tips & tricks will be shared along with some great recipes.  Extra fee of $5 payable the day of the event.

Birding Watching and Suet Making*

Learn how to make your own “no melt” suet to take home to support your local bird population. This class will start indoors to make suet.  We will cover birds that will be attracted to the feeders this winter then take you on a short birding hike.  Extra $5 fee payable the day of the event.

Nature Photography

Bring your own camera (even your cell phone) and learn to take photographs in nature.  This class will be indoors and outdoors.

Beginning Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the outdoors and exercise.  Learn the basics of snowshoeing then go on a short hike, with an option for a longer snowshoe hike.

Turkey Calls * 

Description under Session 1

 

SESSION 3

Sunday Morning - 9:00 a.m. – Noon

Intro to Firearms

Do you have little or no experience with guns and want to know more about them? If yes, then this class is for you!  You will learn about the use and operation of different firearms.  Remove the mystery by learning the terminology in a friendly environment.  We will also spend time talking about firearms safety in this interactive and hands-on indoor class.

Wood Duck Houses*

This indoor class focuses on wood ducks and the importance of nesting boxes. Participants will work in teams of two to make their own wood duck box to take home. Learn the biology of woods ducks and how they use these houses.

Indoor Climbing Wall

Whether climbing a real rock face or an indoor wall, there is a challenge for everyone. Experience bouldering and top rope climbing on our indoor rock wall!  Teamwork and goal‐setting will be emphasized during this challenging sport.

Healthy in Nature

Research indicates forest bathing and sensory nature immersion provides a stronger dose of well-being than other outdoor recreation activities such as hiking and biking, partly through acclimation activities that guide participants into a state of mindfulness in which body and mind begin to sync with the rhythm of the natural world around them. 

Beginning Cross-Country Skiing

Topics include equipment selection and basic skiing skills.  This class is for someone who has never cross-country skied or only tried it a few times and is looking for more help with techniques.  Skiing will be on a flat surface to practice basic skills then progress to an easy trail that includes hills.

Beginning Archery  

Learn about archery and how to properly shoot a bow.  Then try your hand on Osprey Wilds new indoor archery range.  We will be using Genesis compound bows with an easy draw weight.  



No Child Left Inside Grants

Apply by Dec. 17 for DNR grants that help children get outside

Public entities and nonprofit organizations serving people younger than 18 can apply for No Child Left Inside grants until 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering the grants to help more children cast a line, study animal tracks, hike, bike, or engage in other activities to experience and learn more about nature.

The DNR is accepting applications for both mini grants (less than $5,000) and larger grants ($5,001 to $25,000). Total amount of available funding this year is $485,000. The request for proposals and more information about how to apply are available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/no-child-grants).

Mini grants will be awarded by lottery, while larger grants will be awarded using a competitive review process. Funding can be used for outdoor recreation equipment, transportation, and expenses for programming, staff and natural resource education. For questions and additional resources please contact Grant Program Coordinator Amber Kastner (amber.kastner@state.mn.us).


Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program (BOW)

The BOW program provides hunting, fishing, and non-consumptive outdoor skills classes to women in a safe and supportive environment. BOW works cooperatively with DNR staff, volunteers, and outside agencies to provide opportunities for women to learn skills. BOW is guided by a volunteer steering committee. To find out more, visit the BOW Website.

Do you want to stay informed about upcoming fisheries, wildlife and habitat management activities and ways that you can discover, explore, and experience Minnesota’s outdoors? Then sign up for Minnesota Fishing and Minnesota Wildlife email notifications available for free on the DNR website. Updates are also available for state parks, scientific and natural areas, the Eagle Cam, and more.

Visit the DNR's Learn to Hunt and Learn to Fish web pages to learn how to hunt or fish a variety of species.