Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

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Education & Classes

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW)

 

 
 
Click on the link below to download the 2008 Workshop Agenda.
This is the agenda for the September 19-21, 2008 workshop.
 
Use the link below to download the 2008 Agenda and Application.
Paper applications were mailed June 13, 2008.
 
2008 Workshop Agenda and Application  
 
 
 

2008 Workshop Dates

September 19-21, 2008
 
 
If you would like to be on the mailing list, click here to send your name and mailing address to Phyllis Speer or send it by mail to:
 

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
Phyllis Speer, Coordinator
6592 Buffalo Road
Mountain Home, AR  72653

About the Program

"Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" is an outdoors skills workshop for women. The objective is to provide a non-threatening atmosphere where women can have fun learning skills that will enhance their enjoyment of Arkansas outdoors.

This workshop is 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 the activities, but would like to try some new ones.    
  • You are looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.

Contact Phyllis Speer, Program Coordinator, by phone at (870)424-5750, or click here to send an email, or write her at 6592 Buffalo Road, Mountain Home, AR 72653.

Becoming An Outdoors-Woman National Website

C. A. Vines Arkansas 4-H CenterAbout the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center

The C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center is located about 15 miles west of Little Rock near the community of Ferndale. This 228 acre center is a modern, comfortable conference facility in the heart of forested mountains, providing an ideal location for learning outdoors skills.

To view images from past workshops, click here.  Click on BOW in the gallery to view photos.

Workshop Class Descriptions

 

BASIC FIREARMS & FIREARM SAFETY
This class will cover types of firearms, firearm safety, how to select/purchase & how to care for firearms. Firearm handling will be included in this class. This class will not include any range shooting, but is a PRE-REQUISITE FOR ANYONE WHO HAS NOT HAD HUNTER EDUCATION OR SIGNIFICANT SHOOTING EXPERIENCE & WISHES TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE SHOOTING CLASSES.
TURKEY HUNTING 101 
Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the wild turkey and its habits. You will learn to call turkeys on a variety of calls, learn about equipment, camouflage and set up techniques to improve your chances of harvesting, viewing or photographing one of these magnificent birds.
OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn techniques, how-to and how-not-to on a variety of cameras. Bring your camera, 35MM and/or Digital. You will be learning techniques about both. Also will have time for photos in the field. Critique time for digitals at end of class. Film and development provided for 35 MM.
CANOE & KAYAK PADDLING
Learn basic paddling strokes, techniques & about equipment for both the canoe and kayak. Instruction in safety important to this sport will be included. You will have an opportunity to try out your new learned skills in both kayak & canoe on the lake at the Center.
BASIC MOTOR BOAT SKILLS
You will learn the basics of boating safety, how to back a boat trailer & how to operate various types of motorboats. You will have an opportunity to actually operate boats on the water & learn trailering first hand.
GPS 101 (Global Positional System)
Learn how to use this modern device and satellites to find your way. Whether hiking, camping, hunting, fishing or biking, this is an excellent tool. All equipment will be provided and you will plot a course and find your way using this modern technology.
BASIC FISHING SKILLS
This class will offer hands-on instruction for choosing equipment as well as landing the fish. Learn the types of equipment available, knot tying, choosing bait & loading a reel. Lots of on-lake fishing time using spinning rods & bait casting equipment. Equipment is provided, but participants may bring their own.
INTRODUCTION TO SCUBA DIVING
Bring your swimsuit, get your feet, hands and head wet learning if the pursuit of this exciting underwater sport is for you. You will have classroom time and also time poolside learning the proper way to use the equipment and about diving. This is not a certification class, but an introductory class to the sport of scuba diving.
STREAM ECOLOGY
Learn about the streams and the critters that live there. This hands-on class will take you to the stream, teach you the ecology of a stream and how to protect and take care of that stream. Wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
MAP & COMPASS
Students learn to navigate the woods using a map & compass. Learn about topographical maps & how to read them. You will learn how to use a compass. While used for hunting & hiking, this skill is popular recreational activity in its own right.
BIRDWATCHING BASICS
Learn the basic steps in becoming an adept Birder. Plan to hike the area to learn bird spotting techniques and identifying various bird calls. Binocular and Field Guide are provided, but you may bring your own.
PIONEER WOMAN SKILLS
Learn the skills of the women of yesteryear who helped blaze the trail west. Participants will learn to throw a tomahawk, build a fire with flint & steel. You will learn about trade goods and items used in that era and what it takes to be a pioneer woman.
NATURE CRAFTS
Learn about nature while crafting some exciting take home projects. This is a hands-on class utilizing Mother Nature’s gifts to make fun and exciting gifts and decorations. Learn projects to share with your children to have a better understanding of the natural world around us.
RIFLE MARKSWOMANSHIP
You will be coached on shooting techniques & learn to shoot from different positions. You will learn about different rifles, their components & ammunitions. While learning on .22 rifles, you will have an opportunity to shoot a variety of other rifles. This is a hands-on class. CLASS A IN SESSION I, HUNTER EDUCATION OR PRIOR SHOOTING EXPERIENCE ARE A PRE-REQUISITE TO ATTEND THIS CLASS
BEGINNING FLYFISHING
Learn the basics of casting & fly presentation, types of flies, selection of equipment plus basic knowledge & understanding of fly-fishing. This hands-on class will offer fishing on the lake at the Center. Equipment is provided, but participants may bring their own.
CANOE & KAYAK PADDLING
Learn basic paddling strokes, techniques & about equipment for both the canoe and kayak. Instruction in safety important to this sport will be included. You will have an opportunity to try out your new learned skills in both kayak & canoe on the lake at the Center.
BASIC FISHING SKILLS
This class will offer hands-on instruction for choosing equipment as well as landing the fish. Learn the types of equipment available, knot tying, choosing bait & loading a reel. Lots of on-lake fishing time using spinning rods & bait casting equipment. Equipment is provided, but participants may bring their own.
DUTCH OVEN COOKING
From seasoning to storing, learn how to prepare delicious recipes in this old fashioned cooking vessel. Be prepared to not only cook all types of dishes in the Dutch oven, also to enjoy the delectable dishes you prepared. 
BEGINNING BACKPACKING
This class will get you started learning about backpacking. Learn how to pack a backpack, filter water, use a backpacking stove and much more. This is a learn-by-doing class, so come ready to have some fun.
ATV RIDERCOURSE
This hands-on class emphasizes safety relating to riding an ATV
(4 Wheeler). Learn about proper gear, environmental concerns, pre-ride inspections as well as proper maneuvers of these popular vehicles. You will learn to enjoy riding and handling an ATV in a proper and safe manner. ATVs will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.
SHOTGUNNING BASICS
Learn shotgunning techniques with an emphasis on hunting & shooting sports. Learn proper stance & shooting techniques. There will be plenty of shooting practice at clay targets on the shotgun range. Shotgun & shells are provided. CLASS A IN SESSION I, HUNTER EDUCATION OR PRIOR SHOOTING EXPERILENCE IS A PRE-REQUISITE TO THIS CLASS.
BEGINNING ARCHERY
Learn archery techniques for target shooting and bowhunting. Learn about all types of bows, arrows and the latest archery equipment. Participants will have an opportunity for lots of hands-on bow shooting at an array of targets.
FLY TYING BASICS
Learn to tie your on flies to catch those lunkers. This hands-on class provides all the supplies and equipment needed for the class and you will take home the flies and techniques you learn in the class.
WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Identify species of animals native to Arkansas. Connect those species to their tracks, scat, fur, sounds and other clues. Use your learned skills on a woodland scavenger hunt. Create a “make & take” to help you continue your journey!
BACKYARD WILDLIFE
Learn the basics of this very popular sport. Safety, equipment, paddle strokes and kayak design for use will be taught. Try out these fun boats on the lake at the Center when you get plenty of paddle time in this class.
OUTDOOR SURVIVAL
Learn how to take care of yourself and others while enjoying the outdoors. Learn techniques that could save your life or the lives of others. This hands-on class will help you to be a better outdoors-woman.
FIELD ORIENTEERING
Participants will put to us their map & compass skills in this class. Learn to navigate from point to point using a map & compass. This is a chance to build your confidence in a team setting. Students will go out into the fields and navigate a course plotted by the instructor. CLASS J IN SESSION II OR CLASS V IN SESSION III OR MAP & COMPASS KNOWLEDGE ARE A PRE-REQUISITE FOR THIS CLASS.