By Yvette Sabo
Have you ever enjoyed a meal cooked in cast iron over an open flame, or wanted to learn how?
Maybe you have tried to back up your boat or trailer, but found frustration got in the way – your partner’s frustration, and not yours.
Fly tying, trap shooting, canoeing or using a chain saw and axe are just a few of the courses that have been offered at the British Columbia Wildlife Federation’s (BCWF) Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program I have attended.
The best part is all equipment is provided, and experience is not necessary. Where else can women have the opportunity to learn outdoor skills, in a safe relaxed non-competitive environment, with the bonus of meeting like-minded women?
With meals served family style and dorm accommodations, don’t hesitate to sign up as an individual, as many women do, and you will be part of the group before you know it.
A great feature of the BOW program is it moves throughout the province each year.
The year it was in Kelowna and trapper Pete Wise was a facilitator was a time I won’t soon forget.
I attended my first BOW weekend having completed my firearms safety program and was seeking opportunity for supervised live firing instruction. Not only did I obtain this goal, but found a new love for trap shooting that I have pursued for several years since.
Trap shooting has opened doors for me and given me the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people.
Recently, while in the Chilcotin, I unexpectedly had the opportunity to participate in the 44th Annual Alexis Creek Forestry Trap shoot – what a highlight! Thanks to a member of the Lone Butte Fish and Wildlife Association who was gracious enough to lend me a gun.
So, if you’re ready for a challenge and maybe even do something out of your comfort zone, I highly recommend checking out the BCWF’s BOW program, you will be glad you did.
