Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

DEEP headquarters at 79 Elm Street in Hartford has partially re-opened to staff and members of the public as of Tuesday, February 3. The DEEP records room has re-opened. The DEEP Central Permit Processing Unit (CPPU) will be open to the public starting on Wednesday, Feb. 4. For updates, click here

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) – Connecticut

Empowering women through outdoor skills, conservation, and community.

BOW Program participants test their archery skills.Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is an educational initiative that provides women with the space and resources to explore, develop, and grow their outdoor skills. Through hands-on instruction in beginner-friendly settings, BOW introduces participants to a wide range of activities — from hunting and fishing to hiking, camping, outdoor cooking, and more.

Whether you are new to the outdoors or looking to expand your abilities, BOW offers an encouraging environment to learn, grow, and connect with others who share your interest in nature.

Sign up to receive email updates about BOW.

Upcoming Events

Deer Butchering Clinic - Saturday, January 31, 2026: A hands-on, beginner-friendly clinic designed to build confidence and practical skills for processing your own white-tailed deer. Female-led instruction; learn from a trained butcher and experienced hunters. Participants will actively assist in skinning, butchering, trimming, and/or packaging a white-tailed deer while learning each step of the process in a supportive environment. This program will be held indoors at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington, Connecticut. All equipment is provided, and no prior experience is required. Just come dressed appropriately and ready to learn. Registration details.

Past Events

Women's Shooting Day - Saturday, August 23, 2025: A welcoming introduction to firearms and marksmanship in a supportive, all-women environment. Find more information Here  

BOW Workshop - October 17-19, 2025: The first 3-day, weekend workshop brought women together for an immersive outdoor learning experience in a relaxed, community-focused setting. This workshop featured a wide range of sessions — from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced skill-building — as well as shared meals, evening campfires, and opportunities to connect with other women who love the outdoors. Registration and Event Details

 

Who Can Participate?

Three BOW Program participants hold up paper targets.BOW is open to adult women (18+) of all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you are just starting out or returning to outdoor activities, you will find knowledgeable instructors and a supportive community.

We especially welcome women who are:

  • New to outdoor recreation or trying a skill for the first time.
  • Interested in learning to hunt, fish, or explore wildlife-based recreation.
  • Curious about conservation and land stewardship.
  • Looking to build outdoor confidence or connect with like-minded peers
What Do We Teach?

An instructor speaks with a BOW Program participant.Our courses are hands-on and led by experienced, supportive instructors. Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Archery, hunter safety, and marksmanship.
  • Fly fishing, ice fishing, and knot tying.
  • Map and compass, wilderness survival, hiking.
  • Outdoor cooking, foraging, and nature crafts.
  • Wildlife tracking, birding, and habitat conservation.
  • And much more!
Why It Matters

A young woman ice fishing on a lake in Connecticut.The BOW program, birthed at the University of Wisconsin, is now part of an international effort to increase women’s participation in outdoor recreation, where they have long been underrepresented —particularly in hunting, fishing, and other hands-on field skills.

By providing women with the tools, knowledge, and space to explore these pursuits, BOW helps build confidence, self-reliance, and a stronger connection to nature. It is not just about learning new skills —it is about empowering women to feel at home outside and become part of a vibrant, supportive outdoor community.

These experiences also deepen appreciation for conservation and stewardship. And when women connect with the outdoors they often inspire their families and communities, helping raise the next generation of responsible, confident outdoor users.

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive email updates about BOW.

A participant-run Facebook group is available for those interested in connecting with other women involved in the BOW program. This group is not affiliated with DEEP or the Wildlife Division, but offers a welcoming space for sharing outdoor experiences, asking questions, and staying in touch with fellow participants. Join the group on Facebook

Contact Us

Questions about the program?
Contact: Maydiel Canizares
Wildlife Division – R3 Program Coordinator
maydiel.canizares@ct.gov
860-424-3415

Content last updated in January 2026.