When I first moved to Michigan in 2005 I was invited by my soon-to-be father-in-law (who is a hunter) to shoot some firearms. I had never shot any type of gun in my life, but gave it a go. It was a very empowering feeling, but after that I never did it again since the opportunity never presented itself.
A few years later my husband and I would travel a certain road every day to drop our son off for day care and I would see these lovely wild turkeys strut through an open section of property and I would say to my husband, “Gee, wouldn’t it be cool to go turkey hunting? I wonder what it involves.”
In 2010 I decided in the late summer it was time to take hunters safety. I completed it, but was unsure what to do with my new hobby that is made up of predominantly males. That’s when I came upon the BOW program through the Michigan DNR. They were offering a water fowling workshop that taught how to ID water fowl, shot placement, seasons, gear and pretty much everything else that goes along with it, together with a hands on session at Michigan Shooting Centers. I knew no one else attending the class but made some new friends quickly. Most ladies there were new to the sport and some had never even shot a gun!
Since then, I have attended a Beyond BOW goose and duck hunt, a turkey hunting workshop as well as been on a Beyond BOW pheasant hunt. All the while meeting new people, making new lifelong friends and having experiences that I never thought I’d have. I have joined my local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited because I feel that the BOW program has made me feel like I can be a woman and also be a part of a male heavy sport. At the same time, I have gained self-confidence second to none. I’m no longer nervous when I approach the gun counter at a sporting goods store and I have started my own ‘collection’ of firearms. I am also training my own bird dog, who I hope to be hunting over in the coming fall.
My experiences with the BOW program are not only thrilling, but emotional as well. Being able to be there as a fellow woman shoots her first gun and sheds tears of joy because she had never done it before and didn’t think she could hit a flying target or be there as a group in the field when you get your first pheasant…..the camaraderie between women is the best there is. We encourage each other and push each other forward to be the best we can be at whatever we are doing.
The BOW program brings out the best in all of the women who participate in it and encourages us that we can do anything. It’s because of it that I am who I am today and who I will continue to be in the future.
Due to popular demand, two new handgun classes for women have been added to the BOW webpage this week and are now open for registration!
For the first time, BOW is partnering with The Great Lakes Outdoors Foundation to offer a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) course just for women on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15. The course will be held at the Caledonia Sportsman’s Club and is limited to 25 women. On Saturday morning we will begin with an introduction to basic handgun shooting class to accommodate women who have never shot handguns before, or have very little experience. After lunch, the instructors will begin the course which is required by law to obtain a Concealed Pistol License in Michigan. The cost is $175 per person and includes certified instruction, use of equipment, all ammunition, lunch and beverages for both days. You must be at least 21 years old to obtain a CPL and attendance on both days is mandatory.
Beginners are also welcome to attend a 4-hour NRA Basic Pistol Shooting class which will take place at the Sparta Hunting and Fishing Club on Saturday, April 21. This class is limited to 20 women and you do not need any shooting experience to take this class. The cost is $50 per person and includes instruction, use of equipment, ammunition and lunch. For women who are considering obtaining a CPL, a future opportunity to take the legally required course at Sparta Hunting and Fishing club will be discussed.
Both of these classes are taught by certified handgun instructors and eye and ear protection will also be provided.
More handgun classes will be offered this year in several areas throughout Michigan, including Detroit and Saginaw.
For more details and registration forms for these classes, visit the BOW webpage: www.michigan.gov/bow
I received an email message from a husband the other day. His message started out by saying “Dear Sue – thanks to you and the BOW program, I hardly see my wife anymore. These days, she spends more time at the shooting range than I do.” I sat back, swallowed hard, and prepared myself for an irate letter. But instead of being angry, he went on to say how excited he is that his wife is no longer afraid of guns. In fact, she has purchased her own shotgun since taking a BOW beginning shotgun class, and has already signed up for advanced shooting lessons at the local range. He wanted to know when the BOW program would be offering a women’s handgun shooting class near their home, so he could be sure to sign her up. Seems she is interested not only in handgun shooting, but would also like to learn how to shoot bow and arrow and may even sign up for our BOW beginning pheasant hunt in March.
Handgun, shotgun, rifle, and archery classes continue to be popular for women throughout lower Michigan. It seems no matter where we offer them, they fill up and overflow within a week! Our shooting classes bring in more customers to the BOW program than any other outdoor recreational activity.
Most of the women who come to the shooting classes have never shot a firearm in their life. Our specialty is beginners! Some women come to overcome a fear of guns, some are just curious and others come because their husbands, boyfriends or dads have encouraged them to learn about firearm safety. A lot of husbands would like their wives to join them at the shooting range or go hunting with them. Several women are interested in personal protection and want to know more about how to obtain a Concealed Pistol License (CPL).
One thing is certain, women who try it, like it, and want to shoot more!
Whatever their reason for participating, we “aim” to please, and as long as the demand is there, BOW will continue to offer several shooting classes throughout the state this year for women to learn how. Check out our calendar of events for one coming near you!
And . . . be sure to let your husband or boyfriend know that you won’t be home that day.
Kristine got "hooked" on bass fishing for life and will share her new skills with her daughter!
In Her Words . . .
Before I was fortunate enough to discover the Michigan DNR’s BOW program, I had always had an interest in the outdoors. Hunting and fishing intrigued me, but I was not sure how to get started. As a woman, I was not sure how to get started learning hunting, firearms use etc… It seemed to me to be a male dominated sport, and without any avid hunters in my family, I was not really sure where to turn. As a stay at home mom to two young children, pursuing interests often takes a backseat to the demands of motherhood. The time came that I finally decided to pursue some outside interests and try some new things.
I discovered the DNR’s BOW program during a random visit to the Michigan DNR website. I was so excited to find that there was a program out there for women just like me! I was even more excited to find that there were other women out there with similar interests, that I was not alone. My first BOW event was a pheasant hunt at Hunter’s Creek Club in Metamora. I had never shot a gun, and to say that I was nervous was an understatement. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but my desire to learn overcame my nervousness. I met Sue Tabor for the first time at this event. She, along with all of the other ladies, gave me the encouragement and confidence I needed to realize that I too could do this! The men who guided us out in the field were patient, calm, and enthusiastic about introducing I, and other ladies to the sport of pheasant hunting. It was such a positive experience, that it really left me hungering for more!
I decided to continue participating with some of the classes that the BOW program had to offer. I found that they held a few classes at the Detroit Sportsman’s Congress which is near where I live. So I proceeded to take several classes there. First I started with a basic pistol class, then a shotgun class, basic rifle class & archery. I also participated in a BOW sponsored Bass fishing clinic that was a superb experience! Our fishing guide was once again, patient and eager to share his love of the outdoors with us. The more classes I took, the more I realized that 1. I could do this, and 2. It was quite fun! Without the BOW program, I am sure I would never have tried any of these things. I was too intimidated before to take the initiative and try these things. BOW changed all of that. I have gone on to take Hunter’s Safety at DSC, and also their 6 week Basic Pistol/CPL class. I have only great things to say for the staff at DSC and the continued support and encouragement they have given me.
Since my journey began, I have purchased my own shotgun. My husband and I have enjoyed “date nights” at the shooting range and I am comfortable and confident about shooting clays, or enjoying some target practice with a pistol. BOW gave me the foundation, and now I feel like there are so many possibilities. Knowing that there are other women out there who will share the experience with me is exciting to say the least. For any women out there who are interested, but a bit intimidated, my biggest piece of advice is go for it! You will not regret it, and you will be changed forever. Yes, you can do this too! I hope that my own daughter, who is currently 5, will eventually share in some of the experiences I have enjoyed. I am glad that I can now be an example to her that women can enjoy the outdoors, and excel at the various activities that the outdoors have to offer.
Heather catches her first walleye through the ice with instruction provided by MI DNR's Steve Sendek and son Nick!
Ice fishing is just a blast! If you’ve never spent a beautiful sunny winter day out on the ice, you really don’t know what you are missing!
The cool thing about any type of fishing, is that any age can do it, it doesn’t take a huge investment to purchase start-up equipment, and there are plenty of places to fish in a state like Michigan.
When my sons were just little guys, we used to spend many a weekend out on the ice and it became one of our favorite family winter time activities. Even the dog went with us! Sometimes we would take along our little portable propane grill and cook hotdogs and brats for lunch right out on the ice. Those were the days!
As for me, I could sit out there all day on my bucket, and enjoy myself, even if the fish weren’t biting! Talk about leaving your cares behind! But the really great thing about ice fishing and kids, is that if they get bored, they aren’t confined to a boat and asking “when can we go in” an hour after getting out there. My boys used to throw in their sleds and hockey equipment and if the fish were not cooperating – they would find other things to do while mom and dad kept right on fishing.
The best part was after spending all day outdoors, the kids were ready for bed earlier than usual!
Twice a year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources offers a FREE Fishing Weekend – one in the winter, and one in summer. No license is required during Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan.
Free ice fishing classes and demonstrations will be offered in several state parks throughout Michigan both Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19.
Due to the lack of ice in many areas, fishing will be done off shore. Free fishing activities will still take place no matter what the weather!
Michigan Free Fishing Weekend is a fantastic opportunity to take the whole family out and give fishing a try. Cure your cabin fever and get outdoors! Take advantage of the many volunteers who will provide hands-on instruction and all of the equipment you need to give ice fishing, or shore fishing, a try.
Ice fishing isn’t just for “Grumpy Old Men!” It’s For Everyone!
To check out where and what kind of activities will take place during Michigan Free Fishing Weekend, visit the MI DNR website: www.michigan.gov/freefishing
BOW Spring Pheasant Hunt at Hunters Creek Club-Metamora, MI
This mild winter weather has got me thinking about spring! So I’ve added two spring pheasant hunts this year to the BOW program. Both hunts will take place at Hunters Creek Club in Metamora, one for beginners and one for those who would like a little more challenge!
March 10 is our beginners’ pheasant hunt and is offered to women who have never shot a shotgun before but would like to try the sport of pheasant hunting. We’ll start with firearm safety orientation and field safety for new hunters. Then we’ll head to the trap range where you will be given one-on-one shooting instruction from a certified shotgun expert. After lunch, we’ll head to the fields with our guides and their dogs for some real bird hunting action! Haven’t taken hunter education class yet? No worries! You can purchase the hunter apprentice license and “try it on for size!”
April 14 is the date for our advanced hunters – those women who have shot before, but are new to pheasant hunting are welcome! We’ll pair you up with our experienced BOW participants and show you how!
Two beginning archery classes have also been added – one in the Detroit area and one near Grand Rapids. Girls 10 and up are welcome to attend with mom or another adult! If you’ve never tried archery before, our introduction to archery class is the perfect place to start.
More details and registration for all of these events are available on the BOW webpage!
But you better register fast as they are all first-come, first-serve and class size is limited!
One of the biggest reasons why the MI DNR Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program has remained so successful over the years, is because of the non-competitive spirit and camaraderie that takes place at each and every BOW event. Women come from all over the state to attend the BOW Discovery weekends, offered in Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Some bring family members and friends along, but many BOW participants come alone. They come as a stranger to all, but by the time they leave to go home, each woman has not only discovered a new outdoor activity to pursue on her own, but made a friend or two, or even three.
Women are nurturing by nature. We are our own best cheerleaders! When we see someone who needs a little lift, a helping hand, a simple word of encouragement, we aren’t shy about offering help. This is what makes my job the most rewarding. Witnessing the support that women offer to one another does my heart good and it is the crux of the BOW program – learning, sharing and encouraging each other to do things we may have never attempted to do alone.
There is power in numbers! That power was exemplified last weekend by the results of the silent auction for the BOW Lower MI Scholarship Fund. The BOW Scholarship Fund was started last year by our U.P. BOW Coordinator, Sharon Pitz, and her committee members. All items for the auction are donated by participants and our volunteer instructors! Women are invited to apply for the scholarship by a set deadline. The BOW scholarship committee reviews each application carefully and selects recipients based on the amount of money we have available. Scholarships are only awarded to brand new BOW customers and all information is kept confidential.
Last year, we raised enough dollars to send one woman to the RAM Center last weekend – an opportunity that may not have been possible for her without your support. This year, $631.00 dollars were raised for the BOW Lower MI Scholarship Fund! This means we will be able to send more than one woman to the BOW Discovery weekend next year!
My thanks to all of you who donated an item this year and for bidding on the items! Your generosity and spirit of support for the BOW program is not silent!
It is loud and clear! It is what makes the BOW program what it is . . . and changes the lives of many, one woman at a time.
A Big Welcome and Many Thanks to all of the women who attended the 2012 BOW Winter Discovery Weekend recently held in Roscommon, Michigan! Nearly 40 women participated in this annual “Up North” winter event and a good time was had by all! Thanks to all of our volunteer instructors who were willing to share their time and knowledge with these women throughout the weekend! Classes offered were snowshoeing by Chip and Cheryl Coale, hiking with Rob Golda of Hiking Michigan, ice fishing with MI DNR’s Steve Sendek and son Nick, map, compass and GPS skills by Chris Long with the Boy Scouts of America, gourmet outdoor cooking with Brenda Ransom, handgun shooting with certified NRA instructors Bryan Reynard and Brad Benzing, and the NRA Refuse to be a Victim Course taught by certified instructor Janet Lindgren. The BOW program would not be successful without your passion for recreation and the outdoors, and your desire to share it with others.
I also want to thank everyone who donated an item for our BOW Scholarship Fund Silent Auction this year! Your donated items raised over $600.00! Outstanding!Because of your generous support we will be able to send not one, but three women to the Discovery Weekend next year! The BOW Scholarship Fund assists in sending women to the BOW Discovery weekends who may not otherwise be able to afford the registration fee. Thank you all for your donations and for bidding on and purchasing items for this important scholarship program. My thanks to Jo Golda, Brenda Ransom, Julia Copenhaver and Pam Benzing for also volunteering with the silent auction and lending an extra hand as needed throughout the weekend.
Stay tuned to Outdoor Beginnings for more highlights from this weekend and many more exciting BOW outdoor opportunities coming up in 2012!
Are you wishing you would have registered on time for the upcoming BOW Discovery weekend? Here’s another opportunity! This one is coming up on February 24-26 at Big Bay Health Center near Marquette, Michigan! But you better hurry and register soon as some classes are starting to fill up! If you are interested in attending, contact Sharon Pitz, our BOW Coordinator for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! Sharon will be happy to answer any questions you have!
Long drive to dah UP eh? Why not grab a carload of relatives and/or girlfriends to share the ride and make it a “girls only getaway” you so desperately need this time of year!
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Big Bay provides not only comfortable lodging but beautiful scenery as well!
Click on the links below and give Sharon a call today!
