Annual Fall BOW at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is a non-profit educational program offering hands-on workshops to women of all ages and fitness levels. Developed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and hosted at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. The workshop allows participants to develop hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor recreation skills through sessions led by outdoors professionals. These sesssions provide novices and more experienced participants enough knowledge and experience to pursue their outdoors interests when the workshop is over, no experience is necessary!
This program is for you if...
- You have never tried some of these activities, but have hoped for an opportunity to learn.
- You are a beginner who wants to improve your skills.
- You know how to do some of these activities, but would like to try new ones.
- You enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.
Activities and Classes:
3-D Archery
Learn to shoot a bow and arrow at the new Charlie Elliott 3-D archery course. You’ll have a chance to practice shooting at exciting 3-D targets such as a dinosaur, an alligator or a moose.
Archery Trap Shooting
Step up and take aim at foam discs! A fabulous opportunity for participants who are new to shooting moving targets with an arrow, or for those who want to polish their skills. 3-D archery, bowhunting or extensive archery experience is required to participate in this session.
Backpacking
Learn what you need, what you don’t, and how to travel light and safe in the backcountry. This is a hands-on session with the opportunity to go on a short hike.
Basic Birding
Find out how to choose binoculars and bird identification books to fit your needs. Gain skills in bird identification, flight patterns and natural history while hiking through upland forest and other habitats.
Bird Banding
Bird banding is one of the most useful tools in the modern study of wild birds. Birds are captured and marked with a uniquely numbered band or ring placed on the leg. Information from bands is subsequently found and reported, which increases our knowledge and understanding of birds and their habits and helps us in bird management and conservation.
Bow Hunting
Learn about equipment selection, safety, choosing camouflage and ethics and judging distances. Also practice shooting! Instructors will provide coaching and a wealth of information in this hands-on class that will have you hitting the target in no time.
Camping 101
Learn how to choose and set up a tent, find places to camp -- including on the beach, off the grid, in the snow and more -- and more about the side adventures you can have off-road.
Canoe Fly Fishing
Experience fly fishing from an unstable object. There are two perspectives when two people set out to fly fish from a canoe and this class offers both views through first-hand proficiency.
Canoeing 101
Grab a paddle and a personal flotation device (PFD) and get ready to glide on the water. You will get a feeling for boating the old-fashioned way with instructors who teach basic paddle strokes, how to enter/exit a canoe, boating safety and how to canoe with a partner in the boat and remain friends!
Fishing 101
Learn or improve your angling skills. Knot tying, casting, landing fish and what to look for to catch the “big ones” are all included in this fun fishing class. The focus is on spinning gear with information on lures and types of baits.
Fly Fishing
Explore this time-honored and relaxing activity with our instructors. This class teaches you the basics and how to enjoy the poetry of fly fishing. You will learn equipment, casting techniques and which flies to use for your favorite fish. Participants must have a valid Georgia fishing license to participate in this session (licenses can be purchased at Charlie Elliott).
GPS and Geocaching
Learn the basics of GPS and then discover the fun of geocaching. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS–enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and try to find the geocache or container hidden nearby.
Gun Cleaning
This session will take you step by step through the process of safely cleaning a gun. Firearms will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring personal firearms (which must be unloaded and cased). No ammunition will be allowed.
Handgun
Join our team of shooting instructors to learn to shoot with confidence. Participants may choose to shoot a wide variety of handguns in this safe and empowering class. Firearm safety orientation is required to participate in this session.
Map and Compass
In this age of GPS technology, knowing how to use a compass can still come in handy, especially if your GPS fails! Participants are guided through the steps of using a compass, review map features and learn how to navigate the land with these tools.
Nature Journaling
When we collect our observations they enhance our connection to the natural world. This class will help you build skills and share hands-on journaling activities to capture your thoughts in the field, tree stand, boat and beyond!
Nature Photography
Explore and document the natural world through the eye of a camera lens. Learn basic and intermediate camera functions and settings, various camera accessories, lighting essentials, good angles for interesting photos and tips on how to photograph wildlife.
Outdoor Cooking
Learn to cook outdoors. The versatility of a Dutch oven will amaze you. Recipes will be shared and everyone will get a chance to prepare and sample a variety of dishes and desserts.
Rifle
Join our team of shooting instructors to learn to shoot with confidence. Participants may choose to shoot a wide variety of rifles in this safe and empow-ering class. Firearm safety orientation is required to participate in this session.
Shotgun
Fabulous opportunity for participants who are new to shooting or for those who want to polish their skills. Learn how to comfortably handle a shotgun and have fun with the shooting games of trap and skeet. Firearm safety is required to participate.
Small Game Hunting
This class focuses on squirrel hunting methods, including using hunting dogs as needed. Learn about the behavior, habitats, field care and best ways to hunt small game. The class will continue until dark. Hunter Education, Georgia hunting license and WMA license are required. You can purchase licenses at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center or online HERE.
Tree Climbing
View the forest from the canopy! Learn how to safely harness up and climb to new heights. You will also learn about tree selection, climbing gear, equipment care and tree protection.
Tree Identification
Learn basic botany and how to identify several common woody plant species during this leisurely walk through the woods. You will gain knowledge that leads to a fuller appreciation of Georgia’s woodlands.
Wilderness Survival
Learn the proper contents of a survival kit, the skills necessary for surviving a night outdoors, signaling for help, and how not to get lost. The class will end with a search-and-rescue dog demonstration.
