The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces an upcoming workshop for women who want to spend a weekend learning a variety of outdoor skills.  The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop will be March 12-14, 2010 at the Ocala Conservation Center, 7325 N.E. 170 Ave., in Silver Springs on Lake Eaton, in the Ocala National Forest, about 20 miles east of Ocala.

The workshop is held at rustic summer camp facilities with basic, modern amenities, and the lodging is dormitory style, with meals served in the cafeteria.  Sessions begin Friday afternoon and end Sunday with lunch.  

The FWC invites women, 18 and older, to attend the workshop to learn or improve their outdoors skills and enjoy a few recreational activities. Four classes, in 3½-hour sessions, teach skills associated with hunting/shooting, fishing and non-consumptive activities, such as canoeing and camping, at all levels of physical activity.

The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program offers a fun and supportive atmosphere to experiment and enjoy the camaraderie of others who want to learn about Florida's great outdoors. Although it is designed with women in mind, the camp is open to anyone who wants to learn in a comfortable, non-threatening, non-competitive, hands-on atmosphere. The camp's instructors strive to make participants feel at ease.  

"Patience is the secret to the success of our Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program," said Lynne Hawk, director of the program. "Our instructors are here to guide people through the activities. There is no intimidation."

The cost is $175.  However, partial scholarships are available for low-income, first-time participants. Workshops are limited to 100 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sessions include introductory courses in bass-, pan- and fly-fishing; knot-tying basics; handgun shooting and hunting; shooting sports; and shotgun shooting and hunting. Also, boating, canoeing/kayaking, map and compass, and small-game-hunting basics will be offered. Participants can learn about Florida whitetail deer and turkeys and take courses in archery and bow hunting and black-powder firearms. Bow hunting and hunter certification courses are also available. Safety concerns are addressed in a personal safety course along with a course on map and compass basics and basic wilderness survival skills, wilderness first aid and reading the woods. Other courses include outdoor photography, bird watching and instruction on becoming a primitive chef. 

Information about the workshops and registration is available at MyFWC.com/BOW or by calling 561-625-5122.

Lynne Hawk

Regional Coordinator, Hunter Safety and Public Shooting Ranges
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Coordinator
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division of Hunting and Game Management
8535 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach 33412
Phone (561) 625-5122      
Fax (561) 625-5139
Lynne.Hawk@MyFWC.com
Visit us on the web at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety