Registration open for ‘Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman’ programs

MANSFIELD — Women who want to learn or improve their outdoor skills — from recreation to fishing to firearms — have opportunities in July and September, officials with the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources say.

The programs, which include introductory and advanced courses on handguns and a coastal adventure, are part of the Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BBOW) program.

“BOW programs offer such a great environment for learning, especially for women who may be unsure about things like handling firearms, or fishing, or other outdoor recreation opportunities,” Jody Rice, Georgia BOW coordinator said. “BOW is an educational program offering hands-on workshops to women of all ages and physical ability levels and aims to break down barriers to female participation in outdoor activities by providing a safe and supportive learning environment.”

The upcoming Courses include:

— Women’s Handgun Preparedness Workshop is July 7-9. The training course, sponsored by Glock, covers firearm safety, firearm basics, ammunition, shooting sequence, hunter education and cleaning of handguns. There will be time on the range to fire a variety of handguns. Cost is $350 and participants must be at least 18.

— Georgia Coastal Beyond BOW is July 21-24. The program provides participants with outdoor skills related to the coast and introduces them to the resource management and education of the natural, historical and cultural resources of Georgia’s coast. Cost is $825.

— Advanced Women’s Handgun Workshop is Sept. 8-10. The training course, also sponsored by Glock, covers safety, brief review of basics, drawing from a holster, magazine changes, malfunction drills, and hands-on practice. Cost of $395.

BBOW officials say spaces are limited for each programs, and registration is underway. In addition to the course fee, participants also may have a cost for lodging if desired.

Both handgun courses will be at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Mansfield. The Coastal BBOW program will be at Sapelo Island.

For more information or registration, visit georgiawildlife.com/BOW or call (770) 784-3059.