The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that registration is open for this winter’s “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” program, which is set for Feb. 21-23, 2025, in Marquette County.

This winter will mark the 24th annual winter BOW gathering for women, 18 and older, who are seeking an opportunity to improve their outdoor skills in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere.

“Registration for this popular program always fills up fast, so don’t delay,” said Michelle Douglas, BOW program coordinator.

As many as 100 women have attended the weekend’s activities in past years.

The BOW program is sponsored by the DNR and offers instruction in two dozen different types of indoor and outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, archery, snowshoeing, ice fishing, wilderness first aid, resource roadkill and photography. Several new features include wild game butchering, wild game cooking and sausage making.

Instructors provide basic and advanced teaching that is tailored to each participant’s individual ability. The program also includes special evening programs during the weekend.

BOW participants stay and take their classes at Bay Cliff Health Camp, a universally accessible facility overlooking Lake Superior, which is situated about 30 miles north of Marquette near Big Bay.

Participants will be housed in a dorm-style facility with amenities, including a sauna and hiking trails with access to northern hardwood forests and Lake Superior.

The $300 registration fee includes all food and lodging as well as most equipment and supplies, except as noted in the registration materials. Scholarships are also available on a limited basis.

Class information, registration materials and scholarship applications are available online to print at michigan.gov/bow.

Payment and registration materials should be sent to the address on the registration paperwork in Marquette.

For more information on the winter BOW program, email dnrbow@ michigan.gov.