Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) is a program from the Manitoba Wildlife Federation designed for women of all ages to learn outdoor skills that will benefit them in a wide range of pursuits. As a women-led business, Northern Explorers supports outdoor education and empowers women to connect with nature, discover rewarding outdoor pursuits, and learn new skills for their next adventure! Shannon Foote from the Manitoba Wildlife Federation shared her experience attending Becoming an Outdoors Woman in this article. Learn more about this program at https://mwf.mb.ca/programs/bow.
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) Becoming an Outdoors Woman is an outdoor skills program designed specifically for women. This event is organized, instructed, and attended by women, offering hands-on skills training in outdoor survival, archery, fishing, hunting, and more. It offers instruction but also provides camaraderie and confidence-building that benefit participants for years to come.
MWF’s mission encompasses educating all people, including women, youth and families, about outdoor skills. These skills and experiences are something they can enjoy and pass on to future generations.
The Benefits of Being Outside
Studies show that outdoor activity brings families and friends together, and a growing body of research finds that a connection with nature greatly benefits human mental and physical health, as well as healthy child development. Events like BOW provide opportunities to be outside and reap the full benefits that come with that.
In addition, a connection to nature also increases an overall respect and care for the land, water and wildlife. It helps develop a stewardship for the environment, wildlife preservation, and respectful, sustainable practices while enjoying outdoor activities. This aligns with MWF’s mission and values.
More Than Outdoor Skills
Participating in an event like BOW offers women more than just the opportunity to learn new outdoor skills (though those skills are pretty fantastic)! Enhancing outdoor skills makes activities more enjoyable and improves confidence and capability. For example, a woman who learns how to fillet a fish won’t have to rely on someone else to do it for them. They become self-sufficient in an activity they’ve always enjoyed.
During the event, some participants try something new for the first time. Others improve skills they already have and then can take them back to their families and communities to teach others. In addition, many of these women live in the city and don’t have access to an outdoor space to learn these skills.
One of the biggest benefits of BOW is the experience of women teaching women. Historically, these activities were largely dominated by men, but now more women are taking leadership roles and helping others connect with the outdoors and the recreation it offers. These women are there to help each other grow, cheer each other on, and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
About Shannon Foote
Shannon is a volunteer and skills instructor with the MWF and an avid outdoorswoman. She grew up camping with her family, and her grandpa taught her how to fish when she was just five years old.
As an adult, Shannon is an advocate for outdoor recreation and for ensuring that women and youth have the skills and access to activities like camping, hunting, and fishing. She is a Junior Rifle Instructor and Archery Instructor, teaching the next generation about hunting safety and other skills. Shannon is passionate about leading the next generation into the great outdoors, seeing them gain confidence as they learn new skills.
As a parent, she now shares this lifestyle with her children. They enjoy family camping trips and see fishing as a practical way to gather food and also a peaceful experience that allows everyone to rejuvenate from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As an experienced hunter and angler, she uses her skills to provide food for her family year-round.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman 2026: An Experience to Remember
Author: Shannon Foote
Wow. Where does one begin to talk about this amazing program? In 2016, I first took part in this program as a participant and completed several courses, including canoeing, archery, riflery, outdoor cooking, shotgun, and fishing. I have been a part of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program for the last 10 years. I was a participant for two years, a photographer for eight, and have also helped as an instructor.
BOW has a special place in my heart. The participants and instructors feel like family. Being an instructor, I have seen amazing participants over the years overcome their fears, feel empowered and gain so much confidence. The women have overcome their fears and apprehensions about hunting and fishing. These include field dressing an animal, shooting a gun, being able to butcher an animal, and so much more.
This year, Becoming an Outdoors Woman was held at Circle Square Ranch, south of Austin, Manitoba, and it felt a little bit extra special to me. It felt like I was coming back home to my lifelong friends who have become my outdoor family. We started off the weekend on Thursday, with many of the instructors, Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) staff, and volunteers setting up workshops. I had a day of firsts. First time making a solo trip with no one following me while I drove a loaded trailer behind the truck. And the first time I unloaded the side-by-side off the trailer for us to use for the weekend. We spent Thursday evening catching up around the dinner table, eating pizza and sharing stories.
Fly-fishing, leather making, camping and hunting
Friday morning came around quickly as participants from all over Manitoba started rolling in for a weekend of fun. Dawn Scarfe started the weekend with a welcome speech to everyone while we enjoyed some delicious food prepared by the camp chef, Danielle. Dawn also surprised me with an award for outstanding volunteer service. I must admit I was quite impressed with how well everyone kept it a secret from me.
Afterwards, all the participants dispersed to their courses. I spent my afternoon helping to teach ladies how to make sausage, as well as taking photos of all the super courses taking place. Friday’s courses ranged from making a leather belt or bag to fly fishing to camping and hunting big game animals.
Friday Night was spent enjoying a tasty cookout of a hog donated by Danny’s Whole Hog and asparagus donated by River Valley Farms. There was an outdoor yoga session for those who wanted to participate, followed by entertainment. Sean Taylor, from The Sean Taylor Band, sang and played guitar for us, singing songs such as Backroads and Binos. One of my favourite moments of the night was when a couple of the ladies started singing along and dancing to the song “Sold” by John Michael Montgomery. As I headed to my bed for the night, I saw many smiles and friendships being made.
Outdoor cooking, archery, riflery, outdoor survival and more!
Saturday morning brought sunshine and cooler weather, providing some relief from the day before’s heat. Morning sessions included courses such as filleting, field dressing, survival, advanced fly tying, rifle, shotgun, outdoor cooking, canning/preserving, and archery. I spent my morning teaching sausage making and taking photographs. Lunchtime came and went with more good food, and some participants received prizes.
After lunch, it was time for the third session of the weekend course. This session included course options such as rooted and resilient, learn-to-fish, rifle, archery, shotgun, filleting, and butchering. As I wandered around taking photographs, I saw some emotional moments and ladies showing confidence. I saw women supporting one another to overcome the hurdles they were facing. I applaud all the participants for having the confidence to step outside their comfort zones and try something new.
Saturday night was an absolute riot, with a very funny story from Dawn and a live auction. Janessa Nolin did an amazing job of being our auctioneer. Program participants, instructors and business sponsors donated prizes for the auction.
Thank you to Tough Duck, Prairie Gal Fishing, Len Thompson Fishing Lures, Shrugging Doctor Beverage Company, Adotec Gear, Canadian Huntress, Wild Med kits, North Mountain Adventures, Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops, and Canadian National Railway.
In addition, some MFW instructors donated Mentored Adventures. These outdoor experiences included things like muzzleloader hunts, duck hunts, and fishing trips. All the money raised at the live auction goes directly back into the program. MWF uses it to purchase new equipment suited to women. An example of this is the new sausage stuffer and grinder purchased for the sausage-making course. Saturday had come to a close with lots of laughter, stories of the day and smiles everywhere you looked.
Creating memories, friendships and a love for the outdoors
Sunday morning arrived way too fast, and we started with another delicious breakfast from Circle Square Ranch. We embarked on the final courses of the weekend. Sunday’s courses were waterfowl 101, shotgun maintenance, muzzleloader, knotty girls, turkey tactics, fly tying, knife sharpening and willow walking sticks. As I wandered around with my camera for the last time, taking pictures of all our wonderful participants, I couldn’t help but reflect on how quickly time was passing. It seemed like we had only just arrived, and yet here we were, almost done.
At lunchtime, final announcements were given, and prizes were handed out. Everyone watched the farewell PowerPoint full of pictures from the weekend, including an amazing group photo.
Participants said goodbyes as they grabbed their goodies made in the courses and slowly left the camp. Everyone left with knowledge and a better understanding of themselves. We said our goodbyes until next year, with promises to see each other again soon.
It is now Monday, and as I sit here writing this, I cannot help but be excited about next year and what is in store for us. That said, be on the lookout for the many courses beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman offered throughout the year. A big thank you to everyone for making this year one of the best yet, and already planning for next year.
About the Author
Shannon Foote is a volunteer, sponsorship coordinator, photographer and Instructor for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. She enjoys camping, gardening, foraging, fishing, hunting, archery, ATVing, paddleboarding and anything to do with the outdoors. Shannon grew up in the countryside and loves to help others gain confidence in the outdoors. She is a Junior Rifle instructor and an Archery Instructor, and she likes to share what nature has to offer with her children.
