Register for Indiana’s “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman”

Women can choose their own adventure at an outdoor sports workshop with courses ranging from shotgun shooting to fly-fishing.

The 18th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is May 3-5 at Ross Camp in West Lafayette. The workshop is open to women ages 18 and older and limited to 100 participants.

Registration begins March 1 at IndianaBOW.com and costs $185.

The program is designed for women to learn outdoor skills in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. Participants will choose four activities from more than two dozen offerings, including archery, survival 101, orienteering, and learning to hunt small game. New for 2013 is a class on kayaking.

The workshop is for women who have never tried these activities, but have hoped for an opportunity to learn; who have tried them but are beginners hoping to improve; or who know how to do some of the activities, but would like to try new ones.

Women who enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals and who seek time away to reconnect with nature are also prime candidates for BOW.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."