Women in the Outdoors™ is dedicated to providing interactive educational outdoor opportunities for women ages 14 and older. Outdoor learning events featuring hands on activities are conducted by local chapters throughout the nation.

The Goal of NWTF's Women in the Outdoors program

The National Wild Turkey Federation's goal is to teach the importance of responsible wildlife management, increase participation in outdoor related opportunities and to preserve the hunting tradition.

The Women in the Outdoors program will meet its goal by introducing more women to outdoor activities; training women as outdoor educators; and providing a network for men and women with similar outdoor interests within our local chapter system.

Each participant becomes a member in the National Wild Turkey Federation; therefore, increasing the role of females in the efforts of conserving the American wild turkey and the turkey hunting tradition.

Women In The Outdoors Courses
Following are just some of the fun activities that may be taught at Women In The Outdoors events:

Archery: You will learn how to shoot compound and/or traditional bows at targets 10 to 15 yards away. You will be able to select archery and fitting equipment that meets your needs.

ATV Safety: You will learn about the basic operation of all-terrain vehicles, including safety practices, equipment selection and accessories.

Birdwatching: You will learn how to attract and identify various birds by using a variety of calls, tapes, natural bird songs, field guides, identification keys, habitat identification and feeding stations and water supply. The course will offer birdwatching opportunities along with information about birdwatching equipment, such as binoculars and spotting scopes.

Boating: You will practice trailering, launching and loading boats. The course will offer information about the types and styles of boats and motors, boating equipment, safety issues and legal requirements.

Camping: You will have the opportunity to spend a night under the stars and learn how to build a campfire and set up your tent. The course will offer information on basic equipment, selection of campsite, cooking methods, camp set-up, and camping etiquette.

Canoeing and/or Kayaking: After you learn about the types and styles of canoes and/or kayaks and equipment used, you will enjoy practicing paddle stroke techniques and implementation of safety procedures while on the water.

Deer Hunting: You will learn about the various methods of harvest and deer hunting techniques in this course. It will teach you to be a safe, ethical and responsible deer hunter. You will have the chance to scout the woods and read various signs and identify habitat.

Fishing: You will learn why the big one got away and the basics of casting techniques, fish habitat and species identification. The course offers information which will help you select a rod and reel, line weights, baits and lures, waders, fishing vests and other accessories.

Flyfishing: It's all in the wrist! You will learn how to cast a fly rod while you acquire information on flyfishing equipment, local fishing opportunities and fishing rules and regulations.

Handgun Basics: At the end of this class, you will be able to safely shoot a variety of handguns and clean and prepare a handgun for storage. The instructor will provide a broad spectrum of information about the operations and fundamentals of shooting handguns.

Habitat Improvement: You will be given information on identifying wildlife openings, field management, woods management and management assistance.

Hiking & Backpacking: Your introduction to hiking and backpacking will include information about equipment selection, locations, preparation and rules and regulations.

"Staying Found"-Map & Compass: Getting lost in the woods will no longer be a threat to your outdoor adventure plans. In this course, you will learn how to read a compass and topographic maps. You will learn about survival and first aid for whenever you find yourself lost.

Mountain Biking: You will learn how to use proper hand signals, shifting techniques, brake action, off-road and trail riding in this course. After the course, you will be ready to select the proper equipment, make bike adjustments and plan and organize a ride.

Plant Identification: Is the plant poisonous, edible, or common to your area? When you complete this course, you will be able to answer this question and more about identification of plants and trees.

Primitive Cooking: Don't go hungry in the outdoors! Learn how to cook a variety of recipes over an open flame or in a Dutch oven. You will learn about the types of cooking utensils, camp stoves, various foods, safety and first aid.

Rifle Marksmanship: Trying to select a rifle that fits your needs can be overwhelming. You will learn how to shoot a rifle, and you will be able to select the type and caliber. You will learn the shooting basics, safety and handling and parts of a rifle.

Scuba Diving: Explore a whole new world underneath the water by learning how to scuba dive in this course. This course takes you from selecting the right scuba gear for you to plunging into the water.

Shotgunning: Learn to shoot a shotgun! You will be introduced to the basics of shotgunning which includes learning the types and gauges, ammunition, chokes and loads used; parts of a shotgun and safe handling and safety equipment.

Stream Ecology: Wading in a stream will have a deeper meaning when you learn about the stream's importance to ecology and some of its life forms. You will collect samples with seines and dip nets and learn to identify them.

Turkey Hunting: When you hear the call of the wild turkey, you will be able to meet the challenge of a safe turkey hunt after you take this course. You will learn to identify the subspecies and gender of a wild turkey along with how to scout and roost a bird. Information will be given on methods of harvest and set ups for turkey hunting.

Automatic Membership

With your paid registration for a Women in the Outdoors event, you will become a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. You may call Trish Berry, national coordinator for the Women in the Outdoors program, at 1-800-THE-NWTF or 803-637-3106 for more information.