2017 Fall Iowa
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

 Important Registration Information - Please Read

Workshop fees include instruction in all sessions, program materials, use of demonstration equipment, t-shirt, session takeaways, meals and lodging.  The workshop is being held at a rustic group camp.  Lodging is dormitory style in cabins with bunk beds.  You may bring your own tent to sleep in.  Shower and restroom facilities are on-site.  Participants must provide their own bedding and towels.  All meals will be provided on-site at the group camp facility. Buildings are smoke-free and alcohol is prohibited at the facility.  

Participants are welcome to make their own lodging arrangements through the DNR Park Reservation System to reserve a camping spot outside of the group camp facility.  Participants can also make their own lodging arrangements at one of the many hotels available in the Fort Dodge area.  

Participants are encouraged to complete registration online. If you are unable to do so, please contact Rachel Ladd at 515-729-6037 or Rachel.Ladd@dnr.iowa.gov for assistance.  

Registration is complete upon receipt of your registration, payment and your medical form.  We do our best to get participants into their top choices, however session size is limited.  Thirty days prior to the workshop, participants will receive an email with a check list of what to bring, a pre-event survey and map to Dolliver Memorial State Park.

Cancellation deadline is September 8, 2017.  Cancellations on or before September 8, 2017 will receive a full refund.  After that date, a $75.00 processing fee will be deducted from the refund.  Registrants who do not attend and who do not cancel by September 22, 2017 will be assessed the full program fee.  You may send a substitute in your place.

Scholarships - Limited funds are available for scholarships to first-time particpants. Scholarship applicants pay a $100 registration fee and need to complete the online registration and scholarship application form (located below).  Scholarship application forms can be submitted via email to Rachel.Ladd@dnr.iowa.gov or by mail at PO Box 854, Des Moines, IA 50304.  The $100 registration fee, online registration and scholarship application form must all be received in order to be considered for a scholarship award.  If you do not receive a scholarship and no longer wish to attend a $100 refund will be issued.  All scholarship requests must be received by no later than August 31, 2017.  Scholarship applicants will be notified by no later than September 1, 2017 of their award status.  

Participants understand that photographs may be taken during the session and may be used in future promotion of the program.

20th Annual Run/Walk in the Woods - 5K Fun Run/Walk

Interested in participating in this year's fun run/walk through the woods?  Not a runner?  Don't worry!  More than 90% of the participants in past years have walked.  This is a non-competitive, fun event, but "official times" will be available.  Make sure to to check "Yes" that you want to participate and pay your $15.00 fee (includes t-shirt) when you complete your registration.

 Class Descriptions

 (Click Images to Enlarge)

Highlights for this fall's workshop:

1. Off Highway Vehicle Safety & Awareness - This is a "New" 2 part session that allows participants to receive hands-on training on how to safely operate all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides.  Instruction will be provided by certified instructors and vehicles will be provided by the Iowa Off-Highway Vehicle Association.  You are also welcome to bring your own machine if it is properly registered with the DNR.

2. Small Game Hunting & Mentored Squirrel Hunt - This is a "New" 2 part session that allows participants to try out their skills learned in the first session on a mentor led squirrel hunt. Participants are required to purchase a valid hunting license and habitat fee.  Don't have hunter education yet, no problem.  Participants in this session will receive a voucher code to complete the online hunter education course prior to attending.

3. Orange Is My New Black - Kayte Dunfee, an avid outdoorswoman from Colorado, will share with you her journey from animal enthusiast to hunter, and in turn how hunting transformed her vision and process of building an outdoor-centric, sustainable lifestyle.

4. Explore Bowhunting - Raised Hunting's Karin Holder will be leading this introductory session on the basic skills necessary to begin bowhunting in Iowa.  This course includes instruction in tracking, identifying and interpreting animal tracks and signs, scouting areas to hunt, basic bowhunting equipment and much more!  Already have a hunting bow?  Bring it with you!

5. Introduction to Birding & Optics - Join naturalist, photographer, and birder, Matt Wetrich, as we learn the basics of birding binoculars, spotting scopes and event a bit of bird and wildlife photography (including using your smartphone).  Matt is also a member of the Nikon Optics Prostaff and can answer a variety of questions regarding nature watching optics.  As part of this session, we'll also learn birding basics and how to not only identify birds, but how to find and photograph them, as well.  Plenty of time will be spent outdoors!

6. From Field to Freezer - Iowa fish and game is some of the healthiest and most nutritious meant for the table.  Learn from Sawyer's Meats of Fort Dodge how to field dress, cut and package fish or wild game.  From choosing and sharpening a knife, to dressing and putting it on the table, learn the whole process!  Come hungry as samples will be provided.  

Register Now!