Welcome to
Becoming An Outdoors Woman in New Mexico
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Welcome to Becoming An Outdoors Woman in New Mexico |
Last Updated On: 05/31/2010
What a Great Time We
Had! Thanks to everyone who participated in our 2010 Worshop!
To sign up for advanced notification of in of next years event Click on the
Pacet Request
button above to get your name on our mailing list! Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) in New Mexico is
a 3 day
workshop
for women, held in May, sponsored by New Mexico Department of Game & Fish.
Our next event will be May 13-14-15, 2011.
Click
Here
to add your name to our e-mail list. The goal is
to provide women with an opportunity to learn a variety of outdoor skills.
Becoming An Outdoors Woman allows participants to choose from a variety of
classes that focus on outdoor skills - skills usually associated with hunting
and fishing, but useful for many outdoor pursuits.
It is an opportunity for any woman,
18 years of age or older, who wishes to learn new outdoor skills or hone
existing skills. These workshops are designed primarily for the novice,
but every skill level will learn something new. Every participant has the
opportunity to take 4 half day classes from the following list, but every
class may not be offered every year:
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
ARCHERY – An introduction to the sport of archery target shooting, competition and bow hunting. Learn bow safety and how to select bows, arrows and other equipment. On the range, participants can try out various archery equipment on paper and 3-D targets and learn distance judging. The 3-D targets are optional as they are set up as a walk-through. Bows and arrows will be provided or you may bring your own. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the 3-D shoot.
ASTRONOMY 101 - Go beyond the wild blue yonder in this non-technical introduction to stargazing and observational astronomy. Discover the types of celestial objects you can observe, how to purchase and use binoculars and simple telescopes, and how to navigate the night sky— including finding true north. Learn the prominent naked-eye star patterns of the season and tips on seeing in the dark. [Put what you’ve learned into practice Friday and Saturday nights when we gather outdoors for a green-laser constellation tour and a star party with a variety of telescopes (open to all). Not Offered this year!
BASIC BACKPACKING Learn about packs, boots, clothing, and other necessary gear. Learn how to pack it and ways to reduce the amount of weight carried on trips. A very short hike may be taken.
BASIC FISHING – This course will be an introduction to equipment and skills necessary for the novice to begin to enjoy fishing. Participants will learn about fish habitat, equipment selection, knot tying and casting. All equipment will be provided and fishing will be done on the Center. No fishing license is required.
BASIC MAP AND COMPASS – This class will introduce you to the various types of maps and their uses. You will become familiar with the general use of a compass; how to navigate a route and find your location on a map using the compass. This class is a prerequisite for GPS.
BASIC RIFLE SKILLS - Students will learn safe gun handling in addition to shooting positions and techniques on paper targets and metallic silhouettes using .22 rifles and center fire rifles. There will be an optional walk-through “hunt”. Rifles will be provided or you may bring your own .22 rifle which will be checked by the instructors before use in the class.
BASIC ROCK CLIMBING - Because of liability insurance, this course will be limited to a ground school. No actual climbs will be experienced. Training will include equipment required, climbing etiquette/commands, knot tying, types of routes, climbing moves, safety
BOWHUNTING – Learn about hunting big game with bow and arrow. Types of equip-ment, clothing, and hunting techniques are covered. There will be a walk through a simulated hunt on 3-D targets. Bows and arrows will be provided or you may bring your own. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the 3-D shoot
CAMP SKILLS AND OUTDOOR COOKING - Learn the basics of Dutch oven and other styles of outdoor cooking and produce mouth watering cobblers, breads and main dishes in a camp setting. Build campfires safely, use a chain saw and ax, and bear proof your camp. Students will meet early to cook their own breakfast and lunch. Not Offered this year!
CAR CAMPING NM STATE PARKS - Ever wanted to grab the family, jump in the car and go for a weekend camping trip, but felt unsure about it? Then this class is for you. A State Parks Ranger will give you the scoop on park locations, camping tips and gear options, as well as answering your questions about kids, pets, how to handle a bear sighting, etc. This fun, hands-on class aims to get you outdoors this summer! NM State Parks offer perfect, close-to-home getaways. Offered once.
CREATIVE GOURDS You’ve seen them in craft fairs for big bucks but in this class learn how to decorate gourds with paint and wood burning tools – great decorations for the home or as a gift.
DIGITAL WILDERNESS PHOTOGRAPHY (AN INTRODUCTION) - This will be a class in digital camera familiarity, basic photographic composition, plus wilderness safety and awareness. Class time will consist of approximately 1/3 class instruction and 2/3’s in the field. Please bring the camera of your choice, the camera manual and the tri-pod or mono-pod of your choice. Also, some sun screen, shoes with a gripping soul and a container of water will be needed.
DUTCH OVEN COOKING - Learn the basics of Dutch Oven cooking and produce mouth watering breakfast and lunches/ dinners in a camp setting. We will even flip the lids over and cook on them! Dutch oven cooking is not just for camping. Learn how to use those black pots in your own backyard! Students will meet to cook their own meals. Bring a book, there is some relaxing time.
FIELD DRESSING BIG GAME – How to properly field dress an animal (for this class a pig will be utilized), and the do's and don'ts of handling game in the field. Lots of tips and techniques for proper care and preparation of wild meat in the field. Great hands on experience. Offered once.
FLY FISHING - Participants will learn the basics of casting, tying knots, and equipment selection appropriate to the streams and lakes in NM. All instruction and practice will be on the NRA-Whittington Center.
FLY TYING - An introduction to the basic techniques for tying popular nymphs, dry flies, and streamers. All equipment and materials will be provided. A hands-on class! Offered once.
FUSED GLASS JEWELRY - Learn the art of "fusing" glass in a kiln to create beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry pendants & earrings. Individual pieces are created by stacking colored layers of glass in unique patterns and shapes; then firing them in a 1500 F kiln. Learn how to cut glass, design and stack your pieces, and the basics of temperature and kiln requirements. You will receive your finished pieces the following day. Offered once.
GEOLOGY I – NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR! Edible rocks and the geology of the Raton area. Observe and describe physical characteristics of a familiar model (candy bars) and apply to the unfamiliar (rocks) and apply it to the local geology. Not Offered this year!
GEOLOGY II – Minerals we mine in New Mexico that we use everyday. - What rocks and minerals are used in products we use everyday? Where do these rocks and minerals come from in New Mexico? You will be learn how to distinguish between and identify different rocks and minerals and will relate rocks and minerals to their use in our everyday life. You also will learn geographic locations within New Mexico that contain economic minerals. Not Offered this year!
GET THE POOP ON WILDLIFE – Learn to identify and track animals in New Mexico by their scat. Fun? Yes! And different too! We’ll also look at a variety of animal tracks, as well as identification resources you can use in the field. You’ll also learn the scat rap to amaze friends and family! Offered once.
GPS
NAVIGATION –
Global Positioning System (GPS) devices are becoming
popular tools for active outdoors folks but learning to use them can be
confusing. In this practical workshop, we will read topo-graphical maps with
special attention to numeric coordinates (UTM), learn the strengths and pitfalls
of hand-held GPS receivers and test your newfound skills with an outdoor course.
Perfect for those wishing to discover off-trail spots, find your way back to a
parked car or play the geo-caching treasure hunt game! Be prepared for a 1 hour
moderate walk.
Prerequisite: Basic Map and Compass.
HANDGUN SHOOTING BASICS - Participants will learn basic handgun marksmanship on a variety of targets. There will be an introduction to pistol competition. Handguns will be provided or you may bring your own .22, 9mm or .38/.357 handgun which will be checked by the instructors before use in the class.
INTRODUCTION TO DEFENSIVE SHOOTING – learn the techniques necessary to utilize the handgun in a dynamic fashion including presentation, rapid trigger control, flash sight picture, point shooting, multiple targets, action targets and reloading under stress. Basic Handguns is required as a prerequisite. Students must furnish their own handguns (.380 or .38SP or larger caliber, holster, 200 rounds of ammunition and 1 extra loading source).
INTRODUCTION TO FIREARMS AND FIREARM SAFETY – A hands-on experience for the novice and a refresher course for the more experienced shooter. This class covers basic gun safety, definition of terms, identifying and unloading various firearms and different ammunition types. Instructors from the shooting classes will be on hand with all types of firearms. This class is a mandatory prerequisite for any of the SHOOTING courses and is offered once. Unless you have taken it before (within the last 3 years) or have permission from the coordin-ator because you have met the safety requirements, all shooting participants must attend. This is mandated by our insurance. NO EXCEPTIONS. There is no live firing in this class.
KNIFE SHARPENING - Hands on class on how to sharpen your hunting knives. The do’s and don’t s in storage of a knife and how and why to give the knife a little tender loving care. We will cover hand sharpening and using machines to sharpen knives, the advantages and disadvantages. Each student may bring your hunting knives and we will work on them in the class. Offered once.
LIONS
AND
BEARS
OF
NEW
MEXICO -
Lions
and tigers and bears, oh my!
Well, no tigers in New Mexico but in this class you
will learn about the habits, habitat and characteristics of these unique
animals.
Learn
how, where and when to find – and avoid - these magnificent predators in NM.
MUZZLELOADER RIFLE & PISTOL - Discover the various types of muzzle-loaders, powders and projectiles. You will learn how to load and fire these interesting firearms from a by-gone era using modern replicas. Offered once.
NATURE PAINTING – Put the beauty of the outdoors on canvas (in acrylics). You’ll be amazed and delighted with your hidden talents. You don’t even need to know how to draw to use this method. Not Offered this year!
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY - Learn how to take action outdoor photographs, capturing wildlife, landscapes and close-ups as well as the ethics and responsibilities of the outdoor photographer. Bring your cameras with interchangeable lenses (if you have them) and the instruction manual, and a tripod if you have one. Not Offered this year!
NEW MEXICO WILD FLOWERS –
Plants and flowers are everywhere, and they don’t move very fast, so it’s easy
to catch one and figure out what it is!
Learn about the major plant and flowers types in
OLD FASHIONED SOAP-MAKING - In this class you'll learn how to make soap the way they've made it for generations, but with a modern flair. You'll learn how to start from scratch with minimal but common ingredients, different methods of soap-making, a variety of ingredient usage, and helpful additional information so you can continue making soap on your own after-wards. Last of all, you'll see and take home the finished product.
ONE STROKE PAINTING - One Stroke Painting is a technique of painting that gives it the layers effect with only one stroke of the brush. You will learn the basic strokes for flowers, trees, grass, birds and other nature inhabitance. You will walk away with having the knowledge to create your own master pieces of nature. We will be painting a picture on canvas of a beautiful nature scene. This is a good class for anyone.
PRACTICAL KNOT TYING – To acquire the skills to tie knots presented. To perform knots for self-rescue and general use in order to respond to various situations. Totally hands on class.
RELOADING RIFLE AND PISTOL AMMUNITION - Participants will learn the basics of reloading cartridge ammunition. We will cover the equipment, safety and the skills necessary for the reloading process. With the price of ammunition at an all time high this could become your new hobby! Offered once.
SHOTGUNNING FOR THE BEGINNER – Participants will learn basic shotgun shooting techniques on the trap range. Shotguns will be provided or you may bring your own 12 gauge or 20 gauge shotgun which will be checked by the instructors before use in the class.
SURVIVAL SKILLS – How to avoid emergencies in the field but be prepared for them if they do occur. You will learn basic survival rules, fire building, shelters, signaling and how to equip the ultimate field survival kit and how to use it with many ideas from a "find it in your kitchen" point of view.
TALK TO THE ANIMALS – Bugles, grunts, squeals, clucks and honks and more - learn how to call in a variety of New Mexico’s critters for hunting or photography. Not Offered this year!
UNARMED SELF-DEFENSE FOR THE OUTDOORS WOMAN – Learn to use your knees, elbows and feet to fend off an assailant in realistic conditions. These counter measures will carry over into your everyday life. A very physical class. Not Offered this year!
WHAT IS ALL THAT STUFF UNDER THE CAR HOOD? -- A brief tour. Basic car maintenance that you can do, or at least to talk knowledgeably about with your mechanic. What to do to prepare your car for a journey; either by interstate or into the wilderness. Beginning with how to deal with the most basic of issues: changing a tire, getting a jump or adding fluid. Also covered will be how to deal with emergency issues such as: getting stuck, or an engine fire. With this class you will have the knowledge to protect yourself from those unscrupulous mechanics and deal with most problems we face dealing with cars. Bring your card owners packet and lots of questions. Not Offered this year!
WILD GAME SAUSAGE MAKING
–
A
hands-on class that covers meat prepara-tion, grinding, stuffing, smoking, and
(the best part!) sampling a variety of sausages from wild game, pork, beef, and
fish too.
Each student will receive a 47 page booklet
“Wild Game Sausage Making and Meat
Smoking,” authored by the instructor.
WILDERNESS COOKING IN FOIL (AKA COOKING IN A SOLAR BOX) - Introduction to alternative cooking processes for the outdoors using recipes, foods and cooking styles that do not use ordinary cooking methods. Ideas for food and fun to jazz up hikes, back packing or camping trip. You will cook and sample everything introduced.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID & PREPAREDNESS – Course will introduce the following subjects through techniques of discussion and hands on training: (a) basic first aid & a small amount of inter-mediate first aid; (b) basic safety procedures; and (c) how to, what to, & why prepare for a wilderness experience. Offered once.
WILDLIFE IDENTIFICATION – Wildlife Identification will talk not only about how to identify big game but cover biology of the animals as well. We will discuss where and when to see them and have the opportunity to examine skulls and swatches of fur and hide from different animals. Not Offered this year!
XERISCAPE GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE -- Learn to grow a lush but water saving garden featuring native flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that offer both beauty and wildlife habitat. Provide nectar for pollinators such as hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies. Provide natural bird food, always fresh on the plants, for towhees, curbed bill thrashers, quail, jays, and songbirds. Attract roadrunners and watch lizards sunning. Make your garden a safe haven, a home for wildlife. Not Offered this year!
YOU AND YOUR DOG IN THE WILDERNESS -- Before leaving home, be prepared. Know legal requirements, medical preparation, and training tips. Nutrition, food, water and extras will be reviewed. First aid kit preparation will be discussed and demonst-rated, plus so much more such as conditioning before long hiking/camping trips, and running into predators. Being prepared makes it safer and more fun. So, come and learn, ask questions, and get ready to have fun with your dog in the wilderness! She will also highlight some tips for horses in the wilderness also.
For more information about Becoming an Outdoors Woman in New Mexico please contact Leilani McGranahan @ 505-250-7663 or to email Click Here.
Snail mail: 7600 Rio Guadalupe Pl NE; Albuquerque, NM 87122
©2005 Becoming An Outdoor Woman In New Mexico
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