AUGUSTA – An outdoor education program for women that originated in Wisconsin, has, since 1997, benefited more than 1,000 women in Maine.

They’ve had hands-on training with shotguns and muzzleloaders, archery, outdoor survival skills, map and compass skills, canoeing, swiftwater paddling, fishing, fly tying, hunting and more, said Emily Jones.

Jones, the new activities coordinator for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in Augusta, said the department’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program has been very successful.

“Since BOW began in Maine, it has provided the opportunity for over a thousand women to be introduced to the outdoors, and the confidence and enjoyment that outdoor recreation can bring,” Jones stated Friday via e-mail.

The program, she said, was founded by Dr. Christine Thomas in Tomahawk, Wis., in 1991 as an outgrowth of a study conducted about women’s participation in outdoor recreation.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is aimed toward women aged 18 and older. It provides them with an opportunity to experience outdoor recreational activities like fishing, hunting, canoeing, archery, riflery, and more.

“The best part is that the program offers participants a relaxed and less intimidating atmosphere to learn in, and encourages them to continue expanding on their newfound skills in the outdoors,” Jones said.

The program was introduced in Maine in 1997 and has been active ever since, Jones said.

Over the last three years, there have been 500 participants, most of whom are from southern Maine, where most of the program’s workshops and activities are held.

According to the records kept by the previous coordinator, Dorcas Miller, Jones said the most common age group of participants is from 35 to 45 years.

The department conducts an annual three-day introductory skills workshop in September, and several workshops, such as the upcoming two-day winter skills workshop and snowmobile certification workshop.

Registered Maine guide Ron St. Saviour, founder and director of Southern Maine Guide Service in Parsonsfield, is hosting the winter skills workshop on Jan. 15 and 16.

This workshop, Jones said, introduces participants to the wonders of winter camping and exploration.

“In this fast- and action-packed course, he’ll ease your fears of the cold and teach you how to have fun outdoors in winter,” she said.

There is a maximum limit of 20 participants and a cost of $150, which includes meals, lodging, backpacks, snowshoes and other equipment.

Participants will learn how to use a map and compass, travel on snowshoes, locate a deer wintering area and an active beaver lodge, construct a snow shelter, and cook dinner over an open fire.

The snowmobile certification workshop is to be held from 9 a.m. to midafternoon on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Eastern Maine Snowmobile Club on Levenseller Road in Holden.

It is aimed at beginner riders, and includes department snowmobile safety certification, plus hands-on driving experience. There is a maximum limit of 20 participants and a cost of $25, which includes all equipment, hot beverages and snacks.

For information: www.maine.gov/ifw/education/bowworkshopapplication.htm or phone Jones at 287-8969 or e-mail [email protected]. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.