Learn the basics of archery deer hunting and put your skills to the test!

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, in partnership with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, is offering this four-day workshop to introduce deer hunting basics and offer the opportunity to hunt with an experienced mentor. It is intended for women with little or no previous archery deer hunting experience who have not previously participated in this event.

This Beyond BOW event will take place at Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission properties. It is important to note that, while there is no public hunting permitted on WCPARC lands, unique programs like this one help with conservation by addressing deer population issues on the properties.

Participants will learn archery deer hunting basics such as deer biology, scouting tactics, laws and regulations, and equipment, then will be paired with a mentor for a hunting opportunity.

• Thursday, participants will gain knowledge of deer biology and habitat, hunting as a management strategy, hunting ethics, laws and safety, and will hear from BOW mentors about what this program means to them.
• Friday, instructors will teach general archery safety, shooting, tree stand/blind safety and setup, and scouting methods. Participants will then be paired with mentors and prepare for hunting.
• Saturday, participants and mentors will hunt morning and evening, and they can hunt Sunday morning if they choose. Following a successful harvest, the participants will have the opportunity to learn how to field-dress and register their harvest.

This workshop is open to any woman, 18 or older, with a Michigan base license, which is available as an apprentice option, and a deer or universal antlerless license. Licenses must be purchased prior to attending the workshop and are available online at eLicense or at any license agent location.

A hunter safety course is not required to participate; participants may purchase an apprentice hunting license for up to two years prior to needing a hunter safety certificate. No experience is required, and compound, crossbow and traditional archery equipment is all accepted. Much of the equipment will be provided, but participants are welcome to provide their personal archery equipment. Proper safety and hunting techniques will be taught and followed.

Registration is limited to eight participants and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $100 per participant, which includes lunch Thursday, Friday and Saturday (other meals will be the participants’ responsibility) and lodging at Hayes State Park, where cabins are reserved participants. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to Hayes State Park.

This will be a rain or shine event, and there will be a mandatory online orientation for registered participants prior to the event. For more information, email DNRBOW@Michigan.gov.

To register, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the "Purchase a license" button. Sign in (using either a username and password or your ID and birthdate), and find the class under the Becoming an Outdoors Woman tab.

This class is part of the DNR’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, which breaks down the barriers to female participation in outdoor activities, while building useful skills, in a fun and experiential way. Learn more at Michigan.gov/BOW.

Cancellation policy: The cancellation deadline is Sept. 18. To cancel your registration, please contact our Customer Service help desk line at 800-737-6367. Cancellations made up to Sept. 18 will be completely refunded to the original form of payment. If you cancel after the deadline, no refund will be issued.