It's "Women Only" this weekend
W.O.W. proves traditional outdoor skills are not just for men
Eighty women descended on Minden for three days of action-packed instruction and adventure in the outdoors. Beginning at noon on Friday, September 12, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) hosted its 14th annual Women's Outdoor Weekend (W.O.W.) at the Kinark Outdoor Centre.
The weekend long camp is exclusively for women, and is the only provincial program of its kind. The O.F.A.H. launched the event in response to requests from women who were interested in hunting and fishing but didn't know how to go about getting started. Statistics have shown that women make up only about a quarter of the province's anglers and an even lower percentage of its hunters, but if the popularity of the sell out W.O.W. event is any indication, those figures are changing.
"Originally born in Timmins, the outdoors is very much apart of each breath I take. Even now living in southern Ontario and being a busy mom I was delighted to hear of the O.F.A.H. program just for women! I was amazed at how organized the endless opportunities were that were offered to us. With beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife I had the most amazing time of my life and met a lot of wonderful people that encouraged me to believe in myself" said 2008 participant Natalie Brouillette. Testimonials like these are common, and prove that women are more than ready for the challenge of outdoor pursuits such as fishing, hunting and shooting sports.
"W.O.W. offers women a fun, safe and affordable introduction to outdoor activities that they haven't traditionally taken part in, and I think that's the secret to its continuing popularity," says Alesha Caldwell, O.F.A.H. Member Services Representative and event organizer.
Activities included canoeing, fishing, archery, shooting sports, a night hike and wolf howling, as well as outdoor cookouts and team building. The participants were also be inspired by guest speaker Tasmin Kaliska of Tas Outdoors, who is making an international name for herself as a fishing and hunting guide, and outdoors personality.
The O.F.A.H. is the leading nonprofit fishing, hunting and conservation organization in Ontario, with 83,000 members and 655 member clubs. The Federation hosts W.O.W. with the support of SuperFly International, Stoeger Shotguns, Winchester Ammunition, Hunter's Specialties, Garmin and Cabela's Outfitters.
2008 WOW Weekend Photos
 WOW! Weekend ( 138 photos ) |
 WOW! Weekend ( Source: Deb Anstey) ( 35 photos ) |
 WOW! Weekend ( Source: Lynn Stead) ( 32 photos ) |
 3rd Annual G.B.H.A. Women's Outdoor Workshop ( 172 photos ) |
 WOW! Weekend ( Source: Michele Vardy) ( 34 photos ) |
 
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