Becoming an Outdoors Woman April 2026

ARCHERY (M): Learn about archery equipment and how to shoot a bow. Then try your hand on the archery range. We will be using Matthews Genesis compound bows, which have an easy draw weight.

SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS(E-M): Learn how to grow shitake mushrooms and how to start your own culture using inoculation logs. Visit Eagle Bluffs Mushroom logs for inspiration. This class was a hit the last time offered!

MOUSE TAXIDERMY (E): – Preparing, stuffing and mounting skins of animals is an ancient art form. In this introduction to the craft you will learn basic techniques. After a brief introduction, you will prepare a mouse rug or stuffed mouse in an action setting you choose. All equipment and materials are provided, and you get to keep your mouse! Don’t be squeamish; most participants find the process far less gruesome than they
thought!

INTRO TO FLY FISHING – Part 1 (M): This class will focus on fly-casting and will introduce you to the skills needed to get on the water. Participants will learn to cast, flies to use, and “read the water”. Class designed for beginners and/or fly anglers that need a refresher or want to learn more.

RIFLE SHOOTING (E): The class will start indoors with basic safe gun handling and rifle shooting fundamentals. Then the class will head to the range for hands-on shooting practice. Safety glasses, guns ammo and earplugs provided.

GPS (M): Learn the basics of using a GPS unit while having fun searching for hidden treasures known as geocaches. Participants will start by exploring how a GPS works and how to operate the device, then put their new skills to the test on one of Eagle Bluff’s outdoor courses. GPS units are valuable tools for navigating terrain, marking important waypoints including hunting or fishing spots.

INTRO TO CANOEING (M-S): Learn the basics of canoe safety and beginning skills, which includes team paddling and power strokes, reading a river, and tips on planning a canoe trip. Go on a scenic canoe paddle on the Root River. This class is for women with little or no experience canoeing.

SHOTGUN SHOOTING (E): The class will start indoors with basic safe gun handling and rifle shooting fundamentals. Then the class will head to the range for hands-on shooting practice. Safety glasses, guns ammo and earplugs provided.

MEDICINAL FOREST WALK (S): Discover wild edibles during a hike. Whether in your own backyard, neighborhood, or wandering the fields and woods, learning to forage and understand what to do with what you find is not only free but also fun!

FLY TYING (E): Fly tying is an art. Learn about the equipment used to make flies used in fly-fishing and practice tying your first flies.

CANNING AND DEHYDRATING 101 (E): In this hands-on class you’ll learn the essentials of safe, confidence-building water-bath canning and dehydration using seasonal ingredients. We’ll cover the full canning workflow from prep and packing to headspace, processing, cooling, and proper storage, plus how to choose trusted, tested recipes and avoid common safety mistakes. You’ll also learn a practical dehydration process, including prepping foods for even drying, recognizing when foods are fully dried, and storage techniques. You’ll leave with simple checklists, troubleshooting tips, and plenty of ideas for how to use what you preserve in everyday meals.

ARCHERY IN 3D (M): Learn about archery equipment and how to shoot a bow. Then try your hand on the archery range. We will be using Matthews Genesis compound bows, which have an easy draw weight. We will be shooting at 3D targets in the field.

SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS(E-M): Learn how to grow shitake mushrooms and how to start your own culture using inoculation logs. Visit Eagle Bluffs Mushroom logs for inspiration. This class was a hit the last time offered!

MEDICINAL FOREST WALK (S): Discover wild edibles during a hike. Whether in your own backyard, neighborhood, or wandering the fields and woods, learning to forage and understand what to do with what you find is not only free but also fun!

HIGH ROPES COURSE (S): Try your hand at the treetops high ropes course that’s 25 feet off the ground! The course will exhilarate you and is a great personal challenge course. Bring your camera; you’ll want someone to take your picture so you can show off what you’ve been up to.

FLY FISHING PART 2 – ON STREAM (M): This class will focus on fly-casting and will introduce you to the skills needed to get on the water. Participants will learn to cast, flies to use, and “read the water”. Class designed for beginners and/or fly anglers that need a refresher or want to learn more.

GPS (M): Learn the basics of using a GPS unit while having fun searching for hidden treasures known as geocaches. Participants will start by exploring how a GPS works and how to operate the device, then put their new skills to the test on one of Eagle Bluff’s outdoor courses. GPS units are valuable tools for navigating terrain, marking important waypoints including hunting or fishing spots.

GUNS 101 – WITH HANDGUN SHOOTING (M): Do you have little or no experience with guns and want to know more about them? If yes, then this class is for you! You will learn about the use, safety, and operation of different firearms. Remove the mystery by learning the terminology in a friendly environment. We’ll also head outside to the range for some hand-gun shooting.