Register now for BOW backpacking workshop in Upper Peninsula, Nov. 7-9

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will offer a backpacking workshop for women the weekend of Nov. 7-9. Part of the DNR's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program, the workshop is designed for women who have previous backpacking experience or training and would like to expand on their skills and abilities.

The workshop will starts at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, with a gear check/trip orientation at Van Riper State Park in Champion. Participants will then drive to the trailhead at nearby Craig Lake State Park and hit the trail.

The workshop includes a two-day backpacking trip, with optional day hiking trips and fishing available. It is designed to expand on skills participants may have learned at previous BOW workshops, such as backcountry cooking, map and compass, wilderness first aid, and hiking.

Participants are asked to bring their own camping gear; registration materials provide more details on required equipment. Previous experience with backpacking/hiking is a requirement for this program. The workshop will be held rain, shine or snow.

The cost for the workshop is $150, which includes lodging and all meals except lunches. Participants will stay in a 14-bed cabin. Those who would like to fish will need to purchase a Michigan fishing license prior to the workshop. Licenses can be purchased online at www.mdnr-elicense.com/.

Participants must be 18 or older. Enrollment is limited to 14, and the deadline for registration is Friday, Oct. 17. Class information and registration materials are available online at www.michigan.gov/bow, and the registration fee can be paid online at www.michigan.gov/estore.

For further information, contact Sharon Pitz at 906-228-6561Call: 906-228-6561 or pitzs@michigan.gov.