Women will head out into the Wild Wild West during the annual Women in the Outdoors retreat thanks to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and their partners. During this event, women will have the opportunity to learn new outdoor skills and meet others with similar interests. There is an instruction fee that covers a choice of classes instructed by experts in that area, a one-year subscription to the Turkey Country magazine, equipment and materials needed for use during the courses and a one-year membership to the Women in the Outdoors (or an extension of current membership). The event will take place at Cecil J. Picard Educational Center in Bunkie Sept. 15-17. Participants need to bring twin size bedding, bath linens, personal hygiene products, demonstration equipment is optional as you will be provided some and a swimsuit.
There are multiple different classes that can be picked. Some include making dreamcatchers, wood carving, archery, olfactory advantage, concealed carry, jelly making, self-protection, shot gun, kayaking, dutch oven cooking, gun cleaning/chokes, blood trailing, bow fishing, bottle-cap art, water aerobics and making recycled bird feeders.
There will be a limit of 168 ladies with 12 per cabin.
Each cabin will represent a team and each team will compete for the Spirit Award for the weekend which will be determined by best team mascot (participants can bring supplies to aid in creating the mascot) and most enthusiasm shown at the event. The award winner will be announced during closing ceremonies and a prize will be given to each team member. Saturday night participants will dress as their favorite western character when they will enjoy live zydeco and country band, Cypress City.
Along with educational courses over the weekend, there will be raffles, silent auctions, door prizes and games.
For more information contact B Prudhome at 318-469-7114 or at bprudhome51@ yahoo.com, Jessica Hayes at 318-240-1540, Lisa Gillespie at 318-729-8304 or Amanda Singleton at 318-243-6555.