The benefits of becoming an outdoors woman

here’s something special about heading to a favourite brook, river or lake and spending time in nature. We’re lucky as Nova Scotians to have countless bodies of water to choose from; spots where we can kick back, relax, watch the sun glint off the water and feel stress melt away.

These waterways also provide the perfect opportunity to try new activities like camping, canoeing or fishing. There’s one group in Nova Scotia whose volunteer instructors are helping women learn outdoor skills and safety tips, while building their self-confidence.

Childhood memories

Tara Crandlemere of Bible Hill, N.S. has been a fishing instructor with Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Nova Scotia for 16 years. Ms. Crandlemere studied marine biology at Dalhousie University and is a manager of provincial parks, beaches and trails with the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry.

“I grew up in North Lake, New Brunswick,” she says. “My front yard was a big freshwater lake. We also lived near a forest with hiking trails. Both of my parents and their parents were hunters and anglers. Growing up near the water and having a career as a fisheries biologist attracted me to the fishing side of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program.”

Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW)

The program originated in the United States in 1991, with BOW Nova Scotia launching six years later. The latter is offered to women aged 18 and older. Participants learn a range of outdoor skills combined with a “fellowship experience with women,” according to the BOW Nova Scotia website. BOW helps women overcome social or financial barriers to learning outdoor skills and has bursaries to help them access programs. 

Classes fall into the three main areas: hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities. The latter includes archery, backpacking, hiking, basic wilderness first aid, basket making, birding, camping, canoeing, connecting with nature, kayaking, map and compass, nature identification, nature photography, outdoor cooking and wild edible plants.

Ms. Crandlemere says BOW is a fun learning environment for beginners that helps participants safely enjoy the outdoors while boosting their self-esteem. “There’s a required baseline of knowledge you need with any outdoor pursuit. BOW gives women that solid foundation. The skills learned in BOW help build confidence.” 

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Empowering environment

The fishing instructor still gets a thrill every time she or one of her BOW students has a tug on the line.

“The anticipation is wonderful,” she says. “You never know what you’re going to pull up. People learn how to ethically release the fish if it’s catch-and-release. It’s also helpful to know how to clean your catch on-site, preserve it and bring it home. We also teach participants to safely have a fish fry near the lake,” says Ms. Crandlemere.  

Fishing can easily be done solo, which is great during a pandemic. But it’s also something you can do with others.

“BOW gives you foundational elements to take with you. You then become a leader back in your community. You can accompany your loved ones down to water and show them how to wet a line.”

Ms. Crandlemere says BOW has become like a second family to her and her students. It gives women a feeling of joy and coming full-circle.

“I’ve taught the basics at the picnic table. Then we start fishing. Later, someone gets a bite and announces, ‘I’ve got something!’ and it’s exciting for everyone. We rush in to support and assist them. Afterwards, we talk about what kind of fish it is, what it eats, that sort of thing. BOW is educational and empowering on many levels.”

Use your senses

Ms. Crandlemere teaches participants to trust their senses – to look, listen and touch while enjoying Nova Scotia’s waterways.

Look: Study your travel pathway. Watch for uneven ground, gopher holes or obstacles you could trip over. Be mindful of how close you are to brush so you have a clear path for casting and avoid ticks. Keep an eye out for black, wet slippery rocks.

Listen: Listen for fast-running water. Be careful if you’re wading out. Certain species love this environment but currents can be strong and dangerous.

Touch: Watch your hands and fingers when using a barbed hook. Fingernail clippers are a fisher’s best tool.

Stewardship is crucial

Ms. Crandlemere also underlines the importance of respecting the environment while fishing.

“I teach principals of stewardship,” she says. “Always be grateful and mindful of where you are, leave no trace, pack out what you bring in and don’t interact with animals. Observe and enjoy wildlife from a safe distance.”

Become a fisher at any age

Fishing is a low-impact activity with benefits for your mental and physical well-being, and is a helpful way to add more movement into your day. It’s also a hobby you can enjoy at any age – take Ms. Crandlemere’s grandmother for example.

“I fish with my 89-year-old grandmother, Norma Crandlemere, from Dead Creek, New Brunswick. We spend many hours fishing for trout for a shoreline lunch.”

Now that’s inspiring.

Whether it’s fishing, hiking, canoeing or another outdoor activity, pick something you’ve dreamed of trying and go for it! Just remember to learn some basic skills so you stay safe while enjoying all that Nova Scotia has to offer.

Outdoor safety tips

Safety is a top priority for Ms. Crandlemere and her fellow BOW instructors. Here are her top tips:

·       Keep it simple (don’t try backwoods fishing solo as a beginner) 

·       Have a plan (tell people where you’re going and take a friend)

·       Understand why you’re there (will you keep your catch or release it?)

·       Don’t stay too long (two hours is good)

·       Bring water and healthy snacks 

·       Bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses/eye protection (the latter helps during casting)

·       Dress for ticks (tuck your pants into your socks)

·       Dress comfortably in breathable clothing 

·       Layer clothing (it’s chilly in the morning/evening, wear thin gloves in spring/fall) 

To learn more about BOW Nova Scotia, email bownovascotia@gmail.com or check its website for upcoming events (though due to COVID-19 they may be pausing their scheduled events). Stay up-to-date by joining the BOW Facebook group.