Becoming an Outdoors Woman: Factors that Enhance or Inhibit the Participation of Women in Fish and Wildlife-Based Recreation
File(s)
Date
1999-05Author
Ensign, Jolie D.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This research project surveyed women who indicated an interest in the
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program by asking to be put on the BOW mailing
lists in New Jersey, Florida, and Colorado. Mailing list recipients who had attended a
BOW workshop and recipients who had not participated in a workshop to date
received the same survey. Non-participants were instructed to skip over questions
pertaining to BOW alumni. This was done to provide a basis for comparison, and to
determine whether attendance at a workshop makes a difference in their outdoor
activities, license buying activities, and their needs and motivations.
This research has shown the positive impact that Becoming an OutdoorsWoman
makes on participants. Respondents who attended the BOW program were
significantly more likely to be able to identify the state resource management agency
in their state. Of particular note to resource management agencies is the fact that the
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is positively influencing the sale of hunting
and fishing licenses and park permits. The respondents were happy with the structure
of BOW workshops as they are, but are also interested in further learning
experiences. Wilderness orienteering, survival skills, and edible and medicinal plants
were the top interest areas cited by respondents. Respondents listed time, not owning
equipment, lack of companions to go with, and lack of knowledge about how to get
involved as major barriers to participation. According to participants, involvement in
outdoor activities is enhanced by availability of inexpensive programs and equipment,
companions to participate with, and activities available close to home.