29th Annual Wisconsin Women in the Outdoors Builds Confidence, Community and Conservation Connections
The Wisconsin Women in the Outdoors Chapter brought 117 women together for the 29th annual Women in the Outdoors event at Crescent Lake Camp in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, for three days of outdoor education, camaraderie and conservation.
Of those participants, 45 were first-time attendees, accounting for more than 38% of the group. Although rooted in Wisconsin, the event's reach extended beyond state lines, drawing five women from Minnesota, three from Nevada and one from Texas.
The growing interest reflects the event's continued efforts to introduce women to outdoor opportunities in an encouraging, supportive environment.
Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in four educational sessions, each offering 12 class options. The diverse lineup allowed women to explore new interests or strengthen existing skills, regardless of their experience level.
Courses included archery, rifle and handgun shooting, bowfishing, fishing, blacksmithing, bushcraft carving and wild game cooking. Other offerings, including beekeeping, birding, outdoor first aid and ecology, introduced participants to additional ways of connecting with nature.
Knowledgeable instructors and outdoor professionals guided participants through hands-on activities, emphasizing practical skills and creating opportunities for women to ask questions, learn from one another and gain confidence.
Beyond the classroom, the event supports the National Wild Turkey Federation's commitment to recruitment, retention and reactivation of new hunters, also known as R3.
“We believe R3 is about building lasting relationships, not simply increasing participation numbers,” said Tracy Neuburg, NWTF Wisconsin WITO event coordinator.
For organizers, that commitment means creating relationships and support systems that encourage women to remain involved in outdoor recreation and conservation long after the weekend ends.
Organizers recognize that not every participant will choose to become a hunter. However, providing positive experiences, practical knowledge and access to experienced mentors can help women better understand hunting's role in conservation while opening the door to future opportunities.
Those connections continue through hands-on workshops, Learn to Hunt opportunities and relationships with instructors and fellow participants.
Wisconsin WITO also distinguishes itself by combining outdoor education with fundraising to support the NWTF mission.
Alongside its educational programming, the event featured silent auctions on both evenings, a live auction and interactive games offering raffle prizes.
After 29 annual gatherings, Wisconsin Women in the Outdoors continues to demonstrate how outdoor education can bring women together while strengthening conservation awareness.
Whether participants arrive as experienced outdoorswomen or complete beginners, the event offers something that extends beyond four classes and a weekend at camp: a community of women willing to share their knowledge, encourage one another and help the next generation find its place in the outdoors.