Advanced Shotgun – Ladies remember the excitement and fun of hitting that first straight away target? Now it's time to kick it up a notch. An Advanced Shotgun course is being offered to those who have already completed the BOW Basic Shotgun course. Fine tune your shooting skills by learning Sporting Clays (golf with a shotgun), Five Stand, Clover Clays, hunting applications and much, much more. Sign up today for a shooting experience you'll never forget.

Backpacking - Learn what to take along, and what to leave behind. Equipment selection for various comfort levels including tents, sleeping bags, cook stoves, backpacks, water purification methods and menu items will be explored. Includes camp sanitation and trail etiquette. Note: There is NO camping involved in this class. 

Backyard Wildlife - Learn the basic habitat needs of wildlife and how to provide them in your backyard.

Basic Archery - Learn how to select bows, arrows and other archery equipment with an emphasis on use of the bow for hunting. Participants can try out various archery equipment on the range. (*Prerequisite: Firearms Safety or hunter education certificate). 

Basic Canoeing - Learn the skills to paddle a canoe through calm or rough waters. Practice basic paddling strokes and learn important safety rules. This class is a great introduction to the diverse sport of paddling, taking you from your first experience and transforming you into a confident paddler. Class is taught off site on a nearby lake and travel time is included in the class. Be prepared, you may get wet! It is recommended that participants bring a hat, sunglasses and suntan lotion for sun protection and a change of clothes in case you get wet. 

Basic Fishing - Get started in fishing. Learn how to care for and use fishing equipment. You’ll also learn knot tying and casting skills as well as picking your fishing spot. You will go fishing during the course and participants will have the opportunity to use different types of fishing equipment and tackle during the session. Participants will acquire a basic knowledge of fish, fishing, equipment and the skills it takes to participate in the sport.

Basic Riflery / Handgun - Learn and practice basic positions for shooting rifles and handguns. Participants will be shooting at paper targets, dueling trees and falling block targets with small caliber rifles and handguns with emphasis on recreational shooting. Participants will sharpen skills with plenty of time on the shooting range. This is not a personal protection class. (*Prerequisite: Firearms Safety or hunter education certificate).

Basic Shotgun - Learn and practice basic shotgun techniques. Participants will enhance skills while shooting at aerial clay targets. (*Prerequisite: Firearms Safety or hunter education certificate).

Basket Weaving for Beginners  - Basket Weaving skills will be taught. No previous weaving experience necessary. You will weave a napkins basket, necessary for outdoor eaters.

Firearms Safety - An introduction to different types of firearms and the basics of firearm safety. Includes information on selecting and purchasing firearms. Does not include any actual shooting.  This session is a prerequisite for anyone taking any of the shooting classes who does not have a Hunter Ed. Certificate. If you have attended this session in a prior year, it is not necessary to repeat the class. For information on upcoming Hunter Ed. courses, click here or contact (317-232-4010). Class may run over to cover necessary information.

Fly Fishing - Fly casting is designed for the student with little or no knowledge of the mechanics of fly casting. Students will learn basic fly casting techniques and introduced to equipment needed for fly fishing. Basic knots necessary for fly fishing will also be taught. All casting will be done on dry land, although students will be challenged to take to the water. All equipment will be provided.

Fly Tying - Learn the basic tools, materials, and techniques to tie your own flies. Participants will tie common mid-western warm-water patterns while learning the fundamentals of fly tying.

From Stick to Staff - Create your own useful and attractive hiking staff. Also, learn how to use a hiking stick efficiently, and learn the uses for a hiking stick other than just hiking. Participants will choose their sticks from the woods on sight and learn about different types of wood that make useful staffs.

Gun Care and Cleaning - A properly cared for gun is safer, more effective, will last longer and be more valuable. Learn how to clean, store and care for basic types of shotguns, rifles and handguns.

Intro to Turkey Hunting - The resurgence of wild turkey across North America is perhaps the greatest conservation story of modern times. With eyesight comparable to a hawk, turkeys are tough to hunt. This class will teach the basics of turkey hunting regulations, turkey hunting equipment, selecting proper places to hunt, turkey behavior, what to do after you shoot a turkey, and more. This class is for beginner turkey hunters who are interested in learning how to hunt these popular game birds.

Intro to Small Game Hunting – From equipment, to clothing, to firearms, and more… you will learn the techniques to enjoy hunting the small game of Indiana like rabbits and squirrel.

Intro to Wood Carving - Participants will learn the basic styles, tools and techniques of wood carving in this hands-on class.  

Muzzleloading - Here is a unique to learn about yesteryear and the timeless tradition of using a muzzleloading firearms. The firearms were our earliest types of firearms that were devolved my our fore-fathers. These primitive style firearms were used in the early formation of this great country. Using blackpowder rather the modern powder used in modern guns these firearms are fun, exciting and will spark your interest in how it used to be in our earlier days. Our instructors will also be in period dress to enhance this great learning opportunity. You will have the opportunity to shoot a wide variety of antique firearms. Don’t miss this class!!! You must have completed the “Firearm Safety Class” or Hunter Education to participate.

Orient Yourself Outdoors (Orienteering) - Learn the basics of orienteering with a map and compass as navigational tools. Besides its usefulness for hunting and other outdoor activities, this skill is a popular recreational activity in its own right.

Outdoor Cooking - Bring your empty stomach and desire to learn. You will learn different outdoor cooking techniques.

Outdoor Photography - Covers tricks and techniques for capturing nature in your photographs. Bring your own camera, as the class will be putting skills into action. The focus of this class is on composition and picture-taking skills, not camera operation. 

Personal Safety - Don't be afraid to walk alone on your favorite trail again. Learn how to protect yourself when enjoying the outdoors. This class will teach basic self-defense geared towards women.

Survival 101 - An exploration of basic skills needed to survive in an outdoor emergency. Planning, preparation and psychology of survival are discussed. Includes a hands-on exercise in building simple shelters, fire, finding water and food and getting rescued.

Trailer Handling - This course is set for the woman who wants to be independent and confident enough to trailer a boat, ATV, snowmobile, or camper by herself. Learn towing safety, maintenance, and the art of backing up trailers. Most class time will be hands on experience behind the wheel. A valid driver’s license is required.

Trapping and Fur Craft - Learn simple trapping skills, how to handle and tan hides, and how to put furs to use by making a warm and fashionable fur hat. Gather ideas for making other fur crafts and garments. This course is taught by one of Indiana’s most accomplished and knowledgeable female trappers.

Tree ID - Learn about trees in Indiana and how to identify them. Session will cover how trees grow, structure and function of tree parts, and how to use a key to identify trees. We will also go around Ross Camp to look at and identify a few of the tree species found around Ross Camp. Long pants and shoes or boots are recommended (no sandals). 

Wild Edibles & Wildflowers - Learn plant and flower identification and then venture into nature to find wild edibles to prepare 

Wildlife Habitat and Tracking - Learn about Indiana’s diverse wildlife and where to find it. Learn about animal behavior and how to read the subtle signs that animals leave behind. Make plaster casts of animal tracks and explore the camp using your new-found tracking skills.