BATON ROUGE, La. (WNTZ) — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is now accepting applications for its Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman (B-BOW) Deer Hunt, scheduled for Jan. 9–11, 2026, at the Floy McElroy Wildlife Management Area.

The B-BOW program is designed for novice deer hunters who have previously completed a Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop and are ready to gain hands-on experience in a real-world, supportive setting.

Applications for the lottery-style hunt will remain open through Nov. 30, 2025, with a drawing set for Dec. 1, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by email. Interested participants can apply online at louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have attended a previous Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop
• Be a novice deer hunter who has harvested no more than two deer or other big game animals (elk, antelope, bear, moose, etc.)
• Not have previously attended a Louisiana B-BOW deer hunt or harvested a deer during that event
• Be Hunter Education certified

Applicable fees will be assessed when applying for the lottery.

About the Beyond BOW Program

The Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman initiative expands upon the foundational BOW workshops, providing advanced, hands-on experiences that help women apply and strengthen their outdoor skills. The program emphasizes confidence, independence, and safety while learning from experienced instructors.

Beyond BOW workshops are intended for women who want to:

• Build greater confidence and independence in outdoor activities
• Take on new challenges and experiences in nature
• Advance their skills after attending a BOW weekend
• Learn alongside other outdoor enthusiasts in a small, supportive environment

Workshops are intentionally limited in size to ensure a safe and encouraging atmosphere that promotes personal growth and skill development.

For more information about the program, visit wlf.louisiana.gov/page/beyond-bow.

Conservation Raffle Supports LDWF Programs

In addition to the B-BOW hunt, LDWF and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF) have launched their inaugural 2025 Conservation Raffle, offering participants a chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado, valued at $60,000, courtesy of Super Chevy Dealers.

Proceeds from the raffle directly support LDWF conservation initiatives, including habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries research, public access improvements, and educational outreach.

Tickets can be purchased at lawff.org/la-conservation-raffle. The raffle is open to legal U.S. residents aged 18 and older and ends Jan. 8, 2026.