A one-day winter workshop
February 21, 2026 • 8:30a.m. – 4:00p.m.
at the N.H. Fish and Game Department’s
Owl Brook Hunter Education Center – Holderness, NH
Participants must be 18 or older
Registration will open January 12, 2026!
*Registration link will open on Monday, January 12th at 6:00 a.m.
If classes are full, check back often, as spots open up through cancellations.
We do not keep a wait list.
2026 Winter BOW Course Descriptions
Note: These courses combine essential classroom instruction to build foundational knowledge, followed by hands on outdoor practice to continue learning and hone your skills.
A. ICE FISHING: Experience the excitement of ice fishing, one of New Hampshire’s most popular winter activities. Come prepared to spend the day on the ice – drilling holes, dropping lines, and hopefully catching fish – as you learn about techniques, equipment, and safety. Note: The Ice Fishing class will start their day at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, and then participants are responsible for driving their own vehicles (about 6 miles) to White Oak Pond in Holderness, NH. Participants will remain at the pond for the rest of the day, departing from White Oak Pond.
B. SNOWSHOEING AND WINTER TRACKING: This beginner course will introduce you to basic tracking and common wildlife you might see while snowshoeing in New Hampshire. We’ll talk about different types of snowshoes, how to choose the right snowshoes for your needs, how to put them on, and how to maneuver in the woods. You will also learn what items to bring on a winter hike. Then, strap on your snowshoes as we search for signs of wildlife and learn the art of wildlife tracking. Snowshoes are available to borrow if you do not bring your own.
C. SHOE AND SHOOT: Are you ready to try the exciting sport of snowshoe biathlon? This course combines snowshoeing and target shooting. No firearms experience is necessary. You will begin your day at the center’s shooting range, where basic safety and techniques for rifle shooting will be taught. Then snowshoe your way along a non-competitive woodland course set up with targets. A .22 caliber firearm will be provided. Prerequisite: Basic snowshoeing experience is required, and participants must provide their own snowshoes.
D. WINTER HIKING: A beginner course on how to safely continue hiking through the winter! Learn how to completely prepare for a winter hike, and then join us on a short winter hike with a beautiful view! The planned hike is about 2.28 miles (round trip), 694 ft of Elevation gain and an out/back route. Participants should bring micro-spikes (or crampons).
E. WINTER SURVIVAL: Shake away your fears of being outdoors in the winter! You will learn how to dress properly for winter conditions, stay warm, and use basic survival techniques. Most of the day will be spent outside. You will use various methods to build survival shelters, start a fire, and signal for help. Dress to be outdoors for the day.
Important BOW Registration Information
REGISTRATION ONLINE ONLY: Registration opens January 12, 2026. You will be directed to the event registration page and payment. If the program is full, check back often to see if spaces have opened up through cancellations.
REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION: Upon registering, you will be sent an email confirmation of your purchase. A couple weeks before the event we will send any additional information (directions to Owl Brook, an itinerary, and a list of what to bring).
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel by January 27, 2026, you will receive a refund, minus processing fees. Registrants who do not attend and who do not cancel by this date will not receive a refund. You may send a substitute in your place; please advise us if you choose to do this by January 27, 2026, by calling (603)271-0458 or by emailing nhbow@wildlife.nh.gov.
CHECK-IN TIME: Please arrive between 8:00–8:30 a.m. to check in. Welcome begins at 8:30 a.m. and classes begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.
CLOTHING: You will start your day inside, but classes will be held outdoors for most of the day, so dress accordingly. Participants MUST bring warm, waterproof clothing and footwear suitable for winter conditions.
FEE: Includes instruction in all sessions, program materials, use of demonstration equipment, and lunch. Fee due with registration. REGULAR FEE: $100.
DIRECTIONS: Owl Brook Hunter Education Center is located at 387 Perch Pond Road (off Route 175) in Holderness, NH. Detailed directions will be included in your registration packet or visit: https://www.wildlife. state.nh.us/hunting/owl-brook-directions.html
INCLEMENT WEATHER: Winter BOW is postponed only in the event of a major storm, if we determine that it is too hazardous to travel. You can get information regarding postponement by calling (603)271-0458. Postponement will be decided by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 20. If the February 21 program is postponed, the planned snow date is February 22, 2026.
EQUIPMENT: Gear for all courses will be provided, unless stated otherwise. Bringing a water bottle is encouraged. Dress for the elements.
BOW MERCHANDISE: Exclusive winter hats, thermoses and other BOW merchandise will be available for purchase at the event. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted. Get BOW gear year-around at our online store at https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/bow-fall-2021.
RAFFLE: While we will not be holding a full raffle this year, we will have door prizes!
Co-sponsored by the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the N.H. Wildlife Federation
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301 • (603) 271-3212 • wildnh.com
New Hampshire Wildlife Federation
54 Portsmouth St., Concord, NH 03301 • (603) 224-5953 • nhwf.org