The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is now accepting applications for the Beyond Becoming an Outdoors Woman Deer Hunt, scheduled for Jan. 9–11, 2026, at Floy McElroy Wildlife Management Area, located two miles north of Rayville.
This hunt is for novice deer hunters only who have attended a previous Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop, and is designed to provide handson learning and real-world experience in a supportive environment.
The lottery application will remain open through Nov. 30. The drawing will be held on Dec. 1, and successful applicants will be notified by email.
To apply, visit: https:// louisianaoutdoors. com/lottery-applications The Beyond BOW Deer Hunt is intended for individuals new to deer hunting. To qualify, applicants must:
• Have attended a previous Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop.
• Be a novice deer hunter, defined as someone who has harvested no more than two deer or other big game animals (elk, antelope, bear, moose, etc.) in their lifetime.
• Not have previously attended a Louisiana BBOW deer hunt or harvested a deer during that event.
• Be Hunter Education certified.
LDWF’s Beyond BOW program builds upon the foundation of the traditional BOW workshops.
These advanced, handson experiences allow participants to apply and strengthen skills learned during BOW weekends, while receiving guidance from supportive instructors in real-world outdoor settings.
Beyond BOW workshops are ideal for women
who:
• Want to gain more confidence and independence in outdoor skills.
• Are seeking new outdoor challenges and experiences.
• Have completed a BOW workshop and are ready for the next step.
• Enjoy learning alongside like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
• Applicable fees will be assessed when applying for the lottery.
To learn more or to apply, visit: https://louisianaoutdoors. com/lottery-applications
