I'm getting ready to do a class locally for Montana FWP and was curious how many of us TradGangers are bowhunter education instructors?
I take a little pride in the fact that I have to borrow a compound to teach the class. It's something I look forward to every year and I ALWAYS make my equiupment available for those who have not yet purchased a bow - it's not too late! Unbeknownst to the kids in the class, some of them have shot some of the finest bows on the planet.
And if you haven't spent any time teaching bowhunter education, you really should. It's a lot of fun and it really helps you promote the sport and ensure that your students get started right.
I do
ChuckC
I do, or did. I have not given a class in a couple of years and just moved to another state. I need to get going with it again.
Dave
I did for 10-12 years. Stopped last fall because of some issues I have with the state of New York. But I will say it was good learning experience and I don't regret it at all. Not to pat myself on the back but I was pretty good at it and had lots of comments on the classes I helped teach.
I went through my bowhunter ed class last August with a bunch of guys who were going through instructor training..
I was asked to be an instructor. When I get the call I will gladly become one... I was really impressed with the class. Even after 25 years I learned good info in the class..
John III
I do and really love to teach the class. Its not required here in IL but I get alot of people who go out of state to hunt. Matter of fact, the other two guys that teach with me are trad guys who got me hooked back into trad again. I have learned alot in the class and teaching it too. I look foward to every class I teach.
Been teaching for a while now, but probably not much longer. Depersonalization of classes by the ONLINE crap. Don't like only seeing students for 2 hours before you certify them, and mimiking the info that F&G wants them to learn. Like little robots. It's no wonder newbies don't know what the heck a recurve is, spine of an arrow, how to tune etc. Rant rant rant................
I do personal instruction these days. I have taught with 4-H shooting sports in the past. I'll take what I'm doing now over a class full of kids.
God bless,Mudd
I taught it for several years. After the class we had suggestions handed in. Funny thing was the most requested reply was to discuss compound use more. The only problem was all of the instructors were not familiar with compound issues.
I do.
I just gave a class last week. If the classes that I teach influence one person to "Do the right thing" the ethical thing or prevents one serious injury/death then it is all worth it. I can sleep better at night knowing that I have given back to bowhunting and shared my passion for it with others.
I've been an instructor here in Texas for the last 5 years.
I've been one here in Texas, stopped a few years ago. Its a good thing - may do it again. H
I sent sent my application to become an instructor
oops make that just sent lol
I have taught for many years. With the changes in the NWR rules and the reduced numbers attending, I am not sure I will continue every year. I am in a rural area. It might be an every other year thing to keep my certification active.
I add a section on orienting. Most don't have a clue how to use a compass, much less a compass and map. Most all of my students are extremely appreciative. They mainly use GPS's.
Stone Sheep is dead on. Image and ethics is what it is about. When they walk in and see all of the handmade traditional 2 fletch arrows and back quivers, the questions start and the interest stays at a high level. I use the platform to introduce many archers to our State organization, the Bayou State Bowhunters.
Billy
I taught the IBEP course in the late 70s, 80s, and 90s, if memory serves. I was originally certified by IBEF founder Bill Wadsworth at Land Bewtween the Lakes. We certified hundreds of youngsters during my years in the KY public schools.
I've been an instructor here in Maryland for 7 years. We tried the online course for 2 years (over the objections of most instructors)and it didn't work. Now we are back to the old way. Unfortuneately the course is not mandatory in our state so our turnouts are not great. I still love teaching the course and agree that I usually learn something with every class since most of our students are experienced bowhunters.
I've taught since '03. The group I teach with is a good mix of trad guys and a couple of techie boys to tell the kids how that new fangled stuff works! The lead instructor is a trad guy and he and I do most of the teaching so the kids get a healthy dose of the old way and I also make my equipment available for the class to use. Just about everyone in the class want to shoot the traditional stuff so I know we're getting through to a few of them!
I did also for a number of years, but stopped because my concerns about the NY DEC's policies dovetailed with a new, more demanding career for me.
I did teach a few Bowhunter Ed classes but then we had a child...am still a NAA level 1 instructor and do classes regularly through my club
Since '97. I've been with a few different groups of instructors. I enjoy it. I seem to learn something every year myself, from my fellow instructors and the students.
For a long, long time.
IBEP is not required in Alabama, so makes it tough to get up enough for a course.
I have three scheduled to this season, only 4 signed up so far. The only time anyone worries about it is when they have to have it to go out to a state that requires it.
Right now we're doing the on line version, so far its working good. We still do the traditional style course when enough want it. The on line saves my instructors time and money. We're all vol. so there no funding. Bowhunters of Alabama, Inc. foot the bill for materials, and we travel on our own!
JAG/Johnny
I taught IBEP for ten years as a master instructor, really enjoyed it, but the classes kept getting smaller so I passed my class teaching on. really liked the hands on back in the 90"s. :cool:
I taught it for 18 years in MT as well, Levi. I finally let go of it a couple years ago. One of the most satisfying ways I ever "gave back", and thoroughly enjoyed the experiences. Keep up the good work all.
I am a registered instructor here in MO. but for the last few years have been teaching the archery class at our local community center. Ages 6-12
Jim
I've been a NYS Certified Bowhunter Instructor 20 yrs. Never regretted becoming one, its great to share knowledge with both the young and old who attend our classes. In fact, I have a refresher course next month...
Been at it for a few years as well.
I need to get my IBEP cert completed. It is expired.
It is a serious consideration for me right now. We have a local NRA range that is willing to do archery classes and start a range. A board members son and I are exploring our options. Right now I can't support the NRA's stand on crossbows in my state. What to do, what to do?
I coach all 3 venues for 4H, compound barebow, compound hunter, and recurve barebow, help them all but focus more on the recurves. I also taught the complete hunter saftey course here in KY for several years, 2 evenings videos and test, one morning final test and skill out in rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader and archery. I like it and still enjoy the coaching, especially seeing the kids learn how to shoot and hit insticntively.
I am one of the archery leaders for the 4H shooting sports here in my county...