Bowhunter Education??

[J-dog]

I am signing up for a class in Nov. here in NC. I have seen where you need it to hunt some states out west. Just wondering who has been through it and what it is. Can't seem to reach anyone at the number I was given    ?
Guess i will show up with my bow a couple arras and a note pad. One day deal so just wondering who has taken an IBEF course and what it all is about.

J

[Rusty in Fla.]

I took the one here in Fla. a few years ago along with my son. just like you said, Some states require it so I thought we should get it under our belt while we had the time.
  It's all pretty much common sense, at least to me. The problem is, Common sense isn't so common any more so they have to teach to the lowest common denominator.
 Our class did have a simulated tracking exercise that was pretty good.

[geno]

I was at a shop last yr when they were giving it. Mostly training wheels. The owner told me they would have to shoot a 30yrd shot, trad or not.not sure how well they had to score.I dont think it mandatory (in MO) yet.

[Orion]

IBEF bowhunter education classes are taught by volunteers, though the programs are linked to state DNRs for guidance and administrative support.

There is a set number of hours required (16 I believe), and participants are required to take and pass a written test.  Students are supposed to receive a manual to read and study before the hands on instruction.  In some areas, they may be able to do some of this on line.  There is no shooting test, though students usually have an opportunity to shoot their bows and get tuning and shooting advice.

The course emphasizes safety.  Among the topics covered are:  an introcuction to bowhunting and it's history; the role of bowhunting in wildlife conservation; bowhunter responsibilities and ethical behavior; equipment selection and tuning; preparing for the hunt; using tree stands; shot selection, placement and animal recovery; and general outdoor preparedness.

Don't know how others do it, but the group I teach the course with doesn't aim at the lowest common denominator.  We try to make the course interesting for everyone.  Whether novice or experienced hunter, I've not seen anyone yet who hasn't left the course without learning something new.

By last count, 17 states now require bowhunter education to hunt.

[Danny Roberts]

I've talked to the national director of the NBEF and never got any satisfaction of any kind on taking a course or trying to volunteer help. Other people have told me the same thing. I did talk to a guy in In. and he told me to keep an eye on their DNR site. They offer them from time to time. Working shift work, it's hard to time it right. Check their website, you might be able to take a course on line. Ky. doesn't get one offered on line. Good luck.

[Firstarrow]

Originally posted by Orion:

The course emphasizes safety.  Among the topics covered are:  an introcuction to bowhunting and it's history; the role of bowhunting in wildlife conservation; bowhunter responsibilities and ethical behavior; equipment selection and tuning; preparing for the hunt; using tree stands; shot selection, placement and animal recovery; and general outdoor preparedness.

Don't know how others do it, but the group I teach the course with doesn't aim at the lowest common denominator.  We try to make the course interesting for everyone.  Whether novice or experienced hunter,  I've not seen anyone yet who hasn't left the course without learning something new.

[/b]

It is not required in my state. I took the course with my daughter after having bowhunted for 15+ years. It was well worth it. Most of the course was a review of commonsence. But the course did open my eyes to other possibilities.

I recommend it for everyone!

[bowfiend]

I teach bowhunter ed for the Montana FWP, in conjuction with the NBEF. My experience is that, while the content for testing is standardized, the classes can really depend on the particular group. Sometimes you get a group that wants you to teach them how to hunt. Other groups are seasoned hunters that are transitioning to bow hunting.
I would agree that it's mostly wheelie shooters, which forces me to keep up on that technology so I can effectively explain it to students. Sometimes, it's really amazing to me that people have been "hunting for years" and can be completely ignorant of many basic outdoors skills. Overall, it's pretty fun and a great way for me to focus on the details of bowhunting that would otherwise become less "important".

[Blackhawk]

I hope you instructors continue to stress all aspects of safety...especially game identification.

A local 14 year old Hunter Ed graduate just shot and killed a hiker with a rifle this past weekend near Seattle.  The hunter thought it was a bear.  Incidents like this should not happen with rifle OR bow.

[J-dog]

WOW, that is a shame. I had a guy draw on me once. It was dusky dark and I used all white fletch and dip. Didn't know it but he saw me comeing out through the woods and was grunting at me although I never heard him. If I hadn't spoke when I did it mighta been OVER! Dont use white dip or fletch no more either.

Just ya gotta have the archery Ed berore you can go out West to hunt many states. So need to knock it out now. BEsides it should be fun.

J

J

[JAG]

In Alabama we just got started with the on line Course for IBEP.  Biggest problem we have encountered, is that Alabama dosen't require it.  Then you set up a Practical Day Course (field portion) for the completion of the course and you do not have enough students to hold the course.  This season I set one up and until I canceled the Practical Day, did not have anyone pass the on line part.  After it was canceled, had one guy take and pass the course.  When I contacted him by phone to let him know it was called oof, he got upset.  I can not call my Vol. Instructors together for the chance of maybe one person showing up.  My Instructors do not get a dime.  We all travel and bring our gear on our own.
I'll second what Orion and Bowfiend said.
We try to make our courses as interesting as possible.  I have some very talatnted guys, and am always amazed at what they come up with to open your eyes.  It will only be what you put into it!  We put our hearts and souls into it!
By the way I have Trad and Wheelie Instructors!
Trad is way cooler!  (don't let greenman know I said that!)