Bowhunter Education Questions

[tim roberts]

Got a questions for those of you who teach bowhunter education:
What state are you from?

In your state, does one have to be a bowhunter to teach bowhunter education?

Is bowhunter education manditory prior to purchasing a bowhunter tag?

Is your The Hunter Education arm of the management agency, ran by some who either bowhunts or understands bowhunting?

Thanks,

Tim

[acadian archer]

Nova Scotia Canada

yes, you must be a bowhunter or been one to be able to teach. you are checked with dept. natural resources for any convictions before being allowed to take the instructors course.

you must have passed the bowhunter course to get an archery license.

The program is under the Dept. of Natural resources but the bowhunting instructors association (BIANS- volunteers))are the ones who teach the program.

The instrutors association works very closely with other bowhunting associations (non government- just hunters wanting to stay involved in protecting and furthering bowhunting) in the province as well as wildlife groups and neighbouring associations in the adjoining provinces as well as the Dept of Natural resources.

As well, once a year the instructors meet for an update where any rule changes (bowhunting, access, safety, hunting, etc. ) are discussed.

system is working well for everyone involved. To work well a system has to have support from government agencies, bowhunting instructors and bowhunters who care enough to join an association to help protect and promote bowhunting.

fortunately, we have that going for us here.

[Orion]

One wouldn't have to be a bowhunter, but would need to know about archery.  Usually, we team teach the course, and there are hunters who can handle those sections of the course.

Bowhunter education certification is not mandatory to purchase an archery license in Wisconsin.

The state DNR does have a person assigned to assist the bowhunter education efforts.  I believe he's also the state safety coordinator for the agency. That person is a bow hunter.

[Eugene Slagle]

In Virginia, you only need to pass the General Hunters education course if you have not had a hunting permit before.

Hunter education touches a little on Archery but not enough IMHO but it does give the person an general outlook of what is involved with bowhunting.

A instructor does not need to be a bow hunter to teach the section of archery just understand the information enough to present it to the persons taking the course.

There is the NBEF but in Virginia it is not required to have a hunting license & archery permit.

[vermonster13]

Vermont

Must take Bowhunter Education to purchase a license and Hunter Education also.

Must have passed those courses and the Teachers course to teach Bowhunters Education.

Dept of Fish and Wildlife over sees it and NBEF approved so you can take the card anywhere and purchase a tag.

[Jeremy]

Connecticut

Bowhunter Ed is mandatory to buy the archery license.  It's a separate course than the general hunter ed.

To teach it, you must first pass the course (scoring >90% on the exam) and pass the Bowhunter Instructor course (another exam and a shooting proficiency test)

The DEP oversees all the Hunter Ed courses, the bowhunting course is NBEF approved.

In Iowa it is touched on at some Hunter Safety courses. Problem is no one teaches traditional most of the time, I fear that negative comments are quite often made about trad shooting when compounders are running things, they have gotten upset with me when I have a disagreement with them on their opinions.  I hope all of the regs that Connecticut has never happens here.  I think it is better if those of us that have been around for a while shows the young ones how to have safe adventure with a bow and arrow and leave the factory reps out of it.

[Junction hunter]

In Michigan they teach hunters safety which includes all types of hunting. This is sponsored by the State but taught by hunters who received the State training to become a trainer. There is no specific bow hunting classes given, but we do discuss the fundamentals of bow hunting safety.

If you were born after 1960 you need to prove that you completed this course before getting any hunting license. There is a clause that states "if you have had hunting experience" you may purchase a license.

[Jeremy]

pavan,

factory reps?
I like that bowhunter ed is mandatory in CT, which is why I volunteered and put my time in as an instructor (and now chief instructor).

When they made it a requirement there was no grandfathering in... everyone had to take the course whether you've been bowhunting for 20 years or none.  Quite a few guys were pi***d off at having to take the class, but very few of them walked away without learning something, and quite a few "seasoned" bowhunters had views that were just outright wrong (anatomy, shot selection and distance, tuning etc).  It was surprising actually.  Guys who have "been around for a while" aren't necessarily doing things the right way.

[Bill Turner]

Texas

The hunter education course is required to get your hunting license if born after say 1971(Not sure of the exact year). Bowhunter education is not required. The bowhunter education instructor may or may not be a bowhunter. You can almost guarantee that the instructor will not be a traditional bowhunter. Although I am well past the required age, I chose to take the general hunter education course, as well as the bowhunter education course, to guarantee that I would have the required documentation if I decided to bowhunt Alaska or any other state that might require the additional certifacation. I also became certified as a bowhunter education instructor so that I could offer my services when/if needed.

[Eugene Slagle]

I wish there was more required of the training here in Virginia but I'm not part of the VDGIF so I don't make the rules.

I help in Hunter education from time to time & one thing that is drilled more than any other aspect of the course is BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET & BEYOND, I personally shot a stainless steel cup "one that used to be with the U.S.Army canteens" with a broadheaded arrow from 40 yards away "compound bow sorry" to show that Archery gear is just as deadly as any other weapon for hunting.
My buddy that teaches it every week keeps the arrow & all in the cup, he says it does get the intrest going & gives a better appreciation of the equipment.

[calgarychef]

Alberta-the training isn't required.  I was invited to help instruct the IBEP course only because I've killed deer with the bow.

[Ground Hunter]

Bill Turner, you saved me a lot of typing - word for word.  H

[LA Trapper]

Tim,

I teach Bowhunter Ed here in Louisiana.  We had, until recently, a few areas in the state  (Federal NWR's) that required the certification to hunt. I am a traditional bowhunter and all of the compound shooters that take the class oogle and handle all of my equipment. Almost all of them with the same words, I wish I had the skill to shoot one of those things or I wish I had the patience to shoot one of those things.  Most shot a fiberglas recurve as a kid and bring that up. They usually follow up with all I need to do is pass a couple of arrows through my bow to make sure my sights are still on. I get to remind them that is not enough preparation and respect for the game animals they pursue.

I took the instructor course because there was no one in this part of the state to teach the class.  I am it.  Attendance for the class is definitely down.

Billy

[JAG]

Hi Tim!
As you know I'm the Chairman, for now, of the IBEP in Alabama.

Alabama does not require the IBEP card to bowhunt.  We offer it for those going to states that do require it.

Do not have to be a "bowhunter" to be an Instructor.  I do require a good working Knowledge of all archery equiptment.
No Bowhunting tag required.

Ray Metzler, head of Alabama Hunter Ed. is a bowhunter.  One of the best to work with.

The Bowhunters of Alabama, Inc. is the sponsor org. of Bouwhunter Education in Al.  We get no state funding.  BHA purchases all the teaching materials.  We do charge a small fee to cover these materials.

I do have several DCNR Officers that are Instructors.

Hope this helps.  Be careful out there.

Johnny Gottler/JAG

[tim roberts]

ttt

[bow'narrow]

IDAHO - Yes, to all three questions.