Bowhunter Education Program

Bowhunting is a challenging sport! This type of hunting is done at a much closer range and requires a high degree of stealth, perseverance, patience and effort. Bowhunters must become adept at scouting, tracking and recovering game. Bowhunters must master new archery techniques and learn the anatomy and behavior of the game. Before attempting to use archery equipment as a hunting tool, each bowhunter should become a proficient archer. This requires dedication, practice and good distance-judging ability.

Maryland has adopted the National Bowhunter Education Foundation's (NBEF) International Bowhunter Education Program which is acknowledged and accepted worldwide. Although Maryland's bowhunter education program is voluntary and a bowhunter education certificate is not currently required in order to bowhunt in this state, numerous other states and certain federal properties do require a bowhunter education certificate from a course approved by NBEF in order to bowhunt. Please remember that bowhunter education certification does not substitute for Maryland Hunter Education Certification.

This is an advanced class and it is recommended that persons taking this class have experience hunting or have taken a hunter education class. The course is presented in two parts. The first part requires you to complete an online course and qualifier examination presented by the IBEP. Upon completion of the Internet course, you will be issued a Field Day Qualifier Voucher. This voucher will allow you to sign up for and attend a one-day Field/Testing Day. The field day includes:

A classroom discussion concerning:

    Safety, Ethics and Responsibility
    Tree Stand Safety
    Archery Equipment
    Blood Trailing and Sign
    Shooting Technique
    Maryland Specific Information

Field exercises including:

    Distance judging
    Tree Stand safety
    blood trailing and sign

Testing

    Shooting proficiency
    50 question multiple choice exam


Upon satisfactory completion of the Field/Testing Day, you will be issued your NBEF/IBEP official card of certification.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

You may work through the Internet course and practice tests free of charge.

There is a moderate fee to take the online qualifier exam.

The Field Day Qualifier Voucher is valid for attending a Field Day up to 365 days after issue of the voucher.

Upon receipt of your Field Day Qualifier Voucher you may register for one of the field/testing days listed below.

There may be a fee of up to $6.00 for the Field/Testing Day Program. This fee is to cover out of pocket expensed incurred by the teaching team.

You must present your Field Day Qualifier Voucher upon arrival at the Field/Testing Day program. A photo ID may also be required.

You will be required to demonstrate proficiency with your bow. The proficiency requirement is 3 out of 5 shots
hitting the vitals of a 3-D deer target between 10 and 27 yards. At the discretion of the instructor,
you may attempt the proficiency a second time the day of the class and, again at the discretion of the instructor,
may return on another day to complete the proficiency requirement.

While instructors will be glad to assist you with your shooting technique and help correct minor shooting problems,
we strongly recommend that you be proficient with your bow before attending the Field/Testing Day. Working with a
professional bow technician to make certain that your equipment fits you and is properly tuned, is an investment that
you should make before attending the Field/Testing day if you are inexperienced or your shooting is inconsistent.

GO TO THE NBEF INTERNET BOWHUNTER EDUCATION COURSE WEBSITE.

2008 MARYLAND FIELD/TESTING DAY LISTING

County Location Course dates Phone Contact Time Notes
PG Southern Maryland Archers Saturday, April 5, 2008 301.855.1747 RIch Walker 8:30am  
FR FREDERICK CO. IWLA JUNE 28TH 301-473-7210 BEN KELKYE 7:45A 7:45AM-4PM
HO Howard County Rec & Parks Saturday, August 9, 2008 410.313.1675 Phil Norman 8:00am held at 9275 Vollmerhausen Rd
$5.00 includes lunch
FR FREDERICK CO. IWLA AUG. 16TH 301-473-7210 BEN KELKYE 7:45A 7:45AM-4PM
PG Southern Maryland Archers Saturday, August 23, 2008 301.855.1747 RIch Walker 8:30am  
HA IWLA Sportsman Chapter Sunday, September 7, 2008 (410)-671-9070 Nita Snyder 8:00am  
HO Dayton Rod & Gun Club Saturday, September 13, 2008 410.789.8764 Frank Hall 8:30am Register online at www.daytonrodgunclub.com
 

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This page updated on July 23, 2008