Newcomers to bowhunting have lots of questions about laws, treestand safety, and how to process game animals for meat.
Bowhunter-education courses, also called bowhunter-safety courses, answer all your questions and properly prepare you for the woods.
Let’s answer some common questions about these classes.
Check the requirements for your state before signing up for a course. Photo Credit: Bowhunter Ed
One important reason to take a bowhunter-education course is that some states require it for buying a bowhunting license. If you want to bowhunt in these states, you must first pass a state-approved bowhunter-education course. Check your state agency’s website for its requirements.
Even if your state doesn’t require bowhunter education, these courses are great opportunities to learn about bowhunting. If you’re new to hunting, you should learn all you can about its necessary skills before entering the woods to bowhunt. Bowhunter-education courses are crash courses in bowhunting, hunting laws and hunter safety. You’ll learn many critical skills to help you step confidently into the woods.
Bowhunter-education courses are taught at schools, colleges, archery clubs, archery shops and municipal buildings. Some classes are taught online, but make sure your state wildlife agency recognizes their certification. Agency websites list classes and their locations. Sign up early because they fill quickly.
Learn the basics of bowhunting safety before venturing out into the field. Photo Credit: ATA
Hunting laws can seem complicated and hard to understand, but bowhunter-education instructors review them in depth. By the end of the course you’ll understand your state’s hunting laws and season structures.
Additional topics include hunting tactics, treestand safety, hunter safety, hunting laws, shot placement, blood trailing, field care and equipment needs. You’ll also learn to safely use a full-body treestand harness, how to avoid common hunting accidents, and other important skills.
Shot placement and field care for game you harvest are important skills to learn. Bowhunters must know exactly where to aim on animals at different angles to ensure quick, humane kills. Bowhunters must also read sign and follow blood trails.
Field dressing animals gives some new bowhunters angst, but experienced bowhunters walk you through the process during the course to ensure you feel more confident about the job.
Bowhunter-education courses are great, and often necessary, first steps for learning bowhunting knowledge. They’re also great for meeting other bowhunters.
Top bowhunter-education students do several things to prepare. First, visit your state wildlife agency’s website and review the game laws and hunting seasons. Next, read the Bowhunting 101 section at Bowhunting360. While studying the laws and the 101 section, write down questions and bring them to class. Also bring water, lunch, a pen and notebook.
By taking a bowhunter-education course and visiting an archery store to buy bowhunting gear, you’ll take the first steps to becoming a bowhunter. Find your state wildlife agency website here to determine your state’s bowhunter-education requirements.
