Bowhunter Education Course

predator

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What do you Utards think about requiring the Bowhunter Education Course to obtain an archery permit?

How many here have taken the course and what do you think?

Pred
 
I took it years ago, needed it to hunt Idaho back then... about 10 years or so ago.

I think it should be required for new archers, but not necessarily for those who have been at it for decades. Maybe have it taught in Hunters Ed classes.

Nate
 
Nate,
We have done 2 combo (hunter/bowhunter education) classes. They were the first ones done here in Utah. Even though there is a lot of the same information that is taught in both classes, it is still about a 30 hour class. This is a long time, espically for younger kids. It is a fun class to teach, and a real good way for people to learn the differences between bowhunting and hunting with a gun.
We have had people in some of the Bowhunter education Classes that we have taught, that have bowhunted for more than 30-40 years and they have come out of there learning something. I don't think that you are ever to old, or to experienced to learn something.
 
I did the one online here on MM a couple of years ago and never recieved nothing on. Where is my Cert. I think it should be a requirement for bowhunting.
 
Fireball, I continue to take them as you can never learn too much, what I meant to say I guess is that I took the class in 1986 when they were just coming out with these classes. I was the UBA Bowstring editor for many years and everyone on the Board took the class even though we had to drive up to Idaho to take it before we could get any certified instructors here in Utah.

IMHO I think you should have to re-certify every 2 years or at least have every archer take the Extended archery season exam before purchasing a permit... but is this possible? I think so with a PC in every home/office/and library.

And while we are at it, how about having to qualify with a big game rifle like they do in Norway/Sweden? 35mph moving moose at 200 yards, have to score 5 out of 5 before you can get a license.

Nate
 
Nate, I agree with you. I have not seen the idiocy in Idaho that I have in Utah, and I would like to think it's due to the requirement.

Anyone know how Idaho does it these days? Do you have to attend the course or take it online? I'm more for attending, as a group discussion is always enlightening.
 
When I took the Idaho Bowhunter Education course, I was lucky enough to have been taught by T.J. Conrads and Larry Fischer. Even though these two archers are more traditional based in their style of hunting, I learned more in 4 days than I could have imagined. I was an older "beginner" but I thought it was worth going to. It was nice to see fathers with their young sons/daughters in the class as well. Showing their support for the young hunters was neat to see.

Of course the basics were covered but we were also shown how to serve our own strings, fletch arrows, correctly sharpen broadheads, and much, much, more.....

The online courses are fine, I'm sure, but I don't think you get what is essential to the sport without attending live classes. The interaction from those veterans and real life experiences in the field are ones I will remember for a long time. And hey, I got to hang out with T.J. Conrads for a few days and hear some stories I wouldn't have otherwise!
 
I'm all for education, but opposed to making it mandatory. You can't educate a closed mind, so save the class space for those who want to be there.

On the other hand, I think I'm in favor of a mandatory annual shooting test. It won't prevent unethical shots, but it might prevent archers who can't take anything else.
 
I have taken the course 2-3 times and taught it once. I believe that it is a course that should be taught in person. Too many hands on lessons and input from the crowd. You lose all the interaction which in my oppinion is where most of the seasoned archers and new alike learn the most. The shot selection and placement segment and the blood trailing are a must.

I would like to see it become a requirement over time. I believe it is PAST due for the Wasatch extended season. It is a must to help our image and help educate those who are abusing this hunt.

I think a Bow ed requirement would do a lot more than the little questionair you have to complete on the website.

Obviously just my 2 cents though! Have a great day!

Chad
 
Gator, you cannot take this course on line. You have to attend. The course that is on the DWR website is something completely different.

I have taken the class and taught it. When it first came out I was all for mandatory. Mainly for selfish reasons. I knew it would reduce the number of hunters in the feild. Now I realize that maybe that is not the best way to promote archery or hunting.

Now, I might consider that first timers have to take the class. I know that parents would attend with the kids. At the same time I can also see how a parent would discourage a youngster from bow hunting because they would have to tag along with them to the class.

I still think that an incentive program would work the best. If you want to bowhunt you can but if there were a few special tags thrown in the pot were only thoes that have been threw the program could draw, I think you would get more participation.
 
BT, how about giving a preference point in exchange for taking the course? I believe AZ does something similar.
 
I don't think anything should be 'rewarded' for taking a mandatory Bow Ed. class.

Every year when UBA would be asking for input on proposals I would suggest that all applicants for any LE draw must have Utah Bow Ed. or for non-res. the state they live in Bow Ed. certification....

Hands down Bow Ed. for the Wasatch Front hunt!!
 

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