Bowhunter Education in Oklahoma   Class Schedule

The International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) is a program designed and administered by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) to train bowhunters throughout North America and internationally. The ultimate goal of the IBEP is to provide bowhunters, both experienced and new, with the basic fundamentals of good, safe bowhunting while maintaining the highest ethical standards in the sport. The immediate objective is to instill in all bowhunters a responsible attitude and to adopt and follow acceptable behavior towards people, wildlife and the environment in which they hunt.

The fundamentals and principles of the IBEP course were established in 1967. In 1969 the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) adopted these ideas and by 1979 the NBEF was formed. The belief was then, and remains today, that The future of bowhunting depends upon effective and successful bowhunter education.

The class has approximately 5 hours of interactive classroom study and 3 hours of practical field training, The course is taught by instructors with a minimum of 3 years of hunting experience, however, the vast majority have 10 years or more. This class is currently required to bowhunt in 16 states and many foreign countries and the number is growing.

Typical Class Agenda:

• Why you want to be a bowhunter
• Ecological Constraints (Habitat requirements, carrying capacity, management tools, etc.)
• Sociological Considerations (conduct not approved by others, reasons for approval, etc.)
• Preparing for the Hunt (adequate equipment, scouting, planning, shooting form, practice, etc.)
• Hunting Effectively (sharpening broadheads, game anatomy, how an arrow works, etc.)
• The Hunt (hunting methods, game recovery, tracking, care of game, etc.)
• Hunting Safety (hazards, first aid, hypothermia, survival, map and compass, etc.)
• Field Experience (matching equipment, tree stands, judging distance, following trails, etc.)

Where are the classes taught and how can I find them?

The Bowhunting Council of Oklahoma is the state sponsor of the National Bowhunter Education Program in conjunction with the Wildlife Department.

The course is offered on a voluntary basis to those hunters interested in learning more about bowhunting, improving their skills or for those individuals requiring certification to bowhunt in another state or province where this training is mandated. Bowhunter education is contributing to increased satisfaction and hunting success of program graduates across the nation.

Who can take a class?
Classes are open to anyone interested in learning more about bowhunting. In many cases, classes are comprised of adult students with some previous hunting experience. However, youngsters and novices are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Students must be at least 11 years old to enroll in a course.  Parents are encouraged to attend the course with their children.

This is a certification course that requires students to attend the entire course and achieve a passing score on a written exam to successfully complete the training. A certificate of training is awarded to graduates at the course’s conclusion. Students may need this certificate to bowhunt in other states mandating this training. This certificate is not required to purchase an archery license in Oklahoma. 

Class Schedule

For more information on bowhunter education classes contact

Rob Ray
erray@juno.com
H (918) 245-1786
W (918) 241-0259

The following states have a mandatory bowhunter requirement:

U.S.A.

• Alabama
• Connecticut
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Vermont

Canada

• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Quebec