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Bowhunter Education

What is Bowhunting Education?
In Tennessee, Bowhunter Education is a voluntary program.   The course is available to those hunters interested in learning more about bowhunting, improving their skills, or for those individuals requiring certification to bowhunt in other states or provinces where this training is mandatory. Tennessee adopted the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) which is designed and administered by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) to train bowhunters throughout North America and internationally.

For information on classes check TWRA’s class listings or call (615) 781-6538.

Bowhunter Education certification is currently required in 16 states and many foreign countries.  Information on states with mandatory bowhunter education requirements is provided by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF).

Course Description
The ultimate goal of bowhunter education is to provide bowhunters 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 class has approximately 5 hours of interactive classroom study and 3 hours of practical field training.  The course is taught by Tennessee volunteer instructors that are experienced bowhunters and are certified to present the materials outlined in the NBEF course.  Tennessee’s volunteer instructors commit valuable time and expertise to ensure the success of the Bowhunter Education program.  Be sure to thank your volunteer instructor(s).

Course Content

• 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.)

Bowhunter Education Certification
This is a certification course that requires students to achieve a passing score on a written exam to successfully complete the training.

Tennessee offers two ways for students to become a certified bowhunter education graduate. The traditional class is one way to obtain certification as a bowhunter education graduate in Tennessee. The traditional class typically lasts eight hours, the first four hours of the class consists of classroom activities, the next four hours consists of field activities. Students must attend all sessions of the class to gain certification. Students do not have to take the online course prior to taking a traditional class. For more information and to view current class schedules, go to the bowhunter education class listings.

The other option available to students wishing to obtain a bowhunter education certification is by independent study through the online course. This is a two-part process that requires the student to use a computer and be linked to the World Wide Web. Students must first complete the online course of study. After completion of the online course students must attend an abbreviated four hour field day to complete the certification process.

STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO REGISTER FOR OR ATTEND A PRACTICAL UNLESS THEY HAVE COMPLETED THE ONLINE PORTION OF THE COURSE FIRST.

IMPORTANT - At the field day:

1. Students must present to their instructor at the start of the practical (as evidence of completion), a hard copy of certification of completion from the NBEF web course showing they have completed the course.
2. Students will have to pass with a minimum of 85% a comprehensive written examination on the knowledge obtained from the web course.
3. They must successfully participate in the field day testing under the supervision of a certified instructor to complete the certification process. This normally occurs outside, in simulated hunting conditions and students should dress accordingly. Check with the instructors to see if they want you to bring bowhunting equipment to use during the field day.

Participate in the online course and take the knowledge part of the course on the World Wide Web (Internet). Remember to bookmark or in some manner save the address of the Web page to ensure that you can return to the course if you are unable to complete it in one session.

A bowhunter education certificate of training is awarded to graduates at the course’s conclusion. Students will need this certificate to bowhunt in other states mandating bowhunter education training. Bowhunter education is not mandatory in Tennessee.

NOTE: The bowhunter education course does not replace TWRA’s basic hunter education training. All first-time hunters born on or after January 1, 1969 must successfully complete a Hunter Education course before hunting in Tennessee.

Who is eligible to take a bowhunter education class?
Classes are open to anyone interested in learning more about bowhunting, youngsters and novices are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Students must be at least 9 years old to become a certified graduate. There is no maximum age for enrollment. Parents are encouraged to attend the course with their children.

When and where can I take a course?
Classes are conducted throughout the state and are typically taught at archery shops and sportsmen’s clubs. Trained and certified volunteer instructors under the guidance of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency teach the classes. Most classes are scheduled during late summer and early fall prior to the opening of bow season.  Click here for a complete list of Bowhunter Education and Hunter Education classes.