Bowhunter Education
Bowhunter education provides a foundation in hunting safety and ethics that helps hunters focus on more than just being successful in the pursuit of game.
The basic goals of the course are to develop students who exhibit the following:
- Safe handling of archery equipment in the field and at home
- Respect for other people and property
- Respect for laws
- Awareness of hunting as a resource management tool.
Bowhunter education strives to instill responsibility, improve skills and knowledge, and encourage the involvement of beginner and veteran hunters. Responsible, ethical behavior and personal involvement are both essential to the survival of hunting.
The Bowhunter Education Class
This course is recommended for motivated students age 14 and older with good reading and comprehension skills who have some archery and hunting knowledge or experience. However, students 11 years old and older may be tested and certified in this course.
You will receive a minimum of eight hours of classroom training, plus additional time for testing, outdoor demonstrations and other classroom discussion usually taught in two sessions. Topics covered include the following:
- Modern bowhunting history and development
- Bowhunter responsibility and ethics
- How archery equipment works, bowhunting and treestand safety
- Wildlife identification, game care, survival and first aid skills
- Shot placement, game recovery, trailing and field dressing
- Awareness about wildlife conservation and management
- Rules and information unique to Missouri.
At the end of the class you will take a written examination. You need a score of 80 percent to pass the course. Most students pass the test on their first attempt.
Bowhunter education is not just for kids and not just for hunters. The program is for all folks who enjoy the outdoors and have an interest in conservation. The course can also be an excellent refresher for veteran bowhunters.
Who Must Be Bowhunter Education Certified?
While it is not required by statewide game regulations, many cities that allow archery hunting inside their city limits require the bowhunter be bowhunter education certified to take part.
Some landowners or special corporate landholdings may require hunters to be bowhunter education certification before hunting on their land.
Many other states require bowhunter education before hunters are allowed to apply for or take part in bowhunts in their state.
MDC recommends that all bowhunters take bowhunter education. To learn more about the program or become an instructor, contact the outdoor skills specialist in your area.
