Are you interested in bowhunting? Look no further than the Bowhunter Education Course provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. This comprehensive course covers everything you need to know about bowhunting techniques, safety, wildlife conservation, and outdoor preparedness. Graduates of the course receive a lifetime certification that is recognized by all states, Canadian provinces, and even Mexico. If you were born on or after January 1, 1986, this certification is required for hunting big game with archery equipment. Non-resident hunters can also use certification cards from any State/Province sponsored bowhunter education course. The course is composed of an online course and an in-person field day that includes a blood trailing exercise and shooting proficiency. To receive certification, students must pass an online test and complete the field day. The online course costs $30, and a passing score of 80% is required. So, if you’re ready to learn all the skills and knowledge necessary to become a skilled bowhunter, sign up for the Bowhunter Education Course today!

Table of Contents

Course Overview

Welcome to the Bowhunter Education Course provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game! This comprehensive course is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful bowhunting. Throughout the course, you will gain insights into bowhunting techniques, safety practices, wildlife conservation, and outdoor preparedness.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a lifetime certification that is recognized by all states in the United States, as well as Canadian provinces and Mexico. This certification is required for hunting big game with archery equipment if you were born on or after January 1, 1986.

For non-resident hunters, it is important to note that you can utilize NBEF or IBEP certification cards from any State/Province sponsored bowhunter education course.

Online Course

The online course serves as the foundation of your bowhunter education journey. It aims to provide you with a solid understanding of the key concepts and principles necessary for safe and successful bowhunting.

Purpose and Content

The purpose of the online course is to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of bowhunting techniques. This includes learning about the different types of bows and arrows, proper shooting form, shot placement, understanding animal anatomy, and the importance of ethical hunting practices. Additionally, the online course covers topics such as safety, wildlife conservation, and outdoor preparedness.

Registration and Access

To enroll in the online course, you will need to register on the official website of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Once registered, you will gain access to the course materials, which can be completed at your own pace and convenience.

Course Fee

There is a course fee of $30 for the online course. This fee helps to cover the administrative costs of providing the course materials and maintaining the certification system. Payment for the course can typically be made online through the registration portal.

Online Test

To successfully complete the online course, you will need to pass an online test. The test is designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and ensure that you are fully prepared to proceed to the next phase of the bowhunter education course.

In-person Field Day

After completing the online course, you will be required to attend an in-person Field Day. This component of the course provides you with hands-on training and practical exercises to further enhance your skills and knowledge as a bowhunter.

Activities Included

The in-person Field Day is a dynamic and interactive experience that allows you to apply the knowledge gained from the online course in real-life scenarios. Some of the activities included in the Field Day are:

Blood Trailing Exercise: This exercise focuses on evaluating your understanding of blood trailing techniques. You will be provided with practical scenarios and will need to demonstrate your ability to track and locate injured or downed animals based on blood sign and other indicators.
Shooting Proficiency: This activity is designed to assess your shooting skills and accuracy. You will be required to shoot at 3-D targets and demonstrate your ability to make vital shots effectively and ethically.

Shooting Proficiency

Shooting proficiency is an essential aspect of being a responsible and ethical bowhunter. During the shooting proficiency session of the in-person Field Day, you will be assessed on your shooting skills and ability to make vital shots during hunting situations.

Requirements

To participate in the shooting proficiency, it is important to bring your own bow and arrows. This ensures that you are comfortable and familiar with your equipment during the assessment. Additionally, you should have a valid hunting license, as it may be required for participation in the shooting proficiency.

Targets

The shooting proficiency session typically involves shooting at 3-D targets that mimic realistic hunting scenarios. These targets are designed to simulate various angles and distances that you may encounter while bowhunting.

Vital Shots

During the shooting proficiency, you will be evaluated on your ability to consistently make vital shots. Vital shots refer to accurate and well-placed shots that result in an ethical and humane harvest. It is crucial to understand the anatomy of the animal you are hunting to ensure proper shot placement.

In conclusion, the Bowhunter Education Course provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in bowhunting to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and successful hunting. Whether you are a resident or non-resident hunter, this course offers a comprehensive education on bowhunting techniques, safety practices, wildlife conservation, and outdoor preparedness. By completing the online course and participating in the in-person Field Day, you will not only earn a lifetime certification recognized across multiple jurisdictions but also become a more responsible and ethical bowhunter. Happy hunting!