Marilyn Bentz, Executive Director of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF), presented NBEF updates at the Southeast Region's Hunter Education Coordination meeting in Baton Rouge, LA in January and the Western Regional Hunter Education Coordinator meeting in Anchorage, AK in March and the upcoming Northeast Regional Hunter Education meeting.
Bentz provided information on the forthcoming combo curriculum for hunter education and bowhunter education classes, recent state requests for bowhunter education instructor classes, the recent Crossbow Hunter Survey completed by the Archery Trade Association, and the soon to be released Elevated Hunting Instructor online class available on the IHEA learning network platform. Bentz also delineated other ongoing projects via industry relationships with NASP and the TSSA. Speakers presented information via Zoom as well as in person.
"It's energizing to meet with people who are committed to hunter education," explained Marilyn Bentz, NBEF Executive Director. "These regional meetings are important as it allows in-depth discussion on unique needs at a level which may not apply to an entire national assembly. It is impressive to view these highly talented educators share their knowledge and I was happy to share the latest information about bowhunter education's latest additions and updates."
"We enjoy having industry professionals like Marilyn provide updates at our gatherings," said Alex Baer, IHEA-USA Executive Director. "State hunter education administrators benefit from outside perspectives while discussing with their peers integrating national opportunities to their state-specific programs. It's very engaging for our coordinators and they gain valuable insights."
NBEF helps bowhunters learn to be safe, successful and stewards of the sport. NBEF offers bowhunting instructional items, books, videos, 3-D models, apparel and more at nbef.org.
About NBEF: The National Bowhunter Education Foundation offers instructional content and tools for bowhunter education and hunter education. Helping bowhunters become safe and successful hunters and stewards of the sport are important NBEF missions. NBEF provides the bowhunter certification curriculum and class content that some states and certain circumstances require to bow hunt. NBEF provides instructor training and certification.
NBEF oversees the International Bowhunter Education Program and works with the International Hunter Education Association and state agencies to coordinate a unified program. States may have additional requirements. Europe and other countries offer full reciprocity for the NBEF (IBEP) certification and conduct classes.
NBEF also oversees the International Crossbow Education Program and works with state agencies responsible for crossbow education to develop comprehensive online crossbow safety courses that teach students important laws and regulations, game identification, and safe, responsible handling of crossbow equipment.
NBEF is a 501(c)3 corporation that isn't a membership-based organization. Tax-deductible donations to support this non-profit are welcome.
Learn more at nbef.org.