Free Bowhunter Education Course

Take Bowhunter Education course in May

Florida bowhunters will have an opportunity to attend a National Bowhunter Education Foundation certified bowhunter education course in May in Alachua County.

The course will take place May 25 in Newberry, beginning at 8 a.m. The specific location for the class will be given to those who register in advance.

The course is conducted using an online, distance-learning format. A bowhunting enthusiast accesses the program on the NBEF website, enters through the Florida portal and completes the online classroom topics before attending a shortened, interactive field day. The Florida course is found at www.bowhunter-ed.com/florida.

"While these courses do not satisfy the hunter education requirements for Florida, it is educational, informative and well worth taking," said Ashley Williams, FWC Hunter Safety coordinator in Lake City.

Participants can expect to learn all aspects of bowhunting including:

• History of bowhunting.



• Safe and responsible bowhunting.



• Know your bow and arrow.



• Preparing for the hunt.



• Shot placement and game recovery.



• Use of elevated stands and other techniques.



• Outdoor preparedness.

Participants must bring their own equipment, including bow and field-tipped arrows. Students should register for the course they choose by calling the FWC's North Central Regional Office at 386-758-0525 or by visiting MyFWC.com/bowhunt. Students of all ages may participate.

Anyone planning to hunt in a state that requires bowhunter education may want to consider taking the course. All U.S. states, provinces and countries that have mandatory bowhunter education requirements will accept the Florida Bowhunter Education Certificate.

Questions about the class can be directed to the FWC Regional Office at 386-758-0525.