Today’s Bowhunter course to be offered free
Published 10:03 am Monday, February 20, 2017
The International Bowhunting Educational Program will be offered free at Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, 3760 Stokes Ferry Road, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Online registration is required at ncwildlife.org. Click on “learning” to register.
IBEP is a national program that offers certification in bowhunting. The N.C Wildlife Resources Commission sponsors the class across the state.
While being an experienced hunter is not necessary to take the course, it is intended for people who are already bowhunters and who often travel to another state where certification is required. Many archery and bowhunting clubs encourage members to take the course.
A major part of the course deals with ethics and hunter responsibility, stressing the role of hunting in wildlife conservation.
The course also addresses tree stand safety. Injuries involving improper handling of broadheads are the leading cause of injury among bowhunters, but the leading cause of death among all hunters in North Carolina is falling from tree stands. the course teaches the basics of tree stand safety and the importance of wearing a full body harness.
The main part of the course involves archery equipment, practices and game care. A combination of range times allows hunters to shoot various types of bows. Demonstrations show how bowhunting equipment works and how to care for it. During the game care portion of the class, a hunter’s tracking skills are tested by following a mock blood trail.
For more information, call Tommy Kimball at 704-636-5324.
