Belvoir Bow Hunters

What’s the purpose of Bowhunter Education?

Thinking of archery hunting on Fort Belvoir this year? How about Alaska, Montana or Quebec? If so, you must successfully complete the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) course! The course is designed to provide bowhunters with the basic fundamentals of good, safe bowhunting while maintaining the highest ethical standards in the sport. It instills a responsible attitude and to adopt and follow acceptable behavior towards people, wildlife and the environment in which they hunt. It is also mandatory to hunt on Fort Belvoir, as well as some 14 states and most of the Canadian provinces! However, it does not replace the Virginia requirement for first time hunters and hunters 12 to 15 years of age to complete a Virginia Hunter Education course before buying a hunting license.

Course content includes the following major areas:

• Becoming a Responsible Bowhunter
• Preparing for the Hunt
• Big Game Anatomy and Effective Shot Placement
• Hunting Methods and Techniques
• Survival and First Aid
• Map and Compass Basics
• Distance Estimation
• Care, Use and Shooting of Bowhunting Equipment
• Treestand Use and Safety
• Big Game Recovery and Care

Classroom teaching aids include 3D models and anatomy flip charts to reinforce shot placement concepts. Teaching methods include videos, demonstrations, and group discussions. There is also a field exercise include that simulates blood trailing.

When and where are the IBEP courses taught?

The schedule for the IBEP Course can be found on the BBH Club Calendar or the MWR Flyer.  The Fort Belvoir IBEP course dates for 2010 are as follows:

• Sat, 17 July
• Sat, 7 Aug 
• Sun, 12 Sep 
• Sun, 10 Oct 
• Sun, 14 Nov 
  
• All courses are conducted at the Archery Center, located in Bldg 778, Tompkins Basin Area of Fort Belvoir. The course is taught in one day, in an eight-hour block of instruction. Class starts at 8:00 AM sharp and ends at 5:00 PM. Students are given one hour off for lunch and can purchase food on the base or bring their own and eat at their desk.

Who can take the IBEP course?

Classes are open to anyone interested in learning more about bowhunting, and include both experienced archers and novices. Youngsters are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Students must be at least 11 years old to enroll in a course. There is no maximum age for enrollment. Parents are encouraged to attend the course with their children.

How do I sign up?

You can register for a course by going by the Archery Center, located in Bldg 778, Tompkins Basin Area of Fort Belvoir, or by calling (703) 805-3688. The cost of the course is $13.00, and covers the expense of student materials used during the course. Enrollment is limited to 40 students per course, and filled on a first come/first served basis. However, you must pay your full course cost in order to reserve your seat in a course. Courses which have fewer than 7 paid students one week before the scheduled date are subject to cancellation.