Newbie hunter needs advice - International Bowhunter Education Program

[Mariner923]

Hi There,

I'm new to archery and hunting in general. I plan to spend this year working on my accuracy with the bow and look to hunt not this fall but next. I live in Ontario and will look to take the Ontario hunter education course this year. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the International Bowhunter Education Program? If so, is it worth it for a new hunter?

Any advice is appreciated.

[Bbushhogg]

no experience with that program, but i am an Ontario hunter, what part of Ont?

[gterpsma]

Yes, I believe it is very worthwhile for a new bowhunter. When I started 20 odd years ago it wasn't readily available and I was young enough to figure I didn't need it anyway. I read a bunch and learned much that way but also learned much the hard way by making the mistakes myself. These days I find many bowhunters out there suffer from the same lack of knowledge. Their only education is the ads for the faster bow on Wild TV or the pro shop guy trying to sell the stuff.

Though not mandatory there is a lot of good stuff to learn by taking the course.

[toxic111]

As a IBHF instructor I will say it is worth it to anyone who bow hunts, new hunter or old hunter. There is lots of information in the course from shot placement to ethics. From Tree stand safety to what do when something bad happens.

Take the course you will not regret it.

[Mariner923]

Thanks for the great responses guys, really appreciated.

Bbushhogg, for the moment, we are living in Oakville, so I know I'm going to have to haul it North to hunt. I'm figuring I'll start with deer or maybe turkey.

toxic111, thanks for the post, is there a good site that discusses what's in the course? I've found a few places that offer it but not a lot of detail.

Thanks again everybody, I really appreciate the input.

[toxic111]

Thanks for the great responses guys, really appreciated.

Bbushhogg, for the moment, we are living in Oakville, so I know I'm going to have to haul it North to hunt. I'm figuring I'll start with deer or maybe turkey.

toxic111, thanks for the post, is there a good site that discusses what's in the course? I've found a few places that offer it but not a lot of detail.

Thanks again everybody, I really appreciate the input.

Take a look here, there might be some more info: http://www.nbef.org/READ.cfm?category=about

[VA Bowbender]

I am a IBEP instructor. I think it is an excellent course that offers much information to new and old bowhunters alike. In addition it is mandatory in many places to have this course in order to obtain a bowhunting license. If you can take the course please do so, it's free, fun and educational and you might need that card one day.

[Northern Archer]

I have taken the course and it is a worthwhile course to take for anyone who bow hunts new or old!! A lot of states and other countries now require the certification if you want to hunt. Wolf's Den in Angus does a good job.