Florida bowhunters have two opportunities to attend a National Bowhunter Education Foundation-certified bowhunter education course.
The first class will be offered at the Easton Newberry Sports Complex in Newberry, during the second annual Easton Foundations Hunting Expo, Aug. 25, starting at 8 a.m. People attending the Bowhunter Jamboree at the Citrus Wildlife Management Area, near Inverness, will have a chance to complete the bowhunting course field day Sept. 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both courses will be conducted using the new online, distance-learning format. A bowhunting enthusiast may now access the program on the National Bowhunter Education Foundation website: NBEF.org. Enter through the Florida portal after selecting "Courses" and complete the online classroom topics before attending a shortened, interactive field day. Tickets to the Bowhunter Jamboree range from $20 (youth) to $50 (families) and include a one-year membership in the Florida Bowhunters Council, sponsor of the event. The course is offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission`s (FWC) Hunter Safety Section and the Florida Bowhunters Council. "While these courses do not satisfy the hunter education requirements for Florida, they are well worth taking," said Steve Robbins, 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 arrows. At the jamboree, they should bring a lawn chair for their comfort. Students can register for either course in advance by calling the FWC`s North Central Regional Office at 386-754-1654 or by visiting MyFWC.com/HunterSafety and selecting "Bowhunter." Students of all ages may participate.
Additional information for the Easton Foundations Hunting Expo can be found at http://eastonnewberrysportscomplex.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Easton-Newberry-Sports-Complex/125485530865518.
For more information on the jamboree near Inverness, send an email to Steven.Robbins@MyFWC.com. | 