Bowhunter education course scheduled for Alachua County

Now you can take the Florida Bowhunter Education Course by completing an online, distance-learning component and then attending an abbreviated field day.

Hunter Safety personnel with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said the field day will be Jan. 14 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Newberry Archery Complex in Alachua County.

This field day is designed to be a hands-on, constructive learning experience that will include bow setup and shooting, field walks, blood-trail exercises, erecting and safely ascending and descending from tree stands, as well as equipment preparation and survival techniques.

A small fee to take the distance-learning course is payable to the National Bowhunter Education Foundation on its website: www.bowhunter-ed.com/florida. Access the online distance-learning course at MyFWC.com/Bowhunt.

Participants can expect to learn all aspects of bowhunting, including:
* History of bowhunting
* Safe and responsible bowhunting
* Preparing for the hunt
* Shot placement and game recovery
* Use of elevated stands and other techniques
* Outdoor preparedness

Students of all ages may participate; however, an adult must accompany those under the age of 16.

Participants should bring all equipment, including bow and arrows.
Students should register for the course in advance by calling the FWC`s regional office in Lake City at 386-758-0525.