Overview of The International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) in North America

The International Bowhunter Education Program was first advocated by Bill Wadsworth who utilized experience from his association with the Boy Scouts of America to obtain worldwide acceptance of the curriculum. It was through his dedication that the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) was formed. Wadsworth served as the first executive director of the organization.

Today, the NBEF administers the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) in cooperation with state and provincial hunter education programs and state bowhunter organizations. Most instructors work on a volunteer basis.

The IBEP is used in all states and Canadian provinces and follows the standards of the International Hunter Education Association, a professional organization of hunter education administrators from throughout North America. While basic hunter education courses include archery and bowhunting, the IBEP provides more in-depth skill information to help you become a more effective and responsible bowhunter.

Hunter education is currently required in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, three Northwest Territories, and Mexico. A separate bowhunter education course is required in a quarter of the states and provinces to comply with the bowhunting laws and regulations in those jurisdictions.

How Bowhunter Education Is Funded

Funding for bowhunter education comes from a variety of sources. The U.S. government charges excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition, handguns, and archery equipment. These fees collected from the firearm and archery manufacturers are then distributed to the states (similar practices exist in Canada and Mexico). States and provinces also collect their own fees through such sources as hunting license sales, conservation stamps, fines, and arrests.

Funding also comes through organizations such as: National Bowhunter Education Foundation, International Bowhunting Organization, Pope and Young Club, Safari Club International, and The Bowhunting Preservation Alliance. These organizations raise money through membership fees and donations from fundraising efforts. Money also comes from corporations and private donations. Many times this is utilized to fund special training aids or to help specific programs within bowhunter education. And, of course, some funds come directly from students who attend bowhunter education classes.