Bowhunter Education
Bowhunting is a challenging sport! This type of hunting is done at a much closer range and requires a high degree of stealth, perserverance, patience and effort. Bowhunters must become adept at scouting, tracking and recovering game. Bowhunters must master new archery techniques and learn the anatomy and behavior of the game. Before attempting to use archery equipment as a hunting tool, each bowhunter should become a proficient archer. This requires dedication, practice and good distance-judging ability.
Texas bowhunters have the opportunity for additional training through a special course offered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department through the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) and the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF). The traditional IBEP Bowhunter Education course is a minimum of 12 hours, taken over two days. The first day is in a classroom format, and the second day is an outdoor Field Day. Another option is to take the NBEF Online version of the IBEP course, which covers the classroom part, and then sign up for a Field Day course to complete the class (see schedule below). Please remember that IBEP Bowhunter Education certification does not substitute for Texas Hunter Education Certification. IBEP certification is required to hunt on certain public lands in Texas, such as the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge in Pottsboro. Always check the regulations for the area you plan to hunt.
Note: Minimum age for Bowhunter certification is 12 years of age.
IBEP Traditional Course
Nationally-approved Online Course -- The official NBEF bowhunter classroom course - online
- Free registration - pay only when you pass!
- Narrated bow hunter course, so you can listen, read, or both
- Exam questions are read aloud too
- Hundreds of realistic illustrations - you'll feel like you're outdoors
- Treestand safety videos will minimize your risk of injury
- NBEF
Bowhunter Home Study Field Course
Bowhunter Education Requirements and License Types for Bowhunting By State
