Bowhunter Ed, which is the official online course of the US based National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF), teaches safe in-the-field practices, bow shooting basics, methods of bowhunting, shot placement and game recovery techniques.

“Bowhunting is a challenging sport, requiring a hunter to be more patient, utilise new and different skills, and better learn the anatomy and behavior of game,” said Carol Watson, Councilor for the Game Animal Council of New Zealand. “It is our hope that New Zealand hunters who take this course will both get more out of the sport and improve the safety of bowhunting for everyone.”

Though bowhunter education is not a legal requirement to hunt in New Zealand, this online course will make it easier for aspiring or experienced hunters to learn how to be safer and more successful in the field. Certification will be accepted by the USA and other countries with hunting regulations that require bowhunter education and have a reciprocal agreement with the NBEF.

The online course allows students to study online for free, paying only when they pass the course. Bowhunter Ed is mobile-friendly, so a course can completed on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other device. The New Zealand Bowhunter Safety course also includes professionally produced video, detailed illustrations and animations, and easy-to-understand information. All the information is free to access, only pay to sit the test at the end if you wish.

Carol  says “The GAC are pleased to see this bowhunter specific course introduced into New Zealand. It’s a valuable addition to hunter education and we’re encouraging experienced and new bowhunters alike to complete the course and earn their Bowhunter Ed Certificate.”