(March 13, 2003) — The Archery Shooters Association is proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with the National Bowhunter Education Foundation to conduct a Bowhunter Education Safety Course (IBEP) at each of the Cabela’s-ASA Pro/Am events, beginning with the Bowmaster Tennessee Pro/Am in Oak Ridge, TN. ASA is excited to be able to bring Bowhunter Education to the forefront of our National Program by hosting these courses at Pro/Am events. ASA will also keep a master database of all course attendees, so that anyone can confirm their certification and replace lost or damaged cards at any time.

The International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) is the course now required by 14 states and 3 Canadian Provinces. The IBEP is the course recognized by all 50 states, Canadian Provinces, and 10 other countries in Europe and Africa. The courses will be coordinated by the IBEP State Chairman for the state in which the Pro/Am is held and he will be assisted in teaching the courses by certified Bowhunter Education Instructors.

ASA membership is not required to attend these courses. The Bowhunter Education Courses hosted by ASA are open to anyone 12 years and older who wishes to attend and earn their (IBEP) Bowhunter Education Certification. It is suggested that participants pre-register by calling the ASA office (770-795-0232) or by filling out the online registration form at http://www.asaarchery.com/Registration.htm . This is to insure that the Bowhunting Education Coordinators are able to request enough materials for the class.

The course covers bowhunting equipment, bowhunting and tree stand safety, range estimation, shot placement, game recovery, field dressing, hunting regulations and much more. Each segment of the course is followed by practical exercises covering the subject matter and the course covers approximately 10 hours of instruction. Upon completion of the course, each participant will receive an identification card certifying that they have completed the Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) for the state in which the class was held. This card is honored by all 50 states, Canadian provinces, and 10 other foreign countries.

This agreement between the ASA and the NBEF is ongoing, and hopefully can be expanded to include Regional and State Championship tournaments next year. Bowmaster Magazine will cover these events and world renowned bowhunting personalities will be at the reception, on Thursday evening, to share their bowhunting experiences and lessons learned.

The course will begin at noon on Thursday, the day before the tournament, and will be completed by noon on Friday. That allows participants to attend the course and graduate before the Team Shoot on Friday. The registration fee is $20.00. All course materials are provided on site, and as a bonus all attendees will be allowed unlimited use of the 3-D Practice Range for the weekend and are invited to a casual reception, hosted by the ASA, after class on Thursday.