From the NBEF/IBEP Director

 

On Apr. 22, I had the opportunity as the VBA representative to attend a meeting on the current state of IBEP in Virginia.  The meeting was held at the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries office located in Fredericksburg, Va.  It was jointly hosted by SGT David Dodson, State Hunter Education Coordinator for the VDGIF, and Ms. Marilyn Bentz, Executive Director of the National Bowhunters Education Foundation (NBEF).   Several representatives from archery and bowhunting organizations that are currently involved in IBEP training also attended to discuss how a state-wide IBEP program could be organized, and what each organization could offer to such an effort.  I believe the meeting had a very positive outcome, and I wanted to share this great news with all of you. 

 

One of the biggest drawbacks to organizing a state-wide program has been finding an organization that had a state-wide presence and the resources to take this role on.  That hurdle was overcome when SGT Dodson volunteered to assume the role of IBEP coordinator for the Commonwealth of Virginia.  He intends to utilize the VDGIF’s current organizational and oversight structure, as well as the extensive network of Hunter Safety instructors, to promote IBEP training across Virginia.

 

Specifically, each of the current VDGIF's regional education and training coordinators will now also oversee IBEP training. A core cadre of IBEP instructors will be developed from the current population of the VDGIF’s certified Hunter Safety instructors from around the state. Once a sufficient number of Hunter Safety instructors have also been cross trained as IBEP instructors, these individuals will serve as the lead instructors for IBEP classes across the state.  Individuals who are trained as IBEP instructors, but have not completed the Hunter Safety instructors course, will be allowed to instruct as Subject Matter Experts (SME's), but will not serve as the Lead Instructor (This emulates the model that is currently used at Fort Belvoir). 

 

From the VDGIF perspective, this ensures that lead instructors have undergone a background investigation for criminal history, which greatly limits the liability of the VDGIF - particularly since they will be in contact with minors. In order to assist the VDGIF in moving to this model, Marilyn Bentz agreed to assist the VDGIF in training a small group of "Master Instructors" who can instruct and certify Hunter Safety instructors as IBEP instructors.  Once that is accomplished, VDGIF will begin offering IBEP instructor courses during their normal Hunter Safety continuing education courses offered at the Holiday Lake Education Center (near Appomattox, Va.) to build and maintain their IBEP instructor base across the state.  The VDGIF will also take over responsibility for maintaining the database of students who have successfully completed the IBEP course. 

 

The VDGIF will also continue to support the distance learning model of IBEP training. An NBEP computer-based program currently provides training by allowing students to take any state sanctioned IBEP online course, and then IBEP instructors offer the field day component that is required to complete the course. 

 

The VDGIF will provide NBEP training materials for IBEP instruction. SGT Dodson did say that while they have some limited ability to provide instruction materials now, this will have to be worked into their training budget over time in order to support a statewide program.

 

For the VBA - and all of our associated archery clubs - I believe this means greater access to IBEP instruction across the state. All of this may take some time, but I see this as a very positive outcome that moves us forward in the direction that is exactly where this program should go in order to grow and be sustained for future generations of bowhunters!  I hope you will join me in offering full support to SGT Dodson and the VDGIF as they undertake this endeavor. 

One final thought - If you are interested in becoming a Hunter Safety and IBEP Instructor for the VDGIF, contact me and I'll provide details on the process.

 

VBA International Bowhunters Education Program

2010 Training Schedules

 

(Training dates will be announced as they become available)

IBEP Training Events for 2010 at Fort Belvoir, VA.

Fort Belvoir IBEP classes are now listed on the VDGIF Hunter Safety website @ http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/.

Class Dates:  Saturday, March 20^th, Saturday, July 17^th, Saturday, August 7^th, Saturday, August 21, Sunday, September 12, Sunday, October 10^th and Sunday, November 14^th.

 

Class Time:  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Cost:  $13.00 per student (NOTE:  This is to cover the cost of training materials provided to the students)

 

Class Location:  Outdoor Recreation Building (Bldg 778), Archery Center, Tompkins Basin Area, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5932

 

Contact Name and Number:  Archery Center Staff at (703) 805-3688

Lead Instructor:  Bob Foster

Maximum Number of Students: 40

Minimum Number of Students:  10

 

Registration Deadline:  The course will be cancelled if there are fewer than 10 paid students one week prior to the class date.  However, once the class minimum number is met, additional students may walk in and register the day of the course until the maximum class size of 40 students is reached.   

Cell Phone: (703) 966-3003

Home Phone: (703) 758-5540

Robert.Foster@dla.mil (work) or rrfoster@verizon.net (home)

What’s the purpose of Bowhunter Education?

Thinking of archery hunting on Fort Belvoir this year?  How about Alaska, Montana or Quebec?  If so, you must successfully complete the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) course!  The course is designed to provide bowhunters with the basic fundamentals of good, safe bowhunting while maintaining the highest ethical standards in the sport. It instills a responsible attitude and to adopt and follow acceptable behavior towards people, wildlife and the environment in which they hunt.  It is also mandatory to hunt on Fort Belvoir, as well as some 14 states and most of the Canadian provinces!  However, it does not replace the Virginia requirement for first time hunters and hunters 12 to 15 years of age to complete a Virginia Hunter Education course before buying a hunting license.

What will I learn?

Course content includes the following major areas:

·        Becoming a Responsible Bowhunter

·        Preparing for the Hunt

·        Big Game Anatomy and Effective Shot Placement

·        Hunting Methods and Techniques

·        Survival and First Aid

·        Map and Compass Basics

·        Distance Estimation

·        Care, Use and Shooting of Bowhunting Equipment

·        Treestand Use and Safety

·        Big Game Recovery and Care

Classroom teaching aids include 3D models and anatomy flip charts to reinforce shot placement concepts. Teaching methods include videos, demonstrations, group discussion and hands on instruction. There is also a field exercise include that simulates blood trailing. 

When and where are the IBEP course taught?

Classes are scheduled to be taught on five dates: Saturday, July 18; Saturday, August 15; Saturday, September 5; Sunday, October 18 and Sunday, November 22.  All classes will be taught at the Outdoor Recreation Building (Bldg #778), Archery Center, Tompkins Basin Area, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5932.  The course is taught in one eight-hour day.  Class starts at 8:00 AM sharp and ends at 5:00 PM.  Students are given one hour off for lunch and can purchase food on the base or bring their own and eat at their desk. 

Who can take the IBEP course?

This class is open to anyone interested in learning more about bowhunting and safety.  It includes both experienced archers and novices.  Young adults are welcomed and encouraged to attend, but must be at least 11 years old to enroll in a course. There is no maximum age for enrollment. Parents are encouraged to attend the course with their children. 

How do I sign up?

You can register for a course by going by the Archery Center, located in Bldg #778, Tompkins Basin Area of Fort Belvoir, or by calling (703) 805-3688.   The cost of the course is $13.00 and covers the expense of student materials used during the course.  Enrollment is limited to 40 students per course, and filled on a first come/first served basis. However, you must pay your full course cost in order to reserve your seat in a course.  The course will be cancelled if there are fewer than 10 paid students one week prior to the class date; however, once the class minimum number is met, additional students may walk in and register the day of the course until the maximum class size of 40 students is reached.  

How Do I Get To Fort Belvoir?

From Interstate 95, take exit take the Fairfax Parkway/Backlick Road (7100) exit 166 A (if traveling South on I-95) or exit 166 B (if traveling North on I-95). Take the Fairfax County Parkway to its end at U.S. Rt. 1 (Richmond Highway.) Turn left. At the first light, on the right, is the entrance for Tulley Gate on to Fort Belvoir. All visitors to Fort Belvoir without DOD decals on their vehicles must use Tulley Gate.  It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Additional information can be obtained by calling the Archery Center at (703) 805-3688.

VBA NBEF/IBEP Instructors

This is a joint venture between the VDGIF and VBA.  Candidates must be 18 years of age or older, have three years of bowhunting experience, a current paid VBA member, completed an IBEP instructor certification class, pass a background investigation and received the approval by VDGIF, work under the supervision of a Regional Coordinator, completed apprenticeship training, teach a minimum of one (1) class per year and completed Advance Training as required.  See Club News for more details.

 

Archery Education Classes

VBA ASAP Program

The After School Archery Program (ASAP) and Summer Archery training program(s) are available by contacting Jerry Wenzel for information and details @540.854.0245 or mandjw@mindspring.com. 

The ASAP equipment is available to any club that has a certified instructor or wants to be certified as a Level I and 2 instructor and wants to form an ASAP club.

‘Beginner and Advance Archery’ training classes are also taught by Paul Vogel.  For more information, contact Paul at (703) 930.5649 (C) or rvogel7@verizon.net.

NBEF/IBEP Organizations and Affiliations