Welcome to the International Bowhunter Education Program of Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information and photos courtesy of the NBEF

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   It is only right to say a word about the founder of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation.  Bill Wadsworth dedicated his life to bowhunter education.  It was late in the year of 1967 when Bill and a small group of bowhunters met in upstate New York to write a book about bowhunting.  Their desire to write the book had just been fueled by what they had seen while participating in the previous bowhunting season for deer.  At the moment, their goal was simple:  To find a way for archers who hunted game with bow and arrow to get all the facts about bowhunting BEFORE they ventured into the wilds to learn via trial and error.

The resulting first book was printed in 1969 by the New York State Field Archery Association and sold for $1.25.  Soon after the initial publication, the bowhunter education course began to take form and soon experienced bowhunters were following the guidelines in the book and passing on the basic facts on bowhunting.  For the first time, such subjects as knowing conservation law, the "unwritten law" of the bow-hunter, facts on how an arrow harvests game, bowhunting safety, how to practice, lures, calls, scents, bowhunting methods, shot placement, and the responsibilities of being a bowhunter were being taught in an organized bowhunter education class.

As chairman of the conservation and bowhunting committee of the National Field Archery Association, Bill Wadsworth's top priority was bowhunter education.  Thanks to the support of the NFAA, the International Bowhunter Education Program was taught in state after state and later in the Canadian provinces.  An expanded manual titled "Bowhunting Deer" was published.

In 1979, the IBEP became organized as a nonprofit from the NFAA, known as the National Bowhunter Education Foundation.  Twenty-one volunteers, many of who came from the nucleus of those originally a part of the NFAA conservation and bowhunting committee, became board members and directed the program.  To this day, millions of volunteer hours have been logged by dedicated bowhunters who continue in the spirit of those who began the course back in 1967.  Every year approximately 70.000 bowhunters are educated through the IBEP, which is still administered by the NBEF.

During his lifetime Bill Wadsworth presided over numerous state, national and international organizations related to bowhunting.  Because of his distinguished volunteer efforts in creating and promoting the IBEP, he received numerous awards and citations.   In 1999 Bill was inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame.  Bill's tireless energy, boundless enthusiasm, and love of the sport of bowhunting are all very much a part of what is taught today.  Bill Wadsworth was a shining challenge to all of us.