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For more information please contact the Hunter Education Program.

Eastern Washington
Ephrata office
(509) 754-4624

Eastern Washington
Spokane office
(509) 892-1001

Western Washington
Olympia office
(360) 902-8111
huntered@dfw.wa.gov

 gif  Please Note
  All individuals born after 1 January 1972 must also show proof of basic hunter education training from Washington or another state before enrolling in the Master Hunter program.

If required, enclose a copy of your hunter education certificate or the year and state in which you completed your training.

 

Bowhunter Education Class Schedule & Information

Online Washington Bowhunting Safety and Bowhunter Education Course
Bow hunter education training is not required in Washington ….but it's a training program we strongly recommend!

Bowhunter education is a partnership agreement among the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Archery Association, the Traditional Bowhunters of Washington and the Washington State Bowhunters.

Although bowunter education training is not required in Washington State, many states do require it for all bowhunters. Washington’s bowhunter education program meets the requirements of all states.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two types of bowhunter education training opportunities, including:

Traditional Class
WDFW strongly recommends the traditional hunter education class. One or more instructors typically offer detailed classroom instruction and practical exercises to prepare successful students.

Distance Learning
Students enrolled in this module can complete their course work and testing online, and complete their skills evaluations as part of a traditional class. This bowhunter education activity only recommended for mature students. For questions about the distance learning program, check the agency web site or contact Annette Crews at aneoakleaf@kalama.com or (360) 673-2350.

Please Note: Bowhunter education classes do not meet the Washington training requirement to purchase a hunting license for first-time hunters born after January 1, 1972.

Training Requirement
While a number of other states and provinces require bowhunter education in order to purchase a hunting license, there is no such requirement in the Evergreen State. Training is required in the basic hunter education program even if individuals only plan to bowhunt.

Bowhunter education is a voluntary course offering designed to help bowhunters enjoy their chosen hunting activity. Classes are strongly recommended.

Finding Training Classes
Look below to find available bowhunter education training classes. Since the program is voluntary, bowhunter education classes are much less available than basic hunter education courses. Enroll early if you want/need training!

2013 BOWHUNTING EDUCATION CLASSES
Clark County
Dates: April 13 & 14 - Class
July 20 & 21 - Class
Contact: Jack Waite
360-713-8124

Cowlitz County
Dates: April 6 & 7 - Class
July 27 - Field Day
Contact: Annette Crews
360-673-2350
aneoakleaf@kalama.com

King County
Dates: May 14, 16 & 18 - Class
July 23, 25 & 27 - Class
Contact: Butch Loney
253-862-9160
bvloney@comcast.net
   
Location:

Issaquah Sportsmen's Club

Dates: April 3-4 (6pm to 9pm) - Class
April 6 (8:30am to 3pm) - Class

November 2 (8:30am to 3pm) - Class
November 3 (8:30am to 3pm) - Class

Contact: Alan Jones
425-883-0405
alanbjones@frontier.com

Skagit County
Location: Silver Arrow Bowmen
20409 E. Hickox Road
Mt Vernon, WA
Dates: May 20th, 22nd & 24th (6:00pm - 9:00pm) - Class
June 24, 27, 28 (6:00pm - 9:00pm) - Class
June 29th  (9:00am - 3:00pm ) - Field Day
Cost: $15.00
must be paid in advance, and pre-registration is required
Contact:

Sean Overman
Cell: 360-9941-4628
sean@silverarrowbowmen.com


Snohomish County
Location:

Granite Falls Sportsmans Club

Dates: January 14-17 (5:30pm to 9pm) - Class
January 20 (9am to 3pm) - Field Day

February 11-12 & 14 (5:30pm to 9pm) - Class
February 17 (9am to 3pm) - Field Day

March 25-26,28 (5:30pm to 9pm) - Class
March 31 (9am to 3pm) - Field Day

April 21 (9am to 3pm) - Online Eval Field Day
 
May 19 (9am to 3pm) - Online Eval Field Day
 
June 16 (9am to 3pm) - Online Eval Field Day

Contact: Richard Schultz
425-971-3725
psedarkarcher@live.com

Spokane/Stevens County
Dates: April 6 - Field Day
June 26-28 - Class
July 24-27 - Class
Contact: Butch Barber  509-953-5061
Al James 509-936-0204

Thurston County
Location: Capitol City Bowmen Range
Littlerock
Dates: July 13-14 (one weekend) (9:00am to 3:30pm) - Class
August 3-4 (one weekend) (9:00am to 3:30pm) - Class
Contact: Bob Jamison
360-352-3816
360-951-0436 cell
SBJ231@Comcast.net

 

Course Content
Bowhunter education courses are based on the International Bowhunter Education Foundation curriculum. Topics include equipment, anatomy, tracking, safety, regulations and other subjects of particular value to bowhunters. The course is designed to benefit both new and experienced bowhunters. Please note that the average bowhunter education class is 10 - 14 hours in length.  Be sure to contact the course instructors in advance so that you know the dates and times for the classes you want to attend.

Successful students participate in both classroom and practical (e.g., shooting, blood-trailing) activities.

All hunter education classes are taught by instructors certified by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation.

For More Information
Want information on bowhunter education? E-mail the Washington Bowhunter Education Committee chairperson Annette Crews at aneoakleaf@kalama.com or call her at (360) 673-2350.