Bowhunter Education Course Scheduled for Columbia County, Fla.
Now you can take the Florida Bowhunter Education Course by completing an online, distance-learning component, followed by attending a field class.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hunter safety personnel scheduled the field day class for Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. until noon. The location for this class will be given to those who register in advance.

This field day class is designed to be a hands-on, constructive learning experience that will include bow setup and shooting, field walks, exercises in following the animal's trail, erecting and safely ascending and descending from tree stands, as well as equipment preparation and survival techniques.

A small fee to take the distance-learning portion is payable to the National Bowhunter Education Foundation on its website:www.bowhunter-ed.com/florida/. You also can reach NBEF's online distance-learning course at MyFWC.com/Bowhunt. Remember to print out the certificate of completion and take it with you to the field class.

Participants can expect to learn all aspects of bowhunting, including:

• History of bowhunting.
  
• Safe and responsible bowhunting.
  
• Preparing for the hunt.
  
• Shot placement and game recovery.
  
• Use of elevated stands and other techniques.
  
• Outdoor preparedness.
  
• Students of all ages may participate; however, an adult must accompany those younger than 16.

Participants should bring all equipment, including bow and arrows.

Students should register for the course in advance by calling the FWC's regional office in Lake City at 386-758-0525.