By Marilyn Bentz, Executive Director at National Bowhunter Education Foundation
Administered by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF), the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) curriculum provides timeless instruction on accurate shot placement and game recovery. Equally important, it emphasizes conservation, safety, ethics, and responsibility. These curriculum cornerstones extend far beyond technical skills.
The IBEP is one of the longest-running initiatives in the hunting community. It’s also widely regarded as the gold standard for bowhunter education across the U.S. and worldwide. Over 2 million students have completed an IBEP course since its inception.
Developed in the 1960’s out of a need to educate both hunters and the public about the sport of bowhunting, the program continues to fill that role today. State agencies and municipalities rely on the program not only for its comprehensive materials but also for the trained instructors who deliver them.
One of the program’s hallmarks is its unmatched teaching resources. Its anatomy models, charts, and diagrams were created by teams of wildlife artists, biologists, sculptors, and veterinarians and set the standard worldwide. These visuals build confidence and accuracy not just for bowhunters, but also for the general public learning about the sport. Many municipalities require the NBEF, IBEP, certification before granting permits for urban hunting opportunities.
Another reason for its credibility is reciprocity. Across the country, state licensing agents recognize and trust the NBEF logo and often question certificates that lack it. This worldwide acceptance is the result of decades of consistent, standardized content and delivery methods that agencies can depend on. NBEF courses are offered in all 50 States and many foreign countries. Each year, 3,000 – 5,000 instructors are teaching classes, in addition to the online curriculum.
While animal anatomy hasn’t changed, some bowhunting practices have changed and the NBEF continually updates its curriculum to reflect this. Tree stand safety, first introduced in the 1970’s, has been expanded through multiple revisions in both print and digital formats. Most recently, new guidance on hunting saddles was added to ensure instruction keeps pace with modern methods.
NBEF supports the bowhunting community by being a contributing partner to many organizations like National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and the R3 momentum. For many students involved in NASP and R3 programs, bowhunter education may be a next step. Many of these participants have little if any hunting, bowhunting or outdoor influences before NASP or an R3 program. NBEF also supports organizations like 4-H, National Wild Turkey Federation, Treestand Manufacturers’ Association, International Hunter Education Association, Association for Conservation Information, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, North American Wildlife & Natural Resources, Archery Trade Association, Pope & Young, Professional Outdoor Media Association, Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, Outdoor Heritage Education Center, Archery Hall of Fame and Legends of the Outdoors.
Ultimately, quality education is key to preserving a positive public view of bowhunting. By maintaining rigorous standards, innovating delivery methods, and updating curriculum to reflect new challenges, the NBEF ensures its program remains the benchmark for hunter education for generations to come.
Programs will come and go but the NBEF and the legacy of bowhunter education it upholds is here to stay.
About the Author: Marilyn Bentz is the National Bowhunter Education Foundation Executive Director
Marilyn Bentz has served as Executive Director of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) since 2003, guiding the global nonprofit’s mission to promote safe and responsible bowhunting through standardized education. A respected leader in the archery industry, she previously served on the NBEF Board of Directors and has held board positions with the Archery Trade Association, the Archery Hall of Fame, and the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation. Bentz is the recipient of numerous industry honors, including ATA’s Industry Impact Award, the Fred Bear Achievement Award, and IHEA’s Gladney Davidson Award, and was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. Her career began under the mentorship of archery innovator Chuck Saunders and grew through leadership roles at several major archery and hunting brands.
