Editor’s note: This is a response to the Aug 19th Archery Wire editorial – Bowhunting in Europe: What We Can Learn Before It’s Too Late

The Archery Trade Association stands in full support of the European Bowhunting Federation and its tireless efforts to defend and restore bowhunting traditions across Europe. Their fight is not only about protecting access to an outdoor pursuit but also about safeguarding an ethical, sustainable and scientifically grounded wildlife management tool that benefits hunters and non-hunters alike. That is why ATA has consistently provided financial and other support to EBF for many years. 

The story of bowhunting in Europe should serve as both a warning and an inspiration. Decades ago, bans were imposed quickly — fueled not by facts, but by emotional arguments and misconceptions about cruelty and poaching. While some nations have fought to restore bowhunting, the process has taken years, and the losses have been profound. France regained bowhunting in 1995 and Spain regained it in 1997. Belgium, including Flanders and Wallonia, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have very recently been authorized to include bows and arrows as legal hunting tools and that was only after rigorous testing. This slow progress underscores an important truth: when hunting rights are taken away, they are incredibly difficult to reclaim.

Bowhunters in the United States must take this lesson seriously. As the EBF has highlighted, opponents of hunting are advancing similar narratives here, painting bowhunting as “cruel,” “unnecessary,” or “unethical.” These messages, designed to appeal to uninformed voters, threaten the future of hunting in North America just as they did in Europe. Silence is not an option.

The facts are clear. Bowhunters commit countless hours to honing their skills and pursuing game in the most challenging and intimate way possible. Studies show recovery rates for bow-shot game match those of rifle hunting, disproving the myth that archery is less ethical. Moreover, the idea that bows encourage poaching has been thoroughly debunked both in Europe and the U.S. Archery equipment is simply not the tool of choice for criminals.

What bowhunting represents is far from reckless — it embodies patience, dedication, and deep respect for wildlife. In Europe, mandatory skill testing ensures hunters are prepared and ethical. In the U.S., hundreds of programs like Virginia’s urban archery initiative already demonstrate how training and regulation can ensure high standards. These practices strengthen — not weaken— public trust in hunting.

The ATA believes strongly in the EBF’s message: Our collective future depends on advocacy and education. Every bowhunter has a role to play. We must share our stories with friends, neighbors and community leaders. We must demonstrate, through both our words and our actions, that bowhunting is not only a time-honored tradition but also an essential part of conservation.

The attacks on bowhunting in Europe are not isolated events; they are part of a global movement. The lessons learned overseas remind us that hunting rights, once lost, are nearly impossible to regain. Together with the EBF, we will continue to advocate, educate and defend bowhunting so that future generations may experience the honor, challenge and conservation impact of our sport.