BOWHUNTER YOUTH EDUCATION
Region 3 Region 4 Region 6 Region 7 Region 8
Contact the NYB Office for more information.
New York Bowhunters, Inc. P. O. Box 1157, Canandaigua, NY 14424
YOUTH EDUCATION DAYS
In the fall of 1992, NYB gave birth to the idea that an education event for young people could help recruit new participants into the sport of bowhunting. Together with a small group of New York State certified Bowhunter Education Instructors and assistance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation(DEC), a program was developed to bring young people from all over the State to weekend long camps and instruct them in the ways of bowhunting and archery.
In the summer of 1993, the very first youth education event was held. The inaugural event was at Turkey Trot Acres, a hunting lodge and guiding service in Candor, Tioga County. Six NYB volunteers staffed this first ever Youth Bowhunter Education event instructing the aspiring bowhunters in all aspects of the sport. In addition to a complete New York State Bowhunter Education Course, the young people were given instruction on basic tuning of their equipment and arrow construction from the raw shaft to the completed arrow. The attendees were also schooled in the safe use of tree stands, the difficult art of blood trailing, the effective use of maps and compasses and the importance of ethical behavior when afield.
The NYB Youth Bowhunter Education program is provided at no cost to any boy or girl in New York State between the ages of 11 through 18. To date, NYB has hosted more than 1800 young people in an effort to secure the future of bowhunting in New York. Events may span two or three days depending on Region. All food, equipment and related materials are provided by NYB. Experience is not necessary and equipment will be provided to youths who do not already have their own gear. Youths who do have their own archery gear are encouraged to bring it with them.
NYS certified Bow Safety Instructors are present and as part of the curriculum, the bow safety course is given during the event. On the last day, youths typically take their NYS bowhunter certification course, which will allow them to purchase their NYS bowhunting license when they reach 12 years of age
In addition to covering the mandatory training necessary for the NYS bowhunter certificate, all events include extensive field lessons covering tree stand use and safety, blood trailing/tracking.
Other activities will be covered as well, depending on time available. Although these activities may vary slightly amongst the five Regions, youths can expect some of the following:
- Archery lessons, including practice and shooting games.
- Arrow and (or) bow building
- Turkey hunting seminar
- Using scents and lures
- Compass and map reading
- Wildlife and outdoor conservation
Since our events are for both girls and boys, we sometimes experience some friendly competition amongst the sexes. We typically have several girls who attend each event and they often turn out to be the best shots and game trackers in camp. We have also had youths who were not interested in bowhunting at all but just wanted to learn about archery. Whatever a person’s interest may be, we’ll find a place for them.
For over twenty years, NYB’s youth education program has been put on by the most dedicated archers in New York. These generous people who annually donate their time, want to see our great sport passed on to future generations where it will continue to grow and prosper for all to enjoy.
If you have an eligible youngster that is interested in attending, or simply want more information, please contact the Representative in the Region nearest you.
Class time by Certified NYS Instructors