There are many funding sources for bowhunting education and training, including the Pittman-Robertson Act and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act.
However, there are specific requirements that each state must meet.
In addition, these two important sources provide funding to help individuals and businesses to get started in the sport.
Pittman-Robertson Act
The Pittman-Robertson Act is a federal law that funds hunter education programs, public shooting ranges and other conservation projects.
It was passed in 1937 and amended in 1970.
Since its passage, the Pittman-Robertson Act has raised nearly $7 billion for wildlife conservation.
Currently, the federal government spends half of this money on the Basic Hunter Education and Safety Program and the other half is distributed to states according to land area and the number of hunters who purchase hunting licenses.
Generally, most of the money generated by the Pittman-Robertson Act comes from commercial sales of ammunition and archery equipment.
However, the federal government also provides funding for hunter education and research.
In addition, the act allows nonhunters to support state fish and game agencies by purchasing guns and ammunition.
One of the main objectives of the Pittman-Robertson Act is to ensure that all hunting license fees are used only for the purposes of wildlife management.
Additionally, it requires that all states prohibit the diversion of hunting license fees to other uses.
This requirement has helped prevent the diversion of license fees and ensures that federal dollars are spent on the conservation of wildlife.
The Pittman-Robertson Act tax is currently set at 11% of the wholesale price for long guns and handguns.
The tax is paid by manufacturers and producers, and is collected by the U.S.
Department of Treasury.
A portion of the taxes are then allocated to the Wildlife Restoration Program.
According to the Association of State Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Pittman-Robertson Amendment has been a major funding source for the nation's wildlife conservation efforts.
The Act provides funding for state hunter education programs and public shooting ranges, and it helps fund wildlife management research.
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation is working to ensure the future of this important funding source.
Although the Pittman-Robertson Act was passed in 1937, it was amended in 1970 and today is known as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act.
In the amendment, funds from an excise tax on ammunition and archery equipment are allocated to states for the conservation of wildlife.
Similarly, the federal government has provided multistate conservation grants.
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act
The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act is a federal grant program that provides funding for wildlife restoration.
Originally enacted in 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act has helped to improve the habitat of many species.
Its primary goal is to preserve wildlife and protect game species.
In addition to funding habitat conservation, the funds are used for hunter education and management.
Federal funds are apportioned to each state on a formula that considers a state's population, the size of its land area, and the number of paid hunting license holders.
However, the formula does not apply to the District of Columbia, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
There are three formula-based programs that allocate the funds: Section 10 - Basic Hunter Education and Safety Programs, Section 11 - Multistate Conservation Grants, and Section 12 - Enhanced Hunter Education Programs.
Funds are also distributed through non-formula programs and one-time appropriations.
The federal excise tax is also used to fund the federal wildlife restoration program.
This tax is collected from manufacturers of firearms and ammunition.
Currently, the tax is set at 11 percent.
The excise taxes are deposited into the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Account.
To fund the state's wildlife education and conservation activities, federal funds are allocated based on the number of licensed hunters in a state and the ratio of paid hunting license holders.
States may use a variety of matching funds, including state-funded tax check-offs, the Heritage General Fund, and in-kind matches from universities.
Hunting and fishing enthusiasts have contributed over 7 million hours of volunteer service to the hunter education and conservation programs.
Funds are available for archery safety and ethics training, wilderness first aid, and instruction in game laws.
These projects are supported by industry partners who pay an excise tax on archery equipment, firearms, and hunting gear.
The Pittman-Robertson Act has provided over $11.5 billion in funding for wildlife and habitat restoration since its inception.
It has helped to restore millions of acres of wildlife habitat and provide new opportunities for hunters to get involved in the sport.
State requirements
In most states, hunters who use a bow and arrow to hunt deer, bear, elk, moose, or other wild game must complete a bowhunter education course.
The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) provides a number of options for hunters.
There are both online and traditional in-person courses, with some states also offering combination courses.
Some instructors may require students to bring archery gear.
Several states require shooting proficiency tests as part of the bowhunter education course.
These test are usually administered outdoors in simulated hunting conditions.
While some states may supplement NBEF's standards, the core curriculum remains standardized.
In addition to a bowhunter education certificate, many states require a Hunter Education Certificate before a license can be obtained.
This certificate is not required for hunting on private land owned by the student or parents or guardians.
However, it may be required for hunting on corporate landholdings, in some cases.
Maine, which has over 17 million acres of public lands and waterways, has some of the most diverse and exciting hunting opportunities in the country.
Hunting is a great way to connect with the resources in Maine and to share family time and bond with nature.
Maine offers a number of options for hunters, including a Bowhunter Education Course and a Waterfowl Education Course.
Both courses are offered by the Department of Natural Resources.
During the course, students learn about safety, bow handling, and hunting laws.
After the course, students can apply for a 3-month range pass.
In addition to the bowhunter education course, a hunter must pass a firearms safety course.
Adults must have a hunter education certificate before purchasing a hunting or trapping license.
Additionally, a hunter under age 16 must have parental supervision.
Students must be able to demonstrate proper bow handling, proper attitude, and appropriate safety before they can enroll in a waterfowl education course.
They must then complete a few assignments and a final exam of 25 questions.
Once they are finished, they will receive a Waterfowl Education Certificate of Qualification.
The course is taught by volunteers from around the country who are bowhunting experts and provide insight into the sport.
Depending on the state, the course will vary in length and cost.
Most classes require advance registration.