RAPID CITY, SD (April 6, 2026) – Marilyn Bentz, Executive Director of the National
Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF), presented NBEF updates at the Southeast
Region’s Hunter Education Coordination meeting in Baton Rouge, LA in January and
the Western Regional Hunter Education Coordinator meeting in Anchorage, AK in
March and the upcoming Northeast Regional Hunter Education meeting.
Bentz provided information on the forthcoming combo curriculum for hunter education
and bowhunter education classes, recent state requests for bowhunter education
instructor classes, the recent Crossbow Hunter Survey completed by the Archery Trade
Association, and the soon to be released Elevated Hunting Instructor online class
available on the IHEA learning network platform. Bentz also delineated other ongoing
projects via industry relationships with NASP and the TSSA. Speakers presented
information via Zoom as well as in person.
“It’s energizing to meet with people who are committed to hunter education,” explained
Marilyn Bentz, NBEF Executive Director. “These regional meetings are important as it
allows in-depth discussion on unique needs at a level which may not apply to an entire
national assembly. It is impressive to view these highly talented educators share their
knowledge and I was happy to share the latest information about bowhunter education’s
latest additions and updates.”
“We enjoy having industry professionals like Marilyn provide updates at our gatherings,”
said Alex Baer, IHEA-USA Executive Director. “State hunter education administrators
benefit from outside perspectives while discussing with their peers integrating national
opportunities to their state-specific programs. It’s very engaging for our coordinators and
they gain valuable insights.”
NBEF helps bowhunters learn to be safe, successful and stewards of the sport. NBEF
offers bowhunting instructional items, books, videos, 3-D models, apparel and more at
nbef.org.
About NBEF
The National Bowhunter Education Foundation offers instructional content and tools for
bowhunter education and hunter education. Helping bowhunters become safe and
successful hunters and stewards of the sport are important NBEF missions. NBEF
provides the bowhunter certification curriculum and class content that some states and
certain circumstances require to bow hunt. NBEF provides instructor training and
certification.
NBEF oversees the International Bowhunter Education Program and works with the
International Hunter Education Association and state agencies to coordinate a unified
program. States may have additional requirements. Europe and other countries offer full
reciprocity for the NBEF (IBEP) certification and conduct classes.
NBEF also oversees the International Crossbow Education Program and works with
state agencies responsible for crossbow education to develop comprehensive online
crossbow safety courses that teach students important laws and regulations, game
identification, and safe, responsible handling of crossbow equipment.
NBEF is a 501(c)3 corporation that isn’t a membership-based organization. Tax-
deductible donations to support this non-profit are welcome.
Learn more at nbef.org.
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NATIONAL BOWHUNTER EDUCATION FOUNDATION MEDIA CONTACT:
Kim Emery, Firefly Publicity, kim@fireflypublicity.com
