Bowhunter Safety Education
Oregon’s Bowhunter Education Program teaches bowhunters the fundamentals of safe, responsible archery hunting and an appreciation and respect for the environment in which they hunt.
Holding a Bowhunter Safety Education certification is not required to hunt during archery-only seasons in Oregon. However it is required in several surrounding states. Hunter Safety Education is required for youth aged 18 and younger to hunt in Oregon. Information on states with mandatory bowhunter education requirements can be found at the IHEA’s Bowhunter Education Standards webpage. Oregon’s Bowhunter Safety Education Certification is accepted in all other states and Canadian Provinces.
While Bowhunter Safety Education is voluntary in Oregon, it is a great course that every hunter can benefit from. In fact, bowhunters who have completed the program are more successful at harvesting deer and elk than those who have not.
What You'll Learn
- Introduction to bowhunting
- Wildlife conservation
- Safe and responsible bowhunting
- Know your bow and arrow
- Preparing for the hunt
- Hunting from elevated stands and other bowhunting techniques
- Shot placement and recovery techniques
- Outdoor preparedness
The course is hands-on, and students will be required to shoot their own bows and arrows during class. Learn more about our Hunter and Bowhunter Safety Education Courses.
Note: You will need an active VEM account to complete your Convention course or Field Day registration. See The New Volunteer and Event Management System (VEM) for more information.
These programs are funded by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson) and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (Wallop-Breaux).
Find the latest Recreation Report
Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and view wildlife. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state.