Over this past weekend I was one of several instructors to teach a IBEP bowhunter ed class. I certified my first students. Its something I'm rather proud of. I know I can't go and teach someone how to kill a big buck having not done it myself, however I can teach them how to go out and be SAFE while having a great time outdoors. Who would have thought it 5 years ago when I logged on to HNI for the first time as Txrookie? I knew nothing about bowhunting, and still have lots to learn. I can tell you though that this weekend was very rewarding. We had 15 students, 8 of which have never bowhunted. Each of them will take their place in the fall woods this year bow in hand. I hope there was something I could offer them that will make the experience safer and more enjoyable for just one of them. In September I'll be attending a TMA Treestand Safety Instructors course.
Congrats, I wish more guys around here would take initiative to do such things like you have! I had to drive 2 hours to attend my IBEP class, and when I helped them set it up, the papers we found said the last time they offered it was 2004 (5 years prior). Not too many chances around here.
It's a great thing your doing Greg. I will have to come take the class...........maybe in the spring. I will probably bring my little cousin as well (this will be his first year bow hunting)
Good deal Jim! I'll be teaching at the TPWD fish hatchery in Athens. i'll give ya a call when I have one scheduled. It wil probably be before spring turkey.
fwiw - I did some informal teaching this weekend... with the poor weather this weekend my boys wanted to shoot so we went to Gander Mt's indoor range, there was a gentleman there who had never fired a bow and he was trying a couple with the gander sales chick there, his first shot left him with a NASTY string slap welt on his left arm... he was doing about everything wrong, locking the elbow, death grip with his hand, draw length was too long, punching the release, etc... so, while I was watching my boys shoot a little I ventured down the line to help this guy out (of course I had my 2009 GTG shirt on at the time), by the time I finished up with him he was really starting to feel comfortable taking some test shots... we had a nice talk while he was picking out bows, he was on a tight budget so he was looking low end... he was initially looking at a razor's edge, but we got him talked into upping his budget a little and was checking out some low end PSE and Bear bows... it was fun talkin with him and he was very grateful... and I think the Gander chick was too... :D
Greg, Good on you! I spent 24 hours in Denver BassPro this weekend manning the Colorado Division of Wildlife booth and working the Archery Dept. floor as a PSE rep ( I also instruct IBEP/NBEP courses). It is extremely rewarding to volunteer and to introduce new members to our sport. In light of the fact that only 9% of the US population hunts (based upon recent statistics), your efforts can only help save our passion. I salute you!
That's awesome Greg. It sounds horrible, but someday when I have more time, I'd really like to get involved in this type of thing.
Don't act like you need to know Treestand safety in Texas... We all know you can't sit in a Mesquite tree :D Congrats Greg, very cool.
Hey man I got 2 oaks in my yard I practice from! Just 'cause an Okie can't climb a tree due to an abundance of fear ya don't gotta bust on us folks south of ya! LOL!
