Field Day Instructions

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Bowhunting Safety & Bowhunter Education Field Day Instructions

Review available field day events. To schedule a field day, call the Education Branch at 623 236-7235 or 623 236-7219.

Note: Online students must have completion certificate prior to calling to schedule for a field day. Students that have completed the online introductory bowhunter education course MUST provide their course completion certificate to the chief instructor in order to participate in the field day.

Online Bowhunter Education Course

Field Day	At a minimum, the field day will include “hands-on” activities, exercises and demonstrations targeted at enhancing student skills gained in the classroom, during independent study or other comparable sources. Instructors will review the student on their general demeanor, handling of archery equipment, communication skills, safety awareness during a simulated hunt. Safe use of treestand and game recovery. At every opportunity, instructors will emphasize hunter ethics and safety, and the additional educational opportunities available to bowhunter education students. Examples of continuing education include small game camps, 3D shoots, archery leagues, target archery. Other related activities include orienting, survival, clay target shooting, muzzle-loading and other sponsored mentor programs.

Attire	The student should ALWAYS consider current and anticipated weather conditions for the field day and dress appropriately in layers. You should dress as if you were going hunting. Foot-ware should also be considered and students are encouraged to wear a durable field boot or heavy duty hiking shoe suitable for use in the field.

Lunch	Field days are typically conducted at a local shooting range and eating establishments may not be near. Lunch may or may not be available at the field day location and students are always encouraged to take a snack or lunch along with plenty of liquids for their field day exercise.

Overview

During the field day students can expect to participate in the following activities.

Discuss Arizona bowhunting laws.
Practice estimating distances
Review bowhunting equipment and archery range rules
Shooting your bow and arrows
Demonstrate safe tree stand procedures
Participate in a simulated hunt and game tracking
Identify game sign and use game calls
Take a 50 question bowhunter education exam. (Passing score is 80 percent).

In any activity, the instructors will be responsible for supervision of all students. During archery range training, instructors will maintain direct supervision of students at any time students are shooting their equipment. At no time will students be allowed to have a nocked arrow except on the shooting line or shooting stake.

Student (Minimum) Requirements

Explain and demonstrate different distance judging methods and the importance of properly judging distances while bowhunting.
Understand and demonstrate safe and proper shooting on an archery range.
Be able to inspect equipment for safety and understand the different parts of a bow and arrow. Also the student will understand what the term “matched equipment” means.
Understand how to determine your accuracy range and how to “pick a spot”.
Identify Arizona state law concerning broadhead size and draw weight requirements.
Demonstrate an understanding and the importance of wildlife conservation and management.
Understand and demonstrate what being an ethical and responsible bowhunter is. Also, the importance of behaving properly in the public’s eye.
Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy of the animal you will be pursuing and the importance of proper shot placement. Also, know when and how to start tracking to recover your quarry.
Understand the different types of tree stands and identify the advantages/disadvantages of each.
Explain and demonstrate the proper use of a fall arrest system (F.A.S.); how to safely enter and exit a tree stand; and how to install a tree stand using the double tether method.
Recognize the dangers when hunting above ground, and understand that tree stand accidents account for the most hunting injuries and deaths in the country each year. Through this understanding, acknowledge that you must be attached to the tree from the time you leave the ground until you return to the ground.
Demonstrate how to use a “haul up" or "hoist line” and explain why equipment should never be carried up or down from an elevated stand.
Understand how to employ self-rescue techniques and seek suspension relief if necessary.

Field Day Rules & Expected Behavior

Remember that your Bowhunter Education Instructor is a volunteer and is donating his or her time at field day. You will be expected to follow the rules listed below. The instructor reserves the right to expel or fail any student for inappropriate behavior.

Bowhunter Education Class Rules

Prompt attendance at all classes scheduled is mandatory unless cleared with the instructor.
Broadhead use will not be permitted during any of the shooting exercises.
Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.
Field day attendance and participation is required.
Unsafe handling of any equipment can be grounds for failure.
Your involvement in class discussions will help you and others learn.
It is your responsibility to provide a social security or hunter ID number.

All students must be at least 9 years old before the scheduled end of class.

Click here to review available field day events. To schedule a field day, call the Education Branch at 623 236-7235 or 623 236-7219.