Bowhunter education

Image
Hunter holding a bow kneeling next to a harvested deer in the snow
Photo by Melissa Yeisley
Melissa Yeisley with her first archery deer.​​​​​

Bowhunter education is not required in Washington, but is recommended. This certification is required in some states and Canadian provinces to hunt with archery equipment. 

Bowhunter education classes follow the National Bowhunter Education Foundation teaching criteria and are taught by certified volunteer Bowhunter education instructors.

Our program stresses ethical hunter behavior and works in partnership with WDFW.

Please Note: Bowhunter education classes do not meet the Washington training requirement to purchase a hunting license for first-time hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972.

Currently the Washington Bowhunter Education Program (WBEP) is offering limited bowhunter education courses. However, you can take the South Dakota's online course and receive the same certification.

Washington will continue to hold classes in the future.

To receive a duplicate certificate, contact Kris Thorson at Kristopher.thorson@dfw.wa.gov. For more information email woodsman@lewiscounty.com.

2024 In-person Classes

Grant County

Traditional BHEP Class
Class dates: June 24-28, 6:00PM – 9:00PM 
Location: Moses Lake Grange, 14724 Road 3 SE, Moses Lake, WA 98837
Contact name: Ken Shields
Contact phone: 509-237-1166
Contact emailken.diane@live.com
Specific instructionsPlease bring your own gear.  No Fee for Class.  (Small donation accepted)

King County

Traditional Class
Class dates: June 22 and 23, 9:00AM – 3:00PM 
Location: Issaquah Sportsmen's Club, 23600 SE Evans St., Issaquah, WA 98027
Contact name: Alan Jones
Contact phone: 425-681-6754
Contact emailjones83alan@gmail.com
Specific instructions: Preregistration is required to reserve. $3 facility use fee

Online Field Skills Class
Class dates: July 27, 8:00AM – 12:00PM 
Location: Flint Tip Archers/Enumclaw Sportsman Park, 29150 SE Enumclaw Chinook Pass Rd., Enumclaw, WA 98022
Contact name: Butch Loney
Contact phone: 253-350-2539
Contact emailbvloney@comcast.net
Specific instructions: Preregistration is required to reserve.  No Fee for Class.  (Small donation accepted) ** Minimum of five (5) students by Saturday July 20 or class will be canceled.

Traditional Class
Class dates: August 17 and 18, 9:00AM – 3:00PM 
Location: Issaquah Sportsmen's Club, 23600 SE Evans St., Issaquah, WA 98027
Contact name: Alan Jones
Contact phone: 425-681-6754
Contact emailjones83alan@gmail.com
Specific instructions: Preregistration is required to reserve. $3 facility use fee