Bowhunter education

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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

No upcoming classes at this time. Please check back later.