Dan, are you serious that I am the only Alaskan bowhunter that you know that is against a required proficiency test for bowhunters only? I have talked to a few folks that are against "legal requirements" like these.
My point is focused accross a broader board though. If testing is going to be required, either by hunters asking for it or governmental influence, than I think it should be across the board for all types of hunting. I feel that I should not have to pass a test to be able to hunt state land, I can see that for private land if the owner wishes to require it, but not for public.
I might sound hypocritical now, but bear with me. Since the proficiency test is already in place, I wish it would be more involved and area specific (ie. Alaska). I don't think you'll find a bowhunter in Alaska that disagrees with that. If they are going to require it, at least make it more worth while.
I took the class even before I went bowhunting in non-archery only areas just to learn. I took it as more of an educational reasoning rather than a requirement. 26B is another reason of course. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> I would love it if groups like the ABA, Golden North Archers or any state wide or regional archery associations would take the time and insentive to set up days to help train archers, new or old to the sport, and put the word out of when and where it is happening. When I first started, I would of jumped at the chance to head out and pick up whatever education that I can.
ArcticBowMan's Hunting Photo's