This is a tough one. I'm not into big brother, but I do believe you should be proficient with the weapons you use to hunt with. In RI there are a few areas where you do need to pass a proficiency test to get tags for, and the rest of the state all you need is your archery hunter safety card. The proficiency card is good for 2 seasons. I don't hunt the areas where you need the proficiency card for, but I take the test anyway. All it is is a big piece of cardboard with a deer silhouet outline. There is a much lighter outline of the vitals that you can't see from 20 yards, but its easy to see if you're in there when you pull your arrows. They replace the target often so you can't just aim for where everybody else has hit. Out of 5 broadhead tipped arrows (must be broadheads), you need to get 3 into the kill zone. Let me tell you, its amusing but sad to watch this test. The yahoos come out of the woodwork. Some people can't even hit the silhouet at 20 yards, never mind the vitals. Just think, these people can just buy a licence and fling arrows at game. I know about folding under pressure, I have missed shots at deer, but this test is something no competent archer should fail.If you plan to hunt, you owe it to the game to know your equipment andensure it is in tune and be proficient with it. BTW, you can only take the test once per day, but if you do fail, you can take it the next time its offered.