KoBear, that test sounds like it's very good. Can anyone take it? I'd be interested in looking at it and maybe taking it just for kicks. I've also been thinking about starting an instructional class with other hunters in my area to help out newcomers and that test might give me some ideas.

Here in NJ you are required to take a bowhunters education course. My wife and son had to take it last year and it required 6 hours of classes with a test at the end and also they had to shoot 3 out of 5 arrows in a 12" circle with thier own equipment.

The Brown-Down is ON!!!!

Steven J. Collins (Trock63)
Bowdaddy Productions

I agree that a bowhunter sahety class should be mandatory in all states but to be honest the one I attended really didn't impress me too much. I believe an annual proficiency test should be a mandatory requirement as well. That, in my opinion, would at least eliminate the hunters who haven't practiced with their bows enough to consistently hit their target.

Cyclone,

I agree, shooting deer and shooting target aren't the same thing. But if you can't hit a target you sure as hell aren't going to be able to hit a deer.

[Deleted by Admins]

Right after we pass the national mandatory proficiency test(which most of us over 30 would have flunked with our old gear) we need to pass the national mandatory bowhunting minimum age of 50 so I can hog the woods to myself. I am a redneck not a pinko neck. You guys are a hoot.

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Is there anyone who doesn't agree with that?

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I don't agree with it! Too much regulation already...Anybody with any sense knows that shootin targets and shootin deer ain't the same.

~Will Hunt For Food~
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The people we're talking about are the ones without &quot;any sense&quot;! The ones who couldn't put 3 out of 5 arrows in a pie plate at 20 yards.

Please explain &quot;too much regulation already&quot; and how you feel less regulation would better the deer herd , safety of hunters , etc.

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Better be careful what you wish for.A competentcy test just might have you sitting on the sidelines.The safety course is mandatory for the first time license in Maine.In my class few were rookie hunters.Most were adults that wanted to expand their hunting experience.A competency test has no bearing on how you will do as a hunter.
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If a competency test had me sitting on the sidelines , then I should be practicing , not hunting.

Please explain why you feel a competency test has no bearing on how you will do as a hunter.
From my observations , the people who cant shoot a group the size of a truck tire at the range dont suddenly gain their composure and put everything together when shooting at a live animal.

[Deleted by Admins]

The people wolfen are talking about are the one's who do some thing stupid and irresposible THEN ask questions. To the guy who said targets don't help and shooting targets and deer are differnt. I know 2 other people who said that to me before and both start shooting their bow a week or so before hunting season each year and wound 2-3 deer a year. I am not saying you do this but obviosly you don't shoot 3-D targets much. I started shooting 3-D competions about 8 or 9 years ago and 3-D has made me a much better hunter it helps with shot placement it realy helps for judging distance and it has made me a better archer but it sure as heck hasn't hurt my hunting any. Speaking for myself I try not get upset with some one for asking but I do get pissed when someone who carelessly and aimlessly went into the woods with out a clue and did something stupid if any one doesn't like it too bad. It is that persons responsibility to ask,learn and practice BEFORE they get in the woods. I will also call someone on poor shot judgement. Wolfen I agree everone else if you are learning feel free to ask you may even e-mail me but if you don't put an effort to learn and you are neglegent I am going to say what I think of you and your actions.