Kennecuck County Park
Vermillion County, Illinois ... just north of Danville, Illinois
Will be the host site for a
WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS
In April , 2004
This will have a class on Women Bowhunting as well as the regular Archery Class.

I have been asked to instruct this class, I have never instructed a class on bowhunting and each class will be 1 hour long.

They have asked me to bring all my hunting gear from clothing to tree stands etc........ Hunting Photos.... Taxidermy mounts....etc.

I am hoping that some of you might be able to give me some ideas on what I could include and focus on in this class to help make it a sucess.
I need all the help I can get.... PLEASE.

Unfortunatly I was only given a few weeks notice on this so I need as many ideas that I can get as soon as possible.

Thank You.
->>>-----Deborah Knoff-------->
[email protected]

Deb;

First and formost you need to explain to your class the importance of tree stand safety, with the use of safety belts, and or harnesses. Explain the difference that a harness is safer than a belt. Where a belt can and will probably hold you upside down if you do fall out of your tree stand.

You'll also need to explain to your class your state laws that require the use of screw in foot pegs. A lot of states restrick these on state lands, where the trees are sold for lumber.

Safety will always be the most important part of any safety class. Next will come your state rules and regulations.

Then you have to preach the importance of practicing with the bow they're going to use, and the equipement on the bow.

You need to explain how to shoot a bow with sights, or shooting a bow instintively. Tell them the correct shooting proceedures. Like the proper stance, dropping their bow arm, peeking at the arrow. The correct anchor spot, and to anchor in the same place all the time. Also the correct way to shoot with a tab or fingers, and about plucking the bow string. The correct way to use a release. And different equipment that can go on a bow. Examples are stablizers, arrow rests, peep sights, silencers, ect. Also the importance of correct arrow weight for the poundage they're shooting.

Then your going to have to teach arrow placement. Tell them exactly where to shoot a deer, turkey, bear ect. Explain the importance in waiting a half an hour to an hour after you shoot an animal. Teach them correct tracking proceedures when they're tracking their game.

But all in all stress the importance of PRACTICE, PRACITCE, PRACTICE with their bow. Too many hunters don't realize this. They need to practice year around. Get them to join an archery league, go to 3D target ranges. Even bowfishing in the spring. BUT PRACTICE!!!

Hope this give you some insight that will help you out.

Coyote Caller

if you need help on instructing a class. check your local DNR. here in michigan you can get instructor manuals, videos, tests and certification cards that you mail to your state rep. here they are very cheap. you can get a set up for 2 instructors and 20 students for about $40.00 . you can also get info on classes from gander mountain if you have one in your area. Me and a couple of others teach an arhery certification class. which covers class rooms, shooting, saftey, and deer anatomy. its a good course. good luck!!

Thanks for all the great ideas and the help.