RAPID CITY, SD (July 31, 2023) – The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) is a bronze sponsor of the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports’ 2023 National R3 Symposium. NBEF exhibited at a recent recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) event that attracted hundreds of professionals from agencies, non-governmental organizations and industries. NBEF supports the Council’s mission to recruit and retain hunters and shooters while educating the public about hunters’ and shooters’ contributions toward wildlife conservation.

“NBEF enthusiastically supports the R3 initiatives,” explained Marilyn Bentz, NBEF Executive Director. “Coming together to find ways to work together toward our common goal of increasing participation and passion for the outdoors is imperative.”

NBEF endeavors to spread NBEF’s message about its safety and success-focused bowhunter ed classes, informational materials and to enthusiastically support the industry.

“R3 capacity has increased substantially in recent years with professionals from agencies, industry and non-profits all working together to ensure participation in and support for hunting and shooting sports,” said Swanny Evans, the Director of Research and Partnerships for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports. “The National R3 Symposium is the main venue where all of these professionals come together to share ideas, best practices and build partnerships. This Symposium and all of the benefits it yields would not be possible without the intellectual and sponsorship support from organizations like the NBEF.”

The first National R3 Symposium was held in May 2018 and led to an increased awareness and efforts. Two Virtual R3 Forums supported these efforts during the pandemic. Visit the Council’s website for more information.

NBEF helps bowhunters learn to be safe, successful and stewards of the sport. NBEF offers bowhunting instructional items, books, videos, 3-D models, apparel and more at nbef.org.

About NBEF

The National Bowhunter Education Foundation offers instructional content and tools for bowhunter education classes in the US. Helping bowhunters become safe and successful hunters and stewards of the sport are important NBEF missions. The NBEF provides  bowhunter certification standards and class content that states and certain circumstances require in order to bowhunt. NBEF provides instructor training and certification.

NBEF oversees the International Bowhunter Education Program and works with the International Hunter Education Association and state agencies to coordinate a unified program. Europe and other countries accept the NBEF (IBEP) certification and conduct IBEP classes.

NBEF also oversees the International Crossbow Education Program and works with state agencies responsible for crossbow education to develop comprehensive online crossbow safety courses that teach students important laws and regulations, game identification, and safe, responsible handling of crossbow equipment.

NBEF is a 501(c)3 corporation that isn’t a membership-based organization. Tax-deductible donations to support this non-profit are welcome.

Learn more at nbef.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Kim Emery, Firefly Publicity, kim@fireflypublicity.com