RAPID CITY, SD (July 25, 2022) – The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) was a supporting sponsor of the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports’ 2022 National R3 Symposium May 2-5 in Broken Arrow, OK. NBEF exhibited at this 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.

“We always enjoy reconnecting and seeing our friends in the R3 community,” explained Marilyn Bentz, NBEF Executive Director. “It’s great to learn about best practices, hear success stories and find ways to work together toward our common goal of increasing participation and passion for the outdoors.”

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

“The national R3 movement has made great strides in increasing participation in hunting, shooting sports, angling and outdoor recreation, but the work must continue,” said Executive Director Dr. Steven Leath. “Anyone with a vested interest in securing the future of wildlife conservation and the shooting sports should be involved in R3 and our events.”

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 event details.
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 learn to become safe and successful hunters and stewards of the sport is important to the NBEF. NBEF provides the bowhunter certification and class content that some states and certain circumstances require to bow hunt. 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. States may have additional requirements. Europe and other countries offer full reciprocity for the NBEF (IBEP) certification and conduct 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