RAPID CITY, SD (April 2, 2024) –National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) has created a new educational Be Bear Aware Pamphlet. Pamphlets can be ordered to supplement hunter education or bowhunter education classes. Information is applicable to staying safe in bear habitat, bear encounters while hunting or coming upon a bear in your own backyard.

“We’re seeing an increase in black bear activity and an expansion of grizzly/brown bear territory. It’s imperative to be able to identify all the species and understand how to react when encountering a bear,” said NBEF Executive Director Marilyn Bentz. “Being educated and prepared increases the chances that a bear encounter will end favorably.”

Never take the possibility of an encounter with black bears or grizzly bears for granted.  Most often negative results from an encounter occur when a bear (black or grizzly) has been surprised.  Make sure your presence is known when hiking or hunting in bear country.  And if you frequently have black bears in your backyard, do not become complacent about their appearance.  Remove any food source such as bird feeders or garbage containers from which they may be feeding.

NBEF’s Bear Aware Pamphlet is available at nbef.org. Pamphlets are available for $10 for a package of 100 brochures, product #9070.

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. NBEF provides the bowhunter certification standards and class content that some states and certain circumstances require in order 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 accept 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.

********

NATIONAL BOWHUNTER EDUCATION FOUNDATION MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Emery, Firefly Publicity, kim@fireflypublicity.com