Another purpose statement drives our dedication to educating bowhunters in hunting in a proficient, legal, and sportsman-like manner. Many of our members serve as bowhunter education instructors, committing hundreds of hours each year to ensuring the success of new bowhunters. This commitment to educating youth with a focus on proficiency, safety, and ethical behavior drives our actions during the legislative sessions and tentative cycles. That’s why we were cautious in our support of early season youth rifle hunting, since in some years those days run concurrent with fall archery season. It’s also why we had reservations this session when a bill sought to allow youth rifle hunters in the field without first taking hunter education classes. Even though neither was a bowhunting-oriented proposal, each had direct implications for bowhunters. Our mission calls us to pro
