News Releases

Bowhunting course offered at Newberry hunting expo

News Release

Monday, August 22, 2011

Media contact: Karen Parker, 386-758-0525

Easton Newberry Sports Complex and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have teamed up to host the first Easton Foundations Hunting Expo Aug. 27 and 28 at the complex, at 24880 NW 16^th Ave. in Newberry.

Participants will have the opportunity to take a bowhunter education course Aug. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon.

"While this course doesn't satisfy the hunter-education requirements to purchase a Florida hunting license, it is well worth taking," said Steve Robbins, FWC Hunter Safety coordinator in Lake City.

The course is offered in a distance-learning format, where students complete the first part of the course online, and bring their qualifier certificate to the four-hour field day to finalize certification.

Participants can expect to learn all aspects of bowhunting, including:

• History of bowhunting;
• Safe and responsible bowhunting;
• Know your bow and arrow;
• Preparing for the hunt;
• Shot placement and game recovery;
• Use of elevated stands and other techniques;
• Outdoor preparedness.

Participants should bring their own equipment, including bow and arrows.

Once students complete the online component, found at www.bowhunter-ed.com/Florida, they should register for the course in advance by calling the FWC's North Central Regional Office at 386-758-0525 or by visiting MyFWC.com/Bowhunt. Students of all ages may participate.

The expo will feature hunting supply companies, as well as a 3-D shoot, live radio broadcast and music, special guests, food, games and activities for all ages. There also will be raffles featuring two hog hunts and a bow-fishing charter as well as bows donated by manufacturers Easton, Bear and Mathews. Justin Martin, the star of Outdoor Life Network's "The Season," will appear both days. 

For more information about this event, please call Amy Patacsil at 352-472-2388 or email her at apatacsil@esdf.org.