571—12.36(483A) Bow hunter education program.
	12.36(1) The education course for the bow hunter education program is designed to teach bow hunters safe and ethical hunting techniques and to instill responsible attitudes toward people, wildlife, and the environment. The education course is based on the National Bowhunter Education Foundation’s publications and is administered by the department. The education course covers topics such as responsibilities of a bow hunter, knowledge necessary before hunting, shot placement, tree stand safety, blood trailing, and game care.
	12.36(2) The education course is offered in both a classroom and an online setting.
	a. 	The classroom course is taught by certified instructors and consists of both a lecture and hands-on exercises. Students will be given a written examination, which they must pass with 75 percent accuracy in order to earn a certificate of completion.
	b. 	An online course is available through the department’s website. The online course meets the standards set by IHEA—USA. The online-only course has the same general content as the traditional classroom-based course. To complete the online-only course, a student must pass a final exam with a score of 75 percent or higher. Upon successful completion of the course and payment of any applicable online course fees to an approved vendor, the student will be issued a permanent certificate that the student can download and print immediately.
	c. 	Students shall register as described on the program’s website.
	12.36(3) Reciprocity. The department recognizes bowhunter education courses sanctioned by a governmental authority of another state, province or country that meets the current National Bowhunter Education Foundation and IHEA—USA content and delivery standards. Students who successfully complete such a course are not required to take any additional training.
	12.36(4) Any student who is 11 years of age or older may enroll in a course and receive a certificate if the student successfully completes the course; however, if the student is 11 years old, the certification shall not become valid until the student’s twelfth birthday.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]