- Description
- Students explain the role of regulated bowhunting in game management, identify Alberta’s game animals and develop and demonstrate the attitudes, skills and knowledge for safe and comfortable experiences in the outdoors.
- Prerequisite
- None
- Parameters
- Access to an outdoor wilderness environment and relevant government agencies. Access to instruction from an individual who is a certified International Bowhunter Education instructor through the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education Instructor’s Association (AHEIA) is required. Teacher must have experience in the safe handling of archery equipment. Note: Students who successfully meet the outcomes of the Bowhunting Education course and receive at least 70% on the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) examination may be awarded an IBEP student certificate. Because of the sensitive nature of topics included in this course, school board approval and parental consent may be required prior to course delivery.
Outcomes The student will:
1 define bowhunting and describe the history, benefits and challenges of modern bowhunting
2 describe wildlife conservation and game management practices
2.1 compare and contrast wildlife conservation and wildlife preservation
2.2 list and describe five elements of a wildlife habitat
2.3 define carrying capacity
2.4 describe the factors that limit wildlife populations
2.5 explain the role of hunting in wildlife conservation
2.6 describe five examples of wildlife management practices
2.7 describe the importance of correct wildlife identification
3 describe safe and responsible bowhunting practices
3.1 describe elements of bowhunting safety and responsibility, including:
3.1.1 personal limitations
3.1.2 equipment
3.1.3 landowner relations
3.1.4 game, animals and resources
3.1.5 hunting companions and nonhunters
3.2 describe bowhunting laws and regulations, including:
3.2.1 legal bowhunting seasons
3.2.2 equipment (special needs)
3.2.3 tagging requirements
3.3 describe bowhunting ethics
3.4 define “rule of first blood”
3.5 describe actions that create positive and negative perceptions of hunting
4 describe basic bowhunting (archery) equipment
4.1 explain the importance of matching equipment to individual abilities
4.2 define and explain draw length and draw weight and how they are determined for individual users
4.3 identify and describe common bow types and identify their basic parts
4.4 identify and describe the types and basic parts of arrows and arrow points
4.5 define and explain spine and archer’s paradox
4.6 explain and demonstrate the importance of matching bows and arrows
4.7 explain the importance of matching arrow points to the game pursued
4.8 describe equipment that prevents injury to the archer
4.9 describe a variety of bowhunting accessories; e.g., mechanical releases, quivers, stabilizers
5 describe how to prepare for a bowhunt
5.1 explain the importance of proper clothing, storage and use of equipment
5.2 describe and demonstrate proper shooting form
5.3 demonstrate how to tune a bow
5.4 demonstrate how to sight-in a bow
5.5 describe common bow shooting errors
5.6 describe a variety of ways to practise for bowhunting (training techniques)
5.7 describe and demonstrate distance judging methods
5.8 describe and demonstrate how to read game signs
6 describe a variety of bowhunting techniques
6.1 identify and describe two methods of bowhunting
6.2 describe and demonstrate the safe use of tree stands, considering:
6.2.1 harnesses
6.2.2 entering and exiting
6.2.3 haul lines
6.2.4 storage equipment
6.3 describe and demonstrate the use of scents and calls
7 describe and explain shot placement and recovery techniques
7.1 describe how an arrow kills versus modern firearms
7.2 describe and explain the importance of proper shot selection and placement with archery equipment
7.3 describe “jumping the string”
7.4 explain basic responsibilities after shooting game, including:
7.4.1 tracking
7.4.2 tagging
7.4.3 field dressing
7.4.4 transportation
7.4.5 care and cooling
8 describe and explain methods of outdoor preparedness
8.1 describe the use and care of basic equipment and personal gear used when in the field; e.g., clothing, bedding and tents, knives and axes, compass and maps, backpacks
8.2 assemble and carry first-aid and survival kits
8.3 describe skills necessary for handling emergency situations in the outdoors
8.4 describe procedures for examining someone who is hurt or suddenly becomes ill in the outdoors
8.5 describe emergency first-aid techniques; e.g., artificial respiration, control of bleeding from cuts, care for victims of shock or concussion, care of sprains, fractures and dislocations, treatment of burns, blisters and frostbite, care of animal and insect bites
8.6 describe techniques for detecting, treating and preventing hypothermia
8.7 describe basic survival techniques for the outdoors; e.g., fire building, shelter building, sending rescue signals, securing water and food
8.8 describe a variety of specific bowhunting hazards and injuries
9 demonstrate basic competencies
9.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
9.1.1 communicate
9.1.2 manage information
9.1.3 use numbers
9.1.4 think and solve problems
9.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
9.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
9.2.2 be responsible
9.2.3 be adaptable
9.2.4 learn continuously
9.2.5 work safely
9.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
9.3.1 work with others
9.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
10 make personal connections to the cluster content and processes to inform possible pathway choices
10.1 complete/update a personal inventory; e.g., interests, values, beliefs, resources, prior learning and experiences
10.2 create a connection between a personal inventory and occupational choices
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.