Explore Bowhunting

Explore Bowhunting is an educational program designed to help instructors, program leaders and educators teach students ages 11-17 the basic skills of bowhunting. The Archery Trade Association has created this program to spark an interest and passion for bowhunting in today’s youth. Through these hands-on experiences students gain confidence interacting with the natural environment and strengthen their appreciation for wildlife and the woods.

Who can use Explore Bowhunting?

• Schools – both in-school and after-school programs
• City and county recreation programs
• Nature and outdoor education centers
• Community-based programs such as Scouts, 4-H and summer camps
• Events, festivals and fairs with an outdoor, hunting or conservation theme
• Anyone interested in teaching youth how to get close to wildlife, bowhunt, photograph and/or enjoy wildlife

Learn More

Explore Bowhunting is offered through state wildlife agencies. Currently the program is offered in 13 states. The ATA is implementing Explore Bowhunting nationwide in 2013-2014.

Download the Explore Bowhunting Brochure

Download the Explore Bowhunting Table of Contents and Two Sample Activities

Find out how programs like Explore Bowhunting create new markets for archery retailers through the experiences of one Michigan retailer as covered by Archery Business magazine in a 2009 feature story. Download the story here.

Get the Materials

Educators can receive the complete Explore Bowhunting curriculum packet by attending a development workshop.  Contact your state wildlife agency to locate and register for and Explore Bowhunting workshop near you.

For more information about Explore Bowhunting, contact Emily Beach at (866) 266-2776 ext. 4 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or Kelly Kelly at (866) 266-2776 ext. 6 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Awards and Recognition

This project was funded, in part, by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (MN M3E), a program supported by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.