The International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP)
States and Provinces Requiring an IBEP Course
Responsibility, Safety Skills, Knowledge, and Involvement
Topic 3: Funding for Hunter Education
Hunter Education Funding Sources
Pittman–Robertson Act
Topic 4: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 2: Know Your Firearm Equipment
Topic 1: What Is a Firearm?
Defining a Firearm
Basic Parts of a Firearm
Animation: Parts of a Bolt-Action Rifle
Animation: Parts of a Pump-Action Shotgun
Animation: Parts of a Double-Action Revolver
Animation: Parts of a Semi-Automatic Pistol
Topic 2: What Is Ammunition?
Defining Ammunition
Basic Components of Ammunition
Selecting the Correct Ammunition
Rifle and Handgun Cartridges
Centerfire and Rimfire Ammunition
Shotshells
Choosing the Correct Type and Size of Shot
Shot Sizes
Non-Toxic Shot
Topic 3: How a Firearm Works
The Basic Firing Process
How the Rifle and Handgun Fire
Video: How a Cartridge Is Fired
Video: How the Rifle and Handgun Fire
How the Shotgun Shoots
Topic 4: Common Features of Firearms: Firearm Actions
Introduction to Firearm Actions
Bolt Action
Video: How a Bolt-Action Rifle Fires
Lever Action
Video: How a Lever-Action Rifle Fires
Pump Action
Semi-Automatic (or Autoloading) Action
Video: How a Semi-Automatic Handgun Fires
Break (or Hinge) Action
Video: How a Break-Action Shotgun Fires
Revolving Action
Video: How a Double-Action Revolver Fires
Common Actions on Rifles and Shotguns
Common Actions on Handguns
Topic 5: Common Features of Firearms: Firearm Safeties
Safety Mechanisms
Typical Locations of Safeties
Types of Safeties
Safeties Don't Replace Safe Handling
Topic 6: Common Features of Firearms: Magazines and Sights
Magazines
Introduction to Sights
Sights: Bead and Open
Sights: Aperture (Peep)
Sights: Telescopic (Scope) and Dot
Topic 7: Differences Between Firearms
Differences Between Rifles, Shotguns, and Handguns
Rifling in the Rifle or Handgun Bore
A Rifle's or Handgun's Caliber
A Shotgun's Gauge
Shotgun Choke and Shot String
Types of Chokes
Shot String at Various Distances
Steel Shot
Topic 8: Using the Correct Ammunition
Match Firearms and Ammunition...Correctly!
Safety Practices to Help You Avoid Using Wrong Ammunition
The Danger of Using Wrong Ammunition
Topic 9: A Firearm's Range
Know Your Firearm's Range
Maximum Projectile Range: Rifle
Maximum Projectile Range: Shotgun
Maximum Projectile Range: Handgun
Video: Understanding Ballistics
Topic 10: Cleaning and Storing Firearms
Firearm Cleaning Basics
A Cleaning Kit
General Cleaning Instructions
Steps for Cleaning a Firearm
Where to Use a Brush, Cleaning Rod, and Cleaning Cable
Video: Cleaning a Firearm
Storing Your Firearm
Storing Ammunition
Topic 11: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 3: Know Your Bowhunting Equipment
Topic 1: The Sport of Bowhunting
History of the Bow and Arrow
Video: Why Bowhunt
Challenges of Hunting With a Bow and Arrow
Topic 2: The Bow
Speed and Range of Modern Bows
Bow Selection
Topic 3: Types of Bows
The Longbow
The Recurve Bow
The Compound Bow
Topic 4: The Arrow
The Shaft
Fletching
The Nock and the String Loop
Topic 5: Arrow Points
Types of Arrow Points
Broadheads
Types of Broadheads
Topic 6: Matching Arrows With Your Bow
Importance of Matching Arrows to Your Bow
Spine and Archer's Paradox
Arrow Shaft Length and Labeling
Checking Alignment
Topic 7: Bowhunting Accessories
Accessories
More Accessories
Accessories for Stringing a Bow
Topic 8: Bowhunting Equipment Review
Using the Correct Equipment
Video: Gearing Up
Topic 9: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 4: Know Your Crossbow Equipment
Topic 1: The Crossbow
Crossbow Background
Comparing a Conventional Bow to a Crossbow
Parts of a Crossbow
Recurve vs. Compound Crossbow
Topic 2: Crossbow Arrows
Arrows
Broadheads
Topic 3: Cocking Devices
Manual Cocking
The Need for Cocking Aids
Cocking Harness
Hand Cranks
Uncocking a Crossbow
Topic 4: Other Crossbow Accessories
Quivers
Sight Systems
Topic 5: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 5: Know Your Muzzleloader Equipment
Topic 1: The Muzzleloader
History of Firearms
Parts of a Muzzleloader Firearm
Muzzleloader Locks
In-Line Muzzleloaders
Muzzleloading Rifles, Shotguns, and Handguns
Topic 2: Muzzleloader Ammunition
Powders for Muzzleloaders
Projectiles for Muzzleloaders
Topic 3: Cleaning a Muzzleloader
Basics of Muzzleloader Cleaning
Topic 4: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 6: Basic Shooting Skills
Topic 1: Good Marksmanship and Accuracy
Fundamentals of Good Marksmanship
Selecting the Proper Firearm and Ammunition
Determining Accuracy Limits
Protecting Your Vision and Hearing
Topic 2: Rifle Firing
Sight Alignment
Aligning an Open Sight
Determining Your Dominant or Master Eye
Sighting-In a Rifle
Optional Sighting-In Techniques
Sighting-In Procedure
Adjusting Your Sight
Video: Sighting-In a Rifle
Rifle-Firing Techniques
Firing Positions: Prone
Firing Positions: Standing
Firing Positions: Sitting
Firing Positions: Kneeling
Topic 3: Shotgun Shooting
Shooting a Shotgun vs. a Rifle
Choosing the Proper Choke
Matching Choke to Your Quarry
Patterning Your Shotgun
The Patterning Procedure
When Is Your Shot Patterning Correct?
Shotgun-Shooting Stance
Shouldering, Pointing, and Pulling the Trigger of a Shotgun
Leading the Target: Swing-Through Method
Leading the Target: Sustained Lead
Snap-Shooting
Topic 4: Handgun Shooting
Handgun Loading and Handling
Handgun Shooting Position and Grip
Handgun Sight Alignment and Aiming
Handgun-Shooting Techniques
Topic 5: Bow Shooting
Bow-Shooting Position
Nocking an Arrow
Drawing and Anchoring the Bow
Aiming the Bow
Releasing the String
Video: Archery Practice
Sighting-In Your Bow
Advanced Archery Practice for the Hunt
Stump Shooting and Yukon Roving
Distance Judging Is Critical for Shot Placement
Distance Judging Methods
Actual Distance Judging Exercise
Topic 6: Crossbow Shooting
Preparing to Shoot
Sighting-In Your Crossbow
Centering the Crossbow String's Center Serving Area
Cocking the Crossbow
Holding the Crossbow
Aiming With Sights
Shooting the Crossbow
Video: Crossbow Safety
Crossbow Practice Range
Topic 7: Muzzleloader Shooting
Basic Muzzleloader Safety
Loading a Muzzleloader
Steps for Loading a Muzzleloader
Steps for Loading an In-Line Muzzleloader
Unloading a Muzzleloader
Firing a Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader Hang Fire Situations
Video: Modern In-Line Muzzleloading Safety
Topic 8: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
What You Learned (cont.)
What You Learned (cont.)
What You Learned (cont.)
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 7: Basic Hunting Skills
Topic 1: Planning and Preparation
Steps You Should Take to Prepare for a Hunt
Know Your Quarry
Understand Animal Characteristics
Topic 2: Hunting Strategies
Introduction to Hunting Strategies
Still Hunting
Stalking
Glassing
Posting
Using Ground Blinds
Video: Hunting from a Ground Blind
Using Elevated Stands
Game Calling
Driving
Flushing and Hunting With Dogs
Trapping
Bowfishing
Video: Bowhunting Methods
Topic 3: Shot Placement
How Arrows and Bullets Differ
How a Broadhead Causes Death
Where to Shoot
Abdominal Cavity
Shots Outside the Main Body Cavities
Spine Shots
Special Situation: Large Bears
Topic 4: Shot Angles
Planning Your Shot Strategy
Risks of Long Shots for Bowhunters
Shot Angles: Broadside
Shot Angles: Quartering-Away
Shot Angles: Quartering-Toward
Shot Angles: Head-On
Shot Angles: Rear-End
Consider Your Location
Animation: Choosing the Proper Shot Angle
Topic 5: Setting Up the Perfect Shot
Planning for the Perfect Shot
Picking the Right Moment to Shoot
Why Shots Go Wrong
Bowhunting: Jumping the String
Video: Shot Selection When Bowhunting
Topic 6: Big Game Recovery
Steps for a Successful Recovery
Attention to Clues
Trailing Shot Game
Additional Trailing Information for Bowhunters
White-Tailed Deer Hair Can Give Clues
Approaching Downed Game
Topic 7: Field Care of Game
Field Care Basics
Field Dressing Techniques
A Game Care Kit
Field Dressing Larger Game
Transporting Game
About Game Meat
Topic 8: Putting It All Together
Video: Hey, I Got One
Topic 9: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 8: Be a Safe Hunter
Topic 1: Why Firearm Safety Is Important
Introduction to Firearm Safety
Firearm Safety in the Home
Hunting Incidents
Main Causes of Hunting Incidents
Video: Staying Safe After the Shot
Importance of Safe Backstops
Firearm Safety at the Shooting Range
Topic 2: Safely Carrying Firearms in the Field
Introduction to Safe Carries
Video: Safe Firearm Carries
Proper Field Carries: Trail Carry
Proper Field Carries: Sling Carry
Proper Field Carries: Elbow or Side Carry
Proper Field Carries: Two-Handed or "Ready" Carry
Proper Field Carries: Cradle Carry
Proper Field Carries: Shoulder Carry
Proper Field Carries: Three Hunters, Side by Side
Proper Field Carries: Three Hunters, Walking Single File
Proper Field Carries: Hunters Facing One Another
Crossing Obstacles: Alone
Crossing Obstacles: With Others
Passing a Firearm to Another Person
Video: Safe Fence Crossing
Checking for Obstructions
Video: Clearing Plugged Gun Barrels
Topic 3: Safely Loading and Unloading Firearms
Loading Firearms
Video: Loading and Unloading Firearms
Unloading Firearms
Topic 4: Transporting Firearms
Safely Transporting Firearms
Gun Cases for Transporting Firearms
Video: Transporting Firearms Safely
Topic 5: Safe Zone-of-Fire
What Is a Zone-of-Fire?
Determining Your Safe Zone-of-Fire
Maintaining Your Safe Zone-of-Fire
Video: Safe Zones-of-Fire
Topic 6: Archery and Bowhunting Safety
Archery Safety
Bowhunting Safety
Topic 7: Other Safety Considerations
Self-Control and Target Identification
Shooting Accuracy
Alcohol and Drugs
Beware of Hang Fires
Topic 8: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 9: Elevated Stands, Boats, and All-Terrain Vehicles
Topic 1: Hunting from Elevated Stands: Part 1
Introduction to Elevated Stands
Pros and Cons of Elevated Stands
Video: Preparing to Hunt From a Tree Stand
Types of Portable Tree Stands
Portable Tree Stands: Hang-On Stands
Portable Tree Stands: Climbing Stands
Portable Tree Stands: Ladder Stands
Tripods, Quadpods, or Tower Stands (Freestanding)
Elevated Stand Location
Judging Distances From Elevated Stands
Safe Tree Stand Hunting Strategies
Topic 2: Hunting from Elevated Stands: Part 2
Fall-Arrest Systems (FASs)
Fall-Arrest System Safety Guidelines
Selecting Proper Components for Your FAS
Using Your FAS With a Lineman's-Style Belt and Tree Strap
Using Your FAS With a Tree Stand Safety Line System
Protection From Falling
Avoiding Suspension Trauma
Hauling Hunting Equipment Into a Stand
Elevated Stand Safety
Crossbow Hunting From an Elevated Stand
Video: Tree Stand Hunting Safety
Topic 3: Hunting With Boats
Trip Preparation When Hunting With Boats
Transporting Firearms in a Boat
Zone-of-Fire in a Boat
Surviving Water Emergencies
Types of Personal Flotation Devices
Dealing With Cold Water Immersion
Survival Steps If You Cannot Get Out of the Water
Topic 4: Hunting With All-Terrain Vehicles
Introduction to All-Terrain Vehicles
Rules for Safe and Ethical Operation When Hunting With ATVs
Know the Law Before Hunting With ATVs
Topic 5: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 10: Be a Responsible and Ethical Hunter
Topic 1: Why Do We Have Hunting Laws?
Before Hunting Laws
Benefits of Hunting Laws
Fair Chase
How Hunting Laws Are Passed
Hunting Law Resources
The Hunter's Image Matters
Topic 2: Hunter Ethics
Being an Ethical Hunter
Respect Natural Resources
Video: Approached by a Conservation Officer
Respect Other Hunters
Respect Landowners
Respect Non-Hunters
Hunter's Personal Code of Conduct
Gray Areas of Ethical Behavior
Topic 3: The Five Stages of Hunter Development
Becoming a True Sportsman
Five Stages: Shooting Stage
Five Stages: Limiting-Out Stage
Five Stages: Trophy Stage
Five Stages: Method Stage
Five Stages: Sportsman Stage
True Sportsmen Become Involved
Topic 4: Summary
What You Learned
Unit 11: Preparation and Survival Skills
Topic 1: Importance of Planning and Preparation
Preparing for Risks
Four Key Parts of Preparing
The Hunting Plan
Physical Conditioning
Day Pack-Survival Kit and Equipment
Topic 2: The Well-Dressed Hunter
Clothing
Video: Effectiveness of Blaze Orange
Lifesaving Rainwear
The Invisible Bowhunter
Topic 3: Map, Compass, and GPS
Reading a Topographic Map
Selecting a Compass
Red Fred in the Shed: Using a Compass
Understanding Declination
Plotting Your Progress
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Topic 4: Survival Skills
Switching Into Survival Mode
Rules of Survival
S.T.O.P.: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan
Preparing a Shelter
Starting a Fire
Signaling for Help
Drinking Water to Prevent Dehydration
Having Enough Food
Topic 5: Coping With Extreme Weather
Hypothermia
Symptoms and Treatment of Hypothermia
Frostbite
Basics of Cold Survival Without Fire
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Topic 6: First Aid
Basic First Aid
First Aid: Bleeding
First Aid: Broken Bones
First Aid: Burns and CO Poisoning
First Aid: Chest Wounds and Arrow Wounds
First Aid: Drownings, Heart Attacks, and Falls From Tree Stands
First Aid: Shock
First Aid: Snakebite
First-Aid Kit
Topic 7: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 12: Understanding Wildlife
Topic 1: Wildlife Conservation
Conservation and Preservation
Lessons in Wildlife Management
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
Causes of Threatened and Endangered Species
Habitat Management
Habitat Balancing Act
Carrying Capacity
Factors That Affect Surplus of Game Animals
The Hunter's Role in Wildlife Conservation
Topic 2: Wildlife Management and Conservation Principles
The Wildlife Manager's Role
Wildlife Management Practices
Beneficial Habitat Management Practices
Topic 3: Wildlife Identification
Developing Wildlife Identification Skills
Wildlife Categories
Large Mammals
Identifying White-Tailed Deer
Identifying Mule Deer
Small Mammals
Upland Birds
Waterfowl
Wetland Birds
Birds of Prey
Rare, Protected, or Endangered Species
Continue Your Wildlife Education
Topic 4: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
Unit 13: Nebraska Hunting Regulations
Topic 1: Nebraska Game Species
Upland Game
Waterfowl
Turkey and Big Game
Furbearers
Protected Mammals
Topic 2: Knowing Education Requirements
Who Must Complete a Hunter Education Course?
Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate
Topic 3: Hunting Permits and Locations
Types of Permits
Permit Requirements
Exceptions to the Permit and Stamp Requirements
Harvest Information Program (HIP)
Hunting Locations
Topic 4: Hunting Seasons and Bag/Possession Limits
Hunting Seasons and Times
Bag and Possession Limits
Check Stations
Topic 5: Meeting Equipment Requirements
Hunter Orange
Hunting Methods Restrictions for Big Game
Other Restrictions on Hunting Methods
Topic 6: Avoiding Prohibited Activities
Shooting Regulations
Trespassing Regulations
Fur Harvesting Regulations
Other Regulations
Enforcement
Topic 7: Summary
What You Learned
What You Learned (cont.)
View Course Outline Skip audio player
Body position and grip are vital to hitting the target. The hand position on the grip of a pistol is especially critical. Although the grip configuration of the revolver and semi-automatic are different, the gripping procedure is the same.
Hold the handgun high on the grip so that the recoil is directed back to the hand and arm in a straight line. This allows better repeat shots and more accurate shooting.
Use a two-handed hold whenever possible, applying pressure from front to rear.
When hunting, use a tree trunk, steady limb, or other stable object as a rest. Placing some padding, such as a hat or a jacket, on top of a hard rest helps with your aim.
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