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WHAT
WILL B.O.W. Many times the question has been asked, "Why should I belong to
Bowhunters of Wyoming (B.O.W.)", or "What will the organization B.O.W. do for
me?" These are valid questions and ones which deserve good answers to anyone who
might be considering spending some time and money to participate in the sport of
bowhunting here in Wyoming. First and foremost B.O.W.'s purpose is to promote the enjoyment and betterment of the sport of bowhunting. We believe this can only be accomplished by the sincere effort of those who participate. To answer what B.O.W. will do, let's have a look at what B.O.W. has done. B.O.W. speaks for you with the State Legislature and the Game and Fish Department. We have sponsored Legislation to 1) do away with the four separate archery licenses, we now buy only one. 2) allow bird hunting including trophy with a bow. 3) provide pre-season archery hunting (at one point we had lost them), and 4) elevate the Black Bear to trophy game status and take the bear tag off the elk license. Additionally, B.O.W. helped convince the governor to veto a bill which would have allowed the use of muzzle loaders during archery pre-seasons. Working with the Game and Fish Department, we have promoted 1) longer
seasons (15 to 30 days in most areas, where it was originally 10 days), 2) some archery
only licenses, which allows you to hunt longer, and 3) adjust season dates so that all
species don't have to be hunted in the same time frame. During the past several years B.O.W. has donated money to the Game and Fish Department for different projects including windmill repair, spring developments, whitetail poaching decoy, goose nesting structures, pitting of elk pastures, habitat burning projects, and more. B.O.W. provided the initial funding and support to bring the International Bowhunter Education Program (I.B.E.P.) to Wyoming. We are currently working with the Game & Fish Department to make the I.B.E.P. program mandatory for anyone bowhunting in Wyoming. We are the only organization in the state that keeps big game records and
have published the first record book (two editions) for Wyoming Bowhunters. B.O.W. members
have grouped together and taken on six Adopt-A-Highway program areas across the state. Communication between bowhunters is provided through our newsletter,
which is published quarterly. Anytime other important issues come up, postcards or letters
are sent to all members to inform them of the issues and where to make their comments.
With our Affiliate Club Membership, this is another way to keep more bowhunters informed
of the issues through their local clubs and also provides another avenue for local club
liability insurance. Next time you hear these questions, why not ask, "Do you really enjoy bowhunting? Especially in Wyoming? Are you anxious to go hunting in those early archery seasons? Know who represents the bowhunter's voice in Wyoming?" Bowhunters of Wyoming is a respected organization dedicated to the promotion and education of bowhunting and bowhunters, and to wildlife conservation. Support an organization that supports YOU! There is still a lot to do! We hope we have provided you with answers to some of your questions. We realize there is always room for improvement and that comes about through your participation. If you would like more information about BOWHUNTERS OF WYOMING, you can contact our Secretary/Treasurer at the address listed below. When you become a member of B.O.W., you gain an active interest in supporting bowhunting and bowhunting laws by receiving B.O.W. voting rights, a quarterly newsletter delivered to your residence, window decal, and a coupon for one year of Bowhunter Magazine for a reduced rate. CONSIDER YOUR BOWHUNTING FUTURE......... |
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