The European Bowhunting Federation (EBF) and its members, promote a form of hunting that has been practised for more than 40.000 years. We uphold the highest of ethical standard in hunting with bow and arrow. Our mission is to provide a platform of knowledge and information for all. Our goal is to support and guide governmental as well as non-governmental organizations toward the effective implementation of hunting with bow and arrow. To achieve this end, we strive to communicate the values of bow and arrow as a hunting tool in modern sustainable game management. EBF does not consider hunting with bow and arrow superior to any other means of harvesting game. The modern bow and arrow are complementary hunting tools that perfectly fill a void niche. EBF also supports the acquisition of practical skills and understanding by educating the individual hunter through internationally acclaimed courses, specifically created for the needs of modern hunters who choose to hunt with bow and arrow.
When choosing the bow and arrow as a hunting weapon, the hunter makes a conscious decision to leave behind some of the long range advantages modern technology and hunting equipment have to offer… As a consequence, the hunter will need to develop skills necessary to approach and hunt game at ranges much closer than the animal’s normal reaction or escape distances. Furthermore, the hunter needs to select, maintain, and become proficient with equipment appropriate to the animals hunted. Bowhunters are above all committed, responsible and ethical outdoor enthusiasts. They have chosen a more time consuming, but none the less, very efficient way of harvesting game. This is often paired by a deeper natural experience, much like an angler who chooses fly casting and the challenges it brings over a line and baited hook. “These challenges of the hunt” as well as getting more in tune with the environment, consistently top the list of reasons why people choose the bow for hunting. And majority of firearms hunters exchanges the bow and arrow for just these reasons.
Bowhunting is a silent, safe, non-disturbing, and efficient hunting method, which can also be pursued in close proximity to developed and urbanized areas. As such, urban bowhunting programs successfully show the potential of the bow and arrow in these wildlife management programs.
Bowhunting in itself is a very sustainable and environmentally friendly form of hunting. Nowadays the aspect of a sustainable hunt as well as the consideration of its environmental impact have become significantly important. The modern bowhunter contributes to a broader and prospering form of hunting that attracts not only the hunter looking to rekindle his passion but also a new breed of nature caring individual looking for a deeper and closer natural kind of experience.
The contemporate hunter who uses bow and arrow has a wide selection of modern bows and accessories to choose from. The range, from very high tech compound bows with precision sights and accessories to the modern but basic longbows gives the bowhunter the options to select a weapon type that suits his/hers interest and needs. These options are endless and suitable for all, the person living a busy lifestyle to even the more enthusiastic hunter who will enjoy crafting his own equipment.
Significant for the bowhunter of today is his commitment and enthusiasm for his natural surroundings and its inhabitants. Characteristically, modern bowhunters are very dedicated to the weapon of choice and will spend long practice hours on becoming a skilled marksman with the bow. Furthermore they’ll become masters of getting close to their quarry and will seek out the experience of a complete immersion in their natural environment.
© 2020 European Bowhunting federation