European Bowhunting Federation
About the European Bowhunting Federation (EBF)
The European Bowhunting Federation (EBF) is dedicated to promoting one of the oldest forms of hunting known to humankind—hunting with bow and arrow, a tradition that dates back more than 65,000 years. Today, we champion this practice as a modern, ethical, and sustainable approach to wildlife management across Europe.
At EBF, we uphold the highest ethical standards in bowhunting and work to ensure that it is practiced responsibly, safely, and effectively. Our mission is to serve as a central platform for knowledge, education, and collaboration, providing trusted information to hunters, policymakers, and the public alike.
We actively support both governmental and non-governmental organizations in the development and implementation of legislation and programs that recognize bowhunting as a legitimate and valuable wildlife management tool. While we do not consider bowhunting superior to other hunting methods, we believe it complements modern game management by fulfilling a unique niche—one that emphasizes proximity, precision, and a deeper connection to nature.
EBF is also committed to hunter education and skills development. Through internationally recognized training courses tailored to today’s bowhunters, we ensure that individuals are not only well-prepared in practical skills, but also deeply aware of their role as stewards of nature.
By fostering a culture of responsibility, respect, and continuous learning, the European Bowhunting Federation plays a key role in preserving and promoting bowhunting and shaping its future in a rapidly evolving environmental and regulatory landscape.
Bowhunting: A Sustainable and Ethical Choice.
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 contemporary 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.
Wildboar management hunts by proxy of public authorities in Spanish suburbs
Story and photos by Javier Sintes Pelaz
The king of the forest hunted with bow and arrow
or what else can really get a seasoned professional hunter’s heart pumping?
Story and photos by Zoltan Nagy
Impressive Finnish whitetail
“I had seen this buck before few times and tried calling it in, but always it had kept a too long distance between us - I didn’t quite manage to get it within under 60 meters at all as it circled around me out of reach.
When I’ve had my friend around we’ve placed each other 30-40 meters apart when calling deer in - that way one of us had had a shot sometimes. The deer circles usually downwind from the sound source and having your friend placed 40 meters downwind from you when you’re rattling, has actually shown good results.
BAG OF TRICKS WIDE OPEN TO OUTSMART A MATURE WHITETAIL IN FINLAND
It all started with 6 white-tailed deer brought into Finland from the USA and released into the wild in the early 20th century. And today, just a few generations later, there is a stable population of these even-toed ungulates in Finland established.
A story by Teemu Simenius:
Why Bowhunting? – A Norwegian Perspective
This beautiful and thoughtful video by the Norwegian Bowhunters Association offers a powerful introduction to modern bowhunting. Set in the tranquil Norwegian landscape, it highlights not only the deep connection to nature that bowhunting fosters, but also its ethical, humane, and environmentally responsible characteristics.
Bowhunting for Roebuck in the rut is far more complicated than it seems
Story and photos by Stefaan Rothier
Beyond your limits
An alpine winter backpack hunt for chamois in the Chartreuse Mountains.
Story: Pedro De Ampuero
Photos: Raul Del Valle and Pedro De Ampuero
