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With warmer weather on the rise, the season is closing in for Icemen looking to bowhunt moose on base. In order to bowhunt moose on Eielson territory, Airmen must qualify by completing a competency course as well as a classroom orientation briefing. Because on-base moose hunting is allowed by bow and arrow only, aspiring hunters must qualify by successfully shooting three out of four arrows into an unmarked kill zone on a moose silhouette. This test, conducted at an unknown range between 30 and 40 yards, ensures the proper skill required to hunt moose on base is apparent.
“The qualification is required every year so we can be assured that we always have qualified people who can hit what they are shooting at,” said Tom Slater, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron natural resources outdoor recreation planner. “Since we opened the base for moose hunting … we have never had anybody miss a kill shot.”
Alaska state regulation requires the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) course to be completed, a once in a lifetime requirement that allows individuals to hunt in certain areas of the state, Eielson included. Although the state requirement only needs to be met once, Eielson requires an annual certification.
“On Eielson, you are hunting fairly close to the main area of base, so we want to make sure we have qualified individuals out there every year,” Slater said. “Our qualification encourages our Airmen to practice – that is why we require it every year.”
Competency courses are offered on various dates throughout the summer. Should someone fail the competency requirement, they are encouraged to come back to the next course to qualify.
“Study the anatomy of a moose and practice,” Slater said. “If you practice before you come out, the qualification is a piece of cake.”
Dates of the shooting proficiency test are May 22, June 13 and 26, July 11 and 17, and August 8 and 21. All tests will be conducted by natural resources personnel at the archery range near the Ski Lodge.
Dates of the classroom portion are July 17 and 21 and August 29. Those who have attended the classroom briefing and have not lost their bow and arrow hunting privileges for moose on base within the last two years are exempt.