The
Metro Bowhunters Resource Base is a non- profit coalition of Minnesota's
leading archery organizations that was formed to address the problem
of expanding urban deer populations. The MBRB works very closely
with the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources and metro communities
when needed to provide qualified, competent, and responsible bowhunters
for special hunts to help control deer populations in specific
areas.
Hunters
must pass an accredited IBEP bowhunter education course, sign
a waiver of liability, sign an ethics pledge, and pass an archery
proficiency test. Qualified hunters are selected for specific
hunts based on information they provide on their application.
When there are more qualifying hunters than opportunities, a random
drawing is conducted from those hunters in the data base who have
not yet been selected. This way, as many hunters as possible are
given a chance to hunt in a given year.
The
MBRB is not a private club, membership in MBRB is open to anyone
willing to abide by the high ethics standards and restrictions
that are generally required in urban deer management programs.
The MBRB solicits members from a variety of avenues including
the following:
*
"Take-one" displays in metro and surrounding area archery
shops and Sporting Good Stores.
* Booths
and displays at major Sports Shows including the Game Fair and
the Bowhunting
Expo.
* Brochures
distributed in Bowhunter Education Classes.
* Information
distributed through MBRB member organizations to their members.
* News
Releases to the state's main outdoor/sporting publications(Outdoor
News, Outdoor Outlines) and newspapers.
Although
MBRB is sponsored by Minnesota's leading bowhunting organizations,
membership in those organizations is not required to join the
MBRB. Since 1995 the MBRB has been demonstrating that bowhunting
is an effective, cost efficient urban deer management tool.
Proficiency Test -If you are notified by the MBRB that your name
was drawn for a particular hunt, you will need to take a proficiency
test at one of the archery shops listed below. A
$5 fee for targets and use of the range may be charged by these
archery shops. You must hit an 8" target with at least 5
out of 7 arrows at 20 yards with the bow you will use to hunt.
(You may also qualify for "Sharpshooter" designation
by placing 6 of 7 arrows in a 4" circle from 20 yards.) Upon
successfully passing your proficiency test, your name will be
logged at the archery shop and they will give you a Shooting Proficiency
Certificate. (Note: You may have to wait for regular customers
to be served before someone may be able to handle your request
for a shooting test so please be patient.) You will need to present
the proficiency test certificate at the orientation meeting.
MBRB members participating in hunts must pass the proficiency
test each year.
