Awards NBEF Instructor of the Year
The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) recently demonstrated its commitment to hunter education by serving as a silver sponsor of the 2025 International Hunter Education Association– USA (IHEA-USA) Conference, held in Jekyll Island, Georgia.
During the conference, NBEF Executive Director Marilyn Bentz connected with newly appointed state hunter education administrators, providing insights into NBEF’s mission, background, and a variety of bowhunter education resources available to instructors and students alike.
“Our partnership with IHEA-USA plays a vital role in advancing hunter safety and education nationwide,” said Bentz. “By working collaboratively, we can extend our outreach and help ensure hunters are well-prepared and informed. NBEF is grateful for the opportunity to thank all hunter and bowhunter ed instructors, with special recognition for one individual whose outstanding efforts over the years have really made a difference.”
As part of the event, NBEF honored Michael Norkus with its annual Instructor of the Year award, recognizing outstanding contributions to bowhunter education. Norkus’ passion and focus is archery. He was awarded the Virginia Department of Wildlife “Director’s Volunteer Service Award” for 5,000+ volunteer to Hunter Ed and Bowhunter Ed. Norkus was also instrumental in creating the “Next Level Bow Hunting Workshop” – a mentor style workshop. Norkus is a Master IBEP Instructor in Virginia, has been a Senior and Master Hunter Ed Instructor 1999 to present, a tree stand safety instructor, and volunteer for NWTF, YHEC, Boy Scouts and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Mathews supplied Norkus with a Mathews 2025 Lift X bow, signed by Matt McPherson.
“IHEA-USA is grateful for the continued support from the National Bowhunter Education Foundation,” said Alex Baer, Executive Director of IHEA-USA. “Their long-standing partnership and sponsorship help us provide critical training and resources to the educators and volunteers who are the backbone of hunter education.”
Through its ongoing collaboration with IHEA-USA, NBEF continues to promote its focus on safe, ethical hunting practices and supports the broader R3 (recruitment, retention, reactivation) movement that benefits the conservation and outdoor community.
NBEF helps bowhunters learn to be safe, successful and stewards of the sport. NBEF offers bowhunting instructional items, books, videos, 3-D models, apparel and more at nbef.org.
About NBEF
The National Bowhunter Education Foundation offers instructional content and tools for bowhunter education classes in the US. Helping bowhunters become safe and successful hunters and stewards of the sport are important NBEF missions. The NBEF provides bowhunter certification standards and class content that states and certain circumstances require in order to bowhunt. NBEF provides instructor training and certification.
NBEF oversees the International Bowhunter Education Program and works with the International Hunter Education Association and state agencies to coordinate a unified program. Europe and other countries accept the NBEF (IBEP) certification and conduct IBEP classes.
NBEF also oversees the International Crossbow Education Program and works with state agencies responsible for crossbow education to develop comprehensive online crossbow safety courses that teach students important laws and regulations, game identification, and safe, responsible handling of crossbow equipment.
NBEF is a 501(c)3 corporation that isn’t a membership-based organization. Tax-deductible donations to support this non-profit are welcome.
Learn more at nbef.org.
