In what year did the IBEP become a nonprofit organization?

The International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) became a nonprofit organization in 1979. This transition to nonprofit status is significant because it allowed the organization to formalize its commitment to promoting bowhunting safety, education, and ethics. As a nonprofit, IBEP could benefit from tax-exempt status, allowing for increased funding opportunities and partnerships, which ultimately helped to expand and enhance bowhunter education programs. This historic change enabled the IBEP to reach a wider audience, fostering greater awareness and responsibility among bowhunters, while also setting high standards for bowhunting education that continue to influence the sport today. This year marks a critical point in the mission and outreach of IBEP, underscoring its role as a leader in the field.