Bowhunting Apprenticeship
The Salt Spring Archery Society (SAS) invites community partners, First Nations, Island Conservancies, landowners and island residents to assist with a responsible, community-centered Bowhunting Educational Program. This pilot program combines expert mentoring, practical workshops, and guided group hunts to address the urgent ecological problem of deer overabundance while building skills, stewardship and social ties. Our program prioritizes safety, respect for landowners and cultural perspectives, and provides hands-on training in traditional, recurve, compound and crossbow hunting.
Who is this for?
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Adults 18+ for the 2026 pilot program. (Participants must be able to legally obtain BC hunting licenses).
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No prior hunting experience required; commitment to training program and safety essentials is required. Crossbow only.
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Compound bow shooters need 1+ year experience and traditional bow shooters need 2+ years.
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Fee: $330 + Society membership to cover insurance, mentor wages and facility costs. Waivers and certification require attendance and passing the shooting test.
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We also welcome any interested volunteers, mentors, cultural teachers, landowner hosts, and conservation partners.
Program goals
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Reduce deer numbers respectfully and humanely across the islands on available privately held land parcels.
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Increase the number of privately held properties open to bowhunting.
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Train new and experienced bowhunters in ethical, safe, skilled hunting and guiding practices.
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Expand the network of mentors and trainers. With a concept of “train the trainers” we can enable replication of proven methods to other islands.
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Strengthen cultural connections — celebrate the deer’s role in cuisine, art and heritage, and incorporate First Nations knowledge and values.
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Produce measurable data about deer populations, herd health, number of harvests and a detailed evaluation for further development.
Training plan
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Workshops: practical sessions held at the SAS facilities and other field sites.
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Shooting practice: access to SAS range year-round during open hours. Coaching and equipment tuning available.
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Certification: shooting test in September and certificate for participants with good attendance and passing evaluations.
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Group hunts: guided hunts on Salt Spring and other island properties; Mayne fallow deer hunts.
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Community events: harvest celebrations and knowledge-sharing rendezvous.
Core Values
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Respect: for landowners, animals and cultural traditions.
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Safety: rigorous safety and legal compliance in every activity.
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Collaboration: active partnership with First Nations, Island Conservancies and other related organizations.
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Inclusion: accessible learning for all newcomers to the world of bowhunting.
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Science-informed: actions guided by ecological evidence and monitoring.
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Celebration: sharing food, stories and adventure as part of your stewardship rewards.
