Membership Application Process

How can I join SWMNV?

NOTE: Application does not guarantee acceptance.  Applications received during October, November and December will not be processed until January.

**Membership is by invitation of the Governing Committee, hereinafter referred to as the GovCom. Such factors as integrity, ethics, attitude, and quality of experience weigh heavily in the selection process. SWMNV maintains stringent qualification procedures, which are intended to select hunters who are safety conscience, proficient, ethical, discreet, and respectful of landowners and their property. This is very important as many adjoining property owners may object to hunting.**

*NOTE: The GovCom may periodically freeze applications as conditions dictate (due to fluctuations in property/member numbers).

To be considered for membership, applicants must:

  • be at least 18 years old.
  • have prior experience harvesting at least five big game animals within the last ten years with bow and arrow, including compound and crossbow.  You must be able to provide proof by either photos or game check cards.
  • complete a state sponsored hunter safety course and the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP).
    • All hunters must first provide evidence of the successful completion of a state sponsored hunter safety course.  Additionally, each hunter must successfully pass the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) safety course.   If you have already completed the course you must show proof of completion (IBEP Card).  See our event list for course locations, times, and dates.

  • If you already meet the above requirements, then proceed with the online application process.  If not, then wait to complete an application until such time as do meet all of the requirements.

  • You must first complete an application on-line.
    • This application should provide a hunting history supported by references.  New member applicants are selected for membership using this process.
  • Upon completing an online application, applicant must forward supporting documents (copy of state sponsored hunter education certificate or card, copy of state sponsored I.B.E.P card front and back, copy of driver’s license and proof of 5 big game harvest by either photos or check cards) to membershipofficer@deerdamage.org
  • Pass a shooting proficiency test.
    • Potential candidates will be contacted and informed of  locations, times and dates that the shooting test are conducted. The shooting proficiency test consists of, placing two-out-of-three broadheads, the broadheads that you hunt with and not practice broadheads, in a six inch circle at twenty and again at thirty yards.  This test demonstrates shooting skills with actual hunting equipment. This test meets or exceeds the shooting proficiency tests required on area military bases such as Fort Belvoir Army Reservation and Quantico Marine Corp Base.
  • View a Member Orientation VHS tape or DVD.
    • An orientation briefing shall be given during the next step to ensure all applicants understand the bylaws, rules and regulations, and policies of SWMNV
  • Complete an interview with members of the GovCom.
    • After the personal interview is conducted, the GovCom shall examine all of the above information and decide whether to accept, decline or defer the hunter’s request for membership.

What happens if I'm accepted? Successful applicants shall be required to:

  • sign a liability waiver agreement.
  • complete a registration form and
  • pay a one-time initiation fee of $75 plus Annual dues.
  • * Annual Dues currently are $60

Re-evaluation

  • Bowhunter activity reports are periodically solicited from cooperating landowners, game wardens, and biologists. SWMNV shall continually monitor members and take any disciplinary action necessary for reports of unsafe, unethical and/or improper activities, up to and including expulsion.

What are the benefits of membership?

  • You will receive periodic newsletters and flyers informing you of upcoming meetings, events, subjects of interest, etc.
  • As more properties become available or special bowhunts are organized, you will have the opportunity to be placed on private property for out-of-season harvesting of does with special tags.
  • Possible access to private property for regular in-season hunting.
  • SWMNV intends to persuade local politicians to grant access to restricted use public property. There are no guarantees that such access will be granted.
  • Liability Insurance coverage.  (On SWMNV managed properties only)
  • An opportunity to improve the image of bowhunters with the general public.
  • An opportunity to participate in a sport you love while serving your local community.

How are bowhunters assigned to properties?

  • As members join, they are assigned properties, introduced to property owners, given reference materials (maps, aerial photos, etc.), and physically shown the boundaries of assigned properties. Most members prefer property locations close to home and/or work for ease of access. SWMNV accommodates such preferences whenever possible. However, due to management constraints, SWMNV makes no guarantees for such assignments. Client and property/member coordination needs, take precedence.
  • Most members can apply for multiple Counties and locations.
  • Rules may be customized to accommodate specific requirements on "special" properties.
  • County Coordinators, District Leaders, and Team Leaders provide local leadership for bowhunters.  Each bowhunter may be reassigned or rotated by the leaders to best achieve SWMNV management objectives.

Rules and Regulations

If you are interested in becoming a member of SWMNV, please make sure you understand the application process above and continue to the Rules and Regulations. 

 

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