National Bowhunter Education Foundation Sponsors Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremonies
Posted on: Aug 26, 2025
RAPID CITY, SD (August 26, 2025) – The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) sponsored the recent Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame event honoring dedicated men and women in hunting and fishing whose passion, leadership, and tireless contributions have helped shape the values and traditions of today’s outdoor community. NBEF Executive Director Marilyn Bentz, a 2005 Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame inductee, attended the 2025 Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies August 16th at the John A. & Genny Morris Conservation Center in Springfield, MO. NBEF also provided its coveted 3D mini-deer for door prizes.
“Recognizing the dedication of those who have given so much to the outdoors is incredibly meaningful,” said Marilyn Bentz, Executive Director of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation. “I’m honored to be part of this group who’ve had a lasting impact on the outdoor industry. I appreciate Garry Mason’s commitment to celebrating their achievements and welcome the new inductees.”
A two-term board member of the Archery Trade Association, Bentz has led the National Bowhunter Education Foundation as Executive Director since 2003. This global nonprofit is dedicated to bowhunter safety and education through standardized curriculum. Previously, she served on the NBEF Board of Directors from 1996 - 2003. Bentz also served on the Archery Hall of Fame Board of Directors. Continuing to serve the bowhunting industry, Bentz was elected to the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation in 2025.
In recognition of her contributions to the archery and hunting community, Bentz has received the prestigious Fred Bear Achievement Award. She received IHEA’s coveted Gladney Davidson award in 2016 for making significant contributions to hunter education.
Marilyn Bentz began her career in the outdoor industry through a professional connection with renowned entrepreneur Chuck Saunders. She advanced through key leadership roles in top archery and hunting companies, including National Sales Manager and Director of Marketing at Saunders Archery, followed by senior positions such as Director of Sales and Marketing and Vice President of National Sales at McKenzie Targets, Knight & Hale/Code Blue–PRADCO, and Golden Eagle/Satellite Archery/Bear Archery/North American Archery.
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 and hunter education. Helping bowhunters become safe and successful hunters and stewards of the sport are important NBEF missions. NBEF provides the bowhunter certification curriculum and class content that some states and certain circumstances require to bow hunt. 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. States may have additional requirements. Europe and other countries offer full reciprocity for the NBEF (IBEP) certification and conduct 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.
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NATIONAL BOWHUNTER EDUCATION FOUNDATION MEDIA CONTACT:
Kim Emery, Firefly Publicity, kim@fireflypublicity.com