National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) Executive Director Marilyn Bentz was recently awarded with The Ann Weber Hoyt Award of Merit. The award is reserved for those deserving women who have demonstrated excellence in career achievements and service to the archery community as an administrator, bowhunter, businessperson, coach, competitor or official.
"It's an honor to receive this award; especially after knowing and bowhunting with Ann Hoyt," explained Marilyn Bentz, NBEF Executive Director. "I'm passionate about archery and bowhunting and really enjoy spreading that passion with others. Throughout my career I've worked to increase participation and partnered with great individuals and organizations to amplify those efforts."
"Marilyn's a great ambassador for archery and bowhunting. She's an excellent connector within the industry and while doing outreach," said Tom Nelson, Archery Hall of Fame Board President. "We extend congratulations to our friend and colleague Marilyn on receiving the Ann Hoyt Award."
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. Continuing to serve the bowhunting industry, Bentz was elected to the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation in 2025. Bentz also served on the Archery Hall of Fame Board of Directors. Marilyn was instrumental in the construction of the Archery Hall of Fame and Museum located in Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri. Marilyn was onsite two days a week from June 2012 until September 2012 when the AHOF was opened.
In recognition of her contributions to the archery and hunting community, Bentz has received the prestigious Fred Bear Achievement Award. In 2005, Bentz was inducted into The Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. She received IHEA's coveted Gladney Davidson award in 2016 for making significant contributions to hunter education. In 2026, Bentz was honored with the ATA's Industry Impact Award for inspiring others and growing participation in archery and bowhunting.
Bentz is a familiar face in the industry, attending many conferences and events each year. NBEF exhibits at and sponsors many of these events with Bentz often providing an update on bowhunter education or serving as a panelist. Representing NBEF, Bentz regularly attends the Archery Trade Association trade show, ATA Summit, SHOT Show, National Wild Turkey Federation conference, National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) competitions and state coordinator conferences, National Wildlife & National Resource conference, Association of Conservation Information conference, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies conference, National R3 conference, Pope & Young conference, International Hunter Education USA conference, 4-H national conference, Tree Stand Manufacturers Association conference, Archery Hall of Fame events, Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame events, state R3 conferences, Professional Outdoor Media Association conference and various state media conferences.
She began her career in the outdoor industry through a professional connection with renowned entrepreneur Chuck Saunders. Bentz 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; Hale/Code Blue–PRADCO, and Golden Eagle/Satellite Archery/Bear Archery/North American Archery.
About NBEF: The National Bowhunter Education Foundation offers instructional content and tools for bowhunter education classes in the US. Helping bowhunters learn to become safe and successful hunters and stewards of the sport is important to the NBEF. NBEF provides the bowhunter certification 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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