Belgium
Regular IBEP bowhunting courses are given in Belgium in Dutch and French by respectively the Flemish Bowhunting Association (FBA) and the Fédération Wallonne de Chasseurs à l'Arc (FWCA)
Bowhunting regulations are different for Flanders and Wallonia. In Flanders bowhunting is forbidden. In Wallonia bowhunting is permitted.
In Wallonia, bowhunting is primarily practiced by stalking, but it is also carried out during driven hunts, where animals move at a slow pace or remain stationary. However, the new 2020-2025 hunting regulations specify that all hunters positioned on the shooting line must be armed with firearms. As a result, bowhunters cannot occupy these positions. Instead, archers are typically placed in elevated positions, such as high seats or treestands, located 30–40 meters in front of the shooting line.
Ensure the hunting permit is valid for the specific region and hunting season. Obtain written authorization from the individual holding the hunting rights for the area to access and hunt on their land.
There are no specific regulations regarding equipment for bowhunting. However, bowhunters are prohibited from positioning themselves on the same line as rifle hunters.
In Flanders bowhunting is forbidden.
In Wallonia bowhunting is permitted but not strictly regulated.
Currently, there are no regulations governing hunting equipment. However, it is recommended to follow the guidelines of organizations such as the BBF, FBA, and FWCA. These guidelines suggest that hunting arrows should be equipped with sharp broadheads featuring a minimum cutting diameter of 1 inch.
Additionally, hunting arrows when shot from the hunting bow should meet the following minimum kinetic energy requirements:
- 33.90 Joules for roe deer
- 56.94 Joules for wild boar, deer, and mouflon
- 88.13 Joules for larger game, such as grizzly bears or moose
As of July 15th, 2025 and in line with the Benelux regulations, hunting arrows must follow the following regulations:
The following arrows for bows are permitted for bow hunting:
- For hunting small game, other game, or grounded game birds: arrows fitted with hunting points with a minimum diameter of 25 mm and at least 2 cutting edges, or mechanical hunting points with a minimum diameter of 25 mm in the open position and at least 2 cutting edges, or non-cutting hunting points with an impact effect, whether or not fitted with elements to prevent penetration.
- For hunting game birds in flight: arrows fitted with non-cutting hunting points with an impact effect (blunts), whether or not fitted with elements to prevent penetration, and with a shaft fitted with enlarged fletching, where the diameter at the widest point must be at least 6 cm.
- For hunting big game: arrows fitted with hunting points with a minimum diameter of 25 mm and at least 2 cutting edges, or mechanical hunting points with a minimum diameter of 25 mm in the open position and at least 2 cutting edges.
The following items are prohibited for bow hunting:
- Arrows fitted with field points and practice points (field points) without impact effect or without cutting edges.
- Arrows with a toxic effect.
- Arrows with an explosive effect.
