From the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources

-- Because of the growing interest in bow hunting and archery shooting, a group of outdoors organizations have pooled resources to purchase a bow simulator and software for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The simulator and software retail for approximately $1,200, according to Lt. Tim Coleman, state coordinator for the West Virginia Hunter Education Program.

The new bow simulator program will be used with the Laser Shot Firearm Simulator purchased last year by the Law Enforcement Section of DNR for training of Natural Resources Police Officers. It is also programmed to do hunting simulations for hunter education.

"This has been a popular attraction at several hunter education classes and other events, including a Boy Scout camp event in Virginia," Coleman said. "DNR thanks  Consol Energy Inc., WV Bow Hunters Association, WV Hunter Education Association and Elkview Kmart for their contributions."