Sixty bowhunters from around Australia will be able to refine their techniques in what is the first bowhunting workshop established by a government agency.

The weekend is not all about running through the forest shooting at cardboard cut-outs. Subjects include the science of a feral animal’s anatomy, which is designed to help refine a hunter’s shot placement, and discovering the differing biology and ecology of their prey.

Game Council chief executive officer Brian Boyle, a keen bowhunter of five years, created the workshops so bowhunters could learn from the experts, and each other.

“We have 10 presenters coming out here to improve our skills and it’s a great time for us all to hone our techniques and help teach the new hunters how to hunt effectively,” he said.

The skills required to bowhunt are significantly different to using a rifle and, according to bowhunter Randall Wadley from Scottsdale in Tasmania, much more satisfying.

“I'm a marksman in the Army Reserves and I have shot a deer from 700 metres away,” he said.

"But the skills required to sneak up on a deer, knowing the animals and using the terrain, remaining unheard and unseen and being able to make a clean kill from 30 to 40 metres away requires a massive change in mental attitude.”

The use of camouflage and how prey sees the environment will be examined as hunters sharpen their hunting techniques.

“We will be teaching what gear to wear when hunting certain species and how to get up close enough to ethically and humanely kill the feral animals,” Mr Boyle said.

“It is vital that the arrow is delivered into the kill zone of the animal because there is a perception in the community that the arrow sticks out of the animal. The reality is that the arrows are razor sharp and actually pass right through the animal severing the arteries around the heart and lungs. The animals don’t even know they've been hit."

Another perception of the bowhunter is that they are recreations of old-style hunting practices but, as Randall Wadley raises his bow, complete with an LED aiming system and carbon fibre arrows, the truth is somewhat different.

“It’s very high tech, there are no Robin Hoods,” Mr Wadley said.