Volunteer hunter and bowhunter education instructor honored

From Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks honored the service of its Region 6 Hunter and Bowhunter Education volunteer instructors, along other volunteers statewide, at the Statewide Hunter/Bowhunter Education workshop in Helena June 23-25.

The workshop, held at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds, marked the 60th anniversary of Hunter/Bowhunter Education Program. It was held in place of the usual smaller annual workshops in FWP's eight regions. More than 1,300 volunteer instructors operate in communities across the state.

The speaker that Friday evening was Andrew McKean.  McKean, a hunter and bowhunter education instructor from Glasgow, is the chief editor of Outdoor Life Magazine and a former FWP information and education manager in Glasgow. McKean's discussion was titled "Rethinking Hunter Education," and covered the past, present and future of hunters and hunter education. The talk generated some great discussion amongst the instructors.

Gov. Steve Bullock officially opened the workshop that Saturday. He spoke of the significant impact that hunting has on Montana's economy and thanked instructors for their contribution.

"Hunting is a rich tradition in Montana that creates lasting memories and unforgettable adventures," Bullock said. "Hundreds of volunteer instructors across the state pass along this treasured heritage to future generations and share their knowledge, time and passion so that we can safely enjoy this tradition on our prized public lands."

About 230 instructors attended the workshop. Along with hearing several keynote addresses, instructors chose from a range of classes at the workshop including firearm range safety, survival skills, bear awareness, first aid/CPR, elk calling, tree stand safety, public speaking, buckskin and parfleche, ethics, hands-on learning and orienteering.

A banquet was held Saturday evening, during which service awards were given. Randy Newberg, known for his role in popular outdoor television shows and as an advocate for hunters and public access, was the keynote speaker.

Receiving awards at the workshop were numerous instructors with service ranging from 5 to 60 years.  All service award recipients receive a plaque, with other milestones receiving special awards, including 10 year: engraved knife; 20 year: FWP belt buckle; 30 year: voucher for purchase of a firearm; 40 year:  coat; 45 year:  Filson vest; 50 year: $500 and their name on regional Hall of Fame plaque.

The culmination of the Saturday night awards ceremony was the honoring of Region 1's Pat McVay of Kalispell and Bob Larsson of St. Ignatius for their incredible 60 years of service teaching hunter education. 

Highlighting the awards for Region 6 was Howard Pippin from Saco, who has been a hunter education instructor for 50 years.

"As evidenced by the decades of service our instructors give to our programs, there's an incredible amount of dedication and commitment out there in our communities," said FWP Region 6 Information and Education Program Manager Marc Kloker. "To instruct for 50 years, like Howard has, is both amazing and inspiring. Howard does an excellent job running his classes in Saco, and he has remarkably taught multiple generations of hunters.

"These volunteers play a key role in shaping future Montana hunters by providing training in safety, ethics, conservation, and the proper use of firearms and archery equipment," Kloker continued. "Howard, and others like him, works very hard to pass the state's rich hunting heritage on to the next generations. Please be sure to thank your local hunter and bowhunter education instructors when you see them."

Also receiving a special award, for the Region 6 instructor of the year, was instructor Tim Zabrocki from Fort Peck.

"I have seen Tim's dedication and commitment to hunter education firsthand," says Kloker.  "He relates well to students, demonstrates all aspects of safe and responsible hunting, and is a very dedicated instructor with well-timed humor and knowledge."

FWP is thankful to have hundreds of qualified instructors across the state, and always welcomes new additions. For information on becoming a Hunter or Bowhunter Education instructor in Region 6, people can contact Marc Kloker at 406-228-3704, or go to the website at http://fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/instructors/ to learn more and apply.

Region 6 Hunter

and Bowhunter Education Award List

5 Year Hunter Ed

Rick Harman - Hill County

David Rummel - Phillips County

Terry Sanquins - Phillips County

10 Year Hunter Ed

Scott Vandall - Roosevelt County

Kelsey Heiberg - Phillips County

10 Year Bowhunter Ed

Scott Vandall - Roosevelt County

Kelsey Heiberg - Phillips County

25 Year Hunter Ed

Mischelle Fisher - Blaine County

Mark Sullivan - Valley County

25 Year Bowhunter Ed

John Demarais - Phillips County

30 Year Bowhunter Ed

Ron Cortese - Hill County

Greg Durward - Hill County

35 Year Hunter Ed

Gordon Crandell - Daniels County

50 Year Hunter Ed

Howard Pippin - Phillips County