Hunter education teaches everyone safety in the wilderness

The Hunters’ Education Program of Libby and Troy recently raffled off a 7 mm -. 08 caliber rifle and a handmade pattern steal knife.  

The proceeds of the raffle are used for the hunter education instructors’ fund, which is used to purchase beneficial training equipment for the young hunters. 

Lead instructor for the archery program and gun safety instructor, Rich Hjort, has been a part of the  program for 37 years. Hjort said the rifle was purchased from Libby Sports Center at cost, just as in previous year’s raffles.  

“The Fish and Game is on a budget just like everyone else and we need money to get supplies to enhance our program,” Hjort said.  

Troy game warden Phil Kilbreath spent roughly nine hours forging the steel knife that he donated to the raffle. This is Kilbreath’s second year of donating to the cause as he is a strong supporter of the program. 

“It think this program is great,” Kilbreath said. “Montana has a long cultural history of hunting and they are teaching people how to become safe hunters.”  

Raffle proceeds from previous years allowed the program to purchase a trailer to move equipment and a laser shot program. Hjort believes the laser shot program is a beneficial tool for young hunters because it gives them the opportunity to shoot a plastic rifle at a screen before they shoot a real gun.  

“Since purchasing this laser program, we have had the opportunity to lend it out to the community,” Hjort said. “We use it at the high school senior night and at the Troy Fourth of July celebration. We even let the Hunters’ Education Program in Sander’s County use it as an educational tool.”  

Since purchasing the laser program, Hjort said eight Fish and Game establishments across Montana have utilized this program in their facilities. 

“If it weren’t for the raffle, we would not have been able to afford the laser shot system,” Hjort said. “We are so grateful to have it because we would not have access to such a valuable tool otherwise.”  

This year’s raffle proceeds will be used to upgrade the computer system, as the current computers were donated many years ago and tend to overheat.  

Both Hjort and Kilbreath agree that the program is worth investing in. The program has thrived as a result of generous donations of both time and material items. 

“Everything this program has to offer is great,” Hjort said. “The instructors are great, the community is great, and we love to donate our time for the safety of our hunters.”  

The rifle was awarded to Tim Thompson and the knife was given to to James Clemons.