Volunteer hunter, bowhunter education instructors honored at Kalispell workshop
KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks honored the service of its volunteer Hunter and Bowhunter education instructors at a workshop and awards luncheon this month in Kalispell.
Montana's Hunter and Bowhunter education programs are made possible by a group of dedicated volunteer instructors that collectively teach hundreds of classes each year around the state. In northwest Montana, over 200 volunteer instructors teach nearly 1,000 students annually, and some instructors have spent decades with the program.
Two instructors, Dan Atkinson of Bigfork and Charles Stafford of Kalispell, were recognized for 35 years of service in the Hunter Education program. Tim Bartholomew of Kalispell and Tim Thier of Trego received 30-year service awards for the Bowhunter Education program. Tressa Schutter of Kalispell and Judy Sommers of Kalispell received 30-year service awards for the Hunter Education program.
Instructors also received special awards for exemplary service. Rod Day of Kalispell received the Instructor of the Year Award. Scott Johnson of Plains received the Rookie of the Year Award. Atkinson received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The following instructors were also recognized for service milestones:
5 Years Hunter Education
Debra Cox, Columbia Falls
Timothy Ward, Columbia Falls
10 Years Bowhunter Education
Jerry Doyle, Trout Creek
Jerry Gingerich, Rexford
Mark Lampman, Columbia Falls
Rick Nease, Kalispell
Lee Ressler, Rexford
Douglas Robbins, Kalispell
Leon Wilcox, Kalispell
10 Years Hunter Education
Mike McNamara, Kalispell
15 Years Bowhunter Education
Pat Connolly, Plains
Kim Earhart, Plains
15 Years Hunter Education
Pat Connolly, Plains
Kim Earhart, Plains
Tom Fieber, Polson
Russ McCallister, Kalispell
Burgundy Montz, Kalispell
Jeremy Stover, Thompson Falls
20 Years Hunter Education
David Noble, Libby
Jim Watson, Kalispell
25 Years Bowhunter Education
David Conrad, Polson
25 Years Hunter Education
Bennie Rossetto, Kalispell
30 Years Bowhunter Education
Tim Bartholomew, Kalispell
Tim Thier, Trego
30 Years Hunter Education
Tressa Schutter, Kalispell
Judy Sommers, Kalispell
35 Years Hunter Education
Dan Atkinson, Bigfork
Charles Stafford, Kalispell
Montana needs more volunteer instructors in its Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education programs. Instructors make a positive difference in the lives of new hunters in ways that can last for generations. Anyone with experience in these areas is encouraged to apply. To learn more, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/volunteer-instructors.
To find a class near you, visit fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter-education.