Friday, April 5, 2024

Volunteer Hunter and Bowhunter Education Instructors Honored at Helena Workshop

Instructors recognized for years of service mentoring new hunters

Hunter and Bowhunter Education instructors in the Helena area were recognized recently for their dedicated service in mentoring the next generation of hunters.

Classes in Montana’s Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education programs are taught by volunteer instructors willing to share their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm. Each in-person class is free for students, who gain valuable hands-on experience that help them be safe and successful while in the field.

The 65 active volunteer instructors in Jefferson and Lewis & Clark counties have more than 700 years of combined experience teaching Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education, with an average service term of more than 11 years.

The following instructors were also recognized at the Helena workshop for achieving service milestones in Hunter Education:

5 years

  • Jeff Bartos, Helena
  • Dylan Craft, Helena
  • John Goodwin, Helena
  • Wade Schneider Jr., East Helena
  • James Sheppard, Helena

10 years

  • Joshua Louwersheimer, Jefferson
  • Daniel Mock, Clancy
  • David Smith, Clancy

15 years

  • Rick Oie, Clancy

20 years

  • Ritien Glosser, Helena
  • David Kosola, Boulder
  • David Soennichsen, Whitehall

35 years

  • Ted Goodwin, Helena

45 years

  • Clinton Cazier, Helena

The following instructors from the area were recognized for achieving service milestones in Bowhunter Education:

5 years

  • Dylan Craft, Helena
  • John Goodwin, Helena
  • Wade Schneider Jr., East Helena

10 years

  • Les Gransbery, Helena
  • Joshua Louwersheimer, Jefferson
  • Amanda Morgan, Clancy

35 years

  • Ted Goodwin, Helena

Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education instructors find volunteering to be personally rewarding. They often feel they are making a positive difference in the lives of new hunters in ways that can last for generations. Many instructors also discover common interests and camaraderie with other program volunteers.

Montana needs more volunteer instructors in its Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education programs. Anyone with experience in these areas is encouraged to apply. To learn more, click here.

To find a class near you, click here.