The DNR recognized Jane Gordon, of Charlotte, for more than four decades of dedicated service as a volunteer hunter safety education instructor, honoring her extraordinary commitment to training safe, ethical and responsible hunters across Michigan.
More than 1,200 volunteer instructors are the backbone of Michigan's recreational safety and education programs – including bow, trapper, marine, snowmobile, off-road vehicle and hunter safety.
These instructors provide invaluable training to Michigan hunters, teaching them about the importance of wildlife management and safe and responsible hunting.
"Jane's 40 years of service represent the very best of what our volunteer instructors bring to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources," said Chief Brandon Kieft, DNR Law Enforcement Division. "Her dedication, leadership and passion for teaching have influenced thousands of students and strengthened Michigan's hunting heritage. We are grateful for her continued commitment to safety, conservation and the future of outdoor recreation."
Gordon's passion for hunting dates to 1975, when she completed hunter safety education and began hunting with her father.
In 1986, Gordon became a Michigan DNR conservation officer and a certified hunter safety education instructor. Throughout her career, she taught numerous hunter safety education classes and regularly presented on hunting laws and wildlife identification.
As a volunteer instructor and educator with the DNR's Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, she taught hunter safety education during summer programs, certifying more than 300 women over 25 years.
Gordon has remained dedicated to hunter safety since retiring from the DNR in 2011. In 2014, she established a hunter safety education program at Rock Lake Christian Assembly in Vestaburg, which remains active today.
Currently, Gordon serves as the lead instructor for a traditional hunter safety education class in Montmorency County. At one of Gordon's classes, a teenage student enjoyed the experience so much she asked if she could return the following year to take it again.
Gordon's enthusiasm for hunting, teaching and mentoring and passion for Michigan's natural resources have influenced generations of hunters.
In 2025, Michigan's volunteer hunter education instructors trained more than 15,000 people, ensuring a safer, ethical next generation of hunters.
The DNR is accepting applications for volunteer recreational safety education instructors; learn more or apply on the DNR website.