Thank a Hunter Education instructor

[Big Fin]

I often get asked to speak at Hunter Education gatherings. This morning, the MT FWP folks asked me to give a presentation about outdoor TV, in the context of behavior and what these volunteers teach new hunters. In attendance were 60+ Hunter Education Instructors of SW Montana.



It was a great time. I think they learned some, as to how the outdoor TV industry works, how it is funded, and why/how some things they disagree with can end up on TV. I encouraged them to let sponsors and networks know what they agree/disagree with. They carry a lot of influence with sponsors and network, as their role as Hunter Ed Insturctors. The Q&A session afterwards was great.

These volunteers are a critical link to the future of hunting. I still remember my hunter education instructor - Owen Gorden, a former WWII Army Captain who owned the local hardware store. There are hundreds of hunters and conservationists in our ranks, thanks to him. And the same can be said of any of the folks who fought the cold and snow to be there this morning.

If you are a Hunter Education Instructor, Thank You for what you do. I know you do it out of passion for the future of hunting, but it is always nice to get a little recognition.

And if you know a Hunter Education Instructor, I would ask that you recognize their contributions and give them a pat on the back. They are great folks, doing a great service.

 

[Muleyfanatic]

Good on you!
Thank you for all you do Randy from helping educate hunters and non hunters with the conservation realities of today's wildlife and there habitat needs!

 

[RUT JUNKEY]

Good on you Randy for helping them out, I'm sure they enjoyed your visit. I helped teach a class just yesterday, it gives my Dad and I a good feeling knowing we are giving back and its appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[noharleyyet]

Significant networking Fin.

 

[sweetnectar]

I still remember years ago doing the field day part of Montana's Hunter's Ed Program. My little brother and I rounded up some orange and went went to the field course. We quickly learned that hunters orange is a different color then the only orange we had. (I didn't come from a hunting family) We were told that we wouldn't be able to participate in the field course and pass hunters ed. I remember we turned around with our heads hung low and started the slow walk back to mom's mini van. Then across the the parking lot an older FWP man caught us leaving and asked us what we were doing? I explained the situation and he immediately demanded that we come with him to his truck were he dug behind his seat and found a couple of old real hunters orange vests. With a promise to return the vests to his truck and to purchase real orange vests we were off to the field course soaking up ever bit of instruction we could. I suppose that old guy never knew at the time he had created a hunting addict but he did by simply lending us some orange.

Twenty three years later I got to take some of my own kids through the program and I can see how valuable it is. A few things have changed...like plenty of loaner vests and even loaner guns for people that don't have any....not to mention a free liceance upon completion, zero sign up fee (sorry you guys in the western part of the state), some donated pellet guns for a live fire portion of the class, an improved field course, and the same old free lessons that make everyone safer. Also, I did notice a lot of volunteers.
In short, a Great Program.

 

[Lv2hnt]

Hunter Ed --- key to both recruitment and safety afield!

 

[Big Fin]

I still remember years ago doing the field day part of Montana's Hunter's Ed Program. My little brother and I rounded up some orange and went went to the field course. We quickly learned that hunters orange is a different color then the only orange we had. (I didn't come from a hunting family) We were told that we wouldn't be able to participate in the field course and pass hunters ed. I remember we turned around with our heads hung low and started the slow walk back to mom's mini van. Then across the the parking lot an older FWP man caught us leaving and asked us what we were doing? I explained the situation and he immediately demanded that we come with him to his truck were he dug behind his seat and found a couple of old real hunters orange vests. With a promise to return the vests to his truck and to purchase real orange vests we were off to the field course soaking up ever bit of instruction we could. I suppose that old guy never knew at the time he had created a hunting addict but he did by simply lending us some orange.

Cool story, Nectar. Those are the kind of people who volunteer to be instructors.

 

[Straight Arrow]

At the SW Montana Hunters Education Forum there were a number of educators honored for their longstanding service. One had thirty years of volunteer hunters education service. There were several with twenty-five and twenty years volunteer service. I applaud that dedication and worthwhile service. Whenever you meet someone who intructs or otherwise supports Hunter Education, please go out of your way to thank them and do it enthusiastically. They need to realize what a positive impact they continue to contribute.

 

[MNElkNut]

Thank you for the recognition. I have been an instructor for just about 20 years now and I can honestly say I feel that I have been the fortunate one. To see the kids develop a passion is extremely rewarding. Teaching kids who want to learn is just plain fun!