Volunteer hunter and bowhunter education instructors were recognized this weekend for their contributions to the program at the annual instructor workshop in Billings.
Instructors are invaluable in creating the next generation of safe, ethical and responsible hunters, and maintaining our hunting heritage in Montana. Between Jan. 1, 2021, and March 1, 2023, Region 5 had 582 in-person students in hunter and bowhunter education classes.
Service awards are given to instructors for every five years of active teaching. Special recognition awards are given to those instructors who have shown initiative in enhancing the program. This year, Brian Thorson, Jr. of Billings was awarded Instructor of the Year, and Irv Wilke of Laurel received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. Instructors are nominated by FWP staff members involved with the program, including local game wardens.
Hunter education is required for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, wanting to purchase or apply for a Montana hunting license. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Bowhunter education is required for all first time bowhunters to hunt archery-specific seasons. Both classes are offered free of charge.
For more information on hunter and bowhunter education in Montana, including upcoming courses, please visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education.
If you are interested in becoming an instructor, please visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/volunteer-instructors.
5 Year Bowhunter Education
Randy Mesce
Jason Olson
Rick Trefny
Franklin Wilkinson
10 Year Bowhunter Education
Eldo Fosness
Douglas Whitney
20 Year Bowhunter Education
William Molina
30 Year Bowhunter Education
James Knight
5 Year Hunter Education
Kurt Lang
Lane Longmire
Randy Mesce
Jason Olson
Joe Veches
Franklin Wilkinson
Matt Wipf
10 Year Hunter Education
William Molina
15 Year Hunter Education
Daryl Bergerson
Jay Forseth
Justin Paugh
Alan Ronneberg
20 Year Hunter Education
Carrie Klempel
Brian Thorson, Jr.
25 Year Hunter Education
Peter Knapp
30 Year Hunter Education
Frank Ewalt
Rick Waltner
Carl Zabrocki
35 Year Hunter Education
Terry Brumfield
40 Year Hunter Education
William Sauers
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