FWP Region 4 Volunteer Instructors Honored for Service in Educational Programs

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently honored the service of central Montana hunter, bowhunter, and trapper education instructors at a workshop in Great Falls. At the 2025 Region 4 workshop, 14 instructors were awarded for their service milestones, ranging from 10 to 45 years. The latest honorees are listed below. The heart of Montana's hunter, bowhunter and trapper education programs are the dedicated volunteer instructors who keep Montana's traditions strong by promoting safety, ethics and responsibility. FWP currently relies on nearly 1,000 volunteer instructors across Montana to teach these programs to both youth and adults. There are 122 instructors spread across communities in FWP’s Region 4. “The instructors who volunteer their time to teach new hunters and trappers are passionate and dedicated to Montana’s hunting tradition and especially to teaching safe firearm skills,” said Dave Hagengruber, FWP regional communication and education program manager in Great Falls. “These folks serve their communities and Montana hunters in a very meaningful way, and they deserve sincere thanks and gratitude for their volunteer spirit and efforts to ensure that new hunters are both safe and successful.” For anyone interested in the future of hunting, improving sportsmanship and safety in the field, and teaching an appreciation for the hunting resources in Montana, FWP encourages them to sign up to become an instructor. For more information, visit fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter . For more information on hunter, bowhunter, and trapper education in Montana, including upcoming courses, please visit: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education. 2025 Region 4 Instructor Service Awards 10-year bowhunter educationLaura Hajek – Great Falls 10-year hunter educationTimothy Bishop – MoccasinLaura Hajek – Great Falls 20-year bowhunter educationBabette Eustance - Vaughn 20-year hunter educationBabette Eustance – VaughnTimothy Hartwell – ValierLeo Malinak – ValierTony Toth – Great Falls 25-year bowhunter educationBruce Luhrsen – LewistownRalph Widhalm - Valier 25-year hunter educationMichael Goldhahn – Geraldine 30-year bowhunter educationDan Grove – HighwoodKale Sandman – Winnett 30-year hunter educationBen Steele - Glendive 35-year hunter educationJan Mion – Great Falls 35-year bowhunter educationJan Mion – Great Falls 45-year hunter educationButch Arthur - Winnett Region 4 Instructor of the YearBabette Eustance – Vaughn