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 education
Laura Hajek – Great Falls
10-year hunter education
Timothy Bishop – Moccasin
Laura Hajek – Great Falls
20-year bowhunter education
Babette Eustance – Vaughn
20-year hunter education
Babette Eustance – Vaughn
Timothy Hartwell – Valier
Leo Malinak – Valier
Tony Toth – Great Falls
25-year bowhunter education
Bruce Luhrsen – Lewistown
Ralph Widhalm – Valier
25-year hunter education
Michael Goldhahn – Geraldine
30-year bowhunter education
Dan Grove – Highwood
Kale Sandman – Winnett
30-year hunter education
Ben Steele – Glendive
35-year hunter education
Jan Mion – Great Falls
35-year bowhunter education
Jan Mion – Great Falls
45-year hunter education
Butch Arthur – Winnett
Region 4 Instructor of the Year
Babette Eustance – Vaughn
