Nearly 50 volunteer instructors for Hunter, Bowhunter, and Trapper Education from across southeast Montana gathered in Miles City on Saturday for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ annual instructor appreciation workshop.
During the event, Ed Joiner, a Hunter Education instructor from Lame Deer, was named Instructor of the Year. Joiner has been teaching Hunter Education for 21 years, first in Belgrade and later in Lame Deer. He also serves as a Rosebud County commissioner. His son, Kendell, took Hunter Education and expressed a desire to become a junior instructor, which inspired his father’s involvement.
Although Kendell was not present at the workshop, he sent a message to be read on his behalf: “He’s helped and taught hundreds of hunters join the hunting community, and especially on the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Some of my favorite memories of instructing with him on our reservation were when he invited one of the Elders in our community to come present one of the nights, and outline hunting in Cheyenne ways in the past and bring that aspect to learning that those students wouldn’t have received if they didn’t join that class,” Kendell wrote.
Additionally, lifetime achievement awards were presented to Eugene Vennes of Plevna and Gary Huber of Terry for their remarkable dedication; Vennes has taught for 54 years, while Huber has taught for 48 years. Vennes teaches alongside his son Kyle, and Huber teaches with his son Greg.
Mark Rose of Fairview was recognized for 30 years of service to both the Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education programs in Sidney. Trent Hansen of Glendive and Janice Buck of Baker each received 25-year service awards for their contributions to Hunter Education. Cooper Knoll of Glendive received a 15-year award for his work in Hunter Education, while Ken Lacquement of Fallon and Travis Lacquement of Terry have dedicated 15 years to Bowhunter Education.
Dale Tribby and Ken Koehler, both from Miles City, were honored with 10-year awards for their involvement in Hunter Education, with Koehler also serving 10 years in Bowhunter Education.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 7 has more than 100 volunteer instructors for Hunter, Bowhunter, and Trapper Education, many of whom have been sharing their skills and knowledge with students for several years.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in one or more of these programs, please visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/volunteer-instructors.
By Karen Anderson: April 5, 2026 – Miles City, Mt
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
