Volunteer Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education instructors from south-central Montana recognized

Dennis Hein, a Hunter Education volunteer instructor from Billings, was awarded Instructor of the Year at a recent banquet to recognize instructors. Photo credit FWP In Montana, hunting is more than a hobby, but a way of life and an integral aspect to the state’s culture. Volunteer Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education instructors ensure the future of these activities and foster safe practices in new hunters and trappers. Every year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recognizes the service of these volunteer instructors around the state at workshops and award luncheons. Instructors from south-central Montana were honored earlier this month for their service. This year, James Klempel of Joliet was recognized for 30 years as an instructor in the Hunter Education program and James Knight of Laurel and John Ronneberg of Big Timber were both recognized for 45 years as instructors in the Hunter Education program. FWP also recognized instructors for special achievement awards. Holly Hyde of Laurel was awarded Rookie of the Year; Dennis Hein of Billings was awarded Instructor of the Year; and James Sausoman of Billings was awarded Lifetime Achievement. Sausoman has been a Hunter Education instructor for over 40 years. Montana needs more volunteer instructors in its Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education programs. Instructors make a positive difference in the lives of new hunters in ways that can last for generations. Anyone with experience in these areas is encouraged to apply. To learn more, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/volunteer-instructors. To find available courses in Montana, visit fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter-education. The following instructors were recognized for their service milestones and special achievements: Instructor Lifetime Achievement Award James Sausoman, Billings Instructor of the Year Award Dennis Hein, Billings Rookie of the Year Award Holly Hyde, Laurel 5 Years Hunter Education Nathaniel Kaiser, Billings 10 Years Hunter Education Jerry Bonfig, Roundup 15 Years Hunter Education Bob Gibson, Billings 15 Years Bowhunter Education Michael Hayes, Big Timber 20 Years Hunter Education Jennifer Draper, Laurel Kendra Farrar, Roundup Terence Goss, Laurel 25 Years Hunter Education Twana Bourke, Billings Ralph Dawson, Laurel Kevin Holland, Billings Richard Kruger, Hardin Skip Meier, Absarokee Clarke Rice, Billings Irv Wilke, Laurel 25 Years Bowhunter Education Skip Meier, Absarokee Irv Wilke, Laurel 30 Years Hunter Education James Klempel, Joliet 45 Years Hunter Education James Knight, Laurel John Ronneberg, Big Timber