One Nation, Under God
One Nation, Under God
Saco's Howard Pippin was presented with a plaque from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks honoring him with 50 years as a volunteer Bow Hunter Instructor.
Malta's John Demarais was presented with a plaque from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks honoring him with 25 years as a volunteer Bow Hunter Instructor.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks honored the service of its Region 6 Hunter and Bowhunter Education volunteer instructors, along other volunteers statewide, at the Statewide Hunter/Bowhunter Education workshop in Helena June 23-25.
The workshop, held at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds, marked the 60th anniversary of Hunter/Bowhunter Education Program. It was held in place of the usual smaller annual workshops in FWP's eight regions. There are more than 1,300 volunteer instructors in communities across the state.
The speaker on Friday evening was Andrew McKean. McKean is a hunter and bowhunter education instructor from Glasgow, who is currently the chief editor of Outdoor Life Magazine and a former FWP information and education manager in Glasgow. McKean's discussion was titled "Rethinking Hunter Education," and covered the past/present/future of hunters and hunter education. The talk generated some great discussion amongst the instructors.
Gov. Steve Bullock officially opened the workshop on Saturday. He spoke of the significant impact that hunting has on Montana's economy and thanked instructors for their contribution.
"Hunting is a rich tradition in Montana that creates lasting memories and unforgettable adventures," Gov. Bullock said. "Hundreds of volunteer instructors across the state pass along this treasured heritage to future generations and share their knowledge, time and passion so that we can safely enjoy this tradition on our prized public lands."
About 230 instructors attended the workshop. Along with hearing several keynote addresses, instructors chose from a range of classes at the workshop including firearm range safety, survival skills, bear awareness, first aid/CPR, elk calling, tree stand safety, public speaking, buckskin and parfleche, ethics, hands-on learning and orienteering.
A banquet was held Saturday evening, during which service awards were given. Randy Newberg, known for his role in popular outdoor television shows and as an advocate for hunters and public access, was the keynote speaker.
Receiving awards at the workshop were numerous instructors with service ranging from 5 to 60 years. All service award recipients receive a plaque, with other milestones receiving special awards, including: 10 year: engraved knife; 20 year: FWP belt buckle; 30 year: voucher for purchase of a firearm; 40 year: coat; 45 year: Filson vest; 50 year: $500 and their name on regional Hall of Fame plaque.
The culmination of the Saturday night awards ceremony was the honoring of Region 1's Pat McVay of Kalispell and Bob Larsson of St. Ignatius for their incredible 60 years of service teaching Hunter Education.
Highlighting the awards for Region 6 was Howard Pippin from Saco, who has been a hunter education instructor for 50 years.
"As evidenced by the decades of service our instructors give to our programs, there's an incredible amount of dedication and commitment out there in our communities," said FWP Region 6 Information and Education Program Manager Marc Kloker. "To instruct for 50 years, like Howard has, is both amazing and inspiring. Howard does an excellent job running his classes in Saco, and he has remarkably taught multiple generations of hunters."
"These volunteers play a key role in shaping future Montana hunters by providing training in safety, ethics, conservation, and the proper use of firearms and archery equipment," Kloker continued. "Howard, and others like him, works very hard to pass the state's rich hunting heritage on to the next generations. Please be sure to thank your local hunter and bowhunter education instructors when you see them."
Also receiving a special award, for the Region 6 instructor of the year, was instructor Tim Zabrocki from Fort Peck.
"I have seen Tim's dedication and commitment to hunter education firsthand," says Kloker. "He relates well to students, demonstrates all aspects of safe and responsible hunting, and is a very dedicated instructor with well-timed humor and knowledge."
FWP is thankful to have hundreds of qualified instructors across the state, and always welcomes new additions. For information on becoming a Hunter or Bowhunter Education instructor in Region 6, please contact Marc Kloker at 406-228-3704, or go to the website at http://fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/instructors/ to learn more and apply.
Region 6 Hunter and Bowhunter Education Award List
5 Year Hunter Ed
Rick Harman- Hill Co.
David Rummel- Phillips Co.
Terry Sanquins- Phillips Co.
10 Year Hunter Ed
Scott Vandall- Roosevelt Co.
Kelsey Heiberg- Phillips Co.
10 Year Bowhunter Ed
Scott Vandall- Roosevelt Co.
Kelsey Heiberg- Phillips Co.
25 Year Hunter Ed
Mischelle Fisher- Blaine Co.
Mark Sullivan- Valley Co.
25 Year Bowhunter Ed
John Demarais- Phillips Co.
30 Year Bowhunter Ed
Ron Cortese- Hill Co.
Greg Durward- Hill Co.
35 Year Hunter Ed
Gordon Crandell- Daniels Co.
50 Year Hunter Ed
Howard Pippin- Phillips Co.
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