Hunter Safety Teachers Honored

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks honored the service of its west-central Montana Hunter and Bowhunter Education volunteer instructors at a workshop and awards luncheon in Lolo on Saturday, Feb. 9.

These volunteers help shape the future of hunting in Montana by providing prospective hunters with training in safety, ethics, conservation, and the handling of firearms and archery equipment. In west-central Montana alone, approximately 150 volunteers instruct about 1,500 students each year. .

Instructors with 20 years or more of service include: Marlon Clapham of Stevensville (20), Earl Willard of Missoula (20), Craig Winter of Missoula (20), Duane Jessop of Hamilton (25), Michael Jessop of Pinesdale (25), and Dale Smith of Hamilton (55).

Dale Smith has volunteered as an instructor since the Montana hunter education program began in the 1950s.  He still assists with Hamilton.