BILLINGS – 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
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