WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE     Print Version
NEWS RELEASE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

SPOKANE -- Seven charter members of Washington's 40-year-old Hunter Education Program will be honored at the Washington Hunter Education Instructors Association's annual jamboree at the Spokane Rifle Club June 7-8.

Honored for 40 years of volunteer service will be Fred Burr of Seattle, Bob Fahnestock of Chehalis, Howard Gardner of Tri-Cities, Lloyd Jeter of Seattle, James Kramer of Kirkland, Bill Newby of Marblemount and Charles Thomas of Seattle. Sam Dietz of Pullman will be recognized for 35 years of service. Don George of Pullman will be honored for 30 years of service.

Washington's Hunter Education Program began in 1957 with a state law requiring anyone under 18 years of age to successfully complete a safety and conservation course before purchasing a hunting license. Volunteer instructors trained by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Hunter Education staff provide the free courses.

In the past 40 years, more than 500,000 hunters have been trained through Washington's Hunter Education Program. On average, the instructor honorees have each taught more than 1,500 students.

"These gentlemen obviously reflect the qualities of dedication, enthusiasm, and skill we seek when we recruit new instructors," said Mik Mikitik, WDFW Hunter Education Coordinator in Olympia. "Each of these instructors deserves both credit and public recognition for their respective roles in the success of Washington's hunter education program."