Hunter Education Instructor Advisory Committee

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is accepting letters of interest to serve on the Hunter Education Instructor Advisory Committee (IAC). The IAC represents WDFW’s almost 1,000 volunteer hunter education instructors statewide and advises WDFW on issues and opportunities affecting the Hunter Education Program. 

IAC members are expected to:

• Assist the department with the tasks identified in the Instructor Advisory Committee Operating Procedures. (PDF)
• Serve as a direct communication link with instructors and others who are interested in hunter education training
• Assist with the creation and work associated with the IAC workplan
• Support the 25-year strategic plan and R3 plan implementation
• Participate in scheduled quarterly meetings in March, June, August, and December
• Bring concerns or input from instructors in their region to the meeting for discussion
• Be prepared to participate in periodic meetings for special projects or subgroups
• Participate in at least one of their region’s in-service trainings

Five volunteer positions are opening on the 15-member group. The appointed members will serve three-year terms. All appointees must retain their certification throughout their term. The new appointees will start on Aug. 1, 2025. Seats that are currently up for recruitment are:

• Region 1
• Region 3
• Region 4
• Region 5
• Region 6

WDFW tries to maintain regional representation on the IAC by appointing members from regions to regional seats. However, if there are no applicants from particular regions WDFW will fill the IAC openings with instructors from other regions to maintain the 15 member committee.

Applicants are required to submit a letter of interest answering the four questions below. The letter of interest will inform the selection committee of the applicant’s qualifications and motivations. Applicants should limit their response to 200 words or less for each question while completely answering the question. Letters of interest will be accepted through June 30. Applicants are also encouraged to read on-line at wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/heiac about the goals, roles, and responsibilities of the IAC before writing responses to the application questions. 

The letter of interest must include contact information (phone number, email address, mailing address, county of residence) and permission for WDFW to conduct a criminal background check. The background check comes at no cost to applicants. All letters of interest should be sent to Kris Thorson by email (Kristopher.thorson@dfw.wa.gov) or USPS mail (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Hunter Education Program, Attn: Kris Thorson, PO Box 43137, Olympia, WA 98504).

1. Why do you want to be a member of the IAC?
2. What qualifies you to be a member?
3. How can you help the committee achieve its goals?
4. Which of the Advisory Committee Roles in the Instructor Advisory Committee Operating Procedures that most interests you?

The IAC typically meets four times per year. The IAC mostly meets in Ellensburg but may also have hybrid or virtual meetings. Members can receive mileage reimbursement to attend in-person meetings. Lunch is provided at in-person meetings. Members can expect to donate at least 50 hours of their time annually in excess of normal instructing.