Hunter Education Instructors Honored

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission honored three hunter education instructors at its recent meeting in Twin Falls. James B. "Ben" Barham, Meridian, was named Instructor of the Year for Idaho. Barham began his instructor career with Fish and Game as a certified NRA instructor in 1976, four years before hunter education became mandatory. Since 1980, Barham has averaged teaching more than five classes a year, a total of 104 classes and more than 2,000 students. Barham is well known for teaching students to "take the high road" of personal involvement in conservation issues. He has also served for many years as an active member of the Idaho Hunter Education Association and has been honored for his contributions to other community activities including Optimists and Boy Scouts. The Commission also honored instructors Ron Galloway of Meridian and Jack Edwards, Nampa, with the Commission Award for Continuing the Hunting Heritage. The three men have provided hunter education with 42 years of combined service, taught 285 classes and 6,282 students.