Idaho Falls Hunter Ed Instructor Honored

Every engine needs a spark plug that keeps firing away to keep things going. When it comes to hunter education in Idaho Falls, volunteer hunter education instructor Lynn Stoller is the spark plug. Recently, Stoller was recognized as the Upper Snake Region Hunter Education Instructor of the Year and as the Idaho State Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. "The Idaho hunter education program is staffed by nearly a thousand dedicated volunteers that make the program possible, but Lynn exemplifies the Ôcan do spirit' that makes the program one of the best in the nation," said Gregg Losinski, Upper Snake Region conservation educator. "Lynn's job doesn't allow him to lead lots of classes, but he co-taught 10 classes last year and helped at just about every range day we had," said Upper Snake Region hunter education technician Sammie Hendricks. Stoller helped create the apprentice instructor program that gets young people involved as instructors, including his own children. His sons have gone on to hold part-time positions with Fish and Game while going to school. And his daughter, Amanda, was the first apprentice to become a full-fledged instructor. In addition to two plaques, Stoller received a lifetime hunting and fishing license. "As part of being the state instructor of the year, Lynn is automatically nominated as Idaho's representative in the Winchester Hunter Education Instructor of the Year competition," statewide hunter education coordinator Ron Fritz said. In 2005, Stoller was honored with Idaho's highest hunter education award, the "Continuing the Hunting Heritage" award, presented by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. In addition, Stoller is an avid outdoorsman and an active member of the Upper Snake Trappers Association.