Idaho Fish and Game Honors Dave Pinther for Hunter/Bowhunter Education

RUPERT - For Dave Pinther of Rupert, hunting is part of the life; whether he is out in the field, working at the Rupert Trading Post selling a gun to a customer, or in the classroom teaching new students safety and the regulation of the sport. "I love hunting and fishing," said Pinther. "I live in a small community and it has given so much to me, I wanted to give something back. Idaho's hunting heritage is also important. We are losing some of it in Idaho and I just want to make sure it is being passed on to the next generation." Pinther first became a Hunter Education instructor in 1993. In 2005, he added Bowhunter Education instructor to his list of credentials. In the past 13 years he has instructed or assisted nearly 1,350 students in 55 classes in the Burley and Rupert area. "He is a great asset to the program," said Clayton Nielson, Idaho Fish and Game Hunter Education Coordinator in the Magic Valley Region. "I can always count on Dave. He is a good instructor and works very well with the students." For his hours of dedicated service, Dave was awarded a sheep's head ring and a Hunter Education print at the Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting in Boise in early March. Besides working in the Hunter and Bowhunter education programs, Dave stays actively involved with his family and community. Dave is married with seven children ranging in age from 4-24 - all of whom hunt and fish. He is an active civic member of the Mini-Cassia community where Dave coaches youth sports, has worked on the city skate park, swimming pool, weight room, and bike path. He is also active with conservation groups such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the National Wild Turkey Federation.