Instructors Needed to Help Pass On the Hunting Tradition

Folks may not know it, but volunteer instructors are the lifeblood of the hunter and bowhunter education program in Idaho. Since the inception of the program in the 1970's, Idaho Fish and Game has relied heavily on generous volunteers to help prepare thousands of Idahoans for their first hunting experience. Teaching a hunter education course is a very satisfying way to give something back to the resource. Whether you can spare one weekend a year or you are able to assist more often, Idaho Fish and Game could use your help. Idaho Fish and Game will host hunter and bowhunter education instructor workshops in March. These workshops are designed to cover how to organize the class, order supplies and how students register for the course. A variety of lesson plans and teaching aids are also available. The workshops will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the following locations: - Lewiston, Tuesday, March 18, IDFG Office, 3316 16th Street - Moscow, Wednesday, March 19, Idaho Labor Building, 1350 Troy Road - Grangeville, Monday, March 24, Dollar A Month Sr. Center, 108 N. State Street - Orofino, Tuesday, March 25, Clearwater Hatchery, 4156 Ahsahka Road Fish and Game is seeking additional instructors in all area communities, but particularly in the Moscow area. "Students in Moscow are waiting in line to take a course," says Bill Seybold, Clearwater Region hunter education coordinator. "Most students have to drive to Lewiston or further to find a class that will work with their schedule." Course times range from 8-14 hours depending on class size and location. Instructors can teach alone or as a group. Team teaching can be a very effective approach to cover the required topics while capitalizing on individual expertise. Instructors need to be at least 18 years old, complete a background check and attend a hunter education instructor certification training course. Once certified, instructors only need to provide instruction at one hunter education course each year to keep their certification active. Please contact Bill Seybold at Fish and Game's Lewiston office, 208-799-5010, if you have any questions about the workshops or other questions concerning the hunter and bowhunter education programs.