MONTANA
FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS
Montana’s
hunting legacy depends on active, skilled and ethical hunters who pass on their
traditions to new generations.
This happens
in hundreds of classrooms across Montana each year through the
state’s Hunter and Bowhunter Education program. Instructors in the program
volunteer their time and talents to give new hunters baseline instruction on
safety, ethics, procedure and other components of successful hunting.
Hunter
Education, which is administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, is also a
statutory requirement for new hunters in the state. Anyone born after Jan. 1,
1985, must pass a Hunter Education course in order to purchase a hunting license.
Montana needs more volunteer instructors—especially women instructors—who are willing to perpetuate these opportunities for new hunters. Anyone with experience in hunting or bowhunting is encouraged to apply.
“Archery has
given me so much in my life,” said Brian Koelzer, who has been teaching
Bowhunter Education in Montana for 13 years. “That’s when I really decided I
wanted to help share that.”
Volunteers
in the program must meet certain requirements. They must have experience in the
use of firearms or archery equipment, possess a valid Montana driver’s license
or ID card, pass a background investigation and criminal records check, have
experience in or be comfortable with public speaking or teaching, and be
eligible under state and federal law to handle and possess firearms and
ammunition.
Once an
application is submitted and those requirements are met, applicants will
receive training on teaching, course curriculum and program policies and
procedures. Experienced instructors help mentor volunteers who are new to the
program.
Hunter
Education is personally rewarding for many volunteer instructors. They often
feel they are making a difference in the lives of new hunters by passing on
their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for hunting. Many instructors also
discover common interests and camaraderie with other program volunteers.
“If you’re a
hunter, and you know where to go and what to do and how to do it safely, and
you know what ethics are about, then we need you,” said Jim Johnson, a Hunter
Education instructor of 21 years. “We need you to instruct the next generation
of people to keep the sport alive.”
Visit fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/instructors or youtu.be/pAaUgLCTvjI to learn more or apply. You may also call (406) 444-9948.
