Hunter ed instructor Dan Atkinson honored with lifetime achievement award

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks honored the service of its volunteer Hunter and Bowhunter education instructors at a workshop and awards luncheon this month in Kalispell.

Montana's Hunter and Bowhunter education programs are made possible by a group of dedicated volunteer instructors that collectively teach hundreds of classes each year around the state. In northwest Montana, over 200 volunteer instructors teach nearly 1,000 students annually, and some instructors have spent decades with the program.

Two instructors, Dan Atkinson of Bigfork and Charles Stafford of Kalispell, were recognized for 35 years of service in the Hunter Education program. Tim Bartholomew of Kalispell and Tom Thier of Trego received 30-year service awards for the Bowhunter Education program. Tressa Schutter of Kalispell and Judy Sommers of Kalispell received 30-year service awards for the Hunter Education program.

Instructors also received special awards for exemplary service. Rod Day of Kalispell received the Instructor of the Year Award. Scott Johnson of Plains received the Rookie of the Year Award. Atkinson received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The following instructors were also recognized for service milestones:

5 Years Hunter Education

Debra Cox, Columbia Falls

Timothy Ward, Columbia Falls

10 Years Bowhunter Education

Jerry Doyle, Trout Creek

Jerry Gingerich, Rexford

Mark Lampman, Columbia Falls

Rick Nease, Kalispell

Lee Ressler, Rexford

Douglas Robbins, Kalispell

Leon Wilcox, Kalispell

10 Years Hunter Education

Mike McNamara, Kalispell

15 Years Bowhunter Education

Pat Connolly, Plains

Kim Earhart, Plains

15 Years Hunter Education

Pat Connolly, Plains

Kim Earhart, Plains

Tom Fieber, Polson

Russ McCallister, Kalispell

Burgundy Montz, Kalispell

Jeremy Stover, Thompson Falls

20 Years Hunter Education

David Noble, Libby

Jim Watson, Kalispell

25 Years Bowhunter Education

David Conrad, Polson

25 Years Hunter Education

Bennie Rossetto, Kalispell

30 Years Bowhunter Education

Tim Bartholomew, Kalispell

Tim Thier, Trego

30 Years Hunter Education

Tressa Schutter, Kalispell

Judy Sommers, Kalispell

35 Years Hunter Education

Dan Atkinson, Bigfork

Charles Stafford, Kalispell

Montana needs more volunteer instructors in its Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education programs. Instructors make a positive difference in the lives of new hunters in ways that can last for generations. Anyone with experience in these areas is encouraged to apply. To learn more, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/volunteer-instructors.