SD GFP NEWS FOR 4-13-09

• Salem Man, Douglas County Teams Win HuntSAFE Awards

Salem Man, Douglas Co. Team, Receive HuntSAFE Awards

PIERRE, S.D.-An individual from Salem and a team from Douglas Co. have been chosen as the individual and team HuntSAFE instructors of the year for 2008.

Ron Kolbeck of Salem was presented with the HuntSAFE Instructor of the Year award at the biannual HuntSAFE Conference held April 3^rd and 4^th in Rapid City SD. During his nine years of instructing HuntSAFE classes, Ron has graduated hundreds of new and existing hunters in the HuntSAFE program. Ron’s unique qualities as an instructor include his willingness to travel to other counties to conduct HuntSAFE classes as well as his participation in various conservation related organizations.

Andy Schmahl, Wildlife Conservation Officer in McCook Co. states, “Ron keeps the students interested by incorporating stories and examples of hunting that entertain as well as educate.” Schmahl went on to say, “Ron teaches a well rounded class that includes safety, conservation and hunter ethics.”

The Douglas Co. team of Darren Feenstra and Randy Larson have a combined 30 years of HuntSAFE teaching experience. The team has prided itself in providing HuntSAFE students a hands on shooting experience when they go through the class. Darren and Randy are involved in several conservation organizations and help with the annual STEP OUTSIDE outdoor recreation program in Douglas Co.

“This team is always enthusiastic and willing to help in anyway possible,” states Brent Nye, Wildlife Conservation Officer in Douglas Co. Nye goes on to say, “It is an honor to work with this team in the HuntSAFE program.”

Ron Kolbeck was nominated for this award by Conservation Officer’s Andy Schmahl and Evan Meyer. Randy Larson and Darren Feenstra were nominated by Conservation Officer Brent Nye.

Regional winners for the individual instructor of the year awards included Stan Lieberman of Rapid City and Dale Curtis of Ipswich. The team regional winners include Pat Weinacht, Duane Weinacht, William Weber and Joe Weber of Dell Rapids and the Milbank team of Bernie Hermans, David Cizadlo, David Dockter, Rick Hentges, and Dennis Skoog of Milbank. All of the nominated instructors were recognized at the conference. 

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