Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks recently held its annual Hunter and Bowhunter Education Instructor Workshop in Region 2 with a strong showing of instructors.

The event was held at the Lolo Steakhouse in Lolo and four Mineral County instructors were present. For bowhunter education, John Benda and Ken Quitt were recognized.

For hunter education Debra Regan, Tom McCloskey and Ken Quitt were present.

During the awards ceremony Ken Quitt was recognized for 20 years of service as an instructor to the bowhunter education program. He received a plaque and was humbled by the attention.

Deb Regan was awarded her first challenge coin for the hunter education program. The challenge coin has a unique and rich history dating back to World War I and today challenge coins are given to FWP instructors who have gone beyond the call of duty to "pass it on." The award criteria can be a single or combination of factors, such as years of service; giving to one’s hunting community or students; contributing to the enhancement of the program; demonstrating leadership; or displaying a high level of ethics in the field, classroom, and community.

But the biggest award of the event, the Hunter/Bowhunter Education Instructor of Year award is designed to recognize volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the regional hunter or bowhunter program by consistently advancing the cause for safe hunting through extraordinary service in training and education.

This esteemed award was presented to Mineral County instructor Tom McCloskey, who was clearly caught off guard.

“Well, it’s a pretty great honor. Someone had to put my name in for it and that was awfully nice,” he said.

Since McCloskey retired, he’s ramped up his efforts even more for the program.

“I’ve been working harder to get the Mineral County Shooting Sports Association more involved and they are very willing to help us and we actually had live fire for our last class.”

He explained that FWP has .22 rifles they furnish along with the ammo for the students. Here, they can determine eye dominance and there are left and right-handed rifles to practice with to build confidence.

McCloskey has been a FWP Instructor for 33 years, starting in Frenchtown.

“I’m thinking it is 18 or 19 years now,” when asked how long he’s been an instructor in Mineral County.

A reassuring observation he has made is the enthusiasm the kids have.

“They are always excited and energetic. They want to handle firearms safely and have a chance to go hunting with their family. It’s a tradition and that is instilled in them at home.”

“The Instructor of the Year award is presented to one instructor in each of the 7 regions of the state annually,” explained Vivaca Crowser, FWP Communication and Education Program Manager for Region 2. “This is the eighth year the award has been given,” she said.

The next Hunter Education class is planned for the week after the Mineral County Fair, Aug. 7 through Aug. 12. However, online registration will not open until June. That class is preceded by a mandatory orientation two weeks prior on a Monday evening with the classes conducted Monday through Friday evenings from 6 to 9, and then an all-day class on Saturday.

For further information on all hunter and bow hunter education classes, check out their website at fwp.mt.gov.