Hunter Education Certificates received by students
“It’s always nice to see a group of kids get excited about making hunting a part of their future. It’s even better seeing them willing to learn the fundamentals of safe hunting,” said Mike Kleparski, one of the Hunters Education instructors that run the class held at the Abbotsford Sportsmen’s Club. “It was a great group of kids. I’m fortunate to be able to assist my fellow hunter safety education instructors in instilling the ways to keep themselves and those around them, safe and hunting for years to come. These folks make passing on a passion for safe hunting possible.”
He was speaking about the Hunters Education class that just finished for this year at the Abbotsford Sportsmen’s Club where 42 students earned their Hunters Education certificates. The average class size in the state for hunters education is around 25 students.
There are challenges every year and obstacles to overcome both for the students, their parents and the instructors. COVID has not made things easy for instructors and students since this pandemic started. Students still have their primary school work, band, choir, athletics and other responsibilities to manage while they are taking the course. Parents need to juggle schedules to get their young hunters to the classes. Instructors have jobs, businesses to run, a couple are dairy farmers, and some have young children and babies of their own. “It’s always fun watching a class fill up. We love having our young students fill the seats and be motivated to learn about hunting safely. This year we even had a number of parents and grandparents join, not to take the class but simply to listen to the content. It’s nice to have a few extra hands during class and more experience that relates to the kids,” said the lead instructor Jenny Halopka. “This year it was tough to find enough help to run the class, but luckily our instructors are dedicated and we were able to pull it together. Years ago we had an abundance of instructors and junior instructors to make a go of the class, but this year we were down to just seven instructors. We would love to offer the students more hands-on experience. After all, that’s the best teaching opportunity. A few new recruits would be a huge opportunity for the course to be even more successful. If you’re interested in helping, don’t be afraid to reach out. We’d love to have you.” Jenny added.
“I didn’t know if I was going to be able to help with class, but I’m very glad that I was able to be there.” Taylor Ensign, an avid instructor told me. “I’m always impressed by the kids and their desire to learn. At the end of the course, we always do a hands-on field test and it’s the best feeling watching the kids show off their new skills! You can’t help but be excited for them.”
“Every year it seems like the year prior couldn’t get any better, and then you have a year like we just had; a great group of students eager to learn, and more and more great local individuals coming forward to sponsor things our program,” said Jody Apfelbeck, another long time Hunters Ed instructor. “It makes it a lot of fun for not only the students, but the instructors as well.”
The course receives a lot of support from the community now. Dick and Michelle Lange covered the tuition for every student in the class and for many this is a substantial benefit.
Robbie and Melissa Smazal donated the snacks to the group. Dave Roth donated the ammo and other incidentals to run the course. And Jim Hebda donated a rifle and a gift certifi cate for the top students in the class to provide incentive to study hard.
The Schiferl Foundation donated a gun safe many years ago that allows the instructors to have the firearms necessary to instruct the students. The firearms were donated mostly by the Outdoor Sportsmen’s Banquet and some individuals in the community. And the Abbotsford Sportsmen’s Club provides the space to hold the class and store the necessary items to teach the class.
Without their support, a hands-on course for 40 plus students wouldn’t be possible. The instructors, along with the students, aprreciated all the support from the benefactors. You all truly make a difference.
Turkey season starts today, so good luck and please remember: “Safe Hunting is No Accident!”
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CHUCK K OLAR LOCAL OUTDOORSMAN
