Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Hunter Education Steering Committee Meets

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 16-member Hunter Education Steering Committee met for the first time on Saturday, August 26 to begin assessing the state’s youth Hunter Education Program. Members were recruited from the ranks of the Hunter Education instructors from around the state. "Our objective is to give Montana’s Hunter Education Program the equivalent of a 50,000 mile tune up," said Thomas Baumeister, who administers the program for FWP. "Hunters Education has touched the lives of 350,000 young Montanans over the years, powered by a dedicated group of 1,100 volunteer instructors. We want to make sure we do what we need to do so this program continues to be the valued and memorable experience that it is today for young hunters." The committee, appointed by the Conservation Education Division of FWP, will examine the existing program from mission statement and operating procedures to course curriculum and student/instructor materials. Discussions during this initial meeting covered topics such as the role of hunter education, obstacles and opportunities for the program and a vision for the future. The Steering Committee will meet again for a two-day work session in January 2001.