(Miles City) - At a recent workshop held in Miles City, a group of individuals from around the region were recognized for their years of dedication as instructors for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' Hunter Ed and Bow Hunter Education programs.

The heart of Montana's Hunter and Bow Hunter Education programs is the corps of dedicated volunteer instructors. They stand as examples of how each hunter should demonstrate ethics, behavior and responsibility to themselves, landowners, other hunters and the resource.

Twenty instructors received awards honoring them for various lengths of service that they have spent educating hunters and archers in southeastern Montana. Recognized for five years of service as a Hunter Ed instructor were Caleb Bollman in Custer County, John Crandall and Erika Drake in Rosebud County and Todd Lackman in Treasure County.

Receiving recognition for 10 years of service as a Hunter Ed instructor were Kendell Joiner in Rosebud County, Gail Kolb and Wayne Robison in Treasure County, Brent Sorenson in Richland County and Thomas Nielsen in Garfield County. Kirk Anderson of Custer County was recognized for 10 years of service as a Bow Hunter Ed instructor.

Recognized for 15 years of service as a Hunter Ed instructor were Thomas Lorenz and Ronald Sorenson in Richland County, and Richard Madler in Fallon County. Madler was also recognized for 15 years of service as a Fallon County Bow Hunter Ed instructor. Additional recognition for 15 years of service as a Bow Hunter Ed instructor went to Jeff Noble of Powder River County and Jim Thompson of Dawson County.

Receiving recognition for 20 years of service as a Hunter Ed instructor were Thomas Horn in Garfield County, Charles Osborn in Richland County and David Smith in Custer County. Finally, James Arneson was recognized for 25 years of dedicated service as a Hunter Ed instructor in Custer County.

These instructors choose to honor Montana's hunting heritage and "Pass it On" by sharing their skills, experiences and their love of hunting and Montana's vast resources with those new to hunting and the outdoor adventure. Fish, Wildlife and Parks extends our gratitude and sincerest thank you to these individuals for their time and commitment to these programs.