Wisconsin Rapids Area Hunter Safety Named Hunter Education Group of the Year

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 -- 9:00 AM

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the 2023 hunter education program Instructor of the Year and Group of the Year awards as part of National Volunteer Appreciation Week and National Volunteer Month.

Volunteer instructors are an integral part of Wisconsin's hunter education program, providing approximately 40,000 hours each year to teach and certify students of all ages, learning styles and backgrounds. Since 1967, more than 20,000 volunteer instructors have certified more than one million hunters.

Award winners are nominated by their peers, community members or DNR staff and selected based on their exemplary public service and dedication to promoting safe, responsible and ethical hunting practices across our state.

Wisconsin Rapids Area Hunter Safety was named the Hunter Education Group of the Year. This group has consistently taught classes for 20 years, certifying students in hunter and archery safety.

Led by Ron Winker and the late Kevin Miller, this group has certified more than 2,900 students over the years. The group’s instructors are Ron Winker, Kevin Miller, Jim Winker, Jeff Wetterau, Dan Fara, David Glinicki, Bary Meister, Tashi Weigel, Loni Weigel, Jack Konkel, Mike McElroy, Dan Symmank, John Schaub, Joe Lacenski and Brianna Havitz.

Becoming a volunteer instructor is a great way to help save lives, prevent injuries, meet people in your community and positively influence the attitudes and actions of other outdoor recreationists. To learn more about becoming a volunteer safety education instructor, please visit the DNR’s website.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.