PRATT – Kansas is home to 1,438 hunter education instructors – all of whom share a passion for teaching others about Kansas outdoors. They offer their time and expertise for free, organizing and teaching Kansas Hunter Education classes around the state on a volunteer-basis. And while all instructors offer invaluable services, each year there are a handful who stand out above the crowd. For their dedication, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the Kansas Hunter Education Instructors Association recognizes these instructors through the “Instructor of The Year” award program.

This year, six Kansas instructors were selected by their peers for their exemplary performance and contributions to Kansas Hunter Education, including Todd Robinson (Region 1), Kent Ervin (Region 2), Dan Haneke (Region 3), Mike Corby (Region 4), Katie Rockers (Region 5), and Robert Friggeri.

Of the six instructors recognized, Friggeri, a veteran instructor of 41 years, was selected as the 2017 Instructor of the Year. An organizing instructor in southeast Kansas for 40 years, Friggeri has worked extensively to coordinate with many different groups in offering classes in the area. Since becoming an instructor, Friggeri has impacted more than 3,800 students through almost 150 classes he has been a part of.

The Kansas Hunter Education Instructor Association, with continued support from the National Wild Turkey Federation, presented Friggeri with a TriStar Arms EX LT series over-and-under 20-gauge shotgun, and each regional instructor with a Savage Mark II heavy barrel .22 LR semi-automatic rifle and scope.

For more information on the Kansas Hunter Education Program, including how to become a volunteer instructor, contact program coordinator Kent Barrett, at kent.barrett@ks.gov or visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Education,” then “Hunter Education.”

-30-

Back to 5-3-18 News