Hunter Education instructors honored on 50th anniversary

Three of Nebraska’s volunteer Hunter Education instructors were recognized for their longtime commitment to the program during a recent meeting of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

In 2024, Game and Parks is celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Hunter Education in the state and 30 years of Bowhunter Education. During the commission meeting Oct. 25 in Broken Bow, Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Kyle Gaston presented the following awards:

• William Kucera of Ravenna earned Heritage Instructor status. Kucera has been teaching Hunter Education since 1995. Due to heath reasons, he no longer is able to teach. “His dedication to the program and the students has left a lasting impact.” Gaston said.
• Cousins David and Kent Zeller of Ravenna each earned awards for 50 Years of Service to the program. “They have built the entire community of Ravenna in support of Hunter Education and have taught students from all corners of the state,” Gaston said. “The Hunter Education program would not be the same without their years of drive and dedication to the program.”

Five instructors were recognized for their dedication to Hunter Education by teaching classes all 50 years of the program. Joining the Zellers were Joseph Bober of Omaha, Dennis Bridge of Royal and Gaylan Steele of Alma.

Since Hunter Education was mandated in 1974, more than 5,000 volunteer instructors have been trained in Nebraska. This has led to more than 340,000 students earning Hunter Education Certificates. The number of hunting incidents has decreased by 80% over that time. “Hunter Education is one of the most successful conservation education programs, thanks to volunteers like these,” Gaston said.

Learn more about Hunter Education in Nebraska at HuntSafeNebraska.org.