Michelle Dennehy (503) 947-6022

Salem, Ore.—Hedge Jarvis of Roseburg was named the 2007 Area Coordinator of the Year Award at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Hunter Education Conference in Hood River on May 5.

While announcing the award, ODFW Hunter Education Coordinator Heather VanMeter noted that whenever Jarvis’ name is mentioned, the response is consistently the same. “Everyone says Hedge is a top-notch individual,” she said. “He is deeply respected by ODFW administrators and biologists, outdoor professionals and manufacturers, friends, volunteer instructors and other area coordinators.”

VanMeter also recognized Hedge’s wonderful spouse of 41 years, Nancy. “If truth be told, she is responsible for much of Hedge’s successes---and email responses,” VanMeter said.

The former Roseburg Chief of Police, Jarvis has been involved in Oregon’s hunter education program for 24 years and held various positions in the Oregon Hunter Education Instructor Association, including President. He has held the important position of ODFW Hunter Education- Douglas County Area Coordinator for the last six years, where he provides direction and leadership to the 35 other hunter education instructors in the county. On top of his Douglas County Area Coordinator duties, Hedge still finds time to teach about 175 kids each year.

Hedge was nominated by other hunter education instructors in the state but ODFW staff made the final selection of him for the award.

Under Oregon law, persons under 18 years of age must pass a hunter education class before they can hunt. The classes cover important issues including hunter ethics and respect for private landowners; wildlife management and identification; firearms handling and safety; hunt preparation and techniques; survival; and introductory bowhunting. All classes are taught by volunteers dedicated to passing on the tradition of hunting to future generations.

There are currently 680 active instructors in ODFW’s Hunter Education program and they annually teach about 8,000 students. For more information, visit http://www.dfw.state.or.us/education/hunter/index.asp