SALEM, Ore.—ODFW has recognized Brooks Kendall of Midland with the Distinguished Hunter Education Instructor award for his 26 years spent teaching Klamath County residents to hunt.

On the average, 10 Distinguished Instructors are awarded each year, as they require 15 years service and the accumulation of 2,000 points or a total of 4,000 overall points. Points are awarded based on factors including the number of classes taught, depth of instruction (number of hours), and performance of other activities that benefit the Hunter Education program.

Brooks is a retired Weyerhaeuser mill worker who enjoys hunting big game, waterfowl and upland birds. He also fishes and traps and has been a member of the Klamath Gun Club for over 40 years.

“Brooks’ dedication has touched the lives of so many new hunters in Klamath County,” said Lanny Fujishin, ODFW Klamath Wildlife Area manager and volunteer hunter education area coordinator. “Brooks has helped to develop them into ethical and responsible hunters,”

Under Oregon law, persons under 18 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. The Hunter Education Program would not be possible without the services of these volunteers who invest their time, knowledge and skills.

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

ODFW is always looking for more hunter education instructors. If you live in Klamath County and are interested, contact Lanny Fujishin at 541-883-5734 during business hours.

###