Volunteers are the backbone of DNR firearms safety training - One in a series of stories celebrating 50 years of firearms safety (2005-03-22)

A volunteer is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as "one who performs or gives services of his/her own free will; to give of one's own initiative." Perhaps it should be added that a volunteer is one who never wants to be rewarded for those serviced. They often feel that the service is reward enough.

It can, without a doubt, be said that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a better place because of volunteers.

The backbone of the education section in DNR Enforcement is the volunteer instructor. Without the many dedicated volunteers for each of the education programs managed by the division there would be no education programs.

It is volunteer instructors like Harold Kick, Pine City, Duane Sundberg, Isanti, Glen Gitchel, Walker, Roger Eisen, Milaca and nearly 3,500 other volunteers who make those programs the success stories they are.

Since 1963, Kick has taught nearly 3,000 students the importance of firearms safety as a DNR hunter education instructor. His classes were so effective that they were video taped and used by state agencies as an example of how to organize and conduct a successful firearms safety program.

Kick was awarded the DNR's Minnesota Firearms Safety Education Volunteer Instructor of the Year award in 1999. The award culminated Kick's 50-years of service and firearms safety education to the people of Minnesota.

Sundberg has taught thousands of people how to be safe, responsible hunters in the 35 years that he's been a volunteer instructor with the DNR. His dedication and energy earned him the title of 2001 Minnesota Firearms Safety Education Volunteer Instructor of the Year.

"I like to see young people learning," Sundberg said. "I feel that I have something to offer and can contribute something to their lives that they'll remember later on."

As a school bus driver, Eisen encouraged his young passengers to take firearms safety training.

The DNR recognized Eisen for his efforts in teaching nearly 5,000 students about hunting safety and outdoor ethics by naming him the 2003 Volunteer Firearms Safety Training Instructor of the Year. Eisen has taught hunter education in Minnesota for the past 45 years.

For Eisen, firearms safety training became a family affair with his wife and two children instrumental in helping him advertise, organize, prepare and teach classes, and set up and hold the shooting range portion of the class. He certified his two children and later his two grandchildren. His son David also became an instructor.

Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR education program coordinator, said making an important contribution to safe hunting is the cadre of volunteer instructors. "These people dedicate their personal time to teach the skills of safe and responsible hunting to help make the sport safer."

As a result of hunter education courses, hunting today is safer than many outdoor activities. Based on the number of people seeking emergency-room treatment for sports injuries, The National Safety Council reports that hunting has fewer injuries per 100,000 people participating than football, baseball, cycling, volleyball, swimming, golf, tennis, fishing, bowling, badminton, billiards and ping-pong.

Most DNR hunter education classes are conducted January through April of each year and fill up fast. "So don't wait to enroll," Hammer advised.

For information, call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or 1-888-646-6367, or check the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us. for a list of classes.

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