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MORSE MILL, Mo. — David Peters, a resident of Morse Mill, has been awarded the distinction of 2018 MDC Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year for the St. Louis Region.
The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Hunter Education Program (HED) helps make Missouri a safer place to hunt. The success of the program is in large part due to the dedication and efforts of the HED instructors like Peters. HED is taught throughout Missouri by more than 1,400 instructors. Each year, local MDC staff recognizes instructors whose efforts have exceeded their regular teaching duties during the previous year.
Peters was named 2018 HED MDC Volunteer Instructor of the Year for the St. Louis Region in February. He has served as a volunteer HED instructor since 2004. During 2018, Peters helped teach seven HED skills sessions which certified 84 students.
“Volunteer Instructor Dave Peters is one of those unique individuals that has a passion and a drive to give back to others through his time, talents and gifts,” said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Conrad Mallady, who nominated Peters. “When a class is short-handed, or an area is void of instructors, Peters is one of those instructors who is called on to fill the need. If he's available, he's there! And it doesn't matter how far away the location is.”
In addition to his regular teaching in Jefferson County, Peters has assisted with HED classes in Potosi, St. Clair, Union, Sullivan, Forest Park, Powder Valley Nature Center, Jay Henges Shooting Range, and the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.
Peters also spent an additional four hours in 2018 helping certify 12 Bowhunter Education students at the High Ridge Fire Department in Jefferson County.
Outside his time volunteering as HED instructor, Peters is a Missouri Stream Team team leader for an 11-mile stretch of the Big River in Jefferson County, and assists Peace Pantry of Jefferson County in their mission to collect cloths, furniture and other household items to help individuals and families in need.
As regional MDC Volunteer HED Instructor winner, Peters will also be considered for the award on the statewide level.
All hunters born on or after January 1, 1967, and who are 16 years of age or older, are required to take and pass a hunter education course or purchase an Apprentice Hunter Authorization before buying a permit. There is an 11-year old age minimum requirement to take the Missouri HED Class.
The HED Program can serve as a refresher for veteran hunters as well. It is also open to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and has an interest in conservation. More information about the program can be found on MDC’s website at https://goo.gl/FO06pn, or by calling (636) 441-4554.
