TWRA’s Hunter Education Celebrating 50 Years

TWRA is celebrating 50 years of Hunter Education this year. Agency staff and educators from across the state gathered for the 49th Hunter Education Awards Banquet. The event was held Aug. 10 at the Crossville Shooting Sports Park.

TWRA’s Darrell “Bones” Bernd was the recipient of the 2023 Hunter Education Administration Award. Bones has been very active in the program and serves as a technician for the Fisheries Division in Region II.

Inducted into the Hunter Education Hall of Fame was Fay Hickerson. Fay retired from the Agency in the spring after 41 years of service as a Region II secretary and continues to serve as an instructor. She is joined in the Hall by Philip Ware, a long-time Middle Tennessee instructor. Honored at the 49th Hunter Education Banquet (from left) were Greg and Shari Atwell, Darrell “Bones” Bernd, Fay Hickerson, and Philip Ware.

Volunteers were also recognized. Tom Palmer is the RSO (range safety officer) of the Year for his service at John Sevier Hunter Education Center in Knoxville. The Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year honor is shared by husband and wife, Greg and Shari Atwell of Columbia

Pictured on the right: Honored at the 49th Hunter Education Banquet (from left) were Greg and Shari Atwell, Darrell “Bones” Bernd, Fay Hickerson, and Philip Ware.

Pictured Above: Attendees enjoyed their weekend at the 49th Hunter Education Banquet held at the Crossville Shooting Sports Park. The Hunter Education Program is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. There were shooting activities Saturday morning, an educational session in the afternoon prior to the banquet.