Become a Volunteer Instructor for Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge and love for the outdoors? If so, consider becoming a volunteer instructor for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. As a volunteer instructor, you will have the opportunity to mentor and teach others in firearms safety through courses such as Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Crossbow Education, and Muzzleloader Education. By becoming a volunteer instructor, you will contribute to the development of safe and responsible hunters in Alaska, while passing on a valuable tradition to new outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a rewarding experience that allows you to make a positive impact in your community.

Table of Contents

Volunteer Instructor Information

Welcome to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Volunteer Instructor Program! As a volunteer instructor, you have the opportunity to make a difference by teaching others about firearms safety and responsible hunting practices. In this comprehensive article, we will provide you with all the information you need to join as a volunteer instructor, the types of certification courses available, the benefits of being a volunteer instructor, and the application process.

Joining as a Volunteer Instructor

Are you passionate about mentoring and educating others in firearms safety? If so, the HIT Program is looking for individuals like you to become volunteer instructors. We welcome men, women, and apprentices between the ages of 14-17 to join our program. As a volunteer instructor, you will have the chance to teach Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Crossbow Education, and Muzzleloader Education certification courses all across the state of Alaska. It is a rewarding volunteer position that allows you to contribute to the development of safe and ethical hunters, as well as pass on the valuable tradition of outdoor enthusiasts.

To become a HIT Program Volunteer Instructor, simply fill out the application materials available on our website or contact the HIT Program Administrative Office at (907) 267-2187. We encourage you to review the application details and requirements before submitting your application.

Types of Certification Courses

Once you become a volunteer instructor, you will have the opportunity to teach various certification courses. These courses include:

Hunter Education: This course is designed to educate individuals about hunting safety, ethics, and regulations. It covers topics such as firearm safety, animal identification, hunting techniques, and conservation.
Bowhunter Education: In this course, participants will learn the specific skills and safety practices for bowhunting. It covers topics such as archery equipment, shooting techniques, and ethical hunting practices.
Crossbow Education: This course is specifically for individuals who wish to hunt using a crossbow. Participants will learn about crossbow safety, maintenance, and hunting regulations.
Muzzleloader Education: This course focuses on the safe and responsible use of muzzleloader firearms for hunting. Participants will learn about muzzleloader types, loading and firing procedures, and safety practices.

As a volunteer instructor, you will have the opportunity to specialize in one or more of these certification courses based on your expertise and interests.

Benefits of Being a Volunteer Instructor

There are numerous benefits to becoming a volunteer instructor in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. First and foremost, you will have the satisfaction of contributing to the education and development of safe and responsible hunters. By sharing your knowledge and passion for hunting, you will be making a positive impact on the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

Additionally, as a volunteer instructor, you will have access to resources and support provided by the HIT Program. This includes access to the instructor page, where you can find all the necessary forms and materials for teaching. You will also receive program updates and newsletters to stay informed about the latest news and developments within the program.

Furthermore, the HIT Program recognizes exceptional volunteer instructors through the “Instructors of the Year” awards. This is an opportunity to be acknowledged for your dedication and excellence in teaching. It is a great honor to receive this recognition and serves as a testament to your commitment to promoting safe hunting practices.

Application Process

The application process to become a volunteer instructor is straightforward. Simply fill out the application materials available on our website or contact the HIT Program Administrative Office at (907) 267-2187 to request the application materials. Make sure to review the application requirements and guidelines before submitting your application.

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the HIT Program staff. If your application is approved, you will be invited to attend the New Volunteer Instructor Training.

New Volunteer Instructor Training

The New Volunteer Instructor Training is designed to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach the certification courses. The training covers topics such as instructional techniques, curriculum overview, and program policies. It is conducted over a span of two days and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on activities.

The training sessions are held in various locations across Alaska to accommodate volunteer instructors from different regions. The upcoming training dates and locations are as follows:

Anchorage: October 20 & 21, 2023
Fairbanks: October 20 & 21, 2023
Juneau: December 1 & 2, 2023

Please note that the training dates for the year 2024 will be posted in December. For any questions regarding the volunteer instructor trainings, feel free to contact Kirk Lingofelt at 267-2373 or kirk.lingofelt@alaska.gov.

Active Volunteer Instructors

Once you have completed the New Volunteer Instructor Training and become an active volunteer instructor, you will have access to the instructor page. This page contains all the necessary forms, resources, and materials needed for teaching the certification courses. It serves as a hub for information and support to ensure you have everything you need to deliver effective and engaging instruction.

As an active volunteer instructor, you will also receive program updates and newsletters to stay informed about the latest news and developments within the HIT Program. These updates will help you stay current with any changes or enhancements to the program, ensuring that you are providing the most up-to-date information to your students.

Moreover, the HIT Program recognizes outstanding volunteer instructors through the “Instructors of the Year” awards. This is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the exceptional efforts of volunteer instructors who have demonstrated excellence in teaching. The awardees are selected based on their dedication, impact on students, and commitment to promoting safe hunting practices.

Education Programs

In addition to certification courses, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game offers a range of education programs for different audiences. These programs are designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and appreciation for wildlife and outdoor activities. Some of the education programs available include:

For Educators

Our education programs provide resources and training for educators to incorporate outdoor education into their classrooms. We offer teacher/school-based resources, early childhood resources, and educational permits to support educators in promoting environmental education and outdoor learning.

Camps & Skills Clinics

We organize camps and skills clinics for individuals of all ages to learn and improve their outdoor skills. These programs cover a variety of topics such as hunting, fishing, shooting, wildlife identification, and outdoor survival skills. They provide hands-on learning experiences in a supportive and educational environment.

For Hunters

We offer specialized programs and resources for hunters, including hunter education programs, women’s programs, youth programs, and state shooting ranges. These programs aim to enhance hunting skills, promote safety and ethics, and provide opportunities for mentorship and community engagement.

Adult & Family Programs

Our adult and family programs are designed to foster a love for the outdoors and promote outdoor recreational activities among individuals and families. These programs offer opportunities to learn new skills, participate in outdoor adventures, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

State Shooting Ranges

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game operates state shooting ranges throughout the state. These ranges provide a safe and controlled environment for individuals to practice their shooting skills and learn proper shooting techniques. They also offer classes and training programs for individuals of all skill levels.

FAQs

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions and provided detailed answers to help address any uncertainties or doubts you may have.

Contact Information

If you need to get in touch with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, please refer to the following contact information:

Department of Fish and Game Address: P.O. Box 115526, 1255 W. 8th Street, Juneau, AK 99811-5526
Office Locations: For a list of office locations and their contact information, please visit our website.

We hope this comprehensive article has provided you with all the information you need regarding the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Volunteer Instructor Program. We thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer instructor and for your commitment to promoting safe and responsible hunting practices.