One of Region 3’s top Hunter Education Instructors was honored at the Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s annual awards ceremony in Phoenix.

Mojave Valley resident Jim Rich has been working with Arizona Hunter Education for over 19 years and is passionate about educating young people and adults on the principles of safe and ethical sportsmanship.

Among his many accomplishments, Rich has been involved in over 125 classes in which over 1,000 students of all ages were taught the tenets of Hunter Education. Jim has taught classes in Kingman, Mojave He Valley, Bullhead City and the Hualapai Reservation.

Rich was awarded the 2022 Commission’s Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. This is an award that was also received in 2013. Rich has also received other awards from the department for his team and leadership.

One of Rich’s most notable achievements as Chief Instructor for Region 3 was his ability to retain and retain a staff of volunteer instructors. Especially during the COVID pandemic and AZGFD implemented new requirements to remain as a volunteer instructor. This process has resulted in many hunter education instructors statewide either resigning or not being renewed as instructors.

Given his background and long track record, it’s clear that Rich is the right person for this latest award.

When Jim received his award, he gave a short speech to those who were attending the annual awards and recognition ceremony from all over Arizona.

Mr Rich said: Ashley Lynch and Andy McGaw, and her 2022 intern, Anneliese Shafer, who is excellent at them. ”

Rich also recognized two areas of Mojave County that support the mission of the Hunter Education Program. “He supports our programs and volunteer educators 1,000% of the way at the 7 Mile Hill Range and Tri-State Shooting Park.”

Rich ended his comment by saying: A time-honored tradition of legal and ethical hunting in Arizona. ”

On a personal note, I have known Rich for a long time. I think I was instrumental in getting him into the Hunter Education Program many years ago.

He has served the State of Arizona and the Arizona Game and Fish Department faithfully for almost 20 years. Because of his service as a Hunter Education Instructor, he has literally hundreds, if not more than 1,000, sportsmen of all ages.