Many of you would like to have been
there but couldn't. I know because you responded to my plea for
help over the electronic mail to let me know you were unable.
This day, and more precisely the
response of instructors that turned out, is exactly how I
perceive the Instructor recruitment, team teaching, and Hunter
Education course instruction concepts working in every county.
These concepts have been pursued for years and hopefully are
coming to fruition. It would be great to have a constant team
like the Tallapoosa Co. group in each county but where that is
not the case we found the next best thing.
We had 101 students from Mobile to
beyond the Tennessee line. We had 24 instructors from almost as
far away. Anniston, Tuscaloosa, Athens, Huntsville, Cullman,
Winfield, Arab, Blountsville and other cities were represented.
Almost every instructor was an AHEA member. We signed up one new
instructor candidate and renewed old friendships with others we
haven't seen in a very long time. This group of instructors, who
attended, could not have been more diverse. However, with the
uniform shirt on they were as one and I was proud.
Each time a new problem arose I had only
to turn and ask and another instructor would step up to help.
There were problems aplenty since the Guard Unit was having
drill on site during the same time we were having class. This
was the first time in seven years we collided but the course
came off as smooth as glass from my point of view. For the first
time we had relief instructors to step in for breaks.
Steve Pepper represented Enforcement and
had a great opportunity to visit with many of our constituents
who will be in the field. Steve works hard at promoting Hunter
Education by conducting classes throughout the district but this
day he was working the field in Cullman County and took the time
to run by and add to the class. That evening he made over the
limit and shooting after hour cases on waterfowl, proving the
system can work.
I was humbled and amazed and at the same
time my forethought validated at what so many people can do as a
team when their heart is in the right place.
Or, maybe you guys just showed up for my
wife's venison/vegetable soup.
Thanks,
Stuart
