MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Hunter Education Program today announced the recipients of the 2025 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Archery Instructor of the Year and Hunter Education Group of the Year honors.
Following statewide nominations to the DNR hunter education awards committee, the following individuals and group have been recognized for their expertise, skill and dedication to educating the next generation of Wisconsin hunters.
2025 Hunter Education Instructor Of The Year: Thomas “Tom” Chandler
Tom Chandler offered six hunter education classes this past year, certifying more than 100 students in 2025 alone. Chandler works hard to promote each of his courses: he posts flyers, advertises in local papers and recruits excellent guest speakers to enhance the learning experience for his students. His experience also makes him a valuable point of contact for DNR staff and instructors in the region – coordinating with other volunteers to plan classes all across northwest Wisconsin.
Chandler has taught nearly 1,300 students over his volunteer career. His nominators espoused his ability as an instructor recruiter, his devotion to hunter education and his friendly, helpful nature.
2025 Archery Instructor Of The Year: Richard “Dick” Netzinger
Dick Netzinger has been a certified instructor since 1997 and has regularly taught since then. He’s normally found leading several hunter education classes in Walworth County.
However, he still finds to help his community in a variety of ways. Netzinger volunteers to help with both Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expos (MOHEE) BB gun and archery shoots, as well as with Big Foot Archer’s efforts to mentor deaf students. His volunteering efforts also extended out to the One Step Camp, which provided archery education programs for children with cancer.
Netzinger’s patience, leadership and commitment to sportsmanship are a testament to his legacy as a youth outdoor skills educator.
2025 Hunter Education Group Of The Year: TJ Walker Middle School Safety Education
Certified volunteer instructor members are Matt Propsom, Mark Smullen, Dan Tjernagel, Derek Jennerjohn, David LaBott, Jonathan Meacham, Nick Nault, Scott Richard and Clint Henry. The group was organized in 2017 in response to a need to educate students in outdoor skills.
This group includes school staff and community volunteers certified in Hunter, Snowmobile, Boater and ATV education. They began teaching these courses as an elective course. They also organize field days with the Door County Rod & Gun Club, and their promotion of Hunter Education courses spurred the creation of their school’s trap shooting team.
This group exemplifies the ethic and vision that all DNR volunteer instructors have – the continued education of youth and promotion of outdoor skills to ensure all are safe enjoying Wisconsin’s outdoors.
Learn More About Safety Education
Information about safety education courses and how to become a certified volunteer instructor is available on the DNR’s Safety Education webpage.
