North Dakota Game and Fish Volunteers Honored

Annual banquet recognizes instructors, teams, and long-serving volunteers

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:37pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a hunting rifle or other outdoor recreation equipment repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the celebratory and pop art-inspired spirit of the volunteer recognition event.Volunteer instructors are celebrated for their dedication to North Dakota's hunter education program, helping to cultivate the next generation of safe and responsible outdoor enthusiasts.Fargo Today

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recently held its annual banquet to recognize volunteer instructors and long-serving volunteers for their contributions to the state's hunter education program. Several individuals and teams were honored, including Bruce Baer as Hunter Education Instructor of the Year and the Mandan-based Hunter Education Team of the Year.

Why it matters

Volunteer instructors play a crucial role in the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's hunter education program, helping to train new hunters and promote safe and responsible hunting practices across the state. Recognizing their efforts helps to encourage volunteerism and highlight the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts.

The details

The annual banquet in Bismarck recognized a variety of volunteers, including Bruce Baer as Hunter Education Instructor of the Year and the team of Johnathan Bahm, Michael Bahm, Kevin Lech, Leah Vantilborg, Mike Hinrichs, Brock Larson, and Earl Torgerson as the Hunter Education Team of the Year. Robert Ell Jr. was awarded the Volunteer of the Year honor. The event also recognized longtime volunteers, with 30-year, 25-year, 20-year, 15-year, and 10-year service awards presented.

  • The annual banquet was held in Bismarck on April 16, 2026.

The players

Bruce Baer

Recognized as the Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.

Johnathan Bahm, Michael Bahm, Kevin Lech, Leah Vantilborg, Mike Hinrichs, Brock Larson, Earl Torgerson

Recognized as the Hunter Education Team of the Year.

Robert Ell Jr.

Awarded the Volunteer of the Year honor.

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The takeaway

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's recognition of its volunteer instructors and long-serving volunteers highlights the crucial role that community members play in supporting the state's hunter education program and promoting safe, responsible outdoor recreation.