April 25, 2013

Jim Bussone of Arma has been recognized as the 2012 Instructor of the Year

PRATT – Jim Bussone, hunter education instructor and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) natural resource officer, has been selected as the 2012 Instructor of the Year. Each year, fellow instructors nominate and select an instructor who has demonstrated extraordinary, above standard actions that reflect favorably on hunters, the Hunter Education Program and the KDWPT.

In his 30 years as a volunteer instructor, Bussone’s “list of accomplishments is long,” said KDWPT Law Enforcement Lieutenant Keith Rather in his nomination of Jim. Among those accomplishments, Rather included Bussone’s active participation in 30 Hunter Education/Furharvester Education classes in 2012, initiation of a Hunter Education class for the Amish Community at Fort Scott (an admirable feat given no electronic devices such as computers or projectors could be used), assistance with Chanute Hunter Education classes during an instructor shortage, and his implementation of the ever-popular Women on Target annual event, which is now in its eighth year.

Rather also credited Bussone with being a driving force in promoting, establishing and supporting the Kansas Hunter Education in Our Schools program, namely in Fort Scott, Arma, Pittsburg, and Girard.

“Jim Bussone teaches more than hunter safety, he teaches life,” said Girard High School health and physical education instructor Sunny Pierce. “He is a great educational resource for our school district and is deserving of our deepest thanks and any recognition he is given.”

In addition to the aforementioned roles, Bussone also serves as an area coordinator for the Kansas Hunter Education program, as well as a Hunter Education Advisory Committee member.

Bussone will receive a certificate of appreciation and a firearm as tokens of appreciation for his dedication.

Other award nominees recognized for their exemplary involvement, performance, and continued dedication to the program include:

-Gerry Giroux, Salina

-Albert Hermann, Garnett

-Jay Farwell, Leavenworth

-Rob Friggeri, Girard

-Robert Paramore, McPherson

-David Howe, McPherson

-Larry Weast, Hiawatha

-Hershel Martin, Kansas City

-Larry McAdow, Halstead

-Don George, Mound City

Each of the aforementioned individuals will receive a certificate of appreciation and an Order of the Buffalo award later this year.

For more information, contact KDWPT assistant Hunter Education program coordinator Monica Bickerstaff at monica.bickerstaff@ksoutdoors.com

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