The 2006 Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Firearm Safety Instructor of the Year is Carl Boehmer of Moose Lake.
The Department of Natural Resources has presented this award since 1990 to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding effort to promote firearm safety education in the state.
"With more than 3,500 volunteer firearm safety instructors across Minnesota working through nonprofit service clubs, this is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge their contribution to the firearm safety program and to the overall safety of Minnesotans year round," said Colonel Mike Hamm, DNR Chief Conservation Officer.
Since becoming an instructor in 1973, Boehmer has played an active roll in safety education, first in the Twin Cities area, and since 2000 in Moose Lake. It's estimated that he has instructed over 2,000 students in firearms safety.
His most recent contribution to the hunter safety program and the community is his tireless efforts to create a gun range for firearms safety students and the public to use.
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Since donating a sizable piece of property for the facility, he's solicited over $23,000 to build a first-class gun range that includes rifle, pistol and full trap range. Students come from all over the area to what's considered "the" firearms safety class to attend.
"Mr. Boehmer's class is fun, highly educational, very active and is full of hands-on activities," said State Conservation Officer Scott Staples of Carlton, who nominated Boehmer for the award. "Students walk away from the class with an appreciation for the safe use of firearms; conservation and stewardship of the natural resources; respect for the wildlife and art of hunting; and most importantly, an appreciation, respect and mentor in their instructor."
Boehmer was presented with a plaque March 31 at the Northwest Sportshow in Minneapolis.
DNR also honored several other firearm safety volunteer instructors recently for length of service. Receiving awards were:
50 years - Robert F. Stenzel of Wells.
40 years - Frank D. Anselmo of Bigfork, Joseph J. Charon of Wolverton, Clarence A. Dau of Warren, Delmar D. Debbaut of Milroy, Deane E. Dietel of Hutchinson, Larry A. Godejahn of Buffalo Lake, Robert J. Harken of St. Paul, Kenneth E. Nelson of Askov, John E. Peterson of Askov, Charles R. Porter of Brooklyn Center, Vernon N. Schelin of Mora, Darold E. Steffen of Princeton, and Donald E. Votava of Warren.
