WHEIA Quick Links:
The primary purpose of the Hunter Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) grant program is to provide cost-sharing grants to local clubs, organizations, communities, governments, Wisconsin tribes, colleges, universities and technical schools to ensure the education, training and development of safe and ethical hunters and mentors.
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2026 Scholarship Awardee - Jackson Ernst
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2025 DNR Instructor Awards:
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Tom Chandler
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Richard "Dick" Netzinger
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T.J. Walker Middle School
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Gallery
Associated Links
Board of Director Meeting
August 15, 2026
9:00 a.m
New Berlin Sportsman's Club
18200 W. Cleveland Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Open to any Instructor or Junior Instructor
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Waterfowl Hunters Expo
August 21st and 22nd
Oshkosh, WI
The Waterfowl Hunters Expo brings together enthusiasts to celebrate the sport, share knowledge, and connect directly with conservation leaders, brands, and fellow hunters. They are committed to strengthening community, advancing education, and supporting conservation efforts within the waterfowling world.
The WHE is a truly one-of-a-kind event—designed by waterfowlers, for waterfowlers. The Expo features a wide range of seminars, demonstrations, contests, and interactive activities. From seasoned hunters to first-time attendees, from youth to adults, men and women alike, every visitor will find something to enjoy, learn from, and experience together.
This is a chance for you to meet and network with other hunter ed instructors/WHEIA members.
Please contact John Janik at
414-881-2007 or john@jcjanik.com for more information or to volunteer. Your help is appreciated.
Donation made to Oconto River Kids
Steve Lazarczyk and John Janik from WHEIA recently presented Octonto River Kids with a donation.
Oconto River Kids began in 2012 with a landowner who envisioned a local volunteer group providing hunting and fishing opportunities for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. He contacted the local DNR Conservation Officer, who shared a passion for mentoring young hunters. They immediately recognized the possibilities and identified other key individuals who shared their vision and passion. That group of individuals dedicated themselves to the idea and moved forward to create Oconto River Kids.
The group continues to grow, but maintains its simple grass roots approach to providing unique hunting and fishing experiences for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. In 2022 Oconto River Kids reached a milestone when it completed its tenth year of operation. Oconto River Kids is a non-for-profit corporation in the State of Wisconsin and operates as a Wisconsin charitable organization.
Click below to check them out.
Mission Statement
The Wisconsin Hunter Education Instructor Association (WHEIA) works cooperatively with the Department of Natural Resources and with volunteer instructors throughout the State of Wisconsin in the promotion and implementation of Wisconsin’s Hunter Education Safety and Mentorship Programs.
WHEIA endorses and supports the use of standardized lesson plans by all instructors in order to improve the delivery and quality of the program. WHEIA’s primary focus is on safety and furthermore understands the importance of “hands-on” training in the area of archery and firearms safety as well as tree stand safety and associated outdoor safety for hunters of all ages prior to going afield.
WHEIA supports instructors statewide by providing training sessions along with materials and equipment needed in the delivery of safety training.
WHEIA supports through scholarships the continued education of young adults in their pursuit of outdoor resources careers, such as wildlife habitat conservation and restoration and warden/law enforcement careers. WHEIA also works on fostering mutual cooperation with federal and state governments in recognizing the need to have properly educated hunters
and target shooters.
