Wisconsin Hunter Education Instructors Association
(WHEIA)
Welcome to WHEIA –
Welcome to the Wisconsin Hunters Education Instructors Association (WHEIA). In 2024 the Bylaws were amended for all active hunter safety instructors with the WI DNR Outdoor Recreation Program to be free regular members of WHEIA.
WHEIA was established in 1988 as a professional organization to promote and aid the dedicated volunteers who offer invaluable training to hunters, sportsman, and responsible firearm handlers in Wisconsin. Early on our goal was to provide tools to instructors that the DNR did not provide. Items like tree stands, and projectors were partially funded by grants to instructors in need.
As we progressed our annual conference provided a venue for instructors to learn, communicate, and network with each other. The WHEIA Annual Conference Raffle was created to fund supported projects. In addition, NRA grants were utilized to outfit trailers to provide an air gun shooting range at major outdoor hunting related events, throughout the state, providing many young people their first chance to safely shoot a firearm at a target. This has inspired many a youngster to choose a path hunting, shooting sports, and recreational shooting.
What does mean to be a WHEIA member?
The Wisconsin hunter education program was established in 1968 as a way for new hunters to learn the safe, responsible, and ethical way to hunt. The goal was to reduce accidents and injuries in the field. The program has been extremely successful over the past 55 years. In 2023 the total number of reported hunting accidents was just 5 with no fatalities.
WHEIA provides the WDNR with the Henry Golden Boy 22 rifles given as awards for the instructors who have taught for 50 years. WHEIA is also working on awards for 55-year and 60-year awards. WHEIA Annual Conference provides the venue for WDNR to present these awards in front of their peers.
As a member –
· There is no fee for this membership and said members shall be non-voting members. All members are invited to the Annual Meeting/Conference. You may become an Active member by paying dues which gives you the power to vote on WHEIA's future direction.
· Your chance to be involved in the future direction of hunter education, provide tools to you and other instructors, to improve and maintain the program now and for future generations.
· Have a voice in the future of Hunter Education in Wisconsin. WHEIA board meets with the WDNR Hunter Education Administrator throughout the year for updates, to review policies and procedures, and make recommendations for improvements and direction for the future of hunter safety. Provide feedback to WDNR on issues members bring to the board.
What can you do as a WHEIA member
· Promoting Hunter Education in Wisconsin by assisting with pellet ranges or informational booths at Sports Shows. We have three pellet ranges that can be used for special events to promote Hunter Education. More volunteers would allow us to provide these ranges to more exposure to Hunter Education and future students. A Board Member or Certified Voting Member must provide setup and leadership of the range.
· Volunteer with the WDNR to attend Sports Shows and Special Events to promote hunter education to visitors.
· Work closely with the WDNR Outdoor Recreation Program Outdoor skills trainers (OST) throughout the state.
o WHEIA Board Members attend Regional Safety Instructor Appreciation Events and provide OST's with various gifts to be given away.
o Assist new instructors as a sponsor or mentor.
o Assist other local instructors who may need assistance with their classes or range days.
o Assist OST's with routine maintenance of equipment and supplies for instructors.
Advantages of being a voting member
· Be a voice for the direction and future of WHEIA.
· Assist WHEIA in supporting all Hunter Safety Instructors throughout the state.
· Be involved with the direction and content of Annual Conference and Meeting.
· Drawing for firearm at Annual Conference for voting members in attendance.
· Drawing for gift at Annual Conference for all voting members.
· Become a Certified Pellet Range Leader and promote pellet range in your area.
SAVE THE DATE: Our annual conference this year will be April 26th at the Cranberry Country Lodge, 319 Wittig Road in Tomah. More information on the conference will be sent shortly.
We look forward to receiving your views and comments on Hunter Education in Wisconsin and how we can help you.
Thank you for all you do to promote Hunter Safety in Wisconsin!
John Janik Jr.
WHEIA President
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