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** Archived Article - please check for current information. **

May 1, 2015DNR recognizes hunter education, youth hunt volunteers

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Education Section recently recognized volunteers who assist in teaching hunter education classes and mentor on youth hunts. The department recognized all the volunteers that have put in many hours for youth education around the state during a banquet in Columbia on April 23. Tony Barnett of Anderson County was recognized as the recipient of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) William W. Matthews, Jr. Take One Make One (TOMO) Volunteer of the Year Award. Tom Purcell of Berkley County was recognized as the 2015 State Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.

The William W. Matthews, Jr. TOMO Volunteer of the Year, Tony Barnett, has been involved with the TOMO program for the past two years. He has tirelessly donated his time, effort, and talent for the advancement of the program. He always has a positive attitude and professional demeanor. He relates well not only to the youth participants, but to their parents and others attending hunts. Tony assisted with deer clinics and numerous youth hunts in Greenwood and Marion Counties. He is also very familiar with the TOMO supply trailer and equipment which is very helpful to the TOMO coordinator when hunts are being conducted.

Tom Purcell was recognized as the State Hunter Education Volunteer and Region 4 Volunteer (Horry, Georgetown, Berkley and Charleston counties). Tom has been a volunteer for the DNR Education section since 2006. In 2014, Tom organized and taught 16 Hunter Education classes in Berkley county. He is also involved with many hunting and outdoor organizations. He is committed to the young people of our state and is willing to do whatever is necessary to support our education programs.

Other regional volunteers were also recognized for their dedication:

* REGION 1 (Cherokee, Greenville, Spartanburg, Union, Laurens, and Greenwood) – Pete Peace

* REGION 1 (Pickens, Oconee, Anderson, Abbeville, McCormick, Edgefield) – Brantley Caldwell

* REGION 2 (Chesterfield, Marlboro, Dillon, Marion, Florence, Darlington, Williamsburg) – Albert Crowley

* REGION 2 (York ,Chester, Lancaster, Fairfield, Kershaw and Lee) – Jack Truesdale

* REGION 3 (Aiken, Barnwell, Allendale, Bamberg, Saluda and Lexington) – Will Foster

* REGION 3 (Newberry, Calhoun, Orangeburg, Richland, Sumter, and Clarendon) – George
Jackson

* REGION 4 (Charleston, Dorchester, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort) – Johnnie Nash

The TOMO program, operated through DNR Law Enforcement Division, specifically targets youth and young adults who have not experienced a previous shooting or hunting activity, but welcomes any participants. Participants are paired with volunteer hunting club members and private landowners who sponsor and actively participate in a year-round hunting, fishing, and shooting sports mentorship program. For more information on TOMO, to enroll as a student, or for information on how to become an adult sponsor and mentor call toll free 1-800-277-4301.

All residents and nonresidents born after June 30, 1979, must complete a hunter education course before a hunting license can be obtained. To find a class or to volunteer call 1-800-277-4301.


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