Lamar County’s own Caleb Painter – Pattonville, Texas – was awarded Texas Parks and WIldlife’s 2019 Texas Assistant Instructor of the Year in Excellence in Volunteer Service over the weekend – an award received by just one person in the entire state of Texas.
“I wasn’t expecting this award,” Painter said. “It was quite a surprise, but I am honored. I do enjoy teaching hunter’s education because it allows me to see what the next generation of hunters will be.”
North Texas Hunter Education Specialist with TPWD Monica Bickerstaff, who presented Painter with the 2019 Texas Assistant Instructor of the Year award, commended Painter for his dedication and passion for teaching hunter’s education.
“Thank you for the time you’ve dedicated and continue dedicating. On behalf of the state, thank you,” Bickerstaff said. “We weren’t able to hold our annual instructor conference in 2019 because of COVID, but we recognize statewide and regional instructors who go above and beyond.”
Painter is enrolled with Texas A&M-Commerce, working toward a degree in Wildlife Biology.
“I see this class as a very small preview of what being a wildlife biologist will be like,” he said.
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