Author: admin

Reposted from MI DNR

June 27, 2024
Contact: Cpl. Ken Lowell, 989-292-9355

Stuart Kenewell of Gregory (Livingston County) is the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 2023 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, an honor bestowed at the June meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing.

Kenewell, who was nominated by other volunteer hunter education instructors, is credited for certifying thousands of students during 38 years of volunteering, creating community programs to support hunter education and hunting, and recruiting new volunteer instructors, while positively representing hunting and outdoor recreation.

Hunter education helps the next generation of hunters learn how to enjoy safe, responsible hunting and understand the importance of wildlife management. The DNR-managed program teaches lifelong skills, such as firearm safety, basic first aid and how to use a map and compass, to an average of 15,000 students per year.

“Volunteer instructors are the foundation of our recreational safety programs,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, DNR recreational safety, education and enforcement supervisor. “Stu is a positive mentor of those programs and is crucial in recruiting and teaching new youth and adults how to safely and respectfully enjoy the outdoors.”

Since becoming a volunteer hunter education instructor in 1986, Kenewell has served as the lead hunter education instructor at the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club for 36 years. He plans the curriculum and coordinates the logistics for spring and fall hunter education classes to incorporate modern teaching techniques and works diligently to recruit and train new and existing volunteer instructors.

“Stu is one of the most respected members of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club and also his community,” said Timothy Eiseman, who was one of several Gregory community members to nominate Kenewell. “He is a positive light in all situations and talks about the ethics of hunting along with the enjoyment, respect, care and appreciation of the outdoors, and has always represented those characteristics one would look for in a true sportsman and outdoorsman.”

His list of many community accomplishments includes his role in developing a public archery program and target course, which has operated for more than 30 years. Kenewell is credited with establishing a relationship with Chelsea and Stockbridge public schools to promote hunter education within their community education programs.

In 2018, Kenewell was recognized by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs for his outstanding service in conservation. He is also a member of Gregory Community Church, American Legion (Post 31), Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association, and still finds time to volunteer for many other community events.

Kenewell is one of about a thousand volunteer hunter education instructors in Michigan.

“Hunter education is a rewarding program for volunteers and students,” Wanless said. “Anyone who enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking or simply being outside will benefit from taking hunter education – the program creates not just ethical hunters, but also stewards of our natural resources, and we owe that success to dedicated volunteers like Stuart.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer recreational safety education instructor who meets the requirements is encouraged to apply. All volunteer instructors are provided with free, continued training and resources.

To register or learn more about recreational safety education programs, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.

July 10th 2021

9:00 am to 12:00 pm. (Set-up 8:00am)

Cost: $4 / 25 shot round. (Special events/games accordingly)
Eye and ear protection mandatory (not provided)

What: multiple stations with varied targets (singles, report pairs, doubles) Fun event shoots. (Standard trap field open also)

We are planning on setting up our “redneck 5 stand” and possibility of some friendly games as well? Regular field will be available for “normal” trap targets as well.
We are planning on keeping things orderly with the interest of keeping everyone’s safety and appropriate distancing in mind

Fellow Chelsea Rod and Gun Members,

The Reopening Committee has recommended to the CR&GC Board that we reopen Archery 3-D, Pistol Shoots and Trap. The Board reviewed and agreed with the recommendation. 

Reopening Committee recommendation:

“CRGC has been proactively reviewing its schedule of events in anticipation of the of relaxation of Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Orders. This has been through a committee reviewing what activities we believe can and cannot be safely resumed by its members and guests. These and future recommendations have and will be presented to the board for approval.

At this time, CRGC will be reopening trap shoots, popup target shoots and archery shoots effective immediately. All other events and meetings continue to be on hold. 

Participation is voluntary. By participating, people do so at their own risk as following the guidelines is not a guarantee that they will not contract the Coronavirus.  While we will have hand sanitizer available, it will be your responsibility to provide your own face mask or other items you feel comfortable having. If you feel this is a risk to you or your family, are not feeling well or have any concerns, we ask that you refrain from participation and remain safe at home. We do invite you to visit us in the future.

Our first event of the month will be the 3D archery shoot on Sunday, June 7. Tuesday trap shoots will resume on June 9 with Saturday trap shoot to resume on June 13. Popup target shoot will be starting again on June 27. 

Please continue to check Facebook and our website for updates.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued support.”

Detailed guidelines are being developed and will be posted at the events.

I want to thank the Reopening Committee and the CR&GC Board for your time and effort meeting and preparing this recommendation.

I hope to see you at our upcoming events.

Best Regards,

Bronson Clayton