North Carolina Hunter Education Instructor Inducted into International Hall of Fame
OutdoorHub 09.10.12
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission during its Aug. 30 meeting recognized Kim Tavasso, of Winterville, for his induction into the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) Hall of Fame.
A 20-year volunteer with the North Carolina Hunter Education Program, Tavasso was inducted into the IHEA Hall of Fame on May 30, during the association’s annual conference, held this year in Kansas City, Mo. The Wildlife Commission heard a special presentation by the Hunter Education Program about Tavasso’s achievement as part of its August business meeting.
The IHEA is a professional association for 67 state and provincial wildlife conservation agencies, and the 70,000 volunteers who teach hunter education in North America. The association sets performance guidelines for basic hunter education and the standards used internationally by hunter education administrators.
“This is quite the honor and to be honest, I am somewhat overwhelmed,” Tavasso said. “I was surprised to receive it and it is hard to describe in words how large an honor it is. I am just grateful to the Wildlife Resources Commission and its Hunter Education Program to allow me to reach this level.”
Travis Casper, the state hunting education coordinator, commended Tavasso for leadership and innovation.
“This is someone who is responsible for thousands of people successfully completing hunter education, acquiring hunting licenses and enjoying countless hours outdoors,” Casper said. “Mr. Kim Tavasso is truly a hall of famer.”
In addition to serving as a hunter education instructor, Tavasso supports Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament teams, National Wild Turkey Federation Jakes events and Youth Conservation Days for the Pitt County Wildlife Club. He established a hunter education committee for the regional wildlife club and became the club’s liaison to the Wildlife Commission. He also serves as a guide at Camp Lejeune Wounded Warrior Hunts.
For more information on the Hunter Education Program in North Carolina, visit the Commission’s website, www.ncwildlife.org, or call 919-707-0031. All first-time hunting license buyers must complete a Hunter Education Course successfully. The courses are offered free across the state year-round.
