                                                      2019 Ret Sgt. Bobby Dale Jones

Bobby Dale Jones nominated to the West Virginia Hunter Education Hall of Fame for a lifetime of dedication to Hunter Safety and Firearms Safety both in the woods and at the ranges; while working for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement and as a volunteer since and before his retirement. He has worked as a WVDNR conservation officer since 1971. He was certified as a National Rifle Association Hunter Education Instructor in 1972. Actively taught NRA Hunter Education yearly in Doddridge County High School, county 4-H Camps and Clubs. In 1974 he was transferred to Webster County, with Officer Boyd Cutright he taught classes in all Webster County Middle Schools from 1974 – 1988. He also taught classes at Webster County 4-H Camps and other organizations requests.In 1988 he transferred to Nicholas County and taught classes with Officer John Cogar in all middle schools of Nicholas County.In August of 1989 he was promoted and assigned as one of the six original Sergeants to teach and train for the new mandatory Hunter Education classes, under the International Hunter Education guidelines. He was responsible for recruiting volunteer instructors and training them to the required ten-hour classes. He also taught the mandatory program to the District Conservation officers. Also, Sgt. Jones was assigned the responsibility of Boating Safety Training; recruiting and training them and District Officers Boating Safety as required in many states.Sgt. Jones was also assigned the added responsibility of Officer Firearms Training and Qualification. About this same time came the change from six Districts to four Regions for command; with this came the position of Regional Training Officers to implement the programs.Sgt. Jones with Sgt. Vernon Nosse were sent to Missouri to a class on investigation of Hunting Incidents and Causes. On return to West Virginia they put a certified Police recertification class together and traveled the state, teaching all WV Conservation Officers as well as other state Law Enforcement Organizations.Sgt. Jones was very active in West Virginia Junior Conservation Camps at Cedar Lakes near Ripley, WV from 1990 – 2005. He has also helped with other youth events all over West Virginia.In December of 2005 he had some serious health problems leading to his retiring in February of 2006. With his retirement he was assigned Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor number V1000. He has remained actively retired as a volunteer Hunter Education Instructor in Marion county teaching classes to the present.