West Virginia Hunter Education Association

2017 Don Welch

Don Welch of Barboursville, was nominated for over 18 years of leadership with the WV Hunter Ed program. Don was named as the “Lone Wolf” for the way he filled or dominated the role of Team Leader in the classes he instructed in. Don taught for a while by himself with only help coming from his RTO or the local DNR officer. Don has always made the student the priority of his classes. Don has taught in four counties of the state, and was sought out to teach from other areas other than his own location.Don has remained active throughout his volunteer instructor’s career, being active in many sporting clubs. Don has been very active with the NWTF’s J.A.K.E.S. Day events. He was very instrumental in the planning of the many Cabell county chapter’s events. Because he is an NRA Range instructor, he has always assisted with range duty. From Cabell to Wayne county he always is the first to know of when these events are scheduled, even before the DNR officers do because of his keen interest to the programs and willingness to be of assistance. Don has also been very active with Boy Scouts of America. Because he is also a Boy Scouts Range Officer, he has worked the ranges during the Jamborees and other events.Don’s true passion has always been the shooting sports, always making sure to get every child involved with trap-shooting or .22caliber rifle range shooting. Also, Don has assisted with the WV State Sherriff’s Camp, Wayne County Hunter Education Live Fire Range Day and National Hunting and Fishing Days. At one-time Don was the Cabell/Midland Archery in the Schools coach and led them to several State Tournament Titles. Don Welch also recognized by WVHEA:• District V Volunteer Instructor of the Year (5) times• WVHEA State Volunteer Instructor of the Year • Shooting Sports Director of Boy Scouts Camp (11) years• Worked Gun Ranges at J.A.K.E.S. events (15) years• Assisted DNR gun ranges• Firearms instructor with Special Needs Youth Sportsman, 3 years