MIKE GOOCH - HUNTER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

Michael Gooch of Elkmont was recently awarded the Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year Award at the 2012 Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards banquet.   Since obtaining certification in 1999, Michael Gooch has become an excellent hunter safety instructor by combining his avid interest in firearms, his love of the outdoors, and his desire to teach the youth of Alabama, according to the AWF.  In 2011 alone, Mike led or assisted with instruction in 13 classes over a four county area reaching over 400 youth and adults with the hunter safety message.  In addition to teaching these courses, Mike also regularly assists with activities like the National Archery in the Schools program and conservation expos.

From 2000–2005, he served as the 4-H Shooting Sports instructor for Limestone County as well as the vice president and youth coach for the North Alabama Shooting Sports Association.  From 2006–2009 he served as treasurer for the Alabama Hunter Education Association and has also served as special counsel to the board.

As one of his peers stated, “I believe it is Mike’s love for hunter education which puts his instructor skills above most. Mike is an instructor who genuinely cares about his community, the safety of the citizens of Alabama, and the future of hunting.  It is his passion to pass along his knowledge of gun safety and hunting to future generations of Alabamians.”

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Michael Gooch, third from left, of Elkmont is presented the Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year from Gov. Robert Bentley; Ben C. Stimpson Jr., AWF president; Horace Horn with PowerSouth Energy; and Matt Bowden with Alabama Power Company.