Neault named DNR’s Firearms Safety Instructor of the Year

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Neault named DNR’s Firearms Safety Instructor of the Year
(Released October 3, 2011)

The success of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2010 Firearms Safety instructor of the year is reflected in hundreds of pictures of safe, successful and grateful hunters that Mike Neault of Barnum and his wife have taught the past six years.

“We were at a Minnesota Deer Hunters Association banquet when we heard the DNR needed firearms safety instructors, so we decided to step up the plate since we felt the program plays such an important role in Minnesota’s hunting heritage,” Neault said.

Mixing firearms safety instruction with a strong dose of hunter ethics, Neault and his wife, Linda, were soon receiving pictures from former students.

“We now have four albums containing hundreds of pictures of our students’ first bear, first deer, first grouse or first bull’s-eye, making our efforts so worthwhile,” Neault said.

The field day portion of firearms safety instruction is Neault’s favorite.

“For many, it’s the first time they’ve ever shot a firearm,” Neault said. “Minutes later you begin to see the smiles on their faces when they fully realize that shooting is fun.”

It’s not all fun, however. There is also a serious side where firearms safety and hunter ethics is reaffirmed.

“We actually came up with a pledge where they raise their right handsand promise their instructors, their parents, and most of all themselves that when in the presence of a firearm they’ll act in an adult-like manner,” Neault said. “That’s a lesson in accountability they can apply outside of hunting.”

He enthusiastically noted the growing number of young female hunters attending firearms safety training, and said they conduct women’s-only classes for adult females each year in Barnum.

DNR Enforcement Program Coordinator Capt. Mike Hammer praised Neault’s dedication to provide hunter education opportunities for youths and adults.

“When he had issues with availability of a local range, he built his own on his property, with a field day site equipped with all the props needed for classroom and online firearms safety students,” Hammer said.

Neault’s dedication to his students extended to personally mentoring a young hunter. With parental approval, he bought the boy a .410 shotgun, picked up him up from school each day for range practice, and shared some of the finer points of deer hunting.

The day before the firearms deer season opened, the boy stayed in the Neault’s spare bedroom, was fed a hearty breakfast, and joined his personal mentor in the field.

“On the first day of the opener he took his first deer,” Neault said. “He no sooner had taken pictures when he asked when we could go again.”

Neault’s advice to fellow firearms safety instructors: “Try to make it fun; show the dangers, but make it fun. Remember, they’re kids and they’re very impressionable. Try to teach them the importance ethics and fair chase.”

Neault said he’s honored to be named DNR’s 2010 Firearms Safety Instructor of the Year. “I feel DNR firearms safety training has had a big positive impact on the state of Minnesota. I’m very honored to receive this award, but feel DNR’s other 4,000-plus FAS instructors are more deserving than me.”

He also thanked his wife Linda. “She deserves the award just as much as I do.”

The DNR’s 2010 Firearms Safety Instructor of the Year Award was presented to Neault on Thursday, Sept. 22, during the Carlton County Minnesota Deer Hunters Association’s annual banquet in Carlton.