Conservation group honors FWC hunter-education leader

For immediate release: September 3, 2015
Media contact: Tammy Sapp, tammy.sapp@myfwc.com, 850-228-1353

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Conservation group honors FWC hunter-education leader

The Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Association honored a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hunting-education section leader Thursday for his positive impact on resource conservation.

The FSCA presented its Wildlife and Resource Management Award to Bill Cline, who oversees the FWC’s hunter safety/education and public shooting ranges programs. The award, which was presented Sept. 3 at the FWC Commission meeting, recognizes Cline’s commitment to the highest principles of positive public outreach and strong leadership to achieve significant impact for conservation.

“Bill is a true leader of the hunter safety program, with the youth hunt program, and in dealing with other agencies to open shooting ranges throughout the state of Florida,” said Todd Hallman, FSCA president.

Cline, an FWC employee since 2004, oversees Florida’s hunter safety program, which certifies 12,000 students each year. Cline credits his more than 700 volunteer hunter safety instructors for helping make a safe activity even safer. In addition, Cline also oversees developing and operating FWC public shooting ranges to ensure people have somewhere to safely practice and enjoy target shooting.

Another important effort that has benefitted from Cline’s leadership is the Youth Hunting Program in Florida, which provides safe, affordable, mentored youth hunts. Youth accompanied by a parent or guardian can learn new outdoors skills during organized, family-oriented hunts.

“I’m honored to be recognized by Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Association,” Cline said. “This group, along with our volunteer landowners, HuntMasters and safety instructors, are making such a big difference in developing the next generation of hunter conservationists. I can’t thank them enough for the sacrifices they’ve made to uphold the future of hunting.”

The Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Association was founded in June 1994 by a group of sportsmen who shared a vision for creating a conservation organization that would serve the needs of modern outdoorsmen and their families. The organization's goal is help protect and restore Florida's unique natural resources so generations to follow can enjoy them.

For more information about FWC outdoor skills education:

• Hunter safety program http://myfwc.com/hunting/safety-education
• Youth Hunting Program of Florida: http://myfwc.com/education/outdoor-skills/youth-hunter/
• FWC shooting ranges http://myfwc.com/hunting/safety-education/shooting-ranges/

 

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