Mr. Bauer Teaches Hunter Education Courses in Montana
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Chad Bauer of Missoula County for his commitment to stewarding safe and ethical practices among the next generation of Montana sportsmen and women. Last month, the Biden administration moved to defund school hunting and shooting programs, like the courses Mr. Bauer teaches. Following pressure from Daines, this week the Administration announced they will not be moving forward with their plan to shut down these classes.
Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, each month Daines highlights a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the recipient’s honor into the Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for his “Montanan of the Month” program by calling his office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on his website: HERE.
The following is the tribute Daines submitted to the Congressional Record to honor Chad Bauer:
TRIBUTE TO CHAD BAUER OF MISSOULA COUNTY
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Chad Bauer of Missoula County for his commitment to stewarding safe and ethical practices among the next generation of Montana sportsmen and women.
Chad served as a volunteer with the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Missoula branch for twenty years where he instructed over 1,000 Montanans in hunter and bowhunter education classes. We know that Montana’s public lands and wildlife deserve the utmost respect, so ensuring future sportsmen and women commit themselves to safety and conservation is key. From proper firearm handling, administering bear spray, crossing fences, responsible land use and fair-chase practices – Chad wants to ensure that Montanans’ ethics translate beyond their time spent in hunter orange.
September in Montana means the official start of archery season. As Montanans in every corner of the state are putting in long days in the backcountry to fill their respective tags, Chad understands the importance of being bear-aware when it comes to grizzlies. When Chad served on the State of Montana’s Grizzly Bear Advisory Council, he applied his knowledge as a lifelong outdoorsmen to help make recommendations that would allow for commonsense management of these apex predators. I am glad to see Chad not only share his insight with the council, but also with his students in hunter and bowhunter education classes to ensure they could enjoy the great outdoors while upholding best safety practices.
It is my distinct honor to recognize Chad Bauer for his enthusiasm and dedication to equipping future Montana hunters with the skills and knowledge needed to create treasured hunting memories of their own. I am confident his 20 years as a volunteer instructor helped strengthen the integrity of Montana’s hunting heritage, and the skills and lessons he’s shared will not be forgotten. Thank you for encouraging our youth to get out and experience all that Montana has to offer, Chad – you make Montana proud!