The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has selected Jim Goodman as the 2006 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. Goodman was nominated by his peers and selected out of a field of 720 statewide hunter education instructors.

"Hunter education instructors play a pivotal role in the future of hunting in California," said DFG Captain Roy Griffith. "Jim Goodman is an excellent instructor dedicated to helping hunter education students become safer, law-abiding hunters with strong ethical character."

Volunteer hunter education instructors teach required classes which enable individuals to buy a hunting license. The course is a minimum of 10 hours in length. Statistics compiled on hunting accidents show hunter education classes reduce hunting accidents.

Goodman is from Sonoma County. He teaches hunter education courses at Northbay Firearms in Sonoma County, Santa Rosa Parks and Recreation, and recruits and mentors new instructors. Last year he helped teach two hunter education classes at the Fish and Game Academy for warden cadets. Goodman conducted a class for members of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department SWAT team and he also teaches at Advanced Hunter Education Hunting Clinics.

The Pacific Coast Hunter Education Association (PCHEA) nominated him for the award.

"Jim Goodman is actively involved with a proposed mentoring program for new instructors and participates in a special program to assist women who are new to hunting and shooting activities, to just to name a few accomplishments. We congratulate him on the award," said PCHEA President Jim Sanchez.

In 2006, Goodman volunteered with California Deer Association, Petaluma Trap Club, and Circle S Shooting Range and Black Point Hunt Club on community projects in Sonoma County. He is currently working on a live fire program in Sonoma County in conjunction with Northbay Firearm's outreach program for women interested in hunting and shooting sports.

Individuals interested in becoming a volunteer hunter education instructor should contact DFG Captain Roy Griffith at (916) 653-9727.