LDWF Volunteer Instructor Nolan Smith, the 2024 Gladney Davidson Memorial Award winner, with LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan.
Nolan Smith, a 30-year volunteer instructor with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Hunter Education Program, has been named the winner of the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) Gladney Davidson Memorial Award, the IHEA’s highest honor.
Smith, a former Lafourche Parish DARE officer, was recognized during the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission July meeting Tuesday (July 9) in Baton Rouge.
“Congratulations to Nolan for this prestigious award. His dedicated leadership in hunter education has empowered generations of hunters in our state,’’ LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan said. “Volunteer instructors are the backbone of our hunter education program and are fundamental to helping new hunters understand and embrace the wonders of the Sportsman’s Paradise. Nolan has set the bar for our program, and we’re proud to honor him.’’
“Nolan has assisted LDWF staff in teaching instructor courses, and his attention to detail, passion for hunter safety, and leadership have always been respected by staff and his peers,’’ LDWF Hunter Education Program Manager Mitch Samaha said. “Many have admired his leadership and teaching style and he continues his service to the community and LDWF.’’
Smith, who was certified as a hunter education instructor in 1994, schedules at least two courses monthly from July-December each year in Lafourche Parish. He has organized almost 80 classes and taught more than 2,300 students hunter education, donating an estimated 630 hours.
He was honored with the LDWF Hunter Education 2024 Todd Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year.
For more information about becoming an LDWF volunteer hunter education instructor, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/volunteer-hunter-education-instructors.
The IHEA serves hunting and shooting sports educators worldwide by developing and implementing standards and resources based on research that promotes safe, responsible and ethical practices while fostering partner communication. For more information, go to https://www.ihea-usa.org/.