Jack Bradford became a hunter education instructor 17 years ago for a very simple reason.

"We couldn't find a place for soldiers to take a hunter education course," he said. "So six of us who were out at Fort Gordon decided to start one up."

At the time, Col. Bradford was chief of staff at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center.

Today, he is retired from the Army, but he still enjoys his role in offering new hunters an opportunity to complete education programs and receive their Georgia license.

His role in helping approximately 5,000 hunters pass their mandatory education programs, earned him a new honor recently: the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division's Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.

"Col. Bradford shows his passion for the subject by providing class participants with an outstanding educational experience," said DNR law enforcement Capt. Thomas Barnard, who nominated Bradford.

"His dedication, professionalism and organizational skills are what makes him tops for our area. In fact, he has been nominated for top instructor in east central Georgia three times and now, he is getting that same type of recognition statewide."

Col. Bradford primarily serves education programs in the Augusta area and is the Georgia Hunter Education Association deputy district director for east central Georgia.

In 2008, he was the lead instructor for 11 classes.

He also makes himself available for assistance with other classes, including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and the Fort Gordon Sportsman's Club.

Some of Col. Bradford's most innovative ideas have included building models of tree stands in small scale, creating a homework study sample exam and using additional videos and literature to enhance the program.

"I used to build model airplanes," he said. "So we used balsa wood to make models of climbing stands, tripod stands, hang-on stands -- all to use in our demonstrations. They're a lot easier to carry than regular stands, too."

Col. Bradford said he is grateful for the award, but he added that there are plenty of volunteer instructors whose dedication is worthy of recognition.

"Just working with all the instructors we have is wonderful," he said. "If I call upon them to teach a certain portion, they are ready and willing."

BUOY REPAIRS: Some of the buoys at Thurmond Lake are in need of repair, or replacement, according to the Thurmond Lake Sail & Power Squadron.

Members of the safety group inspected more than 40 buoys in April.

Lt. Charles Neilson, cooperative charting chairman, reported that two were missing, one was mostly under water, two were only in fair condition and a tree was discovered between two buoys close to Russell Dam.

The findings were reported to the Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for the markers.

Neilson said the squadron conducts two such inspections each year.

"We do one in at the beginning of the boating season in March or April and then one in September before the heavy fishing season," he said.

LICENSE BILL: Gov. Sonny Perdue announced last week that he has signed House Bill 326, making customer service improvements to Georgia's resident hunting and fishing licenses and market-based adjustments to nonresident licenses.

"There are many discounted licenses available now as well as the opportunity to purchase multiple year licenses and hunting and fishing privileges together in one license," Perdue said in a press release.

The bill authorizes a $2.75 discount to all license holders who renew their hunting or fishing license prior to its expiration, simplifies license requirements by eliminating the primitive weapons license, reduces the cost of a Sportsmen License and allows resident sportsmen to purchase a two-year license for a reduced cost.

Sportsmen can purchase hunting and fishing licenses by accessing www.georgiawildlife.com and clicking on "Recreational Licenses," calling (800) 366-2661 or visiting a local retail location.

A list of retail locations can be found at www.georgiawildlife.com.