Mark Eby Named Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year

DNR Director Rebecca Humphries presented Mark Eby of St. Ignace with a plaque to honor him as the Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. (Photograph by Louis Colegrove)

Mark Eby of St. Ignace was named the 2006 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Mr. Eby was chosen by a DNR committee from about 15 nominees for the award, and was honored at a Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing Thursday, February 8.

A hunters safety instructor since 1983, Mr. Eby has recruited more than 100 volunteers to assist in teaching hunter education in the area over the years. An avid sportsman, Mr. Eby is a member of the Straits Area Sportsmen's Club and has been active in forest clean-up programs and the annual "Kids Fishing Day" at Castle Rock ponds. He was helpful in organizing and supporting the development of the 4-H Archery Program in Mackinac County.

Mr. Eby is a graduate of Northern Michigan University and operates family businesses Castle Rock and the Souvenir Barn. He and his wife, Margaret, have two children, John and Hannah.

He was nominated for the award last summer by Durance and Becky Paul of St. Ignace. Mr. Paul is a conservation officer.

"Hunter education instructors are key mentors to youth who are interested in hunting," said Rebecca Humphries, director of the DNR. "We are pleased to honor Mark Eby as the Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, recognizing his more than two decades of service."

Mr. Eby is also a member of the St. Ignace Masonic Lodge, National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, and local chapters of Ducks Unlimited, the Ruffed Grouse Society, and the National Wild Turkey Federation.