Pratt ? Phil Taunton of Emporia has been named Kansas Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.

Taunton was selected by Wildlife and Parks which every year recognizes the efforts of about 1,500 hunter education instructors throughout the state.

The state agency also honors instructors from the five KDWP regions. The other honorees are Benny Young of Colby, Dave Carey of Kansas City, Don Leatherman of Liberal, Ron Schumock of Wichita and Dion Wilkens of Independence.

Taunton will receive a Ruger Red Label shotgun at the Hunter Education Program’s 30th Anniversary celebration in May.

Also at this event, the five regional recipients will receive a new Ruger Deluxe 10-.22 rifle.