Gregory’s Stuart Kenewell honored as DNR Hunter Education Instructor of the Year

On June 27, 2024, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Stuart Kenewell, of Gregory, is the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 2023 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. This honor was bestowed at the June meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing.

Kenewell, who was nominated by other volunteer hunter education instructors, is credited for certifying thousands of students during 38 years of volunteering, creating community programs to support hunter education and hunting, and recruiting new volunteer instructors, while positively representing hunting and outdoor recreation.

Hunter education helps the next generation of hunters learn how to enjoy safe, responsible hunting and understand the importance of wildlife management. The DNR-managed program teaches lifelong skills, such as firearm safety, basic first aid and how to use a map and compass, to an average of 15,000 students per year.

“Volunteer instructors are the foundation of our recreational safety programs,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, DNR recreational safety, education and enforcement supervisor. “Stu is a positive mentor of those programs and is crucial in recruiting and teaching new youth and adults how to safely and respectfully enjoy the outdoors.”

Since becoming a volunteer hunter education instructor in 1986, Kenewell has served as the lead hunter education instructor at the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club for 36 years. He plans the curriculum and coordinates the logistics for spring and fall hunter education classes to incorporate modern teaching techniques . He also  works diligently to recruit and train new and existing volunteer instructors.

“Stu is one of the most respected members of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club and also his community,” said Timothy Eiseman, who was one of several Gregory community members to nominate Kenewell. “He is a positive light in all situations and talks about the ethics of hunting along with the enjoyment, respect, care and appreciation of the outdoors, and has always represented those characteristics one would look for in a true sportsman and outdoorsman.”

Kenewell’s list of many community accomplishments includes his role in developing a public archery program and target course, which has operated for more than 30 years. He is also credited with establishing a relationship with Chelsea and Stockbridge public schools to promote hunter education within their community education programs.

In 2018, Kenewell was recognized by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs for his outstanding service in conservation. He is also a member of Gregory Community Church, American Legion (Post 31), Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association and still finds time to volunteer for many other community events.

Kenewell is one of about 1,000 volunteer hunter education instructors in Michigan.

“Hunter education is a rewarding program for volunteers and students,” Wanless said. “Anyone who enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking or simply being outside will benefit from taking hunter education. The program creates not just ethical hunters, but also stewards of our natural resources, and we owe that success to dedicated volunteers like Stuart.”

Stu grew up in Fenton, Michigan, and has lived in the state his entire life. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he moved to Livingston County and has resided in the Gregory area for the last 36 years. A retired tool and gage maker, Kenewell led his family in developing an active outdoor lifestyle. His wife of 56 years, Terri, is also an avid hunter. She spends a significant amount of her time supporting and helping Stu with hunter safety setups, resource collection, and fielding phone calls.

The Kenewells have two children, Phillip and Amanda. Phillip has served alongside his dad for the last 20 years as a hunter safety instructor. Amanda attended and received hunter education safety in the first class her dad taught.

The newly named Hunter Education Instructor of the Year continues to enjoy the outdoors with his family through camping, fishing, hunting, and boating. He has a passion for antique outboard motors and serves as the family boat mechanic alongside his grandchildren. On top of it all, he is a genuinely nice guy.

Notably, Kenewell taught hunter safety to this writer’s two oldest sons at the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club in the 1990s. Although they were not interested in hunting at the time, they thoroughly enjoyed the class and gained a greater appreciation for the outdoors, nature, gun safety, and the shooting sports.

Kenewell is passionate about hunter safety and sharing that passion with others.

According to Kennewell, “The rewards of teaching Hunter Safety classes for so long have been deeply satisfying, especially when I have been able to set new hunters on a path of ethical hunting practices and safe firearm handling.” He added, “In addition, teaching how to be a true conservationist and good stewards of our wildlife, forest, and waters has been so important to me.”

Information provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as well as SCN’s Chuck Wisman and Kenewell’s daughter, Amanda Cook.

2023 Michigan DNR Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Stuart Kenewell of Gregory (pictured with plaque), is surrounded by his son and daughter (left) and his wife (right) along with staff from the DNR’s recreational safety and education program. Photo provided by Michigan DNR