OLYMPIA - Washington Hunter Education Instructor Steve Mills has been named the 2014 International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA) Volunteer Instructor of the Year.

Mills, a resident of Toledo, Wash., was named this year's recipient of the award at the 2015 IHEA-USA Annual Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. The award, sponsored by Federal Premium Ammunition, was presented to Mills at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting today.

Mills taught 32 student classes and six new instructor classes, certifying 800 students and 45 additional hunter education instructors in Washington in 2014. He has been instrumental in assisting the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in developing several new statewide program enhancements, including the online field skills evaluation course and the chief instructor training guide.

"Steve is a persistent, dedicated and humble man who relentlessly pursues improvement to our program and its delivery," said Dave Whipple, WDFW Hunter Education Division Manager. "His integrity, commitment to service and significant contributions serve as an inspiration to all instructors."

IHEA-USA annually recognizes one volunteer instructor who represents excellence in hunter education and benefits hunter education nationally.

"IHEA-USA represents over 700,000 students trained annually by over 55,000 instructors, most of whom are volunteers like Steve Mills," said Steve Hall, IHEA-USA executive director. "Mr. Mills represents a great institution of volunteer instruction, dedication and passion that has carried hunter safety education since its inception in the mid-1940s."