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July 15, 2026
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recognized two volunteers for their years of service and dedication to the state’s hunter safety education program during the July meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing.
The DNR honored Donald McLellan, of White Lake in Oakland County, for his 40 years of volunteering as a hunter safety education instructor and Brandon Poel, of Fruitport in Muskegon County, who was nominated by fellow volunteer instructors and named the 2025 Hunter Safety Education Instructor of the Year.
Following his retirement from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, McLellan continued his commitment to future generations of hunters by teaching Michigan's hunter safety education at the Oakland County Sportsmen's Club.
McLellan’s programming exceeds the state's minimum requirements. In addition to the live-fire rifle and shotgun training, students receive black powder demonstrations and hands-on experience tracking blood trails, shooting archery and using a compass to navigate.
With more than four decades of teaching in educational settings, ranging from community programs to university and doctoral-level courses, McLellan has delivered exceptional leadership and instruction to every class. His dedication has helped shape Michigan's hunter safety education programs for safe, ethical hunters.
“Donald takes great pride in continuing to work alongside the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Oakland County Sportsmen's Club,” said 2nd Lt. Steve Orange, DNR Law Enforcement Division Recreational Safety, Education and Enforcement Section. “His lasting commitment to education, conservation and outdoor safety has made a meaningful impact on countless students and the hunting community.”
For 25 years, Poel, a Norton Shores Police Department lieutenant, has devoted countless hours to developing safe, responsible and ethical hunters while preserving Michigan's rich outdoor heritage. As the longtime lead instructor for hunter safety education through the Norton Shores Police Department, he has built and sustained a highly respected program serving approximately 80 students each year.
Under his leadership, students receive hands-on instruction that exceeds state requirements, covering wildlife tracking, trapping, archery, tree-stand safety, first aid, trap shooting and rifle marksmanship.
Poel's commitment extends beyond the classroom. He coordinates every aspect of the program – from instructor development and testing to logistics and fundraising – and has made mentoring new instructors a priority, ensuring the program's continued success for future generations.
For roughly 20 years, Poel has served as both a board member and past president for the nonprofit Sportsmen for Youth and has been a key volunteer for the organization's Youth Day, delivering outdoor education experiences to approximately 2,500 young participants annually. Through these efforts, he has introduced countless youth and families to safe, ethical hunting, wildlife conservation and responsible stewardship of Michigan's natural resources.
Poel's career reflects a lifelong commitment to public service, education and community engagement.
“Brandon Poel embodies the highest ideals of volunteerism, conservation leadership and outdoor education,” said Orange. “His dedication to Michigan's recreational safety programs, along with his passion for ethical hunting and trapping, continues to inspire future generations and strengthen hunter safety education across the state.”
In 2025, Michigan’s volunteer hunter safety education instructors trained more than 15,000 people.
The DNR is accepting applications for volunteer recreational safety education instructors; learn more and apply by visiting the DNR website.
Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
McLellan: Donald McLellan and his wife, Shari McLellan, are pictured with staff from the DNR Law Enforcement Division. Shown (left to right) are Asst. Chief Todd Szyska, department specialist Erica Moore, 2nd Lt. Steve Orange, Cpl. Ken Lowell, McLellan, Shari McLellan, Chief Brandon Kieft and 1st Lt. Tom Wanless.
Poel: Brandon Poel is shown with staff from the DNR Law Enforcement Division, including (left to right) department specialist Erica Moore, Cpl. Ken Lowell, Chief Brandon Kieft, Poel, 2nd Lt. Steve Orange and 1st Lt. Tom Wanless.
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