Henry Repeating Arms Founder and CEO Anthony Imperato recently honored Ralf Hartmann as the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) New York State Instructor of the Year, recognizing his contributions to hunter education and firearm safety. In honor of his achievement, Imperato presented Hartmann with a custom serial-numbered Henry Side Gate Lever Action Rifle chambered in .360 Buckhammer.
The IHEA State Instructor of the Year award is given to educators in each state who go above and beyond to instill safe hunting and firearm handling practices in new hunters. Nominated by Kelly Stang, wildlife biologist and New York State Hunter Education Program Administrator, Hartmann was selected for his dedication over the past 11 years, during which he has introduced more than 1,000 students to hunting and the outdoors.
Fluent in German, Hartmann has been instrumental in expanding hunter education accessibility to Amish and Mennonite students. His language skills have allowed him to teach courses tailored to these communities, and he has worked diligently to recruit, train, and supervise Amish and Mennonite instructors, the first of whom were certified in 2024.
“Henry Repeating Arms has always recognized the unsung heroes of the firearms industry, the firearms instructors, who give up their own valuable free time and take money out of their own pockets to teach firearms safety, discipline, and the enjoyment of our shooting sports traditions to the youth and the first-timers of our great country,” Imperato said. “Congratulations to Ralf Hartmann, a most deserving NY State Instructor of the Year.”
Hartmann, who is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, credits his father for first introducing him to hunting and firearm safety. His early training included carrying an unloaded firearm in the field for a year before being allowed to hunt. In 1975, he pursued a German Hunting License, a rigorous process that involved a six-month course covering animal husbandry, genetics, wildlife identification, firearm knowledge, German hunting traditions and laws, culminating in a written exam and in-person board interview.
Upon receiving the award, Hartmann expressed his dream of hunting red stags or chamois in Europe, a nod to his deep appreciation for international hunting traditions.
In addition to celebrating Hartmann’s achievements, the Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club recognized Anthony Imperato, who received a Certificate of Appreciation and Life Membership for his dedication to hunter education and conservation efforts.
