Youth Hunter Education Challenge set for June in Fairbanks

Post date: Mar 21, 2014 6:13:10 PM

FAIRBANKS—The 10th annual NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge is scheduled for June 6-8 in Fairbanks and registration is now open.

The YHEC, sponsored by the Alaska Interior Marksmanship Committee and Alaska Department of Fish and Game, is a statewide competition for school-age children.

The Challenge that tests youth hunters in archery, shooting, animal identification, orienteering and hunter safety. Participants will shoot .22-caliber rifles, muzzleloaders, shotguns and bows and arrows. Bows and muzzleloaders will be provided for competitors who need them.

There are junior (14 years of age and younger before Aug. 1) and senior (15 to 18) divisions. Participants may compete as individuals or as a member of a five-person team. The registration fee is $25 for each competitor. All participants must have completed Fish & Game's basic hunter education course to compete in the event. The competition is limited to the first 50 youth who sign up.

The event includes a cruise on the Riverboat Discovery II on Saturday for all competitors and their family members. Lunch will be provided for competitors on both Saturday and Sunday of the competition.

For a list of upcoming hunter education classes at ADFG in Fairbanks, to see pictures of previous competitions or to sign up, go to www.aimcomm.org or stop by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Hunter Education Indoor Shooting Range on College Road. There are hunter education classes scheduled April 7-8, May 5-6 and June 2-3.

For more information, call event director Cassie Pinkel at 978-2862 or email her at yhecdirector@aimcomm.org.