Next week, kids from all over the United States will gather on the quad of Mansfield University for the 2014 International Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). A true test of a young man or woman's outdoor skills, YHEC is often the first outdoor experience for hundreds of kids every year.
"Approximately 50,000 youths go through our local, state, and provencal programs every year," explained Bob Davis, national manager of NRA's recreational programs.
"Winners of those competitions come out to International YHEC to battle for the title. A few titles to be exact."
A six-day event, the Youth Hunter Education Challenge begins when teams arrive. Initially divided by states, participants are divided again into Senior (15-18) and Junior (14 & under) categories. From there it's only a question of when to take on the challenges.
"A lot of kids come in with a routine, a way to approach the event. For them it's a matter of following a pattern. Others simply tackle whatever event is open."
Events fall into two separate categories; shooting and responsibility. Shooting events are rifle, shotgun, muzzleloading, and archery.
For more information, read the complete post at NRABlog.com.
