The NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) Nationals are currently in Bentonville, Ark., running from July 19 to 26, 2026. The premier youth event offers a fun and competitive environment where participants can strengthen their hunting, marksmanship and safety skills.
Each year teams of youths and individuals from across the nation, ages 8 to 18, attend the YHEC Nationals. There they compete in eight challenging events—including four responsibility-based activities and four shooting disciplines—all conducted under realistic, simulated hunting conditions. The program tests participants while reinforcing the core principles of safety, ethics and outdoor knowledge.
“The first time I attended an NRA YHEC event more than 25 years ago, I knew it was something truly special,” said Matt Fleming, director of NRA Hunting, Conservation and Ranges. “The excitement around the shooting events was expected, but what stands out even more was seeing hundreds of young participants and their coaches take hunting safety and responsibility to the next level. Whether it’s .22 rifle or wildlife identification, each event challenges these youth to become the safest, most capable hunters and conservationists they can be.”
State and local events also take place throughout the year. Interested youths, parents and mentors can consult the online listing to find one nearby.
Since its inception in 1985, the NRA YHEC program has provided a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that builds upon the foundation of basic hunter education. As a “graduate-level” program, YHEC incorporates simulated hunting scenarios, live-fire exercises, and educational challenges that promote safe, ethical and responsible hunting practices.
National YHEC Organizational Sponsors include Arkansas Friends of NRA, Arkansas Chapter of Safari Club International, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Benton County Quail, Arkansas Rifle and Pistol Association, Arkansas Gun and Cartridge Collectors Club, and “Visit Bentonville.” Corporate Sponsors include the Kinetic Group (Federal, Remington, CCI), Henry Repeating Arms, Feradyne Industries, The Allen Company, Bushnell, CZ-USA, Bear & Son, Inc., EAACorp, and Taurus Holdings.
For more than 40 years, YHEC has been committed to “Teaching Young Boys and Girls the Safe, Ethical and Responsible Way to Shoot, Hunt, and Enjoy the Outdoors.” Several of YHEC’s alumni have gone on to careers based on shooting and hunting, such as state game biologists, game wardens, gunsmiths, gun/sporting goods store owners, taxidermists and hunting-fishing guides/outfitters.
“Visit Bentonville” has developed an informative blog to help attendees and accompanying adults discover some of the sights and sounds they won’t want to miss during their visit. It can be found online here.
