After a six-year absence, the National Rifle Association’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) National Championship returned in a big way in 2025, reuniting young competitors, coaches and volunteers from across the country for a week that was as meaningful as it was competitive.
Held July 20-26 in Bentonville, Ark., the 2025 YHEC National Championship welcomed nearly 250 youth competitors and coaches, supported by more than 90 dedicated volunteers and attended by hundreds of family members and spectators. Teams and individuals traveled from every corner of the country, from New York to New Mexico, Wyoming to Florida, to test their skills, reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
The return of the National Championship was especially fitting as it coincided with the 40th anniversary of YHEC, a milestone that underscored the program’s lasting impact on generations of young hunters and shooters.
“Over the past 35 years, as a volunteer and as a state, regional and national director, I have had the privilege of seeing the positive impact that the NRA’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge has had on many young boys and girls,” said Gary Jobe, National YHEC Championship Director. “YHEC is much more than a shooting and hunting competition—it is about developing our next generation.”
Youth competitors, boys and girls aged 18 and under, competed in two age divisions: Junior (under 15) and Senior (ages 15-18). Over the course of the week, participants took part in eight demanding events designed to test marksmanship and outdoor knowledge, including .22 rifle, muzzleloader, shotgun, archery, compass and orienteering, wildlife identification, a shoot/don’t shoot safety trail and a hunter responsibility exam.
Volunteer Barry Estep reflected on the unique nature of the combined national event in 2025.
“The combined 2025 national event was a great opportunity for volunteers to reconnect with coaches and volunteers from the past,” said Estep. “It had been since 2018 for myself to see what coaches and volunteers were still involved with the program. There were many stories shared with volunteers and participants about how things were done during the pause of the national event.”
For many youth participants, the championship marked their first opportunity to travel outside their home states and experience new environments.
“Many of the participants had not been outside their home state or the location of the regional events,” Estep added. “They had an opportunity to see different wildlife and swap stories with other participants from other geographic areas.”
That sense of connection was echoed by YHEC participant Parisa Gieck, who began competing in 2024 at age 10.
“When I started YHEC, I didn’t really know anyone, so I brought homemade cookies to share and hopefully make some new friends,” Parisa said. “I showed up with cookies and left with a family.”
She emphasized that the people are what make YHEC special.
“I get to meet kids from all over the United States that I never would have met otherwise. Everyone is welcoming, and the organizers and volunteers are always there to support and encourage us. There’s a lot of camaraderie, and it makes the competition feel fun instead of stressful.”
Parisa also praised the structure and variety of the events.
“Each event pushes me to learn new skills and improve my shooting. The organization is excellent, and every year feels different, which keeps it exciting and makes me want to come back.”
The awards, she said, make the hard work worthwhile, but the memories made outside competition are just as important.
“Even after long days, I still look forward to everything that happens after the competition—social events, trading nights, extra shooting opportunities, dinners and the dance.”
For coaches, the return of a single national championship restored a meaningful capstone to the season.
“When I heard that we were going to have a single NRA YHEC national event in 2025 I was beyond excited for the kids,” said YHEC coach Timothy Wilcox. “This event is what the kids look forward to each year. It allows these kids to compete against the best from each state, and it challenges them to be their best.”
Wilcox added that the relationships built during the week are just as valuable as the competition itself.
“The kids and the coaches enjoy meeting new people and making new friends and connections. Our kids are already excited to get back to Nationals in 2026.”
From the opening ceremony—where each state entered under its flag—to special events such as the Hunting Pistol Challenge, FLU-FLU Archery, Trade Night and a celebratory Cajun Night, the 2025 YHEC National Championship blended tradition, learning and fun.
As competitors returned home, one theme remained clear: YHEC is about far more than shooting and hunting skills. It is about building character, confidence and lifelong connections.
“YHEC is much more than just shooting and hunting,” Jobe said. “It is about developing our next generation.”
2026 NRA YHEC
The NRA is excited about the upcoming 2026 NRA YHEC National Championship, where we hope to increase the number of participants. The NRA is dedicated to the YHEC program, the future of hunting and the great shooting sports. As this program grows, so does the hunting and shooting lifestyle that we love and support. YHEC has been producing generations of responsible hunters, safe shooters and conservation-minded youths for more than 40 years!
Official dates for the upcoming 2026 NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge have been established. The national event will be held July 19-25 in Bentonville, Ark.
For more information about YHEC and other NRA hunting programs, please visit explore.nra.org/interests/hunting.
