Thirty minutes. That’s how long it took for the original 64 slots to fill for the Star Valley Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). With the interest in the event so high, organizers made it possible to increase the number of youth participants to 72, allowing those on the waitlist to join in on learning and have fun while doing it. Community members can help these youth by buying raffle tickets for some quality prizes, directly benefiting the Star Valley YHEC program.

Organizer Hanna Buxman said this year’s YHEC event will feature eight teams of nine participants each. With this increased number of participants, organizers are reaching out to businesses and  community members to help keep costs low for the kids and the program. Raffle tickets are $10 each and are available now until June 5, when the drawing will be held.

Prize packages for the raffle are being provided through a partnership with Ducks Unlimited, which offers fundraising packages designed to support shooting teams and similar youth programs. Through that partnership, YHEC organizers selected a package that includes a variety of outdoor and recreational items aimed at broad appeal.

Raffle prizes include a Weber Q 1200 LP gas grill, a YETI Hopper Flip 18 cooler, a Rinehart custom mini dart board and a Barnett Demun Tri Strike compact crossbow. Organizers say the package was chosen to offer a mix of practical and fun items, from camping and cooking gear to target shooting equipment.

“We are also trying to get money to buy a better shotgun trap,” said Buxman. It is estimated to cost between $1,300 and $1,700; some grant funding has already been secured, but more is needed to cover the cost.

Funds raised from the raffle will go toward covering event expenses, offsetting prize costs, and reimburse costs associated with hosting the annual event. “Hopefully we’ll have some of that money to finish up last minute things and reimburse some funding if needed,” said Buxman. The goal is to ease the financial burden of putting on the event while continuing to provide a high-quality experience for participating youth.

Tickets can currently be purchased by contacting organizers Nicholas; 307-248-1362, or Hannah; 307-248-3006 directly, with payment options including Venmo; organizers are also exploring a possible booth location.