A National Rifle Association (NRA) sponsored event is coming to Star Valley June 3rd and 4th called the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC).

This is a shooting competition for kids from ages eight to 18. The NRA sponsors this for local and state events and this is the first time a local challenge will be held in Star Valley. This also gives an opportunity to go to regionals and nationals.

“What they do is have several events all focused on safe shooting and hunter education,” Hanna Buxman, who is helping to bring the event to the Star Valley said. “They will do .22 rifle, shotgun, muzzleloading, archery, wildlife identification, there’s a hunter safety trail, an orienteering course, and a hunter exam that they’ll participate in and kind of cycle through as a group.”

She says there will be an overall score given and a ceremony at the end. Teams will consist of six youth members and you can either form your own team or come individually and you will be gathered into teams at the event. Registration requires a $10 fee.

Buxman and her husband, Nic, used to help out with YHEC in Durango, Colorado. He says that it was always so fun for the youth there.

“We just wanted to bring it to the valley,” Nic said. “And bring up safety for kids and show them safe hunting practices when they’re out in the field.”

Hanna says that they are requiring kids 12-18 to bring a hunter safety card because they do require those at the state competitions. Nic also says that it does not matter what experience you have. This contest is for everybody and they will be looking at grouping older kids with younger kids.

“We’re want to get volunteers rounded up to where each team will have a coach or two,” Nic said. “And each competition will have a person there to help also.”

Hanna says they are hoping to provide ammo and are looking for donations for it whether it be money sponsorship or actual ammunition. It has to be factory safe and nothing reloaded.

“We are working on putting together like a few loaner equipment if we can get our hands on some bows, we have maybe a few .22s available., muzzleloaders, and things like that,” Hanna said. “But other than that we’re kind of asking if you have your own equipment to bring it.

“If not, hopefully people come that we can share that way it doesn’t exclude people from coming if they don’t have everything.”

If you have questions or want to register you can contact each of them. Hanna’s phone number is (307) 248-3006 or Nic’s is (307) 248-1362. Registration is ongoing and ends April 15th. Limited late entries may be available, but cannot be guaranteed.