• June event succeeds in bringing safety awareness and skills to the next generation of hunters 

The 3rd Annual 2024 Star Valley Youth Hunters Education Challenge (YHEC) has wrapped up this month, teaching future hunters the importance of safety and respect for wildlife.

Co-organizer Hannah Buxman shares, “We always have the best volunteers and amazing sponsors help make this event possible.

“This year the location was a new challenge after being turned  away by the local forest service. We are so grateful that Preston Ranches allowed us to rent their venue and that West Hills Excavation covered those expenses or this would not have happened.” Star Valley YHEC is always seeking locations to host the annual event. Those who have leads on locations can contact Hanna Buxman.

Many events were held throughout the YHEC  event, including .22 Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzleloading, Archery, Wildlife Identification, Orienteering, Hunters Exam and more. The event also had food served from Stuft Catering and Mountain Top Outdoor with several sponsors for prizes, cost and equipment.

“Kids compete in eight events and we awarded 72 plus prizes between the three age groups,” says Buxman. “These events challenge the kids firearm safety and handling as well as their map and compass skills and their general understanding of outdoor safety and hunting rules and regulations.”

The top overall high-scoring participants were Hunter Lynn, Noah Loken and Treyson Campbell. They went home with the Lifetime Conservation Stamp, presented to them by Matt and Dee Harbach of Salt River Range Outfitters.

Co-organizer Hannah Buxman praises all the volunteers, sponsors, kids and families that made the annual event a success. “We truly love this event and couldn’t make it all happen without the wonderful help and support of so many wonderful people and businesses.”

For more information and to stay up-to-date on future events, follow Star Valley Wyoming YHEC on Facebook.