June 7, 1997, Scotia Range, State College, PA
The first event of the day was The Hunter Responsibility Test. Here they are tested for their knowledge of hunter safety issues and their ability to identify wildlife.
New, this year for the Pennsylvania YHEC was the Muzzleloader Challenge. 10 shots at distances ranging from 15 to 75 yards at life sized animal targets.
The 3-D Archery Challenge was as tough as ever. 25 shots at foam life-size animal targets in simulated hunting situations at unmarked distances.
The Rifle Challenge is where the YHEC kids shoot .22 cal. rimfire rifles at NRA life sized animal targets. 25 shots at unmarked distances out to 50 yards. Only hits within the vital area count for score.
The Sporting Clays Challenge is 25 clay targets of varying sizes and presentations that simulate small game hunting situations such as ducks, grouse, pheasants, and rabbits. They are launched as singles, pairs, and following pairs.
At the end of the day, the scores are tallied and the top competitors are announced. The top ten participants in each of the Senior and Junior qualify to represent Pennsylvania at the International Youth Hunter Education Challenge. The top three competitors in each event also receive medals. The " top guns " in overall score also received trophies and more!
The first event is the Hunter Responsibility Test.
Here they are tested for their knowledge of Hunter Safety issues and their
ability to identify wildlife.
The Muzzleloader Challenge. 10 shots
at distances ranging from 15 to 75 yards on life sized animal targets.
The 3-D Archery Challenge. Foam animal targets in simulated hunting
situations at unmarked distances.
From the looks of this picture, you can tell they all have a
great time. That's what it's all about.
At the end of the day, the scores are tallied, and the winners
are announced. Shown here are the PA Senior Team Members, who along with
their junior counterparts, represented our state in the NRA International
Youth Hunter Education Challenge in Raton New Mexico.
The International Youth Hunter Education Challenge
The International Youth Hunter Education Challenge was held at the NRA's Whittington Center, Raton, New Mexico the week of July 28th. Four teams represented Pennsylvania in the eight competitions that included 3-D Archery, Sporting Clays, .22 cal. Rifle, Muzzleloader, Orienteering, Hunter Safety Trail, Wildlife Identification Trail, and a Hunter Responsibility Test.
The Pennsylvania Kids cleaned house ! Thomas Patti won the overall individual championship in the senior division. " The Pennsylvania Senior Red Team " placed first in the overall competition closely followed by the second place, " Pennsylvania Senior White Team." The " Pennsylvania Junior Red Team " placed second overall in their division.
The " Pennsylvania Senior Red Team " also placed first in the rifle competition, second place in orienteering, and third place in sporting clays and wildlife identification.
"The Pennsylvania Senior White Team " also won 2nd place in the muzzleloader and sporting clays events.
"The Pennsylvania Junior White Team " won 1st place in the sporting clays event.
The " Pennsylvania Junior Red Team " also placed first in the archery event, second place in the sporting clays and rifle events, and third in the muzzleloader and wildlife identification categories.
Many of the kids were awarded medals for their individual accomplishments
as well !
All Pennsylvanians can be proud! Our home state kids are truly the
best of an estimated 22,000 who participated in Hunter Safety Education
Programs throughout the United States.