YOUTHS FROM LOUISIANA & PENNSYLVANIA TOPPLE THE SCOREBOARDS
IN THE NRA INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HUNTER EDUCATION CHALLENGE
FAIRFAX, VA -- Besting over 300 participants from across the nation, youths from Louisiana and Pennsylvania toppled the scoreboards to win championship honors at the NRA International Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) in Raton, NM, July 29 - August 2. Representing the finest in hunter safety, ethics and marksmanship, the young hunters claimed their respective age categories after capturing the highest aggregate scores in eight simulated hunting events conducted throughout the week.

Finishing on top in the 2,400-point Challenge to win the Associate category (ages 15 - 18) was David Reese, 16, from Bossier City, LA with a winning score of 2033. Claiming the Intermediate championship title (ages 14 and below) was Thomas Patti, 14, of Rome, PA with 1779. In addition, NRA opened up competition to the growing number of sportsmen ages 20 and above. Taking the Endowment category (ages 19 - 45) was Glen Stillings, 44, of Alamosa, CO with 1883 and placing first in the Patron Category (ages 46 and above) was James Guard, 48, of Aydlett, NC with 1834.

"The YHEC has turned out some of the best young hunters this nation has to offer," said Robert L. Davis, Jr., NRA YHEC Program Manager. "By building on their classroom knowledge with actual field experience, these youths are walking away with a solid background in hunter safety, ethics and marksmanship. Participants will be safer, more well-rounded hunters when they enter the woods this fall and I would be proud to hunt with each and every one of them."

Attributing to the program's success were over 100 volunteers who assisted with program operations as well as the strong support from the hunting and outdoor recreation industry. At the top of the YHEC sponsor list was Imperial Schrade Corp. -- a headlining sponsor since the program's inception in 1985 -- as well as long-time sponsors Hodgdon Powder Co., Thompson/Center Arms, Federal Cartridge Corp., and Remington Arms. Additional support was received from Buffalo Bullet Co., Bushey Ridge Products, Butler Creek Corp., Cedar Hill Game Call Company, Delta/BK Industries, Easton Corp., Fort Knox Security Products, Goex, Haas Outdoors/Mossy Oak Co., Lohman Manufacturing Co., North Safety Products, Precision Shooting Equipment, Inc., Tasco, TreBark Co., and Woolrich Co. Media sponsors included Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Sports Afield, Hunter Education Instructor, Outdoor Life, Women & Guns and Texas Outdoors Journal.

Conducted by the Hunter Services Division of the National Rifle Association of America, the five-day Challenge drew entire families to the NRA Whittington Center with competition comprised of the following events: rifle, archery, muzzleloading, shotgun, orienteering, hunter safety trail, wildlife identification and a hunter responsibility exam. With shooting distances ranging from 21 - 75 yards, shooters took aim at both life-sized 3-D and paper targets -- from whitetail deer and rabbit to ram and javelina; from the ground and in tree stands; from the prone, standing and sitting positions -- all under simulated hunting conditions creating the ultimate all-hunting experience.

A leader in hunting and wildlife conservation since its inception in 1871, the NRA in conjunction with the State of New York designed the nation's first hunter safety program in 1949. Today, hunter education programs are in place in all 50 states and Canadian provinces. Through programs such as the Youth Hunter Education Challenge, NRA will continue providing hunters with the programs and services that enhance hunter safety, ethics and marksmanship.
 

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