No high school state championship embodies more of the spirit of the West than the Wyoming State Youth Hunter Education Challenge. The 12th annual event will be held June 8 at the Upton Gun Club. All Wyoming youth 18 and under, and young hunters from neighboring states, who have passed hunter education are eligible to showcase their hunting skills, while having a lot of fun. Enrollment is open until June 1.

“The youth hunter education challenge is an exciting way to display your skills, knowledge and judgement as a hunter,” said George Oberstadt, Wyoming Game and Fish Department hunter education coordinator. “Sign up and show us what you’ve learned as you begin your hunting career!”

The challenge tests youth in sporting-clays style trap shooting, .22, muzzleloader and archery marksmanship, wildlife identification, orienteering and hunter safety judgments. An optional event, the Cherokee Challenge, measures outdoor skills such as throwing axes, shooting a slingshot or throwing a spear. Youth 14 and under participate in the junior category; the 15 to 18-year-olds in the senior.

To participate competitors need to bring a copy of their hunter education card and pay a $10 entry fee. Entry forms are available on the Game and Fish website or at Game and Fish offices. Young hunters do not need to qualify in a regional or district tournament to compete. All participants receive a prize for competing

The challenge is sponsored by Upton Gun Club Shooting Sports Program, Game and Fish,
Muley Fanatics Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Wyoming Sportsman’s Group and a variety of Wyoming businesses and foundations. 

For more info, contact Rick Rothleutner, Youth Hunter Education Challenge director at (307) 281-9980 or George Oberstadt, Game and Fish hunter education coordinator 307-777-4542.