Learning Young - June 2011

By: Robert Strole

    Competitors from across Utah met at the Vernal Rod & Gun club on April 15 & 16 to participate in the 2011 Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). YHEC is a program sponsored through the National Rifle Association, along with local organizations and the help of the Division of Wildlife Resources, which allow youths to compete against each other in shooting events and other knowledge based events. The national YHEC program draws an estimated 50,000 youths each year, with more than a million participants since its inception in 1985. Vernal hosted the state competition this year with 93 youths from Vernal and across the state competing against each other. The facilities at the Vernal Rod & Gun club were generously donated to set up the different ranges for the events. Mark Partdridge, the event coordinator, organized the best attended event in the history of the state YHEC program. With the competitors, parents, volunteers, Division of Wildlife Resources employees, and spectators, around 300 people attended the 2011 competition.

    Eight different events were organized and staffed by volunteers. The Division of Wildlife Resources created a safety trail that tested the participant's ability to handle guns safely in the field and to identify unsafe shooting conditions. Wildlife Identification tests the contestants' ability to identify animals from skulls, hides, wings, eggs, etc. A 3-D archery range was set up and supervised by Red Neck Archery. 3-D animal targets from skunks to dinosaurs were placed up to 40 yards away with obstacles placed to simulate real hunting situations. The shotgun range was a sporting clay arrangement with challenging clay targets thrown at different angles and combinations. The orienteering event consisted of a written test, along with a practical exercise, where the participant used a compass to find markers at specified bearing and distances. The 22 event consisted of spinner type targets placed between 25 to 75 yards away. The muzzle loading event consisted of a written test along with several shots at metal silhouette targets. All participants took a written test that tested their knowledge on hunting and outdoor skills.

    YHEC has two different age categories. The junior division is for youth under 15 years of age and the senior division 15 years of age and up. An awards ceremony was held Saturday afternoon with the top ten competitors in each category recognized for their achievements. Ribbons were awarded for placing in spots 10th through 4^th and medals were awarded for 3rd, 2^nd and 1st. The overall winners received plaques in addition to their ribbons and medals. Each participant in the state competition qualifies for the international YHEC competition. The international competition will be held in Raton, New Mexico the week of July 24, 2011.
    Mark Partdridge and the YHEC staff wish to express their appreciation to all who donated their time and money. Dozens of volunteers traveled from all over the state to set up and run the eight different events. Many local individuals and businesses made financial contributions to support the local program. Please contact Mark Partdridge at 781-0007 for more information about the YHEC program.