North Carolina Youths Sweep 24th NRA YHEC

Often referred to as NRA’s “graduate” program in hunter education, YHEC is comprised of eight events that test hunting knowledge and marksmanship skills. Four of the eight events are shooting-related, with participants competing in shotgun, muzzleloader, rifle, and archery challenges.

The remaining four events, known as responsibility events, put the participants’ hunting knowledge to the ultimate test. These events include map and compass orienteering, a written test called the Hunter Responsibility Exam, a wildlife identification course, and the Hunter Safety Trail, where the young hunters must use their judgment during simulated hunting scenarios.

The awards system for the International YHEC is divided into two categories: individual and team, and then into two classifications: senior (age 15-18) and junior (age 14 and under). For each event, a maximum score of 300 points is possible for an individual and 1,500 points for a five-person team. When the scores for all eight events are combined, an individual can score a maximum of 2,400 points overall and a team can score 12,000 points overall.

The North Carolina Forbush Claybusters took top honors in the Junior Team category, a title they have held for the past five years. Coach Doug McClure couldn’t be more proud of his team.

“Prayer pays off,” said McClure. “The kids have worked really hard and put a lot of time into preparing for [YHEC].”

Participants from North Carolina didn’t stop at just a win in the Junior Team category. The North Carolina Forbush High School Senior Red team took first place in the Senior Team category, overcoming adversity to secure top honors. Just six weeks ago, the team lost their coach and critical funding due to budget cuts, but everyone pulled together to support the young hunters.

“Our kids, our parents, our coaches; we call came together. It had to be a total group effort,” said coach Dink Reavis.

Continuing the winning streak for North Carolina in the individual standings, 14-year-old Todd Patterson from Yadkinville, N.C., was named the Junior Overall winner. As a member of the North Carolina Forbush Claybusters, Patterson was able to go home with both an individual and team first-place trophy. “It takes a lot of experience, and it’s the rush of your life when you do get the win,” said an ecstatic Patterson.

18-year-old Austin Warner from Troy, N.C., took top honors in the Senior Overall category, a win that left him reeling. “I’m overwhelmed, I wasn’t expecting it. I came to win, but I really wasn’t expecting this,” said a stunned Warner.
 
Each year, approximately 50,000 youth take part in YHEC events at a regional, state, or provincial level throughout the United States and Canada. The International event is open to all young hunters who have successfully completed a North American hunter education course and participated in their regional, state, or provincial YHEC program. Since its inception in 1985, YHEC has helped more than 1.2 million young sportsmen and women become safe, ethical and skilled hunters.

Next year, the International YHEC returns to Mansfield, Pa., for its 25th anniversary. Mansfield last hosted the International YHEC in 2008. For more information on the YHEC program, contact NRA’s Hunter Services Department at (703) 267-1524 or visit http://www.nrahq.org/hunting/yhec/index.asp.