Iowa Youth Hunter Education Challenge …An opportunity for you! Whether you are a youth aged 12-18, an adult with a desire to contribute time to your community, a member of an organization/business looking for a youth-oriented project, or if you have an interest in hunting and the outdoors, Iowa YHEC is an opportunity you don't want to miss!

What is YHEC?
Iowa YHEC (Youth Hunter Education Challenge) is a weekend-long event that takes place each June at the 4-H Education and Natural Resources Center in Madrid, Iowa. Youth from all over Iowa come to compete in eight events, learn about the outdoors, and have fun with other youth and adults that have similar interests. The events include four shooting events: archery, muzzleloading rifle, shotgun, and small-bore rifle. There are also four non-shooting events: wildlife identification, orienteering, hunter safety trail, and written exam. There are two age categories to compete in, Junior (ages 12-14) and Senior (15-18). Most youth compete as part of a team of five from their area, but youth can register as individuals as well. All participants must compete in all eight events.

Who can participate?
If you're 12-18 years old, have passed a Hunter Education course, and are an Iowa resident, you can register to participate. If you're an adult, there are several ways you can participate: You may volunteer to help put on the event: it takes over fifty adult volunteers to set up and conduct all of the events! You may have a special skill to demonstrate to the participants during the evening or other program time. (For example: training hunting dogs, trapping, care of game in the field, etc.) If you are a Hunter Education instructor, you can put together a team from your area, coach them in the eight events, and register for the event. You may also want to donate to the event to reduce the cost for participants. All donors of $250 or more are recognized on the YHEC t-shirts.

How do I get more information?
To get a copy of the event rules and registration materials, you can contact the Iowa DNR Recreational Safety Officer (RSO) in your area. Their contact information is listed below, or contact us at the addresses below.

Iowa YHEC is co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State University Extension Wildlife Programs, and the Iowa 4-H Safety and Education in Shooting Sports program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Many materials can be made available in alternative formats for ADA clients. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964.