MISSOURI
YOUTH
HUNTER
EDUCATION
CHALLENGE
2007
Safety Is Shooting’s Most Important Rule
MISSOURI
YOUTH HUNTER EDUCATION CHALLENGE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Effective January 1, 2006
Supersedes all previous editions
In cooperation with the National Rifle Association of America, Education and Training Division, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.
CAUTION: The procedures and techniques outlined in this publication
may require special abilities, technical knowledge, or safety considerations. The
sponsor of the Missouri Youth Hunter Education Challenge, and the National
Rifle Association of America, their agents, officers, employees, accept no
responsibility for the results obtained by persons using these procedures and
techniques and disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages.
Mention of technical data or products does not necessarily mean
they have been tested by the Missouri Youth Hunter Education Challenge or the
National Rifle Association staff and does not constitute endorsement or verification.
Local restrictions may apply to some techniques, procedures, and
products in your area. It is your responsibility to check local laws
and regulations before proceeding.
These rules and regulations are subject to change or modification
at any time due to safety considerations or site requirements.
EVENT SAFETY RULES
NRA FIREARM SAFETY RULES
The fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:
Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to fire.
When using or storing a gun, always follow these NRA rules:
Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
Know how to safely use the gun.
Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional
safety precautions.
Protection of your sight and hearing are YOUR responsibility. Wear adequate
eye and ear protection while on the firing line as shooter, official, or spectator.
ARCHERY SAFETY RULES
The fundamental rules for safe archery/bow handling are:
Do not nock an arrow on the bowstring until ready to use.
Always keep the bow with a nocked arrow pointed in a safe direction.
Never draw a bow with nocked arrow until ready to shoot.
Always keep field points or broadheads (not allowed in YHEC) covered
until ready to use.
When using or storing a bow, always follow these rules:
Be sure the bow is safe to operate.
Know how to safely use the bow and its equipment.
Use only the correct arrows and equipment for your bow.
Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
Store bows and other archery equipment so they are not accessible
to unauthorized persons.
Never dry-fire a bow.
Be aware that certain types of archery equipment and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
MISSOURI STATE Y.H.E.C. EVENT REGULATIONS
CODE OF CONDUCT
The following Code of Conduct will be adhered to at all times by all participants,
instructors, coaches, sponsors, spectators, and volunteer staff.
1. Neither alcoholic beverages nor illegal substances will be allowed
on the premises during the YHEC schedule of events. Participants will
not possess nor use tobacco products.
2. No participant, instructor, coach, family member, nor any other person
associated with participating contestants, may go to, evaluate, or observe
an event before participation in the event.
3. There will be no filming or videotaping of any event or site for the
intent of showing participants the event layouts.
4. No electronic communication equipment, including cellular phones,
may be used by participants, sponsors, or coaches during participation in any
event.
5. Parking of vehicles will be in assigned areas only.
6. Ammunition for all firearm events must be under the direct supervision of
the staff, adult coach or sponsor.
7. Participants, parents, sponsor, or coaches will not be allowed on
any event site after the daily close of an event without the express consent
of the NRA State Coordinator.
8. Participants will exhibit behavior above reproach at all times.
9. Participants will cooperate will all requests and regulations made
by Missouri YHEC staff.
Violation of this Code of Conduct will result in immediate disqualification and or permanent expulsion of individual or team involved with the Missouri YHEC program.
YOUTH HUNTER EDUCATION CHALLENGE EVENTS
The Youth Hunter Education Challenge events are:
Shooting events: Hunting
Archery Challenge
Hunting
Muzzleloader Challenge
Hunting
Shotgun Challenge
Light
Hunting Rifle Challenge
Responsibility events: Hunter Responsibility
Exam
Hunter
Safety Trail Challenge
Hunting
Orienteering Challenge
Hunting
Wildlife Identification Challenge
Some events may not always be scheduled for the annual Missouri State Youth Hunter Education Challenge Championship. Every attempt will be made to schedule all eight challenges at state events.
ELIGIBILITY
Participation in the Missouri State Youth Hunter Education Challenge annual Championship is open to any person who is less than 19 years of age on or before August 1st, who has successfully completed a hunter education course in North America.
The two divisions of participants are Juniors who are less than 15 years old on or before August 1st, and Seniors who are less than 19 years old on or before August 1st. Exception, Seniors turning 19 years of age during the calendar year are eligible if they were enrolled in high school during the same year.
The two categories of participants will include teams of exactly five in the same division or individual participants in either division.
All participants will furnish copies of the following documentation to state sponsors prior to the registration cut-off date: A. Birth Certificate and B. Hunter Education Certification.
All participants are required to participate in all events at the state championship event. Failure to participate in all challenges will result in disqualification and ineligibility for awards. Any remaining team members’ scores will be unaffected.
Pursuant to NRA regulations, any Missouri YHEC participant is eligible to attend the NRA International YHEC if he or she participated in the most recent Missouri YHEC Regional or State event.
HUNTING ARCHERY CHALLENGE
The participant will move through a multiple point archery course in a natural
setting. The course is designed to simulate shooting situations encountered
while bowhunting.
The Hunting Archery Challenge will be conducted with participants
taking shots at animal type targets varying in distance from 5 to 40 yards. Targets
will be life-size with scoring areas directly over the vital areas of the animal.
Scoring: Each participant will shoot a total of 30
shots each worth 10 points if inside the inner most scoring ring, 5 points
for the outer most scoring ring (vital area) and 3 points for outside the vital
area. Challenges must be made on the range before the next arrow is pulled. The
Hunting Archery Challenge has the maximum possibility of 300 points.
Archery Equipment: Only hunting-type compounds, recurves, or
long bows will be permitted. Bows may be equipped with hunting type sights. Self-adjusting
sights are permitted. Participants may use only one bow throughout
the activity (exception - bow malfunction).
Restrictions:.
Extended sight bars that measure further than 6 inches from the
back of riser of bow to front of sight.
Manually adjustable sights may have no more than 6 sight pins
or to be adjusted to no more than 6 sight positions.
Sights with lenses, with or without magnification.
More than one stabilizer.
Stabilizers over 12 inches in length.
Range finders.
Crossbows.
Broadheads, blunts, shocker, bludgeon, or other non-target points.
Binoculars, monocular, or spotting scopes.
HUNTING MUZZLELOADER CHALLENGE
The Hunting Muzzleloader Challenge will be conducted with participants shooting
at targets varying in distance from 20 to 75 yards. Participants will
shoot from one to three positions. No muzzleloading rifles or ammunition
will be provided at the state event. Participants must provide their
own.
Scoring: Participants will shoot up to 12 shots counting as
a hit if touching the line or inside the target area, zero points for outside
the target area. The Hunting Muzzleloader Challenge has a maximum possibility
of 300 points.
Equipment: Any flintlock, percussion, disk, musket cap, or
209 primer type muzzle loading rifles .54 caliber or smaller will be permitted. Inline
actions are permissible. Only pure lead projectiles may be used, either
round ball or slugs. Plastic tipped projectiles or plastic bases are acceptable. Muzzleloaders
may have a set trigger, not to be set until ready to fire. Muzzleloaders
may be equipped with sporter-type thumbhole stocks (non-adjustable). Slings
not to exceed 1½ inches in width are acceptable. Sights will
be open with no optics. Muzzleloaders may be loaded with single projectile
patched round balls or a factory manufactured type lead bullet. Participants
may only use one muzzleloader throughout the event with the exception of
muzzleloader malfunction.
Restrictions:
Shooting mats.
Telescopic sights.
Range finders.
Binoculars, monocular, or spotting scopes.
More than 60 grains (weight) of black powder, Pyrodex or approved
black powder substitute per load.
Any jacketed bullet.
Peep Sights.
Kneeling rolls.
Adjustable thumbhole stocks.
Calibers larger than .54.
More than one shooting position per shooting sequence.
Adjustable type competition shooting slings.
Wooden ramrods.
HUNTING SHOTGUN CHALLENGE
Hunting Shotgun Challenge participants will move through a multiple station
Hunter’s Clays course designed to simulate hunting conditions and situations. The
layout will depend on the available topography. Shooting stations may
depict bird flight, running animals, and shooting obstacles.
The Hunting Shotgun Challenge will be conducted with participants
taking shots at clay targets. Sizes of clay targets may vary depending
on different situations.
Scoring: Each participant will shoot a total of 30 shots, each
worth 10 points for a hit (dead target) and zero points for a miss (lost target). The
Hunting Shotgun Challenge has a maximum possibility of 300 points.
Scoring will be done by designated YHEC officials. Only
legal targets will be scored and the score judge will be the sole judge of
whether or not a target is broken. Officials may ask assistance from
the trap operator or a range official if they feel their assistance is required.
The scorer will call “lost” for any target determined
to be missed. Any challenge to the call must be made immediately by the
participant. The score judge will then make the final decision with assistance
from the trap operator and/or the range official.
Only targets with a visible piece broken off will be scored “dead”. Dusters,
targets deflected or redirected in flight (but with no visible breakage) will
be scored “lost”.
Based on the scorer’s judgment, should a target hit an obstruction
(i.e. tree or limb) before the participant has had ample time to fire, a new
target will be thrown. However, should the participant have ample time
(in the scorer’s judgment), and fails to do so before the target hits
an object near the end of its path and breaks, the target will be scored as “lost”.
Shotguns and ammunition: Any 12, 16 or 20 gauge shotgun
will be permitted. Double targets will be thrown in some instances; therefore
the shotgun should be capable of holding two shells. YHEC officials will
furnish all ammunition (except for 16 gauge). Shooters with 16 gauge
shotguns must provide their own ammo.
Participants may not change choke tubes at any time during the
event. Adjustable butt plates or cheek pieces may not be adjusted during
the event. Participants may use only one shotgun during the event with
the exception of a malfunction. No practice shots are allowed.
Shooting procedures: Each participant may or may
not be allowed to see one legal target from each trap prior to shooting the
activity at the station. Only participants and scorer will be allowed
on the station or firing line while shooting each station. The scorer
will hand the ammunition to the participant as required.
Each shooter will begin in the “ready position” when
calling for the target. The gun must be off the shoulder with the top
of the butt plate below the top of the armpit. The shotgun may not
be shouldered until after the target is visible. In other words,
in case of a delay pull, the participant cannot call for the target and immediately
shoulder the shotgun. Repeating, the shotgun must not be shouldered
until the target is visible.
A Legal Target: A legal target is a whole clay target that
is thrown from the trap in a prescribed manner within five-second time limit
after the participant calls for the target.
An Illegal Target: An illegal target is a target broken
by the trap or another obstruction. Illegal targets will be re-thrown
for the participant, regardless of whether or not the participant fires at
the target.
Malfunctions: The following occurrences will be considered
malfunctions and new targets will be thrown:
1. Ammunition malfunction.
2. Trap or trap operator error of failure.
The following malfunctions will not be allowed and targets will
be scored “lost”:
1. Participant error.
2. Failure to load firearm.
3. Failure to release safety.
4. Failure of shotgun to fire (other than defective ammunition).
5. Failure of shotgun to reload.
Should a shotgun break through no fault of the participant, another
shotgun may be borrowed and the activity continued. However, if the breakage
occurs during the firing at a target, and the target is missed, it will be
scored as “lost”. No practice with a borrowed shotgun is
allowed.
Restrictions:
Release triggers.
Shot larger than #7 ½ or smaller than #9.
Scopes or electrically illuminated-type sighting devices.
Ventilated rib greater than ½ inch in height or width.
LIGHT HUNTING RIFLE CHALLENGE
The Light Hunting Rifle Challenge will be conducted with participants taking shots at targets varying in distance from 15 to 75 yards. Participants will shoot from three positions.
Scoring: Each participant will shoot a total of 30 shots, 10
at each position worth 10 points for a hit on the appropriate target area. A
participant will be allowed seven continuous minutes per position or distance. The
Hunting Rifle Challenge has a maximum possibility of 300 points.
Rifles and Equipment: Only standard type .22 caliber rim fire
rifles designed primarily for hunting will be permitted. All action
types, except fully automatic, will be permitted. The rifle may not
exceed eight and ½ pounds in weight, excluding sling and magazine. The
rifle must have a minimum trigger pull of two pounds (907 grams). Rifles
may be equipped with a hunting sling not to exceed 1-½ inches in
width. Non-adjustable thumbhole stocks are permitted. Sights
will be open, peep with standard front post or bead, or hunting scopes of
nine-power magnification or less. Participants may use only one rifle
throughout the activity except in case of gun malfunction. Another
.22 rifle may be borrowed for the purpose of finishing the activity but no
sighting-in will be allowed. All ammunition used in this event will
be .22 long rifle. Participants will supply their own ammunition.
Restrictions:
.22 Magnum rifles
.17 rimfires
Clothing with extra padding, stiffness, or shirt cup for the purpose
of assisting the shooter in remaining steady.
Competition shooting mats.
Adjustable competition type sling swivels.
Kneeling rolls.
Adjustable thumbhole competition stocks.
Palm rests or forearms of stocks exceeding 2 ¼ inches wide
or 2 ¼ inches deep as measured from centerline of bore.
Scope or optics greater than or capable of more than nine times
(9x) magnification.
Range finders.
Peep sights with rear aperture less than two millimeters.
Binoculars, monocular, or spotting scopes.
More than one shooting position per sequence.
Shooting sticks.
HUNTER RESPONSIBILITY EXAM
The Hunter Responsibility Exam consists of broad-based hunting and conservation
information. Participants will complete a written examination that includes
50 to 60 questions (multiple choice, true or false, fill-in-the-blank, or essay). The
exam will be based on the Missouri Department of Conservation current student Hunter
Education Manual, the current Wildlife Code of Missouri (Rules
of the Conservation Commission) and A Summary of Missouri Hunting & Trapping
Regulations.
Scoring: Participants will be asked to answer all or as many
questions possible in the allotted amount of time. Participants must
answer all test questions with no assistance from other participants, written
material, or coaches/sponsors. Students will have sixty (60) minutes
to complete the test. The maximum possible score of the Hunter Responsibility
Exam is 300 points.
Restrictions:
Hunter Education books
Written, taped or transcribed information and reference materials
Communication between participants, coaches, or other individuals
excluding event staff.
HUNTER SAFETY TRAIL CHALLENGE
The Hunter Safety Trail Challenge will be conducted with participants moving
through a multi-station pre-determined trail designed to simulate actual hunting
conditions and situations. Participants may be tested and scored on the “do’s” and
don’ts” of firearms and archery safety and “shoot/don’t
shoot” situations encountered in a hunting environment. Stations
may include, but are not limited to, hunter game situations, target identification,
landowner relationships, first-aid, and safe gun handling.
Scoring: Participants will travel to various stations, each
worth a score for a correct response or answer. Incorrect answers or
responses will be scored as zero points. The Hunter Safety Trail Challenge
will have a maximum possibility of 300 points.
Restrictions:
Written materials of any kind.
Taped or transcribed information.
Communications between participants, coaches, sponsors, or other
individuals excluding event staff.
HUNTING ORIENTEERING SKILLS CHALLENGE
Participants will be required to demonstrate knowledge using
map and compass on a field course, performing certain tasks at skill stations
and answering questions relating to land navigation, maps, map symbols, and
other related skills. The maximum score for the Hunting Orienteering
Skills Challenge is 300 points.
Scoring: The participants may be scored in three or more skill
areas including field navigation, distance estimation, and map/compass knowledge.
Restrictions: The following are not permitted during the Hunter
Orienteering Skills Challenge:
Calculators.
Orienteering books or literature.
Encyclopedias.
Any written or taped materials.
Electronic or battery powered equipment including GPS.
Measuring devices including rangefinders.
Communication between participants, coaches, sponsors, or other
adults excluding event staff.
Resource material for this event can be taken from The Hunter’s
Guide (NRA publication), Be An Expert With Map And Compass Orienteering
Handbook by Bjorn Kjellstrom, and Your Way With Map and Compass
Orienteering by John Disley, available at or through your local bookstore.
Participants will identify 30 wildlife encounters in a field
station or natural outdoor setting. Each correct identification will
be worth 10 points and an incorrect score will be worth zero. The Hunting
Wildlife Identification Challenge has a maximum score of 300 points.
Participants may be asked to observe and identify both game and
non-game animal species. Wildlife sign including skulls, furs, feathers,
antlers, horns, tracks, or other, will be identified from 1 to 50 yards.
Restrictions:
Wildlife identification books or literature.
Encyclopedias.
Written, taped, or transcribed information.
Electronic equipment.
Communication between participants, coaches, sponsors, or other
individuals excluding event staff.
Correctly answering a predetermined number of questions, making a certain number of hits in a prescribed target area or correctly completing a prescribed activity accumulates event points. The maximum possible point score for each event is 300.
Ties for all categories, individuals and teams will be broken
for award purposes. The following criteria will be used.
In the event of a tie, the individual or team with the highest
level of achievement in the Hunter Responsibility Exam will be declared the
winner. If a tie remains, the individual or team with the highest level
of achievement on the Hunter Safety Trail will be declared the winner. Should
a tie remain the individual or team with the highest combined level of achievement
in the four (4) responsibility events (Hunter Responsibility Exam, Hunter Orienteering
Skills, Hunter Safety Trail and Hunting Wildlife Identification) will be declared
the winner. The final tiebreaker will be based on a combined score of
the four (4) shooting events, Hunting Shotgun Challenge, the Light Hunting
Rifle Challenge, Hunting Muzzleloader Challenge and the Hunting Archery Challenge.
Should individuals or teams tie in the Hunter Responsibility Exam,
the tie breaking formula will start at the second criteria level (Hunter Safety
Trail Challenge).
Challenges concerning the value of shots as scored must be made immediately by the participant and will be resolved at each event. When shot value scores cannot be determined between the participant and the volunteer scorer, the event manager will make the final determination. Only participants may challenge and all challenges must be made during the challenge period on the activity site. The challenge period is immediately before the next participant comes to the station or firing line or as outlined in the specific event regulations.
Protests must be filed in writing within 30 minutes of the occurrence by the participant and be brought to the attention of the state event director. If the individual receives no satisfaction, the written protest may then be submitted to the YHEC Protest Committee for review, consideration, and final decision. The protest committee will be comprised of four members (YHEC state event director and three assigned adult YHEC volunteers).
Only range, trap, or ammunition malfunction will constitute an alibi. Alibis will not be allowed for firearm, arrow or bow malfunction. In the event of a firearm or bow malfunction, the participant may borrow a firearm or bow and continue the activity. No practice or sighting-in will be allowed for borrowed equipment once the activity has begun.
The Missouri State Youth Hunter Education Challenge Championship will be held annually at a site and date to be determined by the State YHEC Committee. For more information, you may contact the NRA Missouri State YHEC Coordinator:
Mr.
Jan Morris 636-464-6214
Missouri YHEC e-mail: MissouriYHEC@aol.com
P. O. Box 38
Imperial, MO 63052-0038
http://www.moyhec.com/
THE MISSOURI
YOUTH HUNTER EDUCATION CHALLENGE
MISSOURI YOUTH SPORT
SHOOTING ALLIANCE
