Introduction

The Hunter Education Skills Challenge offers participants an opportunity to advance their outdoor education skills through competition. The program includes events that simulate realistic conditions in order to reinforce and test a young hunter's skills.

Who can participate?

Any youth (18 years of age and younger) who have completed a hunter education course. The competition includes two divisions: Junior (14 years of age and younger) and Senior (ages 15-18).

How can I get involved?

Youth first compete in a local challenge. (See the upcoming events page for information on upcoming challenge dates and locations).

How does it work?

Each challenge involves organized competition consisting of six components: archery, air rifle, safety trail challenge, orienteering, wildlife identification and a responsibility exam. Different components of the competition are worth different points for a maximum possible score of 500. The top 10 scoring participants at each local challenge event (in each division) are eligible to participate in the state challenge.

Archery
Comprised of 10 three-dimensional animal targets. Scoring is based on the Archery Shooters Association scoring system. Maximum score: 120

Air Rifle
Comprised of 10 shots at 10 yards. Shooters shoot two shots at each approved position in the Georgia Hunter Education Guide Book and two shots in their preferred position. Maximum score: 100

Wildlife Identification
Comprised of 20 items (hides, skulls, pictures, tracks, etc.) that participants have to identify. Maximum score: 100

Safety Trail Challenge
Comprised of six locations at which a shooter must decide if they have a safe shot. There are six locations. Maximum score: 60

Orienteering
Comprised of six flagged spots. Each participant must correctly take bearings and write down degrees of location. Maximum score: 60

Responsibility
Written test comprised of 30 questions that participants must answer. Maximum score: 60