Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Revamps Hunting Challenge for 40th Anniversary

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the program formerly known as the Youth Hunter Education Challenge, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has announced updates to the annual contest and is inviting anyone who has completed Hunter Education to participate in this year’s event. Now rebranded as the Utah Hunting Skills Challenge, the program reflects a broader inclusivity by offering categories for youth and adults.

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The National Rifle Association launched the Youth Hunter Education Challenge in 1985, with Utah participating from its inception. The competition aims to help Hunter Education graduates enhance their hunting, marksmanship, and safety skills. Currently, 16 states across the U.S. take part in the program.

“The Utah Hunting Skills Challenge is a great way for hunters — both youth and adults — to showcase the skills they learned in Hunter Education during this competition,” DWR Shooting Sports Manager Troy Anderson said in a press release. “We added an adult category a few years ago because it never hurts anyone to improve their hunting skills, and we wanted the name change to more accurately portray that this event is open to all ages. This event provides a fun atmosphere for that and is a great activity for families to enjoy and participate in together.”

This year’s event will take place on June 20-21 at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City. Registration costs $35 per participant, and individuals must register through Eventbrite by May 30 to compete. Categories include junior (under 15), senior (15-18), and adult (19 and older).

The competition includes events such as wildlife identification, .22 long rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzleloader, orienteering, a safety trail, and a written exam. Prizes will be awarded to the top participants, and new this year, all participants will receive free trial access to onX Maps.

“There are a lot of great things about this program, and one of the most rewarding things is to see the excitement of the youth when they master new skills as part of the competition,” Anderson added. “We hope that this becomes a new tradition for many Utah families interested in outdoor recreation.”

You can more information on the Utah Hunting Skills Challenge at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resource's website.