The Perquimans team shoots muzzleloaders. Media: A hi-res version of this image may be downloaded here. Please credit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Several hundred students matched precision in target shooting, whether in rifle, muzzleloader, shotgun or archery. They also squared off in orienteering skills with a compass on a field course and tested outdoors and safety knowledge through a written exam.

“All competitors are graduates of the hunter safety education program,” said Capt. Chris Huebner of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. “The program teaches proper firearms handling, hunting ethics and how to be safe and responsible sportsmen. The district tournaments and state tournament are a competitive element of the hunter safety education program for youth that promotes and helps develop those skills.

“The tournaments are becoming increasingly popular, but the gist is tomorrow’s outdoors men and women are practicing safe conduct with firearms and archery, today.”

Competitors hoped to qualify for an invitation to the national championship, the Youth Hunter Education Challenge, a week-long event at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania this July. Junior and senior division teams from Yadkin County have already received their invitations: They are the defending national champions.
The secret to their success?

“We always make sure we don’t neglect the non-shooting events,” said David Moxley, the coach for Forbush High. “It’s competitive. You have to train and practice like you would for any other sport.”
Youthful competitors from 52 teams came to Millstone 4-H Camp, which features a state-of-the-art shooting sports facility. After a 30-minute rain delay during the morning session, the competition resumed on schedule. Overall attendance was estimated at nearly 2,000 people.

The overall 2006 state champion, receiving the traveling trophy, was the Forbush High “Red” team.

Download the State Tournament Results here in PDF format.