Jun 5 - 7, 2026 | Add to Calendar
YHEC Ranges; Shotgun Center; 1,000 Yard Range; Bald Eagle Building; Coors Range; Mule Canyon; Willow Canyon
The New Mexico State Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) is a multi-day outdoor event dedicated to developing the next generation of responsible hunters. Hosted at the NRA Whittington Center in beautiful Raton, New Mexico, this challenge brings together youth from across the state to participate in a variety of skill-building and competitive activities.
Participants ages 7–18 will practice and showcase skills in:
Hunting and firearm safety
Marksmanship with rifle, muzzleloader, shotgun and archery
Wildlife identification and orienteering
Map and compass navigation
Through live-fire events, simulated hunting situations, and hands-on challenges, YHEC reinforces what youth learn in basic hunter education and encourages lifelong safe and ethical hunting habits. Competitors may register individually or as a team.
Learn More
Rick Andes - [email protected] - 575-779-7285
Every guest must read and sigh the online Waiver before they are allowed into the center.
When it comes to the excitement of big-game hunting, you get it here at the NRA Whittington Center. Hunt success rates are nearly 100 percent!
Come stay with us! The general public is welcome to stay at the Whittington Center. There is a broad range of housing to accommodate individuals, couples, and small to large groups.
Shooters can take part in competitive shooting, rifle and pistol silhouette, bullseye disciplines, and even black powder muzzle-loading rifles.
Give us a call at 800-494-4853 or send an email to [email protected]
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