Alaska Youth Hunter Education Challenge

10/10/2026

We only have a couple weeks to sell our minimum order of these awesome YHEC shirts. Represent AK’s National YHEC team by Snagging one for yourself and get another to gift!

Since 2005, Fairbanks has hosted the Alaska state Youth Hunter Education Challenge. This event occurs the first full weekend in June. 50+ youth competitors are challenged in 8 hunting events: sh***un, r***e, archery, muzzleloader, orienteering, wildlife ID, Safety Trail, and Basic Hunter’s Knowled...

10/09/2026

But dogsledding is also a pretty cool state sport! 😉

A 9-year-old Idaho girl noticed her state didn’t have an official state sport, so she convinced lawmakers to make it hunting. Betty Grandy, a fourth grader from Twin Falls, came up with the idea while studying Idaho history and eventually helped push House Bill 652 through the state legislature.

Betty didn’t just suggest the idea. She contacted state leaders, testified before legislative committees and explained why hunting represents Idaho’s history, culture, conservation and wildlife-management traditions. The bill passed the Idaho House 63-0 and the Senate 34-0, with no lawmakers voting against it.

Gov. Brad Little signed the legislation into law, officially making hunting Idaho’s state sport beginning July 1, 2026. Idaho already constitutionally protects the rights to hunt, fish and trap, but thanks to one determined 9-year-old, it also became the first state in America to officially designate hunting as its state sport. I love to see kids representing hunting on this level.

— Stephen Ziegler
Outdoor writer | Owner, DeLong Lures

10/06/2026

Did you know that ruffed and sharp‑tailed grouse—both year‑round residents of Creamer’s Refuge—grow their own snowshoes each fall? Around this time of year, they start developing tiny comb‑like fringes along their toes called pectinations. These keratin structures extend from their toe scales and increase the surface area of their feet, helping them stay on top of snow. They also give the birds extra grip on icy branches while they feed and roost through the winter. When spring arrives and the snow melts, their natural “snowshoes” fall off.

10/05/2026

The Alaska Youth Hunter Education Challenge has launched a fundraiser that allows you to sport a rendition of the shirts that we wore to nationals this year! Your purchase supports our hopes to take a team in 2027!
Order for yourself or as a gift for your YHEC participant asap!

Since 2005, Fairbanks has hosted the Alaska state Youth Hunter Education Challenge. This event occurs the first full weekend in June. 50+ youth competitors are challenged in 8 hunting events: sh***un, r***e, archery, muzzleloader, orienteering, wildlife ID, Safety Trail, and Basic Hunter’s Knowled...

10/01/2026

Director, Melody Taylor had a great time talking about bear hunting with the students of Bright Young Minds today! Educating future competitors. 😉

09/28/2026

We want to see!
🫎 🐻 🦢 🦆 Show us how your hunting season is going! ⛺️ 🍂

09/06/2026

A little tip for wildlife ID:

08/20/2026

Thanks for the awesome write-up, Alaska Outdoor Council!
“The first trip made history. The next one builds tradition.” -AOC

08/13/2026

🚨SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT!

1stStrike Asset Management brings the largest auction to Alaska’s interior! Boats, trucks, heavy equipment, cars, and more! Check out their online previews!
Thank you, 1st Strike, for your generous donation to Alaska YHEC!

08/13/2026

🚨BEGINNER ARCHERY LESSONS:

Screaming Eagle Archery - Fairbanks, Alaska is another 2026 YHEC Nationals Sponsor and they are now offering lessons at their indoor range and bow shop!

The wait is over!!! You guys asked for lessons and we are proud to announce that we now are offering beginners archery classes. Please call the shop to signup.