NRA Whittington Center

06/04/2026

For 250 years, generations of Americans have worked, sacrificed, and stood steadfast in defense of the freedoms we enjoy today. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we are reminded that preserving freedom is not a responsibility we inherit - it is a responsibility we accept.

The NRA Whittington Center exists because of those who believe in preserving America's shooting sports heritage, firearm education, hunting traditions, and the values of responsibility, leadership, and patriotism. Every year, your support helps provide world-class shooting facilities, nationally recognized competitions, firearm safety and training programs, youth development opportunities through Adventure Camp, and life-changing experiences like the Women's Wilderness Escape.

Today, we invite you to become part of that legacy.

The "Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom – A Legacy Worth Preserving" Sponsor Program offers a unique opportunity to honor our nation's past while investing in its future. Your participation helps ensure that future generations will continue to have access to the programs, facilities, and educational opportunities that strengthen our freedoms and preserve our heritage.

Freedom is a legacy worth preserving. Join us in ensuring it continues for generations to come.

Learn more and become a sponsor today:
https://www.nrawc.org/support-us/celebrating-250-years-of-freedom-a-legacy-worth-preserving-sponsor-program/

06/03/2026

It's Baby Season at the NRA Whittington Center!

Across the NRA Whittington Center, one of the most exciting signs of summer is beginning to appear in the form of new life! Mule deer fawns and pronghorn fawns are being born throughout our property and across the West, reminding us of the incredible wildlife resources we are privileged to help protect.

Through responsible land stewardship, habitat management, and the preservation of open spaces, we are committed to ensuring that future generations can continue to experience healthy wildlife populations and the outdoor traditions we cherish.

If you're visiting the Center in June and July, you may encounter a young fawn lying quietly in the grass or brush. While it may appear abandoned, it almost certainly is not.

Wildlife Tip:
If you find a baby deer or pronghorn, leave it exactly where it is.

Mother deer and pronghorns often leave their young hidden for long periods while they feed nearby. This natural behavior helps protect vulnerable fawns from predators. Human intervention can cause unnecessary stress to the animal and may even reduce its chances of survival.

✔️ Observe from a distance.
✔️ Keep pets away from wildlife.
✔️ Resist the urge to touch, move, or "rescue" a fawn.
✔️ Allow nature—and mom—to do what they do best.

Together, we can help ensure that these young animals grow into the next generation of healthy mule deer and pronghorn that call the NRA Whittington Center home.

06/03/2026

We have something for everyone! Listen to what people back east are saying about us! Learn more about us at nrawc.org.

06/01/2026

Just 4 more days until we welcome the annual New Mexico YHEC back! We look forward to hosting this fantastic youth event!

The next generation of outdoorsmen and women will be coming to the NRA Whittington Center!

The New Mexico State Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) is returning to the NRA Whittington Center in beautiful Raton, New Mexico on June 5–7, 2026. This exciting multi-day event brings together youth ages 7–18 to test and build skills in:

🏹 Archery
🎯 Rifle, Shotgun & Muzzleloader
🧭 Orienteering & Map Reading
🦌 Wildlife Identification
🛡️ Hunter Safety & Responsibility

Through hands-on challenges, live-fire events, and simulated hunting situations, YHEC helps develop safe, ethical, and knowledgeable young hunters while building confidence, teamwork, and outdoor skills that last a lifetime.

We’re proud to host this outstanding program here at the NRA Whittington Center and wish all participants the best of luck this year!

Learn more about the event here:
https://www.nrawc.org/events/items/new-mexico-youth-hunter-education-challenge-yhec-2026/

For those coming to the event, we have a limited number of on-site RV spots still available!

06/01/2026

That moment you look at the calendar and it says June 1st! Where is this year going??

05/29/2026

June 2026 Event Schedule! Visit our website for a full list of events at nrawc.org.

05/28/2026

Are you prepared to defend yourself? At Whittington U, we train and prepare for unexpected situations. Visit us online for course schedules at https://www.nrawc.org/training/wu-defensive-academy/

The Whittington U Defensive Academy at the NRA Whittington Center is designed to help shooters develop the defensive pistol skills needed to perform under pressure. From foundational handgun handling and marksmanship to dynamic movement and real-world defensive shooting concepts, these courses are built for both newer shooters and experienced firearm owners looking to sharpen their skills.

Training takes place at the NRA Whittington Center in the mountains of Northern New Mexico with hands-on instruction from experienced professionals in a focused, small-group environment. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, improve your defensive shooting abilities, or continue progressing through advanced levels of training, Whittington U offers a course for you.

Train with purpose at the NRA Whittington Center.

Learn more about the School of Defensive Pistol:
➡️ https://www.nrawc.org/training/wu-defensive-academy/school-of-defensive-pistol/

05/26/2026

Step back in time and experience the spirit of the Old West at the 49th Annual Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous, happening June 14–21, 2026, right here at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico!

This exciting week-long event recreates the Mountain Man era of the pre-1840s Santa Fe Trail and welcomes the public with FREE admission. Bring the whole family out to enjoy:
• Traders Row
• Rifle, pistol, archery, knife & hawk matches
• Blanket shoots
• Jug & cooking contests
• Family-friendly events & dress contests
• Junior events
• Trail walks and aggregate competitions
• Daily prizes and raffles

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, black powder shooter, outdoorsman, or simply looking for a unique summer experience, the Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous offers an unforgettable glimpse into America’s frontier heritage.

📍 NRA Whittington Center — Raton, New Mexico
📅 June 14–21, 2026
🎟 FREE Public Admission

Come celebrate tradition, history, fellowship, and the enduring spirit of the American frontier. We hope to see you on the trail!

05/25/2026

The month of May might be coming to an end, but we look forward to this weekend and welcoming back the PRS King of Coal Canyon match on May 29th-31st!

One canyon. Three days. Endless precision.

The PRS King of Coal Canyon returns May 29–31 to the NRA Whittington Center for a weekend of top-tier long-range competition. Some of the best precision rifle shooters in the country are headed to Raton — are you ready?