Youth Hunter Education Challenge Comes to Laurens County July 25
June 22, 2026
The Sawmill Training Complex will host the National Rifle Association’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge on July 25, offering young outdoor enthusiasts a full day of hands-on instruction and competition.
The event is open to youth ages 8 to 18 and takes place at 8524 Neely Ferry Road in Laurens. Gates open at 8 a.m.
Participants will rotate through stations covering archery, the hunter’s safety trail, .22 rifle, shotgun, wildlife identification, orienteering and a hunter responsibility exam. The challenge is designed to build skills in safe and responsible hunting while giving young people a chance to test their knowledge in a competitive setting.
Registration is offered at several price levels. Early bird registration is $30 and includes a YHEC T-shirt, YHEC Hunter’s Guide Book and a swag bag for the first 50 registrants. Registration from June 1 through June 30 is $35, and registration from July 1 through July 17 is $40.
Parents have the option to partner with their child or children for an additional $20, which includes an adult T-shirt.
The day will also feature awards and food trucks. An online hunter’s responsibility exam is part of the program.
The event is presented in partnership with Red Beard Archery and Outdoors and South Carolina S3DA Archery.
For more information, contact Sheila Tadlock at 803-554-4017 or visit sawmillttc.com. Families can reserve a spot by scanning the QR code on the event flyer.
