Pagosa Pathfinders compete at Bayfield regional event
By Jim Shepherdson
Thursday, June 4, 2009

The National Rifle Association (NRA) Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) regional event was held in Bayfield on May 16.

Seventeen members of the local organization competed and between them won 26 awards. These members are between the ages of 8 and 18 and learn all aspects of YHEC. These aspects include the following eight disciplines: archery, orienteering, muzzleloader rifle shooting, wildlife identification, .22 rifle shooting, hunter safety, shotgun shooting and hunter responsibility.

Some of the competitors hope to be able to compete in the national event that is to be held in Raton, N.M., at the end of July. The Pagosa Pathfinders are funded through grants from the Friends of the NRA.

Photo courtesy Jim Shepherdson
Members of the Pathfinders participated in the National Rifle Association (NRA) Youth Hunter Education Challenge regional event held in Bayfield May 16. In back, from left, are Dan Shepherdson, Chase Purcell, Tyler Manzanares, Kyler McKee, Katy Laverty and Jeremy Horstman. In front are Noah Logan, Keaton Anderson, Daniel Cabrera, Jacob Manzanares, Hunter Thompson, Johanah Laverty, Carson Laverty, Jesse Laverty, Tim Shepherdson and Josaiah Cabrera.