RALEIGH, N.C. — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will host the 37th annual Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament — the state championship for pre-collegiate shooting sports — on April 25 at the Millstone 4-H Center near Ellerbe in Richmond County.

The Wildlife Commission conducted nine regional competitions in March, with hundreds of middle school and high school students participating. Sixty teams with more than 550 students now advance to compete in rifle, shotgun and archery marksmanship, map-and-compass orienteering, and a written conservation knowledge test.

Competition is conducted on senior (high school) and junior (middle and elementary schools) divisional levels, with overall team and individual awards based on aggregate scores in all events. Teams are organized within public and private schools. Home-schooled students and teams representing 4-H or FFA also can compete, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

"The state tournament is a showcase event for the 'best of the best' from every corner of the state," said Travis Casper, Hunter Education Program coordinator. "Just qualifying to compete in this tournament is a mark of success."

The championship represents an opportunity for competitors who advanced from district events to showcase outdoor skills learned through the Wildlife Commission's Hunter Education Program. The competition requires a demonstration of skills taught in free hunter education classes.

While the competition is for students 18 years and younger, the Wildlife Commission offers free hunter education courses and advanced hunter education on a regular schedule for all ages. For more information, go t www.ncwildlife.org/huntered or call 919-707-0031.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visi www.ncwildlife.org.

Get N.C. Wildlife Update — news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered free to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go t www.ncwildlife.org/enews.