DERBY - Youth of all ages are invited to attend the shooting event of the year April 16 - the Chisholm Trail Youth Hunter Education Challenge. The event is open to all youth ages 18 and younger, but participants must have completed a certified hunter education course. No prior experience is required except that participants must be able to shoulder and control a firearm.

Events include the following:

• shotgun course at clay targets;
• muzzleloading course with life-size game targets at 20 and 50 yards;
• .22 caliber rifle course at life-size game targets at 15 and 60 yards;
• archery course at 3-D game targets at 5 to 40 yards; and
• wildlife identification testing participants' knowledge of Kansas wildlife using mounts, hides, bird wings, tracks, horns, and antlers.

Participants will compete in junior (14 and younger) and senior (15-18) age categories. While competition is a part of the event, the focus of the program is to personally challenge each participant to improve shooting skills.

While all equipment and firearms are provided, certain restrictions apply to participants who wish to use their own equipment. A light lunch will also be provided, and awards will be presented at the completion of the event.

The event will take place at the Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association Range, northeast of Wichita off K-2554 Highway near the Sedgwick/Butler county line. (A map will be provided with entry confirmation.) Space is limited, so sign up early. Registration must be mailed by April 8 to Jim Fry, 116 E. Sandhill Rd., Derby, KS 67037. Checks for the $15 registration fee should be made out to CTAGA. For more information, contact Fry at 316-788-5026 or email.

The event is sponsored by the Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association, Heartland Friends of the NRA, and NRA Foundations, in association with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Kansas Wildlife Officers Association.