I suggest throwing it out to the forum to decide the parameters of the rules. The spirit of the idea would be to simulate actual hunting situations(rifle, caliber, scope, positions, distance, number of rounds etc.) Maybe set up a poll/survey, or whatever its called, and list all the categories that need to be addressed and see what the consensus is. Theguywithstupidlongscreenname can still override the consensus and decide what the parameters are. I would personally like to find out how many "hunters" as opposed to "shooters" would be interested in doing this. If theres no interest then stay with your more precision shooting kinda rules. If the rules were hunter friendly then I would likely volunteer time to help pull this off(maybe throw in on the prize table).

What exactly would you guys like to see changed over the current Hunters Challenge format?


Lets go down the list:

Rifle: What constitues a "hunting rifle"? Any rifle that can launch a projectile that will take down the animal in question is considered a hunting rifle to me. Just because it doesn't fit the miss conceptions that a hunting rifle has to be a wood stock with sporter barrel and duplex reticle 3-9x scope doesn't mean that it isn't someone's hunting rifle. Tactical rifles can be used to hunt with and probably to a far better extent than regular "hunting rilfes" but some people are just set in their ways.

Caliber: In the past all calibers used in the Hunting Challenge have all been calibers that could take down most everything in North America.

Positions: All shots being taken are hunting scenarios, most of which are on steel that has been laser cut to mimic the animal in question. The positional stuff is a great way to help hunters get out of their comfort zone of just shooting off a bench or prone, it helps them be able to make shots off fence post or off a tree for more stability.

Distance: The longest shot is 300 yards in the Hunters Challenge, that is not very far for hunting scenarios unless you just hunt over a feeder at 50 yards.

Number of rounds: This is really a moot point considering the generous time that is given for each stage. Dave Kershen actually used a single shot 22 for the 22 match and top loaded every single round. He ran out of time I think once. With a regular "hunting rifle" and a 3 round internal box mag you'd be able to run all the stages with no problem.


I guess I just don't understand the negativity towards our current format. I personally haven't shot a duplex reticle since I was about 12 years old on my Marlin 22LR and will never own one have no use for it. Times change, there is better equipment out there.

I wasn't assuming the current Hunters Challenge would change. I just thought one of your guys that was real involved and knew the scoop wanted to add a new a contest and tweak off the old a little. Also, I wasn't bitching at all but merely adding to suggestions already stated. Also, ill admit to not researching the particulars of the current format and had no idea the longest shot was 300 yards(could of swore 500), which 300 would be fine by me. I do not have an issue with caliber for sure and likely do not have much issue with the current format. I only mentioned the round count cause I shoot a 3006 and cant handle 100 rounds of recoil in a day I don't think. Im planning on building a gun that has less recoil mostly just for competitions like this. I just assumed there was something needed tweaking or it wouldn't of been brought up. Im likely in for whatever yall do that simulates hunting but ill just butt out of offering input on the format. KRoyal, thanks for a very informative reply. Lastly, I apologize for jumping on a thread without knowing enough about it.

Ive been waiting for a challenge that I can actually relate to! What general area of texas to these competitions take place in? Id love to put some faces to some names.

Wolfe City TX, about 45 minutes from you.

You haven't learned that you can't please everyone yet....come on grasshopper.

There will always be someone that wants to bitch about something....funny how 99% of the time those are the guys who are no where to be found when work needs to be done either. They want to bitch, they don't want to help.

Well I'm not as well seasoned, knowledgeable, or well versed as many of you, but if theres a spot and its on a weekend Id love to come meet and sling some lead. Ill follow the thread. Assuming it was an open invitation to the THF lol. Been wanting to do one of these!

Are you name dropping Josh again???

What exactly would you guys like to see changed over the current Hunters Challenge format?


Lets go down the list:

Rifle: What constitues a "hunting rifle"? Any rifle that can launch a projectile that will take down the animal in question is considered a hunting rifle to me. Just because it doesn't fit the miss conceptions that a hunting rifle has to be a wood stock with sporter barrel and duplex reticle 3-9x scope doesn't mean that it isn't someone's hunting rifle. Tactical rifles can be used to hunt with and probably to a far better extent than regular "hunting rilfes" but some people are just set in their ways.

Caliber: In the past all calibers used in the Hunting Challenge have all been calibers that could take down most everything in North America.

Positions: All shots being taken are hunting scenarios, most of which are on steel that has been laser cut to mimic the animal in question. The positional stuff is a great way to help hunters get out of their comfort zone of just shooting off a bench or prone, it helps them be able to make shots off fence post or off a tree for more stability.

Distance: The longest shot is 300 yards in the Hunters Challenge, that is not very far for hunting scenarios unless you just hunt over a feeder at 50 yards.

Number of rounds: This is really a moot point considering the generous time that is given for each stage. Dave Kershen actually used a single shot 22 for the 22 match and top loaded every single round. He ran out of time I think once. With a regular "hunting rifle" and a 3 round internal box mag you'd be able to run all the stages with no problem.


I guess I just don't understand the negativity towards our current format. I personally haven't shot a duplex reticle since I was about 12 years old on my Marlin 22LR and will never own one have no use for it. Times change, there is better equipment out there.

Senko, you will do fine in the Hunters Rifle Challenge with whatever you have, its a blast and VERY well run

Dont change anything on the Hunters Challenge, DAL wants it just like it was.

Dont tease about the rimfire match's, are you REALLY going to do several a year just for CAST or everyone. I need to get busy and do some trading and building

Well done Kyle.

I almost added, but self control got the better of me.

I was planning on possibly doing them 3 times a year. Since we got started late this year will probably be end of October for the next one, then next year will be doing March, June, and Oct next year if everything works out.

These are just preliminary plans and subject to change though.


Haha, you've had some pretty good self control lately. What happened? You getting soft in your old age

I was planning on possibly doing them 3 times a year. Since we got started late this year will probably be end of October for the next one, then next year will be doing March, June, and Oct next year if everything works out.

These are just preliminary plans and subject to change though.


Haha, you've had some pretty good self control lately. What happened? You getting soft in your old age

Are you name dropping Josh again???

No problem, I wasn't really pointing that at you specifically I just used your examples to make some points. You're not the only one in this tread that asked these questions and I was just wondering what everyone wants to change about the current format. As far as round count it is normally around 60ish rounds. We have a few that bring 300WM and shoot them for the match. The Hunters Match is gear specifically towards hunters, the Tactical Match or Long Range Match is geared more towards PRS type shooting. It goes out to 800 yards and is normally held in mid July when it is 115 degrees outside.

By the way not sure if you know Jeremy (ITRDM) but he was actually trolling with this post, he never intended to actually hold a match with just duplex reticles.

Alright now superduperlongazzfreakingscreennameguy, you can just drop atom bombs, walk away and not expect just a few inquiries on the matter.

If Josh were here, he’d beat you with a rubber hose mister!