South Louisiana Youth Shooting Sports Foundation
Clubs  ›  Terrebonne Parish

Terrebonne YHEC

Youth Hunter Education Challenge — a premier youth outdoors and conservation initiative producing state champions and national-level competitors.

A young shooting athlete at the range

The Terrebonne Parish YHEC program is a premier youth outdoors and conservation initiative. Operated through a partnership between the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office, local 4-H chapters, and dedicated community volunteers, it is designed to take young outdoorsmen and women beyond basic hunter safety. Terrebonne Parish is home to one of the most successful programs in the nation, frequently producing state champions and top-tier competitors at the International NRA YHEC events.

What They Compete In

The Eight Core Disciplines

Participants ages 10–18 compete in eight distinct categories that test both physical skill and mental knowledge of woodsmanship.

Shooting Events

  • .22 Rimfire Rifle — Precision shooting at life-size game targets at varying distances.
  • Shotgun — Testing reaction and accuracy with sporting clays or skeet stations.
  • Archery — Navigating a course of 3D animal targets using traditional or compound bows.
  • Muzzleloader — Mastering the skill and discipline of black powder firearms.

Responsibility & Education Events

  • Hunter Safety Trail — A "walk-through" course simulating real-world shoot / no-shoot scenarios and safety obstacles.
  • Wildlife Identification — Testing the ability to identify tracks, pelts, feathers, and skulls of North American wildlife.
  • Orienteering — Navigating a designated course using only a map and a compass.
  • Hunter Responsibility Exam — A comprehensive written test covering ethics, laws, and conservation.
Where & Who

Location & Community

The program primarily utilizes the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Rifle Range (2100 Savanne Rd, Houma) for practice and regional events.

  • Team Dynamics — While individual scores matter, the program emphasizes a team-first mentality, fostering discipline, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
  • Eligibility — To participate in the state competition, youth must have successfully completed their basic Louisiana Hunter Education Course.
  • Volunteers — The program is powered by volunteer coaches who are certified instructors and passionate about passing on Louisiana's outdoor heritage.
Visit the Terrebonne YHEC Facebook Page
Support This Team

Help Fund Their Season

Your donations and banquet support directly fund equipment, range fees, and competition travel for the Terrebonne YHEC team.

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