When the first target is hit at Millstone 4-H Center on April 26, it will mark three decades of competitive excellence in a premiere outdoors field event. The 30th anniversary of the N.C. Youth Hunter Safety Tournament by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will be underway. Team and individual scores are based on marksmanship in rifle, archery, shotgun and muzzleloader, as well as an orienteering challenge and a written test covering wildlife and hunter safety.

A component of the Hunter Education Program, competition is open to teams from middle and high schools, both public and private. Home-schooled students and teams representing organizations such as 4-H or Future Farmers of America also can compete, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

The event was started in 1978 as a way to encourage hunter education graduates to go beyond the basics and further develop their knowledge and skills. Ultimately, this results in a safer and more responsible sportsman.

"This is the state championship, with teams advanced from nine district tournaments held in March," said Capt. Chris Huebner, the state's hunting safety coordinator. "These are North Carolina's top competitors vying for the opportunity to go to the National Youth Hunter Education Challenge at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. There's no better - or more fun - way to promote the safe sport of hunting and shooting."

Typically, hundreds of spectators follow their favorite teams or watch a certain competitive element of the event. Last year, a crowd of more than 1,500 was on hand.

While the Youth Hunter Safety Tournament is for students 18 and under, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission offers free hunter education to all ages in every county. Successful completion of the course is required for all first-time hunting license buyers in North Carolina. Courses are taught by wildlife officers and hunter education instructors, with information about hunter responsibility, wildlife conservation and management, firearms, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting and tree stand safety.

For Hunter Education Program course schedules, game regulations and additional information, visit www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031.