Polk County Gun Club hosted the Western District (9) North Carolina Youth Hunter Safety Education competition last Saturday, March 21st. Over 163 individual youth, both male and female competed in Archery, Rifle, Shotgun, Orienteering, and a written test relative to hunting skills. These participants with coaches, alternates, and parents began arriving at the Club at 6:30 a.m., growing to a number exceeding 300 that day. Apple Valley Middle School took several trophies as did Pisgah High School in the senior division. PCGC members who were present commented on how well behaved the students were and respectful of their coaches, DNR personnel, and our property.

In the 20 years since instituting the NC Hunter Safety Program there has been a 50% decrease in hunting accidents. Polk County Gun Club is proud to be a contributing force in making hunting one of the safest sports.