NRL Hunter

NRL Hunter isn't another precision rifle series bolted onto hunting. It's built from the ground up for hunters—targets are life-sized steel animals placed in realistic terrain, stages mimic real hunting pressure, and match design prioritizes what actually matters when you're glassing a ridge or waiting in a stand.

The series runs a full calendar of Hunter Matches and Games Matches across the continental US. Hunter Matches are traditional 2-3 day competitions with 15-25 stages, real hunting scenarios, and substantial distance variety. Games Matches are shorter format events perfect for regular practice and skill building.

2026 Membership Benefits: - Early match registration (critical—events fill up) - Eligibility for season scoring and leaderboard rankings - Special promotions from NRL Hunter sponsors (Leupold, Hornady, Ruger, Caldwell, Weatherby, Leica) - Supporting continued expansion of the series

Season runs July 1 – June 30 annually.

Real Hunting Scenarios Forget steel popper targets in a line. NRL Hunter uses 100% life-sized AR500 steel animals—elk, moose, whitetail, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion, hogs, coyotes, and small game. Targets are placed in actual hunting environments: creek bottoms, wooded draws, rocky bluffs, open valleys, tall-grass hills.

Distance Reality Target ranges span 100-1000 yards with realistic distribution. Average engagement distance around 400 yards. Arrays are sized and positioned like you'd actually encounter them hunting.

Terrain That Tests You Matches use natural landscape—not flat ranges. Multi-mile hike courses, elevation changes, 360-degree fire fields, horses-shoe bend courses, rocky desert. If you can shoot well in the terrain where you hunt, you can shoot anywhere.

Pressure Mimics the Real Thing Stages are designed to recreate the mental pressure of hunting situations. Wind, exposure, unusual shooting positions, time awareness. This isn't about being fast—it's about executing clean shots when it matters.

February - NRL Hunter Snake River Outdoorsman Pro-Am (Feb 6-8, Hammett, ID) – 180 degrees fire around central camp, 0.5-mile hike to line, 0.8-mile firing line - Freestone Shooting Complex Hunter (Feb 20-22, Wortham, TX) – 1,200-acre ranch with creek scenarios, stands, dense forest, mesquite

March - Best of the West Hunter (Mar 6-8, Bartlesville, OK) – 20 stages, 1-mile light hike, 20 animal species targets, 200-900 yard range - Leupold Southern Hunting Challenge (Mar 13-15, Blakely, GA) - Hornady Husker Hunter (Mar 20-22, Bassett, NE) - Ruger American Long Hunter Challenge (Mar 27-29, Tampleton, PA) - Caldwell Whitetail Madness (Mar 27-29, Macon, MO) - Cactus Classic at HDMR (Mar 27-29, Rotan, TX)

April – July Continuous events including Foundation Hybrid, Mossy Pond Mow Down, Blue Mountain Big Game, Dust Devil Duel, Dogtown Hunter Classic, and monthly Games Matches in Bend, Oregon and beyond.

Rifles must weigh 16 lbs or less (this is a hunting competition—not a "heavy gun" series). Bring proper ammunition, chronograph verification, and gear suitable for multi-day hunting. Most matches weigh and chronograph rifles at check-in.

• •1. Join Membership ($100 standard, $75 Young Guns under 16)
• •2. Choose a Match from the calendar
• •3. Register Early – events fill up, especially spring matches
• •4. Prepare Your Rifle – verify zero, know your velocity, confirm 16 lb weight limit
• •5. Show Up and Compete – check-in day is typically one day before competition

The series is backed by major hunting and optics brands: Leupold, Leica, Hornady, Ruger, Weatherby, Caldwell, Hodgdon, Silencer Central, and dozens of regional partners. Podcast series features brand reps and top competitors discussing gear, hunting ethics, and match strategy.

• •Headquarters: 22605 La Palma Ave Ste 514, Yorba Linda, CA 92887
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Website: nrlhunter.org

Matchmaking platform handles registration, scoring, leaderboards, and squad management. Full match stats and historical scores available for every event.