The Ruger American Long Hunter Challenge

Join us March 27–29, 2026, at the Ben Franklin Range in Templeton, PA (50 miles north of Pittsburgh) for the American Long Hunter Challenge, a premier NRL Hunter event designed to test real-world hunting skills in a fun and competitive format.

Match Directors

This event is hosted by Aaron Martin (@tensecondprecision) and William Righter (@right_time_righter), two highly experienced competitors who have logged countless hours behind rifles in both competition and field environments. Their goal is simple: to create a fun, fair, and challenging match for all skill levels, from first-time hunters to seasoned NRL Hunter veterans. Expect stages that are creative, balanced, and true to the spirit of practical hunting.

What to Expect

• 18 Stages Across Varied Terrain: Balanced test of prone, positional and improvised shots, ranging from 50 to 1,000 yards.
• Vendor & Sponsor Demos: Our group of on-site sponsors will be there with booths, gear, and possible side-stage opportunities.

• Be prepared to hike, pack in all gear and not return to vehicles until the match is finished for the day.

***SQUADDING GOES LIVE 28 Feb 2026 at 1200 EST***

Food & Hospitality
• Lunch (provided) on Saturday and Sunday.
• Water stations staged throughout the course.

Logistics & Weather
• Parking: Gravel + grass field. Expect some walking/hiking and pack like it’s a hunt.
• Facilities: Portable toilets scattered throughout the course.
• Weather: Late March in Western Pennsylvania means variable conditions. Mornings often start in the 30s, afternoons can climb into the 50s, and spring rain is always possible. The Alleghenies make their own weather. Shooters should pack accordingly. Boots, rain gear, and layered clothing are highly recommended.

Why Shoot It?

The American Long Hunter Challenge is more than a match, it’s an adventure. You’ll test your gear, skills, and decision-making in the same mountains the American Long Hunters before us did, surrounded by a supportive community of shooters. Whether chasing points or chasing experience, you’ll leave with new lessons, new friends, and memories worth sharing.

SCHEDULE

Be prepared to hike, pack in all gear and not return to vehicles until the match is finished for the day.

Friday March 27
12:00pm – Check-in Begins
5:00pm – Check-in Ends

Saturday March 28
6:30am Safety Brief / ROs at Stages
7:30am Range is Hot
12:00pm Lunch on your stage
5:00pm Range is Cold

Sunday March 29
Proceed directly to your next stage.
6:30am ROs at Stages
7:00am Range is Hot
2:00pm Range is Cold
3:00pm Awards

SEEKING ROs:

IF you’re interested in ROing this event, please submit to the following RO Application to the link above. Anyone may apply, however, space is limited and not guaranteed.

To help us reward quality ROs during the 2-day event, vetted individuals will be offered a complimentary slot for an opportunity to complete all stages in 1-day timeframe (on the RO Shoot Day). This will be for points amongst the other hunters and for prize eligibility. The opportunity at this is set to take place on the competitor Check-in Day.

TRAVEL

AIRPORT:

PIT – Pittsburgh International Airport is the closest large airport but several others are within driving distance.

HOTEL:

There are several hotel options in nearby Kittaning to include:

Wingate by Wyndham

Quality Inn by Royle.

A short distance is Butler with Comfort Inn & Suites.

On-site lodging only available to staff and ROs.

CAMPING:

Bear Ridge Campground: RV/Resort style campground.

Nautical Mile Campground: RV to primitive, wifi. Great scenic campground on the Allegheny River.
Several others also located within a short driving distance.

***SQUADDING GOES LIVE 28 Feb 2026 at 1200 EST***