High Desert Hunter

Challenge yourself in the High Desert of Northeast Utah to hunt down targets in this desert climate and enjoy the views of Blue Mountain, Diamond Mountain, and the High Uinta Mountains that surround this area. Be sure to take a trip to the Dinosaur Museum and Dinosaur National Monument because this is what this area is known for. This hunter match will have a lot of sage brush terrain around stage areas and targets with a limited number of cedars so be sure to look in all the drainages as this range has a lot of them. Be sure to bring good boots for the May weather. It can be cold and sometimes a little muddy. All 20 stages will be over a ¾ mile stretch. Be ready for complete blind stages as only a few stages can be completely seen from the shooter staging area.

We are shooting from a ridge top and throughout three draws. The course of fire spreads 270 degrees over 20 stages. It is rare amongst most rifle ranges to have this target array spread over this horse shoe configuration to hunt.

We will have a 100-yard Zero range available for all the events right close to the parking lot and targets out to 1000 yards for checking dope on check-in day. Be sure to check out the vendors who come out to show off their products. The Vendors will be right in the parking area for check in.

You will have access to your vehicle for the whole match in the parking area near the safety brief area and bathroom. Water and Snacks will be provided throughout the day and Gabe’s BBQ Lunch will be served hot and on the go.

Side Matches and Fundraisers for People in Need

We’ll have side stages set up at the zero range. Please take part — all proceeds go directly toward our fundraiser for a family or a person in need. Each year, we raise a significant amount of money for families with sick or disabled children. This year, we’ll once again have God on our hearts as we find another person or family to help.

We’re also bringing back one of the most fun side matches offered during your shooting event — the Dinosaur Targets! These will be set up all three days of the match. After you’ve engaged your normal targets, keep an eye out for the dinosaurs — they’re in plain sight, closer than you’d expect, and small enough to test your marksmanship. Hit them and go out with a bang while adding to the fundraiser pot!

Be sure to ask Kathleen Ibarra or Olya Andersen during check-in about the side match and Dino targets.

Thanks to competitor fees and sponsor support from last year’s successful hunter event, we’re adding a bunch of new AR steel targets this season.

#bluemountainprecision #highdeserthunter

PROMOTION

Available per a paid adult match fee. Please email prforce@nrlhunter.org with the Subject Line: “2026 High Desert Hunter – 1 Young Gun Slot”, and in the description please provide the following: 1. the Order # of the paid adult slot, 2. Name of the Parent/Guardian responsible for the Young Gun, 3. the Name of the YoungGun.

No refunds will be available.

RANGE OFFICERS

To help us reward and better secure quality ROs during the 2-day event, vetted individuals will be offered a complimentary match slot for the opportunity to complete all stages in 1-day timeframe (on the RO Shoot Day), 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.

*If you’re interested in ROing this event, please email us at highdeserthunternrl@gmail.com with your contact info and previous RO experiences. Anyone may apply, however, space is limited and not guaranteed. Those who volunteer to RO but are not selected will have the option to purchase a slot.

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We’re looking forward to hosting you and helping you gain every ethical edge

FRIDAY MAY 1st

RO SHOOT DAY 

ROs can check zero at 100 yards before or after the mandatory safety brief. *Weigh in after you shoot the course.

• 6:45 am Safety Brief

• 7:00am Start shooting. Shooter’s score counts for NRL hunter points and they walk the table according to finish in their class

• Lunch will be provided on the go

• 4:00 – 5:00 pm Weigh-in mandatory after completion of the course of fire in the other competitor sight in zero areas by the restroom. Please shoot the side stages set up at the weigh in and Zero range.

HUNTER CHECKIN

• 1:00pm to 5:00pm Check-in, weigh-in, velocity check 100yd Zero Board- multiple pieces of Steel to 1100 yds for dope.

• 1:00pm to 5:00pm Vendor Day

• Side matches from 1 to 5 pm

SATURDAY, MAY 2nd

• 6:45 AM Hunter Safety brief

• 7:15 AM Hunters to stages

• 7:30 AM Beginning hunting steel (10 stages)

• BBQ lunch around 11 to 12 am “On the Go”

• 2:00 PM last stages completed for day one

• 5:00 PM Gather at Swains Brothers “Private Room” for food and spirits for all Ro’s and Competitors. Restaurant/Brew House address: 29 S Vernal Ave, Vernal

SUNDAY, MAY 3rd

• 6:45 AM Hunters on stages to complete 10 more stages

• 7:00 AM Hunt steel

• Snacks provided but encouraged to bring your own

• 1:00pm Intended completion time

• Match Awards at the Uintah County Conference Center

• 313 E 200 S, Vernal, UT 84078

• Amazing Food will be served by our friendly Match Crew