NRL Hunter Rules and Regulations

The NRL Hunter is an evolving competition series designed to provide participants with an educational and exciting means to practice shooting in realistic hunting-like conditions. The following rules and regulations govern participant expectations and conduct. 

Directory 

• Section 1: NRL Hunter Organization and Responsibilities 

• Section 2: NRL Hunter Safety 

• Section 3: Match Format 

• Section 4: Divisions, Scoring, and Grand Slam Championship Qualification 

• Section 5: Sportsmanship 

Section 1: NRL Hunter Organization and Responsibilities 

Executive Staff The NRL Hunter Series is managed by an executive staff responsible for day-to-day operations, media relations, match operations, logistics, marketing, and finances. The President appoints the executive staff. For the 2025 season, the Executive Staff includes: 

• Event Coordinators: Thomas Mead, Sam Ruddenklau 

• Farm Owner: Lloyd Brenssal 

Section 2: NRL Hunter Safety 

In addition to keeping rifles unloaded until the participant is in the shooting area and ready to engage the first target, the following safety measures apply: 

A. General Rifle Safety 

1. Always point your rifle in a safe direction. Never aim a rifle at anything you do not intend to harm. 

2. Keep your rifle unloaded until you are ready to use it. Treat all rifles as if they are loaded. 

3. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to fire. 

4. Know your target and what lies beyond it. 

5. Do not consume alcohol or drugs while shooting. 

6. Individual range safety rules may complement NRL Hunter rules. 

B. Rifle Safety at an NRL Hunter Match 

1. NRL Hunter competitions are cold ranges. All rifles must be unloaded, with magazines removed and bolts in the rear position. Chamber flags should be used to indicate unloaded rifles. Rifles may only be loaded under the supervision of the Range Officer. 

2. Ground rifles only in designated safe locations as instructed by the Range Officer. 

3. When moving to another shooting location, ensure the rifle is pointed in a safe direction. 

C. Rifle Safety During Your Stage 

1. Any movement or transition must be executed with the bolt to the rear and an empty chamber. 

2. The 180-degree rule must always be followed, which requires pointing the rifle only within 90 degrees of straight forward. 

D. Safety Violations and Penalties 

1. Violation of the cold range rule: A warning will be issued for the first violation. A second violation will result in a stage zero. A third violation will result in disqualification from the match. 

2. Unsafe transitioning: Failure to adhere to safety protocols during transitions will lead to penalties, including stage zeros or disqualification. 

3. Any negligent discharge (ND) will result in match disqualification. 

4. An accidental discharge (AD) due to mechanical failure will result in a zero for the affected stage and forfeiture of subsequent stages until the rifle is repaired. 

E. Match Safety Briefing 

Safety briefings will be conducted prior to the start of the competition. Key points include: 

1. Always point your rifle in a safe direction. 

2. Keep rifles unloaded until ready for use. 

3. Maintain finger discipline outside the trigger guard. 

4. In emergencies, the Range Officer will declare a cease-fire. 

Section 3: NRL Hunter Match Format 

A. NRL Hunter’s Responsibilities 

1. The NRL Hunter will provide an experienced staff member for match administration, depending on availability. 

2. Media and marketing support will be provided across digital platforms. 

3. Optional logistical support will be available to ease administrative burdens. 

B. Hunters’ Responsibilities 

1. Hunters must abide by their respective division rules. 

2. Only ground rifles in designated safe areas. 

3. Communication on stage must be respectful and clear. 

C. Match Directors’ Responsibilities 

1. Match Directors oversee the overall direction of the match. 

2. They must ensure the presence of sufficient Range Officers for safe match administration. 

3. A scoring system must be in place for quick tabulation of points. 

D. Range Officers’ Responsibilities 

1. Range Officers assist in running the competition and must understand all rules and regulations. 

2. They must ensure the safety of all participants and enforce the rules consistently. 

Section 4: Divisions, Scoring, and Grand Slam Championship Qualification 

A. Divisions 

Divisions are determined by the configuration and weight of the rifle, including all dedicated support equipment. 

1. Factory Division: Original factory configuration rifles weighing 12 lbs. or under. 

2. Open Class: Weight up to 16lbs  
3. Bullet weight x speed fps. Needs to be more than 380000power factor for open and teams. Factory is 243 calibre and above. Not subject to power factor but will be used in the event of a tie

4. Team Division: Consists of two individuals, with scores being the sum of both team members’ scores. 

5. Skills Division: Open to anyone wishing to compete for experience, with no minimum power factor requirements. 

B. Scoring 

• Stage scoring will be based on a 2-1 dead target scoring system. 

• The total score will be the sum of all stage points. 

Section 5: NRL Sportsmanship 

A. Good Sportsmanship 

Good sportsmanship is a foundational principle of the NRL Hunter Series, promoting positive role models and enhancing the sport’s reputation. 

B. Unsportsmanlike Conduct 

Unsportsmanlike conduct, including disrespectful behavior and cheating, is taken seriously and will result in penalties. 

C. Cheating 

Cheating is defined as acting dishonestly to gain an advantage. It includes sabotaging equipment, unauthorized assistance, and altering score sheets. 

D. Penalties 

Penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct may include warnings, stage zeros, or disqualification from the match. 

E. Reports to the Board of Advisors 

Match Directors will report on scores, standout sportsmanship, and any incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct or cheating.