NRL Hunter UK
Event management services.
The Rules
2025 SEASON NRL HUNTER UK
RULES AND REGULATIONS
​
The NRL HUNTER is an evolving competition series which intends to offer participants an
educational and exciting means to practice shooting in unknown hunting-like conditions.
The following rules and regulations govern the participant expectations and conduct.
DIRECTORY
SECTION 1, NRL HUNTER ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Executive Staff
2. Advisors
3. Technical Advisors
​
SECTION 2, NRL HUNTER SAFETY
1. General Rifle Safety
2. Rifle Safety While at a NRL HUNTER Match
3. Rifle Safety During Your Stage
4. Safety Violations and Penalties
5. Match Safety Briefing
SECTION 3, MATCH FORMAT
1. NRL Hunter’s Responsibilities
2. Hunter Responsibilities
3. Match Directors Responsibilities
4. Range Officers Responsibilities
5. RO & Hunter Communications
6. Specific Competition Rules
SECTION 4, DIVISIONS, SCORING, AND GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION
1. Divisions
2. Classifications
3. Equipment Weight
4. Match Scoring
5. Series Points Tracking
6. Championship Qualification
7. Championship Match and Scoring
​
SECTION 5, SPORTSMANSHIP
1. Good Sportsmanship
2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
3. Cheating
4. Penalties for Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Cheating, and Rule Violations.
5. Reports to the Board of Directors
​
SECTION 1, NRL HUNTER ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
​
A. Executive Staff
The NRL HUNTER Series has an executive staff whose responsibilities include day to day
operations, media, match operations, logistics, marketing, and finances. The President
appoints the executive staff. For the 2025 season, the Executive staff is as follows:
​
1. Director / Co-Founder – Christian Westcough
2. Director / Co-Founder – Simon Armstrong
​
B. Advisors
The NRL Hunter Advisors are comprised of the seasons Match Directors and Range
Operators. Responsibilities include ruling on disciplinary matters and making
representations for rule changes. The only way to serve on the NRL Hunter Advisors is to
be a Match Director or Range Operator in the current season. When the need to vote on an
issue arises, each Advisor is allowed one vote. The Directors shall preside over any
meetings and be responsible for moving the meeting along and presenting issues as they
arise. Technical advisors provide advice on rules and technical elements and do not have
a vote on issues. The Directors do not get a vote unless the Advisor vote comes to a tie at
which time the President breaks the tie. The Advisors for the 2025 season are as follows:
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1. Marc Gardner / Gardners Guns
2. Brian Llewelyn / Pro Shoot
3. Charles Cooper / Sealgair Range
4. Dale Pringle / Otterburn
​
C. Technical Advisors
1. Lee Cocozza
2. Rob Ramsden
3. Ryan Charlton
​
SECTION 2, NRL HUNTER SAFETY
The following is in addition to the rifle remaining unloaded until the hunter is in the shooting
area and is ready to engage the first target (this is a safety measure to reduce the threat of
an AD / accidental discharge or ND / negligent discharge).
​
A. General Rifle Safety
1. Always point your rifle in a safe direction. Never point a rifle at anything you don’t
intend to kill or destroy.
2. Always keep your rifle unloaded until ready to use. Treat all rifles as though they are
loaded even if you believe otherwise.
3. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.
4. Know your target and what is beyond.
5. Never use alcohol or drugs while shooting.
6. Individual Range safety rules may compliment NRL HUNTER UK rules.
​
B. Rifle Safety While at an NRL HUNTER Match
1. NRL HUNTER competitions are always cold ranges. All rifles are to be unloaded,
with magazines out and bolts to the rearward position. Chamber flags should be
utilized so that anyone may identify an unloaded rifle. The rifle may only be loaded
under the supervision of the Range Officer. Once the stage is complete, the
magazine shall be removed, bolt in the rearward position and chamber flag inserted
before the rifle is removed from the firing line.
2. Only ground rifles where the Range Officer designates as a safe location and
direction.
3. When moving to another shooting location, always ensure the rifle is pointed in a
safe direction.
​
C. Rifle Safety During Your Stage
1. Any movement or transition must be done with the bolt to the rear and an empty
chamber. The only exception to this rule will be with the use of semi-automatic rifles
but only at the approval of the Match Director. If the MD allows this, the hunter must
engage the safety, and yell safe loud enough for the RO to hear with ear protection.
2. During movement, the 180 rule must always be adhered to. The 180 rule refers to
only pointing the rifle within 90 degrees of straight forward. There may be stages
when a Range Officer reduces the 180 rule even more. Always follow directions and
be aware of where you are pointing your rifle.
3. In the event of a misfire, the hunter must follow the mis-fire drill. The Range Officer
will stop the stage timer to account for time lost to the hunter during the mis-fire drill
procedure. The hunter, and their team mate if competing in Teams Division, must
both stay in position and cannot use the paused time to their advantage.
​
D. Safety Violations and Penalties
1. Violation of the cold range rule: Any hunter who has violated the cold range rule shall
be issued a warning. A second violation will result in a stage zero. Next violation will
result in a match DQ and removal from competition. This includes a live round in the
chamber, magazine inserted, a closed bolt, or chamber flag not being used.
2. Muzzling and/or violating the 180 rule: Muzzling is pointing or sweeping another
person’s body with the muzzle of a rifle while the rifle is in possession of a person.
There will be no warnings of this unsafe act. If any hunter muzzles any other person,
that action shall result in match DQ and removal from competition. It will be the duty
of the RO to inform the MD of the infraction, and the MDs call to issue the match DQ.
Muzzling can only occur when the rifle is in hand. Walking in front of a rifle muzzle
that is on the ground in the holding area does not constitute a safety violation. All
efforts should be made to avoid flagging yourself even if the weapon is deemed
“safe”
3. Unsafe transitioning: Transitioning, or movement without having the bolt to the rear
will result in the Range Officer having the hunter correct the situation, then move
back to the previous firing position before resuming the course of fire. A second
violation will result in a zero for the stage. A third will result in the hunter getting a
match DQ and removal from competition. If the match allows for Semi-Automatic
rifles to move with a closed bolt with the safety engaged, the same rule applies if the
hunter does not either engage the safety and/or yell safe.
4. Negligent Discharge (ND). A Negligent Discharge is defined as any round
unintentionally discharged from a firearm during a transition, movement, and/or
weapons manipulation; or a round intentionally discharged during a cease fire
period. The hunter shall receive a match DQ and removal from competition.
5. Accidental Discharge/Mechanical Failure (AD). An Accidental Discharge is defined
as any round unintentionally discharged from a firearm due to a mechanical failure.
The hunter will be removed from the event until he or she can repair the rifle to safe
working order. The hunter will receive a zero for that stage, and all follow up stages
will be forfeited during this down time.
6. If a Match Director judges any hunter or competition participants to include RO’s to
be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during competition, the hunter will receive
a match DQ and be removed from competition. The hunter will not be allowed to
drive away from the competition while still intoxicated.
7. Any hunter that does not follow the mis-fire drill, or if they or their team mate misuses
the paused stage time to their advantage, they, and their team mate if competing in
Teams, will receive a warning, followed by a stage DQ for a second occurrence. A
further infringement will result in a match DQ. In the case of a Teams match, there is
shared accountability for the warning, stage and match DQ.
​
E. Match safety briefing
The following shall be read prior to the start of the competition. This briefing will also be at
the top of the rules for easy access. Match Directors may add to this brief as they deem
necessary.
​
Safety briefing:
1. Always point your rifle in a safe direction. Never point a rifle at anything you don’t
intend to kill or destroy. Only ground your rifle where you are instructed to by a
Range Officer. If your point your rifle at anyone else, you shall be disqualified.
2. Always keep your rifle unloaded until ready to use. Apart from when it is your turn
to shoot, rifles are always cold at NRL HUNTER events. This means the magazine
is out and bolt back with chamber flags inserted. Violation for breaking this rule will
be a warning on the first offense. A second violation will be a stage disqualification.
A third violation will be a match disqualification.
3. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. If you have a
negligent discharge, you will be disqualified. If you have an accidental discharge /
mechanical failure, you will receive a zero for that stage and all follow up stages
until the rifle is repaired.
4. Mis-fire procedure explained. First violation, warning. Second, stage DQ. Third,
match DQ.
5. It is a hunter’s responsibility, and all others at the range, if they see an unsafe act
or situation, to immediately call a stop to all firing by calling “Stop, Stop, Stop!”. All
hunter’s will immediately cease fire and step away from firearms.
6. In the event of an emergency, the Range Officer shall immediately declare cease
fire which will be echoed down the firing line. The Range Officer shall then size up
the situation and relay the situation to the Match Director. The Match Director will
activate the 999 system and the primary medical responder. The primary medical
responder will obtain the NRL trauma kit and treat the patient.
7. The 999 system is: ** Range specific plan as per briefing **
8. The primary medical responder is: ** Event specific staff as per briefing **
9. The NRL HUNTER trauma kit is: ** Event specific as per briefing *
10. Identify any other medical personnel.
11. Are there any questions?
​
SECTION 3, NRL HUNTER MATCH FORMAT
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A. NRL Hunter’s Responsibilities
1. The NRL HUNTER will attempt to provide an experienced NRL HUNTER staff team
member, depending on availability, for assistance in administration of the match.
This role is subservient to the Match Director and can be utilized in any capacity that
the Match Director needs. Further, the Match Director should utilize the team
member as a witness anytime he or she needs to make a punitive action.
2. Provide media/marketing support across digital platforms.
3. Provide optional logistical support to include design work, sourcing and purchasing,
and event planning. These services are optional and designed to ease the burden
of administering the match and to create buying power through volume. All service
costs will be transparent.
4. Shop for and promote sponsors through media efforts. Distribute sponsors products
to all NRL HUNTER matches and Championship match.
​
B. Hunters’ Responsibilities
1. Hunters shall abide by his or her Division rules.
2. Hunters shall understand the appropriate communications on a stage, as described
in Section 3, E: RO & Hunter Communications.
3. Hunters shall understand the Specific Competition Rules, as described in Section 3,
F: Specific Competition Rules. It is the hunters’ responsibility to know the NRL
HUNTER Rules and Regulations prior to a competition.
4. Hunters should always treat Match Directors and Range Officers with respect. From
time to time, disagreements arise between hunters and match officials. This is fine,
so long as mutual respect and calm communication occurs. The Match Directors
ruling is always final.
5. Hunters in this field style rifle discipline are regarded as the most professional and
highly educated in any discipline. All participants in NRL HUNTER matches are
looked upon as Safety Officers. Any hunter that witnesses an unsafe act is to call for
a cease fire and stop the unsafe act. The hunter should then inform the closest
Range Officer of the act.
6. Hunters should actively participate in any stage / match briefing to move the shoot
along smoothly.
7. Hunters shall understand that at the beginning of the stage, when asked by the
Range Officer “Hunter do you understand the course of fire?” If they give an
affirmative answer, that will be their last opportunity to get clarification. Because of
this, arguments that they did not understand anything about the stage, or its targets
are invalid.
8. Once a hunter has completed a stage, and made his or her rifle safe, and approved
the score, the priority is to clear the shooting area in an effective manner to facilitate
match flow. Gear should be gathered, and the hunter should immediately leave the
shooting area, organizing and loading magazines will be done in the holding area
for the next stage. Staying in the area only adds to distract Range Officers from
completing their work. In no case will the Hunter remain behind to watch, comment,
or distract the next hunter from his or her work, unless that next hunter is a Young
Gun classified hunter or a Skills Division hunter who has asked for assistance.
9. Hunters who are assisting Young Gun classified hunters or Skills Division hunters,
on the clock, and Teams working with their partner on the clock, will talk in a low
voice when giving wind calls, target locations and corrections. Any
“communications” that are intended to aid hunters in the holding area will result in
notification of the match director and punitive action.
10. Sponsors are very important to the NRL HUNTER Series. It is encouraged that the
hunter publicly/digitally thanks the sponsors that supported the competition.
​
C. Match Directors Responsibilities
1. Match Directors are responsible for the overall direction of a match. He or she is the
person in charge at that event.
2. Match Directors also serve on the team of Advisors for the NRL HUNTER Series.
3. Match Directors shall understand and abide by the Rules set forth in Section 2, 3, 4,
and 5.
4. Match Directors shall provide enough Range Officers to ensure safe administration
of the match. It is encouraged that at least 1 Range Officer be provided per stage.
Match Directors are responsible for utilizing enough spotters, reactive targets,
and/or electronic flashers when putting targets at longer ranges.
5. Match Directors must have a scoring system that allows for quick tabulation of points
and must allow hunters to see their score after the stage. Using a system that makes
the hunter sign or acknowledge their score is encouraged. If utilizing paper scoring,
rain should be accounted for. If using electronic scoring, failure of equipment and
battery life should be accounted for, and paper backup should be available.
6. Match Directors must utilize targets that ensure a quality course of fire. It is the goal
of the NRL HUNTER Series to ensure that Match Directors maintain the ability to be
creative in their design.
7. Match Directors shall provide a 20-minute arbitration period for hunters to review
scores and issue grievances if necessary. Once the arbitration period is complete,
scores are then final. At no time and for no reason will scores or results be altered
after this period. If individuals come forward any time after the arbitration period has
ended, the reasons will be noted and followed up with the Match Director, but scores,
placements, and prizes will not be recalled.
8. Match Directors must provide match scores within 3 days of the completion of their
match to the NRL HUNTER executive team. Included in the scores will be one hunter
who stood out to the Match Director as a good sportsman, names of any poor
sportsmen, and any individual found to have cheated.
9. Sponsors are very important to the NRL HUNTER Series. Match Directors are
encouraged to pass along a source to all hunters after the competition with the ability
to reach the sponsor company.
10 .Match Directors shall be members of the NRL HUNTER Series at the time
registration opens for their match.
11 .Additionally, an after action review covering lessons learned or difficulties faced
should be submitted in order to increase knowledge across all Match Directors
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D. Range Officers Responsibilities
1. Range Officers are any person assisting in running a competition, not including the
Match Director. They can be the person running a stage, a spotter, the sign in person,
or anyone that the Match Director acknowledged, as working the match.
2. To obtain and reward the best possible Range Officers, NRL HUNTER will arrange
appropriate recompense for a Range Officers time, including but not limited to, cash
payment or free range day or match entrance.
3. Range Officers must understand all Rules and Regulations prior to the start of the
competition to ensure the safety off all participants. Any Range Officer witnessing
unsafe acts shall call cease fire and correct the unsafe act as soon as possible.
4. Range Officers that are running a stage shall have complete knowledge of the stage
that they are responsible for. Once the stage begins, the Range Officer shall run
every hunter though that stage as close to the same as humanly possible. Match
Directors shall ensure that Range Officers utilize standard commands at their
competition. (Encouraged standard commands are as follows. “Hunter, what is your
name? Hunter, is all gear stowed (with exception of rifle & spotting/ranging device
out, tripod fully collapsed, bipod folded, backpack fully on)? Hunter, do you
understand the course of fire? Hunter, your time starts now.”
5. Range Officers that are serving as spotters are responsible for calling impacts.
Utilization of standard calls is encouraged. Standard calls are “impact” or “reengage”
or “next target”. Spotters should use loud clear voices when calling stages. Calling
corrections during the stage is not allowed except as requested by skills division
hunters. Discussions between hunters and ROs after the stage is complete, will be
brief and discussed in a low voice as to not give advantage to hunters in the holding
areas.
6. Anytime a Range Officer is not able to settle a grievance presented by a hunter, he
or she shall request the Match Director to make the final judgment. Should
grievances be settled by an RO, the Match Director shall immediately be made
aware of all settled grievances between the RO and Hunter.
7. The role of Range Officer is essential to the competition and the NRL HUNTER
community.
​
E. RO & Hunter Communications
1. At times hunters may wish to ask questions to clarify the target array, such as:
• Is my first target at placard X?
• Are my target/targets X shape?
• Is target 3 a buck deer with the head pointing left?
• These types of yes or no answers are acceptable to answer because they serve the
purpose to immediately clarify, and should in fact be answered yes or no.
2. Questions that cannot be answered definitively yes or no, or questions that create
more questions, should not be asked or answered, for example:
• Is target 3 left of the OAK tree?
• Any answer only adds confusion; are there multiple oak trees on the COF? Which
oak tree? Does the RO know what the difference is between an oak tree and a maple
tree?
3. Questions meant to “game” the stage should also not be answered, for example:
• Are all the targets located on the valley floor?
This question only serves to reduce the search area for the hunter and answering it in the
affirmative is an advantage other hunters of higher moral character would not have. The
intent of the series is for hunters to find the targets and not be guided to the targets.
​
F. Specific Competition Rules
1. A NRL HUNTER competition shall consist of at least 6 individual stages per day.
Matches shall have at least 10 hunters and take place over the course of one or two
days. Having a sight in period is mandatory. If weather or acts of God alter the
competition, the competition scores will be valid if the intention of the competition
meets the previous guidelines.
2. Scoring will be 2-1 dead target scoring. 1st round hit is worth 2 points, 2nd round hit
is worth one point.
3. Once the target is hit, the target is neutralized.
For example: A hunter impacts the first target with their 1st shot, he or she will get 2
points, and move on to the next target or position. The hunter misses the 1st shot but
connects with the 2nd attempt, they get 1 point and will move on to the next target
or position. If the hunter misses both the 1st and 2nd shot, he or she will move to the
next target or position with no points.
4. In a multiple-position stage, the Hunter may select the position order
5. It is understood that many ranges operate for profit and shutting a range down is not
possible. Also, that train ups assist in profits for the range. Therefore, shooting at the
range prior to a competition is allowed. Shooting on the ranges props is also allowed.
However, shooting specific stages before the competition must not be allowed for
any reason. For these reasons, it is important that the Match Director be involved or
at least has knowledge of events taking place at the range prior to his or her
competition so having common stages and /or course of fire does not occur.
5. No hunter may be allowed to assist in forming the stages course of fire.
6. If there is a tie, the tiebreaker will be the hunters’ Power Factor gathered at
registration
7. Hunters will be required to carry all equipment through the entire course.
8. The match will consist of Blind Stages.
a. This means no distances, nor target acquisitions are provided
b. Hunters will be required to find, range, and engage all targets on the clock as an
individual or team if they are registered in that division.
9 Hunters will be put on the clock, with all gear in the stowed position and pack fully
on his or her back, to help stay as safe as possible.
a. Rifle & Binoculars/Ranging Device may be carried by hand or slung.
b. Bipod, if used, must be stowed or on the rifle, in a collapsed position.
c. Tripod, if used, must be stowed and in the collapsed position.
10. Time Limit
a. Individual hunters will have 4 minutes and Team hunters will have 6 minutes of
time to complete each stage which should be plenty if they are organized and have
practiced their priorities of work.
b. Shots taken up to .25 seconds after the clock are still eligible for points.
c. When Time is called, Hunters will make their rifle safe, show clear, and insert a
chamber flag. Firing additional ammunition after time is called, slows match progress,
and is not allowed, with the exception of a Skills Division Hunter, who may fire an
additional round if they already chambered it while still on the clock.
d. Efficient match flow is critically important to ensure the full course of fire is
completed by all hunters and the match is completed within the limitations of safe
day light shooting times and/or range restrictions. A hunter’s position in their squad
will be randomly selected prior to the start of the match and will be the order in which
each stage is completed and will be fixed for the match. Therefore, the hunter
designated #1 in the squad will shoot each stage first, and so on through the order.
Once each hunter has shot a stage, they move on to the next stage’s holding area
to join the back of the queue of the squad ahead of them, giving them appropriate
time to prepare for that stage.
11. Shooting Areas and Positions
a. Each shooting area will be large enough to allow the appropriate shooting
positions for the distance of the target.
b. If there are multiple positions, the positions may be selected by the hunter, while
on the clock.
c. Any position can be selected within the designated shooting area, unless specific
positions are indicated, in which case the hunter must shoot from those positions,
and not forward of the shooting area designation marker. A new position can be
prone, sitting, kneeling, or standing using any natural terrain, or any of the hunter’s
equipment. Any new position must be at least one arms distance from the previous
position.
d. Expect Realistic use of terrain, trees, rocks and prone (there will not be any circus
stages)
12. Targets
a. The initial target in any array will have a designated 18”x24” placard (minimum
size). Target placards will have a unique identifier and will be in the vicinity of the
first target, with a recommended distance of less that 20’. However, every match
location has it’s own unique challenges and adhering to the 20’ rule is not always
possible. In the event the match director has to exceed the recommended distance,
they will brief what stage the exception is on and any other information that they
deem necessary for the completion of the stage that does not give away target
location” An aiming aid with left and right lateral limits will be pointed at the target
array and will aide in guiding the hunter onto the correct target array.
b. Targets will be shot from “left-to-right” or “near-to-far” (near-to-far may entail a zig
zag pattern going further in distance away) just to keep it simple.
c. The goal is to have targets animal themed for the area and a recommended size
would be the vital size for the themed animal. 18”x12” for a mule deer as an example.
Which is the usable vital zone size for a large mule deer.
13. Distances
a. For Centrefire - expect majority of targets to be between 100 and 600 yards, with distances that
may reach 1000 yards at some events.
b. Targets should not be hidden or too difficult to find. Some observation skills will
be required.
14 Arbitration
a. If a hunter (s) has an issue with their score or the way a stage was ran by the RO
the hunter(s) must immediately resolve the issue before moving on to the next stage
in a professional manner. If a resolution cannot be resolved the Match Director may
be called in to resolve any issues.
15. Re Shoots
a. Re shoots are not allowed under any circumstance, even under the circumstance
when questions asked and/or answered may add Hunter/RO confusion, as it
provides an unfair advantage over other hunters as all stages are to be blind
16. Awards
a. Awards will be handled in the following order at each event. If the MD has special
awards/prizes, those may be allocated separately from the standard prize table.
​
• Overall Winner (from Factory or OL or OH or Young Gun or Woman)
• 1st Factory (immediate trophy, immediate prize table walk)
• 1st OL (immediate trophy, immediate prize table walk)
• 1st OH (immediate trophy, immediate prize table walk)
• 1st Young Gun (trophy recognition, immediate prize table walk)
• 1st Woman (trophy recognition, immediate prize table walk)
• 2nd F, OL, OH, YG, W (immediate trophy recognition, but walk in order of
placement)
• 3rd F, OL, OH, YG, W (immediate trophy recognition, but walk in order of
placement)
​
Then based on placement of the match regardless of division.
Teams will have their own prize table and may walk their table at any time deemed
by the MD in order of placement.
Skills division shooters will walk the prize table after all others.
​
SECTION 4, DIVISIONS, SCORING, AND GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION
​
A. Divisions
Divisions are determined by the configuration and weight of the rifle with all dedicated
support equipment attached.
In all divisions maximum .30 calibre and 3275fps limits apply.
1. Factory Division is described as completely original in the factory configuration and
includes any SKU from the following list, as long it is unmodified in any way and 12
lbs. or under.
a. Acceptable SKUs: Barrett, Bergara, Berretta, Blaser, Browning, Christensen Arms, Colt,
CVA, CZ, Daniel Defense, Fierce, FN, Henry, Howa, Kimber, Lithgow, Marlin, Mauser,
Mossberg, Remington, Ruger, Sako, Savage, Seekins, Schultz & Larsen, Sig Sauer,
Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Stag Arms, Steyr, Thompson, Tikka, Victrix, Weatherby,
Winchester.
b. Standard Components:
i. Action – May not be modified
ii. Bolt/Bolt Knob – May not be modified
iii. Stock/Chassis – May not be drilled, tapped, or otherwise modified to add
accessories.
• Addition of rails (picatinny, arca) may be added if they can be securely attached
using the factory mounting point(s) on the stock/chassis
• Addition of cheek risers may be added if they can be securely attached using the
factory mounting points, or by any attachment method that does not modify the
original stock/chassis.
• Bottom metal may not be modified.
• Any magazine that is designed to fit into your rifle may be used.
• You may not permanently modify the stock/chassis to reduce its overall factory
weight.
• Addition of weights is allowed if they can be securely attached using the factory
mounting point(s) on the stock/chassis. Must meet weight rules.
iv. Trigger – May not be changed, modified, nor polished. Must stay in the original
factory condition. If it is an adjustable trigger from the factory, it may be adjusted per
factory specs.
v. Barrel Contour – May not be modified. If your barrel is shot out, it must be replaced
with another barrel from the factory manufacturer in which you purchased your rifle.
vi. Muzzle Device/Suppressor –
• If your barrel comes threaded and capped from the factory, you may add a muzzle
device including a suppressor. Must meet weight rules.
• If your barrel comes with a muzzle device from the factory, it must be used with that
muzzle device or a suppressor. Unless an identical rifle model, which has the same
stock/chassis (colour doesn’t matter), same trigger, same components including
barrel length, contour, fluting, material (stainless vs non-stainless vs carbon fibber
wrapped), is offered from the manufacturer without a muzzle break, but is threaded,
then you may add an aftermarket muzzle device or suppressor. Must meet weight
rules.
• If the rifle comes from the factory with both a muzzle device and a threaded cap,
regardless of what is installed at the time of purchase, you may add an aftermarket
muzzle device or suppressor. Must meet weight rules.
• If your barrel does not come threaded, you must leave it as it originally came from
the factory.
c. There is no minimum Power Factor (PF) for the Factory division, however the
Factory Division hunter’s PF will be used in the case of a tiebreaker. Factory rifles
chambered in 6mm/.243 or greater, with a cartridge overall length of 2.700″ or
greater (per SAAMI-ANSI Max cartridge length standards), with a maximum muzzle
velocity of 3275, will be allowed only in the Factory Division.
2. Open Light Division is any rifle configuration up to a 12 lbs. maximum.
a. No restrictions on gear, equipment attached, build, or configuration, as long as it
is under the prescribed weight for this division.
b. Minimum Power Factor (PF) is 380,000. The Bullet Weight in (gr) multiplied by
Muzzle Velocity in (fps). For example, 143 gr @ 2670 fps = 381,810 and makes the
minimum. With a Muzzle Velocity maximum of 3275 fps 6mm with 115gr will not be
able to make the minimum PF.
c. Use of factory sealed box ammunition, .264” (6.5mm) and 130gr or above, is not
subject to meeting the PF requirement under this section, however PF will be used
in the case of a tie.
3. Open Heavy Division is any rifle configuration over 12lbs and up to a 16 lbs.
maximum.
a. No restrictions on gear, equipment attached, build, or configuration, as long as it
is under the prescribed weight for this division.
b. Minimum Power Factor (PF) is 380,000. The Bullet Weight in (gr) multiplied by
Muzzle Velocity in (fps). For example, 143 gr @ 2670 fps = 381,810 and makes the
minimum. With a Muzzle Velocity maximum of 3275 fps 6mm with 115gr will not be
able to make the minimum PF.
c. Use of factory sealed box ammunition, .264” (6.5mm) and 130gr or above, is not
subject to meeting the PF requirement under this section, however PF will be used
in the case of a tie.
4. Team Division is for Teams consisting of 2 individuals. Scores will be the sum of
both team member’s scores (possible 16 points per team per stage). Teams will be
allotted a total of 6 minutes per stage, instead of the individual’s 4 minutes. If one
team member is disqualified from competing the second team member may
continue to compete, but not for score. Team member #1 must complete the stage
or pass, and unload and show clear, before team member #2 may load and begin
firing. Once team member #2 loads to begin the stage, team member #1 may not
load again.
a. Each member of the team must carry their own rifle. Support gear or ammunition
may be divided among the team to best serve them.
b. Teams may not share rifles during the course of fire. If a rifle becomes inoperable
due to a mechanical malfunction the MD may allow teams to share a rifle, however
both rifles must be carried for the remainder of the match.
c. Each team member may compete with a rifle meeting the requirements of Open
Heavy Division (16lbs) or less.
d. Teams will be accommodated at matches where time and facilities allow, though
it is our intention to have Teams at every match. Teams must declare their interest in
attending with sufficient notice for arrangements to be made. The team division will
have its own separate prize table and only the top team will be awarded a trophy.
e. Teams need to keep communication private while at a stage shooting area.
Discussing ranges, locations or targets in obviously loud manner will scare away the
game (stage will be ended and no more points awarded after a warning from the
RO). This is to prevent hunters in the staging area from gaining a competitive
advantage.
f. Teams may use their rifle as an observation tool, however only one team member
may have a loaded rifle at a time.
g. Teams shooters have the option to use Factory or Open Light or Open Heavy Division
compliant rifles only.
5. Skills Division is for anyone that wishes to compete at a NRL HUNTER match who
does not have the rifle and/or equipment to be competitive in the main competition
or who wishes to receive support and coaching at the match. Skills Division hunters
may use any calibre that they choose that does not exceed .30 calibre or 3275fps.
Skills Division hunters do not need to meet the minimum Power Factor (PF)
requirements; however, power factor will be measured at the beginning of each
match in the event of a tie-break with another Skills hunter. Skills Division hunters
may be coached on the clock after they have had the opportunity to try the stage on
their own, however, scores will be taken from their first run.
Not all Skills hunters will want to be coached, however, for those that do wish to be
coached, it is important that this is known by the Match Director prior to the match
so that arrangements can be made. It is the Skills hunter’s responsibility to identify
who will coach them and to communicate this to the Match Director.
A coach must be one other competitor only at the match. The Match Director will
ensure that the coach shoots each stage immediately before the Skills hunter. Skills
Division hunters will be competing for points, the opportunity to shoot in the grand
finale, and the opportunity for prizes within their own division. All other rules apply to
Skills hunters.
​
B. Classifications
1. Woman Classification is for a hunter who is a female adult. Ladies must abide by
Factory, Open Light, or Open Heavy division rules and season scoring will be based
on the rifle division. If opting for the Woman Classification, a division must also be
declared. Women’s classification is eligible to win a division trophy. The intent of this
classification is to provide an additional opportunity to a Grand Slam entry.
2. Young Gun Classification is for the youth hunter up 18 years of age, and the youth
hunter must abide by Factory, Open Light, or Open Heavy
division rules and season scoring will be based on the rifle division. Age requirement
is allowable as soon as a child turns 8, and no older than 18 at the time of the first
match of the season. A parent or guardian must be present with the hunter, who will
take responsibility for the actions of the Young Gun. Young Guns must be able to
operate their firearm safely by themselves with no hands-on assistance from the
parent or guardian. However, verbal coaching is acceptable and encouraged. If
opting for the Young Gun Classification, only eligible trophy is for Young Gun. This
classification is optional, where instead, the youth hunter may declare to the match
director upon match registration that he or she is opting to compete in Open Heavy,
Open Light, and Factory division trophies/awards. The intent of this classification is
to provide an additional opportunity to a Grand Slam entry.
​
C. Equipment Weight
1. Division is determined by the weight of the rifle with all dedicated support equipment
attached. The Rifle consists of barrel, muzzle device, trigger, action, stock/chassis,
scope, bipod (if used). Assistive devices, such as E-data cards, hard mounted range
finders, or timers, etc. which aid the user during the stage time, will be included in
the overall rifle weight. Slings are no longer included in the rifle weight because they
are primarily a tool for safe hunter movement with a rifle, and the NRL Hunter
encourages safe travel from stage to stage. MD’s will have designated colours that
indicate equipment division. Tripods, sticks, shooting bags, are not considered
primary shooting equipment and are not calculated into weight.
2. Ammo and detachable box magazines (if equipped) are not included in the weight.
3. Rifle mounted electronics: Due to the surge of consumer video equipment availability,
passive rifle mounted electronics used for video recording which are mounted on a
rifle system will not be included in the weight of the rifle. All other rifle mounted
electronics will count towards weight.
​
D. Match Scoring
1. Stage scoring will be 2-1-dead target scoring. 1st round hit is worth 2 points, 2nd
round hit is worth 1 point. Maximum points per stage is 8 points (4 first round
impacts). Once the target is hit, the target is neutralized.
For example: A hunter hits the first target with their 1st shot, they will get 2 points
and move on to the next target or position. The hunter misses the 1st shot but
connects with the 2nd attempt, they get 1 point and will move on to the next target.
If the hunter misses both the 1st and 2nd shot, they will move to the next target with
no points.
2. Match score will be the total of all stage points.
3. Ties between hunters will be determined in accordance with Section 3, F 7. If a tie
exists between hunters, the hunter with the higher PF will win the tie. The highest PF
of either team member will be used to resolve ties in the case of ties between teams.
​
E. Series points tracking
1. Series points may only be obtained by NRL HUNTER members. To register for and
attend an NRL HUNTER match you must be a member.
2. Series points will be acquired by shooting sanctioned NRL HUNTER competitions.
3. Points shall be awarded by your total score as entered in at the end of the match.
​
F. Championship Qualification
1. To qualify for the Grand Slam Championship, the hunter must be a NRL HUNTER
member. Hunters may compete in as many competitions as they like. However, only
the hunter’s single best match score will count toward the series point’s race and
Championship qualification.
2. Series points will be tallied by the NRL HUNTER Series and displayed on the NRL
HUNTER website. Rankings will be determined by the best score.
3. The 2025 NRL HUNTER Grand Slam Championship, will be confirmed shortly.
a. Invitations will be allocated to the Open Heavy, Open Light, Factory and Team
divisions by proportionately distributing the number of slots per division at the
conclusion of the season. Qualifications shall be to the top-ranking hunters of each
division by points. Should a hunter not accept the awarded slot, it will be allocated
to the next ranked hunter of that division.
b. 5 spots will be allocated to the top of Woman’s classification.
c. 5 spots will be allocated to the top of Young Gun’s classification.
d. 5 spots will be allocated to the top of Skills division.
e. 5 spots will be allocated to international hunters.
f. The NRL HUNTER staff may allocate additional spots, if available, as they see fit.
​
G. Championship Match and Scoring
1. The NRL HUNTER Series will be responsible for conducting a Championship match
at the end of the season.
2. Championship match points will be calculated as previously defined in Match
Scoring.
3. The Season Champions and the rest of the rankings will be determined by the best
scores at the Championship.
4. Prize Table walk shall be in the following order:
​
• Overall Winner
• 1st Factory (immediate trophy, immediate prize table walk)
• 1st OL (immediate trophy, immediate prize table walk)
• 1st OH (immediate trophy, immediate prize table walk)
• 1st YG (walk in order of placement)
• 1st Woman (walk in order of placement)
• 2nd F, OL, OH (immediate trophy, walk in order of placement)
• 3rd F, OL, OH (immediate trophy, walk in order of placement)
​
Then based on placement of the match regardless of division
Teams will have their own prize table and may walk their table at any time deemed by
the MD.
​
5. Ties in total point score shall be rectified as per Section 4.1.3 of these rules.
H. Rimfire Series
NRL Hunter UK intends to run a standalone rimfire series for 2025. This series will see
hunters competing with bolt action rifles chambered and using the popular .22lr
cartridge. All NRL HUNTER rules, format (including a separate Grand Finale) and scoring
will apply to the .22lr series with the following exceptions:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. There will be no power factor. Tie brakes will be decided by rifle weight.
Stage placards will be a minimum of 10"x8"
Expect targets to be between 20 and 250 meters
Additional Factory SKU's include: Anshutz
Ammunition must be standard sealed factory ammunition
​
SECTION 5, NRL SPORTSMANSHIP & MEMBERSHIP PRINCIPLES
A. Good Sportsmanship
1. Good Sportsmanship is one of the founding principles of the NRL HUNTER Series
and is highly regarded. Good sportsmanship helps grow the sport, creates positive
role models, and is impressive to the sponsors. It is not something that can be
quantified but is easy to recognize by all participants.
2. The NRL HUNTER will have a special recognition presented to a hunter at the
GRAND SLAM Championship match whom the NRL HUNTER Advisors Board votes
as deserving.
3. Membership perks and discounts are intended for members use only.
4. Subsidised ammunition will be provided to members to be used at NRL Hunter Events,
sensible and realistic limits may be applied in terms of amounts of ammunition & components
that a member may purchase to prevent misuse.
5. The use of membership perks and discounts are not to be abused and are offered in the
spirit of the discount in line with the sponsors and organisers intentions. Misuse of membership
perks and discounts may result in membership being revoked and scores accrued nullified.
​
B. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
1. Unsportsmanlike conduct is taken very seriously by the NRL HUNTER.
2. Examples of bad sportsmanship include cheating, treating participants or range
staff with disrespect, lying, unwarranted complaining, throwing tantrums, or being
unpleasant.
​
C. Cheating
1. The NRL HUNTER defines cheating as: acting dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain
an advantage in competition. Examples of cheating are:
2. Sabotaging another hunter’s equipment.
3. Changing pre-approved equipment in the middle of the match.
4. Scouting targets when it is not your turn to compete.
5. Assisting in writing any course of fire or obtaining the course of fire prior to the match.
6. Exceeding the velocity of 3275 FPS
7. Altering or destruction of score sheets.
8. Any other act as deemed unfair/cheating by a Range Officer or Match Director.
​
D. Penalties for Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Cheating, and Rule Violations
1. Any hunter who is deemed as acting in an unsportsmanlike fashion will be subject
to any penalty that the Match Director deems appropriate including warnings; stage
zeros and/or match Disqualifications (DQ) and being removed from competition.
2. The only penalty appropriate for cheating shall be the Match Director issuing a
match DQ and being removed from competition. In addition, the NRL HUNTER
Executive Team may also take appropriate disciplinary actions to ensure the honour
of the series.
3. In the event of a hunter being removed from a competition for cheating or
unsportsmanlike conduct no match points will be awarded.
4. The NRL Hunter reserves the right to refuse membership or entry into competitions for anyone
deemed to be a detriment to the reputation of the community, the match, or the NRL
Hunter series as a whole.
​
E. Reports to the Board of Advisors
1. Upon completion of an NRL HUNTER competition, the Match Director shall issue a
report to his or her fellow Board of Advisors which will include scores, who was the
standout sportsman, and who if any hunters showed unsportsmanlike conduct or
cheated along with any other pertinent information.
2. If any hunter was deemed as displaying unsportsmanlike conduct, the fellow Board
of Advisors will be informed and can choose if they will allow that hunter into their
shoots. The Director of Match Operations will inform these hunter(s) of the report by
a phone call.
3. If any hunter was deemed as cheating, the Board of Advisors will conduct a vote in
which it will be determined the discipline of the hunter. Regardless of the decision,
the Director of Match Operations will inform that hunter of the Boards decision by
phone call.
​
F. Payments, fees and refunds
1. Full refunds will be issued for events, upon request, up to 72 hours before the event in question.
2. If less than 72 hours before event the match fee can be moved to another event upon request. The fee cannot be refunded from that point onwards and must be used to take part in a match/event.
3. Membership payments must be made by the 1st January of the given membership year if being renewed. Any Membership fees paid part way through the year will count for that year only and will not be pro-rata.
4. If a member has their membership revoked for any reason they will be given a refund for the remainder of the year.
5. Access to the membership system and bookings may be effected should you allow your membership to lapse, the responsibility to maintain this membership sits with the member.
6. Membership discounts can only be utilised with a full and current membership.
​​