A backcountry NRL Hunter–style field match in northern New Mexico featuring mountain terrain, long target distances, and physically demanding stages focused on practical hunting-rifle skills.
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The Paloma Challenge runs July 24–26, 2026, at Paloma Ranch just north of Folsom, New Mexico. Set across 38,000 acres of pine forest, oak brush, and open mountain valleys, this event is built around realistic hunting scenarios rather than flat-range shooting.
The match consists of approximately 16 stages with target distances ranging from 150 to 1,000 yards. Shooters should expect moderate walking across uneven terrain, with an emphasis on gear efficiency, positional shooting, and mental discipline. Friday includes weigh-in, power factor, zero confirmation, and extended-distance data collection.
This event follows the NRL Hunter format but is not a points race for the 2026 season, making it well-suited for shooters focused on experience over standings.
What to Expect:
Shooter Insight:
This is a terrain-first match; wind, movement, and position building matter more than raw speed or stage memorization.
July 24, 2026
