ATHOL — While many people have probably heard of Jagermeister, it is commonly thought of as a thick, black licorice-flavored liqueur.

In German, however, Jagermeister means “master hunter,” which is what the upcoming Jagermeister Master Hunter Rifle Challenge at Farragut Public Shooting Range is all about.

The challenge, hosted by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Idaho Friends of the NRA, features reactive, lifesize game targets. Set in 10 hunting scenarios, the targets move when hit, so there is no need for participants to walk down range to determine if they hit their mark, said Brad Kruger, director of western region field operations for the NRA.

Kruger said the event is designed to be a fun, friendly, family-oriented competition, so it is not timed. Each participant is scored and awards are handed out at the end, but there will not be cash prizes or anything like that, he said. The purpose of the event, Kruger said, is to give hunters more training so they can be more “ethical” and “efficient” in the field.

“The Jagermeister is a great step for the mother/son, father/daughter, father/son, for the kids who just took hunter education, and we are looking at it as a great skillbuilder — for those who have been hunting for years, their skills might be a little bit rusty,” Kruger said.

Kruger said the NRA is the organization that started hunter education courses in the 1930s.

“We are big on training and we are big on safety, and that’s what (the Jagermeister) is,” Kruger said. “And there is no better way to do it than to make it fun.”

The Farragut range is owned by IDFG and features a 50-yard range, a 100-yard range, and a 200-yard range. The “beautiful” range was closed down for several years, Kruger said, so another purpose of the event is to let people know it is once again open for reserved use.

The Jagermeister will take place Sept. 9 at Farragut Public Shooting Range, Perimeter and Rifle Range Road, Athol. Signups The competition is open to shooters age 10 and up. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for shooters under 18.

Pre-registration deadline is Sept. 6 and no walk-ins will be accepted. All participants under 18 must have an adult guardian present during the entire day.

Registration forms are available at the Idaho Fish and Game Regional Office in Coeur d’Alene or by email to Dave Leptich, [email protected], or by calling him at 208-769-1414.

Checks should be made payable to Farragut Shooting Range and sent, with a completed registration form, to Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Att: Dave Leptich, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

Each participant should bring a centerfire rifle that adheres to IDFG hunting regulations and is sighted in prior to the event, 40 rounds of ammunition, eye and ear protection, lunch, drinks, snacks and a hunting buddy. Those without a hunting buddy will be assigned one.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.