Randy Newberg Competes In His First NRL Hunter Match

When seasoned public-land hunter Randy Newberg ventures into the world of precision rifle competitions, he finds himself in unfamiliar territory. After decades of pursuing big game across the West, Randy has built a reputation for ethical hunting and sharing honest field stories. This time, there’s no tag to fill—only targets to hit. To compete in his first match, Randy teams up with Jon Pynch, a champion precision rifle shooter and experienced backcountry hunter, for an NRL Hunter Match in Leupold’s latest video.

THE RELENTLESS RIFLEMAN

For Randy’s first competition, they participate in Leupold's Relentless Rifleman NRL Hunter Match in Madras, Oregon. This course tests accuracy, adaptability, and teamwork under pressure—hardly an easy start for your first match.

The match replicates a true Western hunting experience. Competitors will be hunting in a juniper-rich environment along a 1-mile-long cliff with rocky terrain. There are 18 stages, with a minimum of 72 rounds and a maximum of 144. Targets range from 200 yards to nearly 1,000 yards, averaging around 425 yards. This match is a true test. So, how will a longtime hunter and a newbie competitor fare?

THE MATCH

There’s a moment early in the video when you hear it: “Level. Take a breath. Squeeze.” Then the steel rings, and just like that, you understand what is really happening. NRL Hunter is designed to replicate field conditions. Randy and Jon are experts when it comes to Western hunting, but shooting a match together is a whole different story. Thankfully, Jon is there to mentor and guide Randy—something that few new competitors get.

From the outset, John emphasizes that the focus is not on attempting 800-yard “hero” shots, but on executing a 280-yard opportunity with complete confidence and precision. This represents the critical intersection of competitive marksmanship and ethical hunting practices. Randy, entering a two-day match without progressing through the customary introductory levels, acknowledges that the experience feels like going from elementary school to high school overnight. The pace is demanding and continuous: establish a stable position, locate the target, confirm ballistic data, execute the shot, transition, and repeat.

Unlike PRS, in NRL Hunter, competitors are allotted a set amount of time to spot targets and develop a plan, according to the stage rules. This, again, is about replicated real-world conditions.  

Throughout the competition, their performances are strong, given that this is Randy’s first match. The team identifies targets quickly, wind calls are confident, and shots connect, most of the time. Challenges include missed corrections in dusty conditions and missing easy opportunities. That, of course, builds frustration, something that’s not easy to overcome when it’s the first time shooting a match with someone.

John coaches Randy—always a challenge mid-match—while efficiently managing wind assessment, elevation adjustments, and time. Randy stays receptive and does his part to help and be coachable. The key is not to get frustrated. Look ahead, not behind.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, how did Jon and Randy finish? Watch the video to find out. But the result isn’t surprising. However, the most significant outcome extends beyond their placement. Randy leaves the experience more capable—more proficient at building stable shooting positions, more adept at interpreting shot impacts, and better prepared for critical moments in the field —making him a better hunter.

For more, check out Leupold Optics and Randy Newberg’s YouTube channels.