Introduction
The Badger Trekker is back for our second year featuring 5k or 10k distances. The Trekker is a “shooting biathlon,” combining aspects of a trail run, obstacle course, and a multi-gun match. The Trekker is not for the faint of heart. If you dislike mud and water, heights, or physical challenges, this is probably not the event for you!
This event is not intended for inexperienced shooters – you must have an adequate understanding of firearms safety and skills.
This is a test of both you and your equipment. Everyone competes equally – there are no divisions. Stages offer a variety of challenges and unique opportunities, both mentally and physically. It’s intended to give you a good idea of how the environment and mental/physical fatigue affect your shooting and performance.
The Trekker is less of a competition and more of an educational tool to test your gear, mindset, and fitness. Equipment is largely up to you aside from a few required items. You’ll find out quickly if that Amazon special is “just as good.” You’ll find out just how in shape you are dragging kit through the mud. You’ll find out how good of a shooter you are when stress and fatigue set in.
If you’ve ever shot USPSA, IDPA, or a 2 or 3 gun match, you’ll notice a few similarities as well as some big differences. There is no place for a cart full of gear here – you will need to carry everything on your person. Above all else, a good attitude is a must.
How It Works
The Badger Trekker is a centerfire biathlon that is either a distance of 5k or 10k, depending on your preference. Participants start the trail at predetermined times provided at registration the day of the event. Runners follow a clearly-marked path that spans the club property. Any and all natural obstacles like hills and water may be used against you. Pay attention to signage as the 5k and 10k courses share parts of the path and also deviate from one another. Of course, the 10k route contains more stages than the 5k.
The trails and path itself are well marked. The club has 80 acres and vigilant neighbors, so all participants are required to stay on the marked path throughout the run. The trail may feature difficult terrain but this on purpose. You’ll likely experience a little bit of everything except paved roads. Be mindful of other participants and traffic at all times.
Shooting stages are located at various points along the trail and each is under the direct supervision of an RO. Firearms will be checked by RO’s upon arrival and departure of each stage – rifles must be unloaded and pistols unloaded until given the make ready on stage one. Pistols may remain hot and holstered after stage one. Between stages rifles must be empty and on safe, and your pistol must remain securely holstered.
Stages contain unique shooting and physical challenges and distances vary. The longest rifle shot will be around 300 yards, and the longest handgun shots might be out to 50 yards.
Every stage contains a par time to prevent back ups and keep things moving. Shooters will be stopped at par time regardless of progress and penalties for missed targets, etc. will given accordingly.
Rules
Running and shooting are scored equally, so to win you need to be able to run like a deer and shoot like Annie Oakley. However, there are no minimums for either. If you want to walk, or if you’re not Annie, that’s fine.
Basic firearms safety is required at ALL TIMES, even during stages that require movement.
- Muzzle and trigger discipline must be maintained at all times
- Firearms shall only be loaded under the specific direction of the RO at each stage
- Only ONE rifle and ONE pistol are permitted. Participants must have both.
Participants found in violation of safety rules will be promptly asked to leave without refund or apology. Participants may be disqualified from the event at any time per the staff’s discretion or for the following violations, but not limited to:
- Having a loaded rifle anywhere on the course except under RO direction
- Negligent discharges
- Handguns not holstered unless under RO direction
- Being found in an area other than the clearly marked path
Scoring is similar to most matches, where rank is determined on a sliding scale. After the top finisher, everyone scores are based on a percentage relative to that. Stages also have their own rankings determined. Both time and shooting are scored and factored in your final result. Rifle targets must be engaged with rifle rounds and pistol targets must be engaged with pistol rounds. Par times are in place for each stage, ensuring a maximum time limit.
All participants MUST attend the safety brief for their respective group taking place the day of the event. You will be given your specific start time at registration. If you are not ready to start at your designated time, you may not be able compete. Run order will be random, but we strive to keep partners together or honor timing preferences.
It is recommended you are ready to go and in line a few minutes prior to your start time.
Participants MUST stay on the marked path at all times. Cutting corners and deviating from the trail may take you into firing ranges, private property, or dangerous terrain.
Participants are responsible for tracking and recording their own wait times, and upon completion, wait times are subtracted from your total time. ROs are not permitted to help participants in any way, and are not required to help you track time.
ROs will ensure you understand the course of fire and are the final say at each stage. Any call for a “ceasefire” or “stop” requires the shooter to immediately stop what they are doing and follow the RO’s specific commands.
When a stage is finished, you must show the RO an empty mag well or chamber for your rifle and holster your pistol.. The RO will then point you in the right direction.
Equipment and Fitness Requirements
The Badger Trekker is a “run what you brung” style match, meaning you can use any gear you choose (with a few exceptions). Want to use your M1 Garand and your .38 special? Or do you favor the ultra tacti-cool tricked out Mk18? Most people run an AR15, but any safe center fire rifle that meets the ammunition requirements below are welcome. For handguns, the recommended minimum caliber is 9MM, no magnums are allowed.
Ammunition – Armor Piercing, Steel tip / core and SS109 ammunition is NOT allowed for this event. Anyone found shooting armor piercing or steel core ammo will be DQ’d. No rounds larger than 308 or exceeding 3200 FPS will be permitted. Most of the steel targets you are shooting today are owned personally by the staff. Please respect our property.
There is NO zeroing or sighting in at this event. Come prepared.
Here is a list of gear you will need:
- Reliable, sighted in rifle
- Reliable, sighted in handgun
- Magazines for both
- Rifle ammo count TBD
- Handgun ammo count TBD
- Holster that covers the trigger of your handgun (no soft holsters permitted)
- Sling for rifle that allows safe carry (avoid the single points)
- Ear and eye protection
- Stopwatch or time keeping device
- Water and food
- A belt, bag, chest rig, or plate carrier to carry everything
- Footwear and clothes appropriate for the weather that are OK being destroyed
- Pen and note pad or something to record scores and time
What NOT to bring:
- A cart or wagon
- A firearm you can’t be safe with (too heavy, not familiar, etc)
- Steel core, magnum, penetrator, armor piercing, green tip, or tracer ammo
- Clothing that doesn’t shed water quickly
Participants should be in good health as the event is physically demanding. Please consider any physical limitations you may have as your health is your responsibility. Drink plenty of water and beware of over-exertion. Move at a pace that is comfortable.
Match Day Schedule
Runners each have an individual start time spaced 7 minutes apart starting at 8:00 AM. You can sign up for one of three waves below, but your exact run time will not be provided until event day. Wave 1 slots are only available for 10K and Wave 3 are only for 5K. Wave 2 will be a mix of 5 and 10K. Event day registration opens at 06:30 and closes at 12:00. You will receive your specific start time at registration. You must be registered prior to your designated safety brief and you must attend your designated safety brief.
Registration does not include meals, but there will be food available for purchase on site. It is recommended that you bring your own drinks and snacks as well.
For the most up-to-date information, take a look at the Badger Trekker FaceBook page. It is the one-stop shop for the latest information and the best place to ask questions: