Over 400 total competitors from 30 states descended on Grand Island, Nebraska, May 29th – May 31st, 2026, to battle the "undead" during the 2026 annual Zombies in the Heartland 3-Gun shooting match hosted by Hornady® and the Heartland Public Shooting Park. "Big Red Dead" was the theme for this year's competition.
Ten competitive stages mimicking post-apocalyptic situations were featured. Professional and amateur shooters from across the country enjoyed specially developed reactive zombie targets.
The top shooters in each class were:
- Open: Michael Shuluk
- Modified: Andrew Tarver
- PCC: Dillen Easley
- Ladies: Hannah Nichols
- Junior: Dylan Mertens
- Senior: Jared Carlson
- Super Senior: Eric Miller
- Military: Michael Shuluk
For complete results, please visit: https://practiscore.com/results/all/336774
"This years Zombies in the Heartland match ran incredibly well," said Match Director, Jeremy Millard. "We are truly grateful for the competitors, the staff, the fans, and the sponsors that help make this happen. We are already looking forward to next year!" he added.
Hornady sponsored shooters Andrew Tarver, Dillen Easley, and Dylan Mertens won their respective divisions.
Tarver took 1st place in the Modified Division shooting 22 cal. 73 gr. ELD® Match bullets in his rifle and 9mm 125 gr. HAP® bullets in his pistol, that he loaded on the Hornady Lock-N-Load® AP press.
"I'm excited to win the division and represent Hornady on their home turf," said Tarver. "The Zombie Match is a competition I look forward to every year!" he added.
Easley captured the PCC Division win shooting Hornady 9mm 125 gr. HAP bullets.
"After winning Open Division last year and that Tactical Division before that, I wanted to take a swing at the PCC division and earn the Zombies Triple Crown!" said Easley. "I couldn't have done it without the accuracy of the HAP bullets," he added.
Teammate Dylan Mertens won the Junior Division shooting Hornady 9mm 115 gr. XTP® American Gunner® ammunition and Hornady 22 Cal. 75 gr. BTHP Match bullets in his rifle.
"It's an honor to represent Hornady at their 14th Annual Zombies in the Heartland Match," said Mertens. "The ammo ran flawlessly and was vital in securing my division victory," he added.
2026 Zombies in the Heartland Sponsors:
America's Service Line LLC, Armageddon Gear, Armscor Precision International, Athlon Optics, Bartlein Barrels, Bass Pro/Cabela's, Benelli, Browning, Buck Knives, Burris, Bushnell Optics, Central NE Truck Wash, Chief, Commercial Plating, CZ, Dead Air Silencers, DRAMCO, Elsbury Construction, Engineering Technologies, Eylar, Foundation Stocks, General Carbide, GI Loan, Grandeur Fasteners, Inc, Hastings Powerhouse, Hodgdon Powder Co./RCBS, Horizon Designs, HUXWRX, IdeaBank Marketing, JP Rifles, Leupold and Steven's, Lift Solutions, Lincoln Tool & Design, Ludwikoski & Associates, Luth-AR, Luvata, Magpul, Midland's Packaging Corporation, Midsouth Shooters Supply, Midway USA, Mini Movers, MOA Targets, Mossberg, MTM Case-Gard, NBS, Nosler, PROOF Research, Protex, RAMCO, Ramos Brothers, RCBS, Relevant Packaging, Ruger, Savage Arms, Scheel's, Shooting Shop, Silencer Central, Silencer Co., Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Starline Brass, Stellar Arms (MASP), Surefire, Swarovski, Taurus, Timney Triggers, Trijicon Inc, Tuff Products, Unrivaled, Valley Vending (VVS Canteen), VORTEX, Warne, Whipple Enterprises (Mini Mover Conveyors), Wieland Chase LLC, Wynalda
For event photos and updates on next year's match, visit the Zombies in the Heartland Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ZombiesInTheHeartland
Founded in 1949, Hornady® Manufacturing Company is a family-owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are made in the USA, Hornady® Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool, accessory and security product design and manufacturing.
For further information regarding Hornady® products, visit the company website at http://hornady.com. Media members interested in Hornady® winning products for editorial review, should contact pr@hornady.com.