Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
1505 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS  39211
601-432-2400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2012

2012 Youth Participation Initiative Squirrel Hunt

JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is partnering with the Mississippi Wildlife Federation, Mississippi State University Extension Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to host seven youth squirrel hunts throughout Mississippi on Saturday, February 11, 2012.  The squirrel hunts will be held at Canal Section WMA, Caney Creek WMA, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, O’Keefe WMA, Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Pascagoula River WMA, and Sandy Creek WMA.  These hunts were developed to introduce youth to small game hunting and conservation.  The hunts are provided at no cost to participants.

During the one-day hunts, youth participants will be exposed to principles of hunting and firearms safety, squirrel hunting with dogs, and the daily life of squirrels and their habitats.  Best of all, youth participants will have the opportunity to participate in a squirrel hunt!

To apply for a youth squirrel hunt, complete the application at http://www.mswildlife.org/events/youth-squirrel-hunt.php by January 20, 2012.  All applicants must be 10 – 15 years of age.  Each hunt location is limited to 20 youth participants.  Applicants will be notified by email regarding space availability for each location.  A parent or legal adult guardian is required to accompany youth participants. Guns and ammunition for target shooting and hunting will be provided.  Completion of a hunter education course by youth participants is not required. 

For more information about the 2012 Youth Participation Initiative Squirrel Hunt, contact Chris McDonald at 601-757-2313 or chrism@mdwfp.state.ms.us. 

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