MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Registration for the popular, annual Noxubee Youth Waterfowl Workshop is nearly over, but interested hunters still have a chance to sign up.

The Oct. 26 workshop, held at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge near Brooksville, will teach Mississippi youth about waterfowl ecology and management, duck calling and identification, waterfowl hunting equipment, firearm safety and ethics. There will be a retriever demonstration, and youth who successfully complete the program and who have completed a hunter's education class will be eligible for a one-day, guided duck hunt at the Refuge.

The registration deadline is Oct. 7. The $20 registration fee covers lunch and instructional materials for one youth and one adult parent or guardian. The workshop is open to 40 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

The workshop is from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Refuge office. The duck hunt date will be set at the workshop. The program is designed for youth ages 12 to 18. Pick up registration forms at county Extension offices. For more information, call Ben West at (662) 325-3174.