MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Several wildlife groups will assist in seven events across the state for future hunters on Feb. 11 in an effort to lay the foundation for safe and responsible hunting.

Mississippi State University’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture is partnering with the Mississippi Wildlife Federation, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to offer free squirrel hunts for young people. The deadline for registering is Jan. 20.

The hunts will take place at these public wildlife areas:

• Canal Section Wildlife Management Area in Itawamba County,
• Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Winston County,
• O’Keefe Wildlife Management Area in Quitman County,
• Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Yazoo County,
• Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area in Smith County,
• Sandy Creek Wildlife Management Area in Franklin County and
• Pascagoula Wildlife Management Area in Jackson County.

Youth aged 10 to 15 who have never hunted are eligible for the events. A parent, grandparent or guardian also must attend the hunt. Neither hunter education nor hunting licenses are necessary for these hunts.

The one-day events will include workshops on hunting safety, squirrel hunting with dogs, squirrel ecology and wildlife management. Participants must attend the workshops prior to the hunt. Guns and ammunition for target shooting and the hunt will be provided.

Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch or eat before arriving no later than noon. The hunt will begin after lunch and the seminar. Immediately after the hunt, there will be a demonstration on skinning and cleaning the harvested animals followed by a squirrel dinner.

The hunt is limited to 20 individuals at each site. For more information or to register, contact Chris McDonald at (601) 757-2313 or chrism@mdwfp.state.ms.us or online at http://www.mswildlife.org/events/youth-squirrel-hunt.php.