MISSISSIPPI STATE – The Mississippi State University Extension Service is helping offer free squirrel hunts throughout Mississippi on Feb. 8 to teach youth about small game hunting and conservation.

The 2014 Youth Participation Initiative Squirrel Hunt is hosted by the Extension Service; the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; the Mississippi Wildlife Federation; and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During the one-day hunt, participants will hunt squirrels and learn about hunting and firearm safety. Participants also will learn about hunting with dogs and about squirrels in their natural environment.

The events are free and limited to 20 young people at each site. All applications are due by Jan. 20. Young people ages 10 to 15 years old wishing to attend a squirrel hunt can complete an application at http://mswildlife.org/events/2014-youth-squirrel-hunt.

Hunt participants should arrive no later than noon and bring a sack lunch. The hunt is expected to end by 6:30 p.m. Supper will be provided afterward.

The hunts will be located in seven different wildlife areas:

• Canal Section Wildlife Management Area in Itawamba County,
• Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area in Smith County,
• Copiah County Wildlife Management Area in Copiah County,
• Twin Oaks Wildlife Management Area in Sharkey County,
• Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Winston County,
• Sardis Waterfowl Wildlife Management Area in Panola County, and
• Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area in Jackson County.

All participants must have a parent or guardian present during the hunt. Youth participants are not required to have completed hunter education courses, but they are required to attend the hunter safety workshop held immediately before the event. Guns and ammunition will be provided.

For more information on the 2014 Youth Participation Initiative Squirrel Hunt contact Chris McDonald at 601-432-2044 or chrism@mdwfp.state.ms.us.

Writer: Brittnie Burton
Contact: Chris McDonald, 601-432-2044