JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) would like to remind everyone that statewide most Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with waterfowl hunting opportunity will be open for the final youth waterfowl hunting day of the season on February 6. Licensed adults are encouraged to participate by taking a youth (under the age of 16) out to experience waterfowl hunting on public or private lands.
“It’s extremely important to the MDWFP that Mississippi hunters take the time to pass along the hunting tradition to youth who will soon be old enough to drive themselves, purchase a hunting license, and hunt on their own. State duck stamp sales allow us to annually accomplish important waterfowl habitat work both in Mississippi and on the waterfowl breeding grounds,” said Houston Havens, MDWFP Waterfowl Program Coordinator. “This late-season youth day allows an opportunity for youth to experience waterfowl hunting when bird numbers are typically near their peaks for the season. It also provides incentive for adults to get out and set up one more time in areas where they’ve had success during the regular season”, said Havens.
Hunters are encouraged to check area regulations before hunting public lands to be sure they are open for the youth waterfowl hunting day. Some areas offer limited draw hunt opportunities for youth, while others are simply open on a first-come, first-served basis. Waterfowl regulations, including bag limits, for the youth hunting day will be the same as during the regular waterfowl season; however, youth hunters are exempt from purchasing a hunting license, WMA user permit, and duck stamps. Non-toxic shot and shotguns holding no more than three shells must still be used. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a Mississippi licensed adult, and adults are not allowed to waterfowl hunt during the youth hunt.
For more information regarding waterfowl in Mississippi, visit our website at www.mdwfp.com/waterfowl  or call us at (601) 432-2199. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdwfp  or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWFPonline.