The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Arkabutla Lake and the Northwest Mississippi Raccoon Hunting Association (NMRHA) will host a six-day raccoon hunt for youth 10-15 years of age Jan. 25-26, Feb. 1-2, and Feb. 8-9, 2019. Only two parties will be allowed to hunt per night.

All hunters will be accompanied by a NMRHA member, who will administer the hunt. Hunters are encouraged to bring a flashlight/spotlight, warm clothes and boots. Firearms and other equipment will be provided by the NMRHA; the firearms will be carried by the designated NMRHA member.   

Applications must be received at the Arkabutla Lake Field Office by 3 p.m., Jan. 16, 2019, to be eligible for the drawing. All state and federal regulations will be enforced.

For an application or more information on the hunt, please contact Coleman Pullen at (662) 562-6261, or visit the Arkabutla Lake Field Office.

Also, the Corps will host two squirrel hunts on Jan. 19-20, 2019, for youth aged 10-15 in a management area near Arkabutla Lake Dam.

The drawing for this hunt will be held Dec. 21. A total of 12 hunters, six per hunt, will be selected from applications received prior to the date of the drawing. Applications must be received by 3 p.m. Dec. 20.   

Although the primary mission of Arkabutla Lake is flood damage risk reduction, approximately 855,000 individuals visit Arkabutla Lake annually to enjoy the camping, playgrounds, swimming areas, several types of trails, fishing, boat ramps and marinas. The lake’s traffic brings $14,000,000 annually to the local economy and supports almost 250 jobs. Arkabutla Lake is one of four lakes in Mississippi maintained and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. Information on Corps lakes and recreational areas can be found on the Vicksburg District website. http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil