Mississippi DWFP to Host Youth Waterfowl Hunt at Muscadine Farms WMA on November 16

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting an organized youth waterfowl hunt at Muscadine Farms Wildlife Management Area (WMA) during the first youth waterfowl hunting day on November 16.  This event is focused on introducing youth, their parents, and guardians to waterfowl hunting and to the quality hunting opportunities offered at WMAs.  During the evening of November 15, hunters and MDWFP staff will gather at nearby Leroy Percy State Park for a sponsored dinner and will discuss waterfowl management, hunter safety, and a variety of other topics to prepare for the Saturday morning hunt.

“Waterfowl hunters have a long history of supporting waterfowl conservation and this event is a great way to introduce more youth and their parents to this heritage,” said Houston Havens, MDWFP Waterfowl Program Leader, “Given its social nature, waterfowl hunting also allows for quality time with friends and family in Mississippi’s wetlands.”

Youth ages 15 and under are eligible to participate in the hunt; they must be accompanied by a licensed adult.  Youth hunters must register online at www.mdwfp.com/waterfowl. Openings will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis up to a maximum of 32 hunters.  Overnight accommodations at Leroy Percy State Park will also be available for hunters and one accompanying adult each on a first-come, first-served basis.  Hunters may also opt to drive home the night before the hunt and drive to Muscadine Farms WMA the morning of the hunt.  MDWFP staff will be available to assist and guide hunting groups as necessary. Some equipment such as shotguns and waders will be available for youth participants to use during the hunt.

Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), formerly known as the Mississippi Game & Fish Commission, is an agency of the government of the U.S. state ofMississippi responsible for programs protecting Mississippi fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, as well as administering all state parks; it has its headquarters in Jackson. The agency issues hunting and fishing licenses, advises on habitat protection, and sponsors public education programs. It is also responsible for enforcement of Mississippi's fish and game laws. It is separate from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, which is the governing body for the state's natural salt-water resources and law enforcement thereof (i.e. Gulf of Mexico, ocean-going vessels, etc.).