JACKSON - With squirrel and rabbit hunting seasons opening, there are many opportunities to enjoy some time in the fall woods. For many hunters in Mississippi, small game hunting was their first hunting experience and it remains a popular pastime.

Small game hunting is a great way to get new hunters started, and experienced hunters should offer to take friends, family, and youth. Small game hunting is particularly appealing for inexperienced or young hunters since they can move around while small game hunting and it is relatively inexpensive to get started.

Youth under 16 years old are exempt from obtaining a hunting license. However, MDWFP offers an Apprentice Hunting License for residents over the age of 15 who want to try hunting, but have not completed a hunter education course. An apprentice hunting license may be issued only one time, and the licensee must be accompanied by a licensed or exempt resident hunter at least 21 years of age.

For hunters with limited private land access to hunt, there are a number of public land opportunities to hunt small game in Mississippi, including Wildlife Management Areas, National Forests, and National Wildlife Refuges. Always be sure to understand hunting regulations before going hunting.