Youth Waterfowl Hunting and Education Camp
February 1 - 4, 2018
MDWFP annually partners with Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to apply for funding to host the Youth Waterfowl Hunting and Education Camp. The camp's mission is to recruit and retain waterfowl hunters and to increase support for wetland conservation and waterfowl hunting in Mississippi. The camp is much more than a youth waterfowl hunting trip. Youth ages 13-16 will increase their knowledge of waterfowl and wetland biology and management. Classroom discussions and hands-on exercises will be led by biologists and other professionals to help students gain a better understanding of wetlands, waterfowl, and ethical hunting practices. In addition, local field trips to public and privately managed wetlands will expose youth to the diversity of habitats that waterfowl use in Mississippi. The camp concludes with an optional, adult-supervised waterfowl hunt for camp participants ages 13-15 years old.
Youth ages 13-16 are encouraged to apply, however, only youth under the age of 16 will be eligible to participate in the waterfowl hunt. Because of limited space, only 15 youth will be selected for the camp. All applications will be ranked by the quality and content of the essays and youth will be notified if they were selected for the camp approximately one week after applications close.
This year's camp is scheduled for February 1 - 4, 2018 at Leroy Percy State Park and Muscadine Farms Wildlife Management Area. Prior hunting experience is not required to attend, however, a desire to learn about waterfowl, wetlands, and hunting is needed. Meals and lodging will be provided for campers, and parents will potentially be reimbursed for some travel expenses. Campers will arrive on a Thursday afternoon/evening, and will be picked up on the following Sunday around noon. Parents and guardians are not permitted to attend the camp. For more information about the Youth Waterfowl Hunting and Education Camp, contact Houston Havens at (662) 299-0273 or houstonh@mdwfp.state.ms.us
