Special to The Herald

Jackson – MDWFP is once again hosting the MDWFP Youth Waterfowl Hunting and Education Camp.  The camp’s mission is to recruit and retain waterfowl hunters and increase support forwetland conservation and waterfowl hunting in Mississippi.  The camp is much more than a youth waterfowl hunting trip.  During the camp, 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 MDWFP biologists 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 will conclude with an optional adult-supervised waterfowl hunt for youth aged 13-15 years old.
The camp will be held in theMississippi Delta on a hunting club in Quitman County from February 2-5, 2012.  Youth ages 13-16 are encouraged to apply, however, only those youth less than 16 years old will be eligible for the hunt at the camp’s conclusion.  Because of limited space, only 15 youth will be selected for the camp.  To apply for the camp, the youth should complete an application at www.mdwfp.com/waterfowl and return it to MDWFP Youth Waterfowl Hunting and Education Camp, Attention: James Callicutt, 1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211 by December 21, 2011.  Allapplications will be ranked by the quality and content of the essays and youth will be notified if they were selected for the camp by December 23, 2011.
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 be reimbursed for some travel expenses.  For more information about the Youth Waterfowl Hunting and Education Camp, contact James Callicutt at 601-432-2079.