MISSISSIPPI STATE – Youth through age 15 have the opportunity to learn how to squirrel hunt during a special event Feb. 5 at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

Extension Service personnel in Mississippi State University’s Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Department are offering the hunting opportunity to a limited number of youth. To participate, the young person must be younger than 16 and come with a parent or guardian who will take part in the hunt.

Participants do not need a hunting license and are not required to have completed hunter education. Hunters are not allowed to bring their own guns, dogs or ammunition. There is no cost to attend the squirrel hunt.

“This is an opportunity for young people who have never gone on a squirrel hunt, but would like to,” said event organizer John Guyton. “Youth will be allowed to shoot, but only with direct, individual supervision by event leaders.”

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Larry Box Environmental Education Center on the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge with a required session on firearms safety. Participants must bring their own sack lunches, and drinks will be provided.

The hunt will begin after the lunch and seminar. After the hunt, there will be a demonstration on skinning and cleaning the squirrels, and a squirrel dinner will be served to all participants. The event should conclude by 7:30 p.m.

Space is limited, so those interested are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Register by contacting Kelly Wilkerson at (662) 325-3133 or kwilkerson@cfr.msstate.edu. For more information, contact Guyton at (662) 325-3482 or jguyton@cfr.msstate.edu.

The squirrel hunt is being offered by MSU, the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the Mississippi Wildlife Federation and the Mississippi Chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation.