MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Wildlife groups are partnering to promote hunting and firearm safety among Mississippi youths through squirrel hunts at seven sites across the state next month.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service will join the Mississippi Wildlife Federation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to host the hunts on Feb. 7.

The Youth Participation Initiative Squirrel Hunt is offered to 10- to 15-year-olds. The deadline for registering is Jan. 23. Each location is limited to 20 participants, each of whom must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The program is designed to educate young people about squirrel habitats, hunting with dogs, and firearm and hunting safety.

The hunts will take place at these public wildlife areas:

• Canal Section Wildlife Management Area in Itawamba County,
• Caney Creek Wildlife Management Area in Scott County,
• Copiah County Wildlife Management Area in Copiah County,
• Howard Miller Wildlife Management Area in Issaquena County,
• O’Keefe Wildlife Management Area in Quitman County,
• Pascagoula Wildlife Management Area in Jackson County and
• Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Noxubee County.

Event sponsors will provide firearms and ammunition. Participants are not required to complete a hunter education safety course in advance, but they must submit a liability waiver.

Applicants will be notified by email regarding space availability for each location. Each hunt begins at noon and will finish at 6:30 p.m. Participants are advised to bring a lunch or eat before the event, but sponsors will provide a dinner.

To register online, visit http://mswildlife.org/events/2013-youth-squirrel-hunt/. For more information, contact Melanie Starnes with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks at 601-605-1790.

Contact: Melanie Starnes, 601-605-1790