A half-day program Nov. 13 at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge near Starkville will introduce young people ages 12-18 to the sport and ethics of hunting waterfowl.

The Noxubee Youth Waterfowl Workshop is an annual collaboration among Mississippi State University, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Society, and a number of corporate sponsors. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

"This event gives young people an opportunity to learn about the sport of waterfowl hunting in a safe and ethical environment," said workshop instructor Rick Kaminski, an MSU professor of wildlife and fisheries.

As a bonus, those completing the 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. exercise will be invited later in the month on an exclusive guided duck hunt at the 48,000-acre federal refuge that serves as a major resting and feeding area for migratory birds.

In addition to hunting ethics, Kaminski said participants will learn about waterfowl calling and fundamentals of waterfowl hunting. "We also teach students hunting and firearms safety, as well as the basics of waterfowl hunting equipment,” he added.

Ben West, MSU assistant extension wildlife specialist, will contribute information about topics ranging from waterfowl management to retrievers. "After attending the workshop, students will be able to identify different types of waterfowl, an expertise that should give them a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for waterfowl resources,” West added.

The $25 workshop fee includes lunch for each student and adult.

For more information or to register for the Youth Waterfowl Workshop, call (662) 325-3174.