Fifteen Mississippi youths enjoyed a free of charge, three-day, in-depth camp for teens that introduced participants to the world of waterfowl, conservation, and the heritage of waterfowl hunting. Under the guidance of knowledgeable wildlife biologists, conservation officers, and expert retriever trainers, campers explored waterfowl biology, ecology, habitat management, retriever training, and hunting's important role in both wildlife conservation and management.

Campers traveled to both a state wildlife management area and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge to talk with local biologists about managing different habitat types for waterfowl and to learn about public land hunting opportunities available in Mississippi and across the country.

Additionally, after honing their wingshooting skills on the skeet range with Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Park's (MDWFP) shotgunning guru John Satterwhite, campers were invited to take part in a mentored youth duck hunt that concluded the weekend and put the campers' newly learned waterfowl identification and shooting skills to the test.

Coordinated by MDWFP staff and funded in part through MDWFP's Youth Participation Initiative, cooperating partners included Ducks Unlimited, Delta Wildlife, Mississippi State University, Delta Waterfowl, Wild Rose Kennels, and Gumbo Flats Hunting Club.

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