Steven Soyk, one of the youth waterfowl hunters on Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, after a successful day of hunting. - FWS photo

Sixteen youth participated in the Youth Waterfowl Hunt at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge on October 20, 27, and 28. 

Youth who have completed both hunter safety and a waterfowl skills clinic are encouraged to apply for this special hunt, held each year on three different days in October. 

This year all youth who applied for the hunt were accepted.  The youth are required to have an adult sponsor with them on the day of the hunt (who is not allowed to hunt) and they must attend a pre-hunt orientation where they are given an overview of the rules and an opportunity to look at the area where they will be hunting. 

In addition at the orientation, the youth were treated to a guest speaker from the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, who supplied door prizes and all the ammunition for their hunt. 

This year, Refuge staff chose the 424 acre I-9 impoundment on the south end of the Refuge for the hunt. 

The sixteen youth shot a total of 36 ducks, with every youth shooting at least one duck.  Ducks included 12 green-winged teal, 6 mallards, 5 shovelers, 4 wood ducks, 3 northern pintail, 2 blue-winged teal, 1 gadwall, 1 wigeon, 1 ring-necked duck, and 1 coot. 

Many positive comments were received from the youth and adult sponsors.