The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge junior waterfowl hunter training program was conducted on August 26. Nineteen young hunters, ages 12 – 15 participated in the program to learn more about the sport of waterfowl hunting and to experience a high quality waterfowl hunt on the refuge this fall.

The junior waterfowl hunter training program is a joint educational effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Vermont Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Franklin County Sportsman’s Club, and volunteers to teach young hunters about waterfowl hunting. The program instructs beginning hunters and their adult mentors in the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible, respected individuals who strive to learn about the various species of hunted waterfowl and to become knowledgeable in firearms safety, hunter ethics and wildlife conservation.

Once they complete their training junior hunters and their mentors are awarded exclusive use of premier hunting areas at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge for the first four weekends of waterfowl hunting season. During this time only the junior hunter may shoot.