Applications Open for 2026 Youth Hunt at Arkabutla Waterfowl Refuge

• Event Dates and Location: The youth waterfowl hunts are scheduled for Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 2026, at the Arkabutla Waterfowl Refuge.
• Application Deadline: Interested applicants must submit their forms to the Arkabutla Lake Field Office by 3 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2026.
• Participation Requirements: The hunt is open to youth ages 10 to 15 who must be accompanied by an adult; only 16 hunters will be selected via a random drawing.

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District, in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), has announced the dates for upcoming youth waterfowl hunts at the Arkabutla Waterfowl Refuge.

Designed to teach younger generations the proper techniques and ethics of the sport, the hunts will take place on Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 2026.

The program is open to youth hunters aged 10 to 15. A total of 16 participants—eight per hunt—will be selected through a random drawing of all applications received.

Officials state that all applications must be submitted and received by 3 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2026. Selected applicants will be notified of their specific hunting date and time following the drawing.

Strict safety and regulatory guidelines will be enforced. All youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old. While the youth are the primary participants, the accompanying adult is expected to possess a general knowledge of state and federal waterfowl hunting regulations. Both the youth and the adult must bring necessary equipment, including chest waders, duck calls, and a shotgun with ammunition.

Applications are available for pickup at the Arkabutla Lake Field Office or can be downloaded from the Arkabutla Lake website.

Completed applications can be mailed or delivered to:

Arkabutla Lake Field Office

3905 Arkabutla Dam Rd.

Coldwater, MS 38618

Applicants may also email their forms to Ranger Rob Hoff. For email details or further questions, interested parties should contact Ranger Hoff at (662) 562-6261.

Officials noted that any missing or false information on an application will result in immediate rejection. All participants are responsible for meeting age-appropriate state and federal waterfowl hunting regulations.