COINJOCK, N.C. (Nov. 23, 2016) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is offering a youth-only waterfowl hunt on Feb. 4 on Currituck Sound.

The permit-only hunt is limited to 20 youth ages 12 to 18 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Permits must be purchased by the close of business on Dec. 1 and cost $5 per youth hunter. Permits can be purchased at any wildlife service agent location, online or by phone, 1-888-248-6834.

Youth hunters must hold hunter education certification to participate in this permit hunt. Hunters 15 and younger are exempt from obtaining a hunting license, federal duck stamp and HIP certification; however hunters ages 16 through 18 must possess the appropriate valid hunting and privilege licenses, federal duck stamp and HIP certification. During the hunt, all youth, regardless of age, must be accompanied by a licensed adult, who is not allowed to hunt and who does not need a permit.

Both the youth and accompanying adult must attend a mandatory orientation session on Feb. 3 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Hampton Lodge in Coinjock. The first part of the orientation session will feature an afternoon skeet shoot so that participants can practice shooting safely from a blind. Following the shoot, participants will learn about waterfowl biology and management, hunter safety and regulations and eat dinner, provided by the Currituck Game Commission. At the end of the session, they will receive their blind assignments and meet their guides for the hunt.  

Youth hunters must bring their own shotguns and nontoxic shot.

For more information on this youth hunt, as well as overnight accommodations, contact Sharon Meade at 919-707-0237 or Sharon.meade@ncwildlife.org

The Wildlife Commission provides permit hunting opportunities across the state. These hunts allow for managed participation, provide opportunities for special areas and include special hunting opportunities for youth and persons with disabilities. For more information, click here.