BROOKHAVEN — Mississippi State’s Lincoln County Extension Office and Lincoln County Forestry Association will host a hunters education course on Saturday, Oct. 12. Tristan Peavey, extension agent for Lincoln County, said the course will last until 6 p.m. with lunch provided. 

The course will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church located at 400 Magee Drive starting at 9 a.m. on Oct. 12. It is open to all ages 10 years and older. 

Youth between the ages of 10 and 12 will be entered for a drawing for a lifetime sportsman’s license. Peavey said several people and businesses in the community donated for the lifetime sportsman’s license. Once a hunter receives or buys a lifetime license they do not have to renew licenses every year, nor worry about fee increases. 

All lifetime license fees are placed into a fund for Wildlife Endowment where the interest generated by the fund is used to pay for wildlife management, enforcement, educational programs and research projects. Peavey said they will gladly accept more donations and appreciate participation. 

“We will try to build on the course this year and hope to make it a yearly thing,” Peavey said. “We would love to give away as many lifetime licenses as possible.”

Registration is open but space is limited to 30 students. Participants must register for the course online. Peavey said the shooting element of the course is no longer required. 

Anyone who purchases a hunting license in Mississippi and was born after January 1, 1972 must complete a hunters education course to hunt. Students must be at least 10 years old to participate in the course. The course focuses primarily on firearm safety although other hunting topics such as ethics are discussed. 

Hunters under the age of 16 do not need a hunters education certificate if they are accompanied by a licensed hunter over the age of 21. 

If you have any questions contact Tristan Peavey at mtp161@msstate.edu or 601-835-3460.