MUSCADINE FARMS — December 3, 2024 will mark four years since Zeb Hughes of Wesson and Gunner Palmer of Hazlehurst set out to scout for ducks on the Mississippi River. They never made it back and have yet to be found.

Hughes would have been 25  this year and Palmer would have been 20. Only their boat and some hunting equipment was found. In the years following their disappearance, MDWFP named a youth hunting camp the Gunner Palmer Memorial Youth Waterfowl Hunt. 

Applications for the 2025 camp are open again until December 15. The camp will be held on February 6-9, 2024 at Muscadine Farms Wildlife Management Area. Ducks Unlimited helps out with the program. 

The mission of the camp is to recruit new waterfowl hunters, increase support for wetland conservation and waterfowl hunting and retain hunters. Youth aged 13 to 15 are encouraged to apply. 

Due to limited space just 12 youth spots are open. Applications will be ranked by the content of the application and youth will be notified if they are selected soon after the applications closing. 

Prior hunting experience is not required, however,  a desire to learn about waterfowl, wetland ecology and hunting is needed. Meals and lodging are provided for campers and staff. 

Email your application to Houston.Havens@wfp.ms.gov or you can fax a printed version of the application to 601-432-2203.