CASPER - Youngsters get the first shot.

On Sept. 16 in the Pacific Flyway and Sept. 23 in zone 2 of the Central Flyway and Sept. 30 in zone 1 of the Central Flyway, one week before the regular duck season opens across Wyoming, youngsters 15 and under can take to the marsh and river to hunt ducks, coots, mergansers and Canada geese.

The Youth Duck Hunting Day is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to give kids an extra incentive and chance to enjoy waterfowl hunting. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission endorses the idea.

"This is a great opportunity for youth to experience duck hunting in an uncrowded and relaxed hunting situation," said G&F Waterfowl Biologist Larry Roberts.

The Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge along the Green River downstream from Fontenelle Reservoir, alerts youth hunters they are welcome to hunt waterfowl there Sept. 16.

He added an adult 18 or older must accompany all youngsters in the field. If the adult has a Wyoming small game/bird license he or she cannot hunt ducks, geese, coots or mergansers but may hunt other species, such as doves or snipe. One adult can take up to four young hunters.

Roberts alerts hunters all regulations for the regular season including limits, shooting hours and license requirements, apply to youth day. "If anyone has ever wanted to take a kid hunting, this is a great time to do it," encourages Roberts.

Youth hunt days are also offered at the Springer and Glendo special pheasant hunts, and the National Elk Refuge. Contact the G&F at (800) 842-1934 or (307) 777-4600 outside Wyoming for more information.

(contact: Jeff Obrecht)