4-H Youth Sportfishing

The Mississippi 4-H Field and Stream Program, administered through the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, is an increasingly popular youth program encompassing several wildlife-related projects. Field and Stream clubs offer local youth across the state opportunity to participate in competitive and non-competitive activities primarily through, but not limited to, 4-H youth programs. Although replete with activities and projects specific to wildlife and shooting sports, the 4-H Field and Stream Program has lacked a significant aquatic and sportfishing component. We have strengthened and enhanced 4-H Field and Stream by adopting and implementing the National 4-H Sportfishing Curriculum. Expansion of 4-H Field and Stream with this addition should significantly broaden our client and youth base, since fishing and related activities will appeal to a broader audience, especially urban youth, than does hunting and related wildlife activities.