Conservation Corner: February 28, 2000

Fish and Wildlife Expo This Weekend
by James L. Cummins

The first annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held on March 3 - 5 at the Washington County Convention Center in Greenville. For three days anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can get the latest information and equipment on their favorite outdoor activity. Emphasis will be on fishing, boating turkey hunting and other spring and summer activities.

According to Peyton Self, President of Wildlife Mississippi, "We are expecting a crowd of more than 10,000 people to attend for the wide array of outdoor equipment, supplies and services, all at the right prices. Kids can have a great time and the whole family can learn about conservation through the many exhibits. Its a real bargain."

"There will be a wide array of fishing, boating, turkey hunting, camping, outdoor cooking and other products and services related to spring and summer outdoor activities. Anyone who loves these activities or just being outdoors in Mississippi will find something of interest at the Expo," continued Self.

The three-day Expo will feature approximately 150 booths selling boats, fishing and hunting gear, wildlife art and books, outdoor apparel, trucks, ladies gifts, game calls, guided trips, kids stuff and much more. Government conservation agencies will be on hand to answer your most difficult questions about conservation. Wildlife Mississippi is pleased to bring the ever-popular Bass Tub, one of the top attractions on the outdoor show circuit. The Bass Tub is a 42-foot long fish tank which holds over 5,000 gallons of water and will be stocked with fish native to Mississippi.

Dr. George Hurst, a wildlife biologist at Mississippi State University, will be at the Expo to speak on "The Effect Of Predators On Wild Turkeys" and on various aspects of managing this grand gamebird. Joe Mac Hudspeth will conduct several seminars detailing the ins and outs of good outdoor photography.

Terry Vandeventer, a professional herpetologist, will be at the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo each day of the show with his live reptiles and snakes. His demonstration and lecture is always a huge hit, even with those that don't like snakes. John Kabbes of Blue Ribbon Kennels will doing retriever demonstrations. Show times are March 3, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm, March 4, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm and March 5, Sunday, 12 pm - 5 pm. Admission for kids under six is free, ages six to twelve is $4.00 and adults is $6.00. Proceeds from the Expo will be used for conservation projects. Anyone bringing a can good to the Expo for Wildlife Mississippi's "Hunt Against Hunger" program can receive $1.00 off of the admission price (limit one per attendee). All can goods will be donated to a needy family. For more information about the Expo, call the Foundation at (662) 686-3375.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.