Conservation Corner: July 24, 2000

Booths Available For Wildlife Expo
by James L. Cummins

Wildlife Mississippi, the state's largest, charitable, non-profit, conservation foundation, will be hosting the 1st annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo on August 25 - 27, at the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center in Hattiesburg.

The three-day Expo is a unique marketing event designed to showcase a company's product and shape the public's perception of new and existing products prior to the Fall/Winter outdoor season. It feature approximately 150 booths selling fishing and hunting equipment, camping and hiking supplies, outdoor trips, boating and canoeing equipment, outdoor cooking supplies and equipment, archery equipment, outdoor clothing, agricultural supplies and equipment, RVs, trucks, ATVs, fish and wildlife art, information about conservation, ladies gifts, kid's stuff, good food and much more.

Approximately 10,000 hunters and outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Mississippi and surrounding states will attend the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo.

According to Peyton Self, President of Wildlife Mississippi, "We will use the proceeds from the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo to support our conservation programs."

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, including largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish.

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.

One of the biggest attractions at the upcoming Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo is the incomparable Whitetail World exhibit. This breathtaking display consists of twelve of the most famous deer mounts in North America, including the Hole In The Horn, Old Mossy Horns, The Breen Buck, The Jordan Buck, Minnesota Mystery Buck, Minnesota Monarch, Ohio Mystery Buck, Richard Stahl Buck, Mel Johnson Buck and Big Red. These twelve giant whitetails and eight massive mule deer are presented with dignity, grace and beauty. This exhibit is sure to be the premier display for whitetail enthusiasts in Mississippi.

The Expo is open to all businesses and organizations who wish to sell goods and services or provide information to a large group of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts interested in buying. For more information or an exhibitor's packet, call Mike Hurt, Expo Coordinator 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.