Conservation Corner: August 14, 2000

Wildlife Expo Slated For August 25-27
by James L. Cummins

The first annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held on August 25-27 at the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

For three days anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can get the latest information and equipment on their favorite outdoor activity. Emphasis will be on hunting, fishing and other fall and winter outdoor activities. The Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo, hosted by Wildlife Mississippi, is the largest of its kind.

The Platinum sponsors are Lamar Advertising and U.S. 103/Cummulus Broadcasting. Gold sponsors include Tecinfo, Mississippi Outfitters Association and Wildlife Mississippi. Silver sponsors include Coca-Cola, The Fox/Cummulus Broadcasting, and the Hattiesburg American. Bronze sponsors include Gulf Coast Outdoors Magazine, K & W Printing, McNeely Plastics, Cabot Lodge, Delta Design Group, Federal Land Bank, Walker Taxidermy, WDAM-TV, Mike's Tire and Wheel, Amerimail Direct and Mossy Oak.

Peyton Self, President of Wildlife Mississippi, stated "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. It's a real bargain. Proceeds from the Expo will go to Wildlife Mississippi for use on conservation projects throughout Mississippi."

The three-day Expo will feature approximately 100 exhibitors selling hunting gear, tree stands, game calls, boats, fishing supplies, wildlife art and books, outdoor apparel, conservation exhibits, ladies gifts, game calls, guided trips, kids exhibits and much more. Government conservation agencies will be on hand to answer your most difficult questions about conservation.

One of the top attractions is Whitetail World, which is one of the largest collections of deer heads in the United States. The Bass Tub, a portable 5,000 gallon aquarium, will also be at the Expo.

According to Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, "As a charter member of Wildlife Mississippi, I encourage everyone to attend the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo. Not only will it be a fun-filled event, it will raise much needed funds for fish and wildlife conservation throughout Mississippi."

Show Hours are: August 25, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; August 26, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; August 27, Sunday, 12 pm - 5 pm. Admission is: Under Six - Free; Six to Twelve - $4.00; Adults - $6.00. 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 needy families.

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.