Conservation Corner: August 6, 2001

Fish And Wildlife Expo Slated For August 24-26
by James L. Cummins

The second annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held on August 24-26 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. The Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo is hosted by Wildlife Mississippi.

Leila C. Wynn, President of Wildlife Mississippi, stated "We are expecting a crowd of more than 12,000 people to attend for the wide array of outdoor equipment, supplies and services, all at the right prices. The whole family can have a great time. It's a real bargain. Proceeds from the Expo will go to conservation projects throughout Mississippi."

The Expo will feature approximately 100 exhibitors selling hunting gear, tree stands, game calls, boats, fishing supplies, wildlife art and books, outdoor apparel, 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.

According to Wynn, the Expo will definitely be bigger and better than the 2000 Expo. "It will have a totally new look. Everyone who loves fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing or just being outdoors will find something of interest at the Expo," continues Wynn.

One of the top attractions will be the Virginia Whitetail Collection. It was founded twelve years ago and has grown to one of the largest traveling collections of trophy whitetail deer, wild turkey, and black bear in existence today. According to Doug Rithmire, Show Coordinator for the Georgia Wildlife Federation, "The Virginia Whitetail Collection is one of the best collections of deer available."

Due to popular demand, Terry Vandeventer, a professional herpetologist, will be back at the Expo each day with his live snakes. Vandeventer has hunted and studied reptiles throughout the world. His snake demonstrations are seen by over 70,000 people annually. He will discuss their life histories, habits and their effects on people, good and bad.

At the Expo, Michael Musgrave, a member of the Mississippi Falconers Association will demonstrate falconry. If you desire to learn more about the sport of falconry, Michael will be happy to "talk hawks" with you.

This year there will be several new exhibitors that will interest the many ladies and kids. Fine gifts and decorative accessories will be available. Blowguns will again be obtainable for the young and young at heart. And the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will provide the B-B gun shooting gallery. Then again, maybe it should be adult entertainment!

Show Hours are: August 24, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; August 25, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; August 26, 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.