Conservation Corner: February 4, 2002

Fish And Wildlife Expo Slated For March 1-3
by James L. Cummins

The third annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held on March 1-3 at the Washington County Convention Center in Greenville, 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 fishing, hunting, camping and other outdoor activities. The Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo, hosted by Wildlife Mississippi, is the largest of its kind in the state.

Leila C. Wynn, 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 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 2001 Expo. "It will have a totally new look. Anyone who loves fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing or just being outdoors will find something of interest at the Expo," continues Wynn.

Along with the exhibitors and the many hands-on events, the Expo will feature the "Great American Wild Turkey Display," the world's only wild turkey display. It is a colorful display featuring the six species of turkey (hens and gobblers) in North America in a diorama of their habitat. With the push of a button, one can listen to the calls made by each species. This is the first time this display has been shown in Mississippi and only the second time it has been displayed in the South. If you don't have the opportunity to see it the week before the Expo at the 26th Annual National Wild Turkey Convention and Sport Show in Charlotte, North Carolina, you can catch it in Greenville.

The Climb-N-Dangle, the latest in the arsenal of artificial sport climbing options, will also be at the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo. It has proved to be a great form of entertainment for the young at heart.

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. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will provide the B-B gun shooting gallery and The Great American Hunting and Fishing Show will be present with their paint ball gallery. Then again, maybe it should be adult entertainment!

Show Hours are: March 1, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; March 2, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; March 3, 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.