Conservation Corner: August 12, 2002

Fish And Wildlife Expo Slated For August 23-25
by James L. Cummins

The third annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held on August 23-25 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 15,000 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. 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, 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. Everyone who loves fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing will find something of interest at the Expo," continues Wynn.

One of the top attractions will be "The Hawg Trough." It is a 50-foot long portable fish tank filled with 5,000 gallons of water. It will be stocked with some unusual fish species native to Mississippi. More than just an aquarium of huge fish, one of its primary goals is to educate and entertain the angler and aquatic enthusiast.

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.

The Bowhunter Challenge competition will be at the show again this year. Everyone is encouraged to bring his or her bow. 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: August 23, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; August 24, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; August 25, 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.