February 17, 2003

Fish And Wildlife Expo Slated For March 7-9
by James L. Cummins

The fourth annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held on March 7-9 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 spring and summer outdoor activities. The Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo, hosted by Wildlife Mississippi, is one of 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 2002 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 "The Bass Tub," one of the top attractions on the show circuit. "The Bass Tub" is a 42-foot long portable fish tank which holds 5,000 gallons of water. It will be stocked with native fish species. During the seminars, spectators will get a "fish's eye view" of how fish react to lures. It will demonstrate various techniques and what baits to use while fishing. There will be five seminars at The Bass Tub over the 3-day Expo.

The Climbing Wall 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.

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.

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 available and kids can even purchase boomerangs and get a free boomerang demonstration.

Show Hours are: March 7, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; March 8, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; March 9, 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