August 11, 2003

Fish And Wildlife Expo Slated For August 22-24
by James L. Cummins

The fourth annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held on August 22-24 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.

Dr. Jeff Clark, 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. The whole family can have a great time. Proceeds from the Expo will go to fish and wildlife 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 Clark, the Expo will definitely be bigger and better than the 2002 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 Clark.

One of the top attractions will be "The Bass Tub." It is a 50-foot long portable fish tank filled with 5,000 gallons of water. It will be stocked with 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.

There will be things to see and do for the whole family. The Rock Climbing Wall will be back. There will helicopter rides, chain saw carving demonstrations, a laser shooting simulator and a BB Gun Range for the children.

Everyone is encouraged to bring his or her bow for The Bowhunter Challenge competition that will be at the show again this year. You'll be shooting at 3-D targets from an elevated tree stand. All targets hide from view and every 15 seconds a new target will appear, but you never know which target is next or the distance.

Show Hours are: August 22, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; August 23, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; August 24, 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