August 18, 2003

Expo Features Top Attractions and Speakers
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.

Steve Azar, a country music singer and a Charter Member of Wildlife Mississippi, states, "Anyone who loves hunting, fishing or just being outdoors will find something of interest at the Expo. Plus, all proceeds benefit my favorite conservation organization, Wildlife Mississippi, for use on fish and wildlife projects."

Wildlife Mississippi has attracted some top entertainment for the Expo. We are very fortunate that Captain Rick Hunt of Captain Rick's Outdoor Adventures will be conducting saltwater fishing seminars. Hunt has been described as one of the most successful guides in south Louisiana. His success can largely be attributed to experience. Back by popular demand, Terry Vandeventer, a professional herpetologist, will conduct a seminar at the Expo each day with his live snakes. Vandeventer has hunted and studied reptiles throughout the world. Over 75,000 people see his demonstrations annually. He will discuss their life histories, habits and their effects on people. If you missed it last year, here's your chance!

David Hall, a member of the North American Falconers Association, will be presenting demonstrations about falconry on Saturday and Sunday. If you have any questions about falconry, ask him at his seminars or stop by his booth.

Preston Pittman is one of the country's premier turkey callers and will be demonstrating some of his abilities at this year's Expo. Blessed to be a man doing what he loves, Pittman was raised in the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He took up turkey calling and hunting. Pittman went on to win and place in so many contests that he can't remember them all. He is the only person to hold five different world titles. Pittman appeared on the David Letterman show earlier this year.

Have ever wondered what that buck on your wall scores? You don't have to guess. The Magnolia Records Program will be at the Expo. The antler scoring system is identical to that used by the Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young clubs. All whitetail deer taken legally in Mississippi are eligible. All one has to do is bring his or her deer to the Expo between 3 and 9 p.m. on Friday, August 22 or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 23. All entrants meeting the minimum requirements (125 - Typical, 155 - Non-typical) will receive an official certificate. Scoring will take place on Saturday, August 23.

Show Hours are: August 22, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; August 23, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; August 24, Sunday, 12 pm - 5 pm. I hope to see you there.

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