CONSERVATION CORNER

Expo Features Top Attractions and Speakers

by James L. Cummins

The fifth annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held on August 27 - 29 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 on Friday and Saturday. 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. He will discuss their life histories, habits and their effects on people. If you missed it last year, here's your chance!

Michael Musgrave, a Falconer, will be presenting demonstrations about falconry. If you have any questions about falconry, ask him at his seminars or stop by his booth.

Paul Meek of Paul Meek Outdoors will be presenting a unique demonstration Saturday and Sunday. It is a "hands on" turkey calling demonstration. Anyone, young or old, will be able to put their hands on a call and make turkey call sounds using a variety of different calls. Each person will receive a personalized certificate of completion.

Kevin Dufrene of The Specialty Kitchen will be doing a seminar on Saturday on Food Safety for Deer Meat. Kevin and his wife Susan are in the business of meat processing and can give you some important tips on handling your harvests properly.

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 27 or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 28. All entrants meeting the minimum requirements (125 - Typical, 155 - Non-typical) will receive an official certificate. Scoring will take place on Saturday, August 28.

Show Hours are: August 27, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; August 28, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; August 29, 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. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.