CONSERVATION CORNER
Fish And Wildlife Expo Slated For August 26-28
by James L. Cummins

The sixth annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo, hosted by Wildlife Mississippi, will be held on August 26 - 28 at the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. For 3 days anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can get the latest information and equipment on their favorite outdoor activity.

William J. Van Devender, 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, boats, ATVs, RVs, 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 Van Devender, "Everyone who loves fishing, hunting, camping and wildlife viewing will find something of interest at the Expo."

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 by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks with fish species native to South Mississippi. More than just an aquarium of huge fish, one of its primary goals is to educate and entertain the angler, aquatic enthusiast and kids.

There will be things to see and do for the whole family. There will be helicopter rides on Saturday and Sunday, a laser shooting simulator and a bungee jump for the children. There will be seminars throughout the day for all 3 days ranging from trick casting, falconry, turkey calling, safety for handling of deer meat and Mississippi snakes. You can visit our website www.wildlifemiss.org and see a schedule of the seminars and events. Show Hours are: August 26, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; August 27, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; August 28, 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. If one joins Wildlife Mississippi before or at the Expo, he or she can receive one complimentary 3-day pass for the entire weekend.

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.