CONSERVATION CORNER
February 13, 2006
Fish And Wildlife Expo Slated For February 24-26
by James L. Cummins

The seventh annual spring Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held at the Canton/Madison County Multipurpose Complex in Canton, Mississippi on February 24 26. The Complex is located on Soldier's Colony Road and Watford Drive, which is near the Nissan Plant.

For 3 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 of Mississippi.

Billy Van Devender, President of Wildlife Mississippi, stated "This is our seventh spring Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo. 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 Wildlife Mississippi for a diversity of conservation projects throughout our state. These range from providing decoy deer to local conservation officers to protecting, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat."

The Expo will feature approximately 100 exhibitors selling boats, RVs, fishing supplies, hunting gear, shooting houses, wildlife art and books, outdoor apparel, ladies gifts, game calls, guided trips, kid's toys and much more. Government conservation agencies will be on hand to answer your most difficult questions about conservation. The Bungee Jump, which is a trailer equipped with two trampolines, will be at the Expo. The kids put on a harness that is hooked to bungee cords and this allows them to jump as high as 24 feet. They can also turn front and back flips.

According to Van Devender, "Anyone who loves fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing or just being outdoors will find something of interest at the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo."

Along with the inside exhibitors and the many hands-on events, Coyt Bailey of Mercury Aviation of Flowood will be offering helicopter rides, for a nominal fee, to the public. Coyt will be at the Expo on Saturday from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm and Sunday from 1 pm until 4 pm. While outside, be sure to stop by Paw Paw's Campers to see the MOJO's Hunting Across America bus as seen on The Outdoor Channel.

The Education Division of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will be at the Expo with their Laser Shot. It is a simulated hunting program that teaches the shooter when to shoot and when not to shoot according to their surroundings. It is a good educational item that is fun for the whole family.

Show Hours are: February 24, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; February 25, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; February 26, 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 victims of Hurricane Katrina.