The eighth annual spring Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held at the Canton/Madison County Multipurpose Complex in Canton, Mississippi on February 23-25. The Complex is located on Soldier's Colony Road and Watford Drive, which is near the Nissan Plant, Exit 118B on I-55.
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.
Billy 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. 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 conservation projects throughout Mississippi."
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 Rock Climbing Wall, which is a challenge for all ages, will be at the Expo. Attendees put on a harness and try to scale the wall and ring the bell at the top. The only prize for ringing the bell is bragging rights.
According to Van Devender, "Anyone who loves fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing or just being outdoors will find something of interest at the Expo."
The Expo will also feature the "The Bass Tub," one of the top attractions on the show circuit. "The Bass Tub" is a 42-foot long portable fish tank which holds 5,000 gallons of water. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will stock the tank with native species of fish. During demonstrations, spectators will get a "fish's eye view" of how fish react to lures.
Along with the inside exhibitors and the many hands-on events, Kenny Scoggins will be at the Expo doing chain saw carvings. It is amazing to watch as he makes beautiful sculptures out of stumps of wood.
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 23, Friday, 3 pm - 9 pm; February 24, Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; February 25, Sunday, 12 pm - 5 pm. Admission is: Under Six - Free; Six to Twelve - $4.00; Adults - $7.00. 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 a local food pantry.