Expo Nets $18,000 for Conservation

The first annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo, which was held on March 3 - 5 at the Washington County Convention Center in Greenville, raised approximately $18,000 for fish and wildlife conservation in Mississippi.

According to Peyton Self, President of Wildlife Mississippi, "Over 8,000 anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts came to the fish and wildlife expo to get the latest information and equipment on their favorite outdoor activity. Kids had a great time and many families were able to learn about conservation."

At the expo was a wide array of fishing, boating, turkey hunting, camping, outdoor cooking and many other products and services related to spring and summer outdoor activities.

The three-day Expo featured approximately 150 booths selling boats, fishing and hunting gear, wildlife art and books, outdoor apparel, camping supplies, ladies gifts, game calls, guided trips, kids stuff and much more. Conservation agencies were on hand to answer questions about conservation.

"The funds raised from the Expo will be used to aid Wildlife Mississippi with many projects including writing a handbook entitled "Fish and Wildlife Management: A Handbook For Private Landowners", working to develop fish and wildlife habitat, improving public access for anglers, providing decoy deer to conservation officers and improving state parks," continued the Wildlife Mississippi President.

The next Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo will be held on August 25 - 27, at the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center in Hattiesburg. Emphasis will be on the fall/winter outdoor season.

The Expos are open to all businesses and organizations who wish to sell goods and services or provide information to a large group of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts interested in buying. For more information or an exhibitor's packet, call (662) 686-3375.