For more than a decade, the Mid-South Hunting and Fishing Extravaganza has served as the kick-off event for the fall hunting and fishing seasons, a three-day get together for area sportsmen to forget about the summer heat and humidity and talk about hunting, fishing, camping and the multitude of other fall outdoor activities within easy driving distance of the Memphis area.
The event will roll out its annual outdoor showcase on Aug. 8-10 at Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road. Show hours are 2-9 p.m. on Aug. 8, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Aug. 9, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Aug. 10.
The annual event will touch a lot of outdoor bases, such as competitive duck calling and a big buck contest. A trout tank and vendors from across the nation will also be featured.
The MSHFE’s biggest duck calling competition is set for Aug. 10, featuring three classes with registration from 10 a.m.-noon and competition set to start at 12:30 p.m.
Competition will include Main Street (90-second limit), Senior (any age), Youth (16 or younger) and Meat (Arkansas Style, 90- second limit). There will also be team competition (anything goes for 90 second/four-person limit). Registration will be from 2-7 p.m. on Aug. 8 and 9 a.m.7- p.m. on Aug. 9. The duck calling competition is presented by Toxic Calls of Kimberly, Idaho (www.toxiccalls.com) and directed by Brad Wheat of Paris, Tenn., a member of the Toxic Calls pro staff. Registration will be held in the Toxic Calls booth (Nos. 77-78).
Award-winning taxidermist Jody Shults of Como, Miss., will conduct the show’s annual Big Buck Contest. Shults, owner of Whitetail Classics & African Classics Taxidermy in Como, Miss., is a professional wildlife artist and master taxidermist who in his 25-year career has won more than 125 awards in taxidermy competition, including first place at the National Taxidermy Convention competition with white-tail deer (twice) as well as the NTA Award of Excellence in the white-tail deer and game head divisions.
He’s been scoring deer antlers for 15 years and is five-time Southern Regional champion and official judge for the National Taxidermy Association (NTA).
This year’s MSHFE Big Buck Contest winners will be decided by popular vote. That means show visitors will be part of the decision making process. All winners will be determined by popular vote by the MSHFE attendees, not by the highest score. Prizes will also be awarded. The awards will be announced about 2 p.m. on Aug. 10.
Timetable for seminars
All seminars will be conducted in the Agricenter’s Seminar Room.
Aug. 8
- 4 p.m. — Steven Tucker, Extension Associate, North MS Research & Extension Center in Verona, Miss., wild hog presentation.
- 5 p.m. — George Brint, coyote hunting.
- 6 p.m. — Ron Wong, fall crappie fishing.
- 7 p.m. — Johnny ‘Cornbread’ Warren of Honky Tonk Guide Service, waterfowl hunting in Canada and Reelfoot Lake.
Aug. 9
- 10 a.m. — Walker Morris, Mid-South chapter of Quail Forever, Bobwhite quail needs.
- 11 a.m. — George Brint, coyote hunting.
- Noon — Chris Knight of Shelby Forest Taxidermy, field skinning & capping deer or elk for mounting; seminar will include hands on demonstration and instruction in art of proper capping for trophy mounts.
- 1 p.m. — Ron Wong, fall bass fishing
- 2 p.m. — Johnny ‘Cornbread’ Warren of Honky Tonk Guide Service, waterfowl hunting in Canada and Reelfoot Lake.
- 3 p.m. — Ron Wong, fall crappie fishing.
- 4 p.m. — Rodney ward, fishing The Trout Magnet
- 5 p.m. — Rocky and Jamie Burris, Sweet Addiction.
Aug. 10
- 9 a.m. — Vendor’s Worship Service in Seminar Room.
- 11 a.m. — Chris Knight of Shelby Forest Taxidermy, field skinning & capping deer or elk for mounting; seminar will include hands on demonstration and instruction in art of proper capping for trophy mounts.
- Noon — John Criner, Lakeside Kennels, proper dog training
- 1 p.m. — Rodney Ward and Knox Martin, Mid-South Raptor Center.
- 2 p.m. — Rocky and Jamie Burris, Sweet Addiction.
Seminar schedules are subject to change. For more information, contact Josh Lovell at 867-7007.
Special taxidermy seminars (held near Big Buck competition)
- Aug. 8 – 3 p.m., John Criner (fish)
- Saturday, Aug. 9 – 10 a.m., Josh Lindsey (deer) and 1 p.m., Brandon Johnson (duck).
For additional information on taxidermy seminars and competition contact Jody Shults at (662) 526-9111.
