The Lincoln County Wildlife & Outdoor Expo has been postponed.

The annual event has been at the Lincoln Civic Center since 2004, featuring activities and vendors related to hunting, fishing, nature and outdoor sports, and dedicated to promoting Lincoln County while providing a safe, educational and family-oriented experience.

Due to the recent change in directorship, the Civic Center and various events it hosts are in transition. So members of the Expo Committee have made the decision to not host the event in August this year.

“The committee is planning to bring it back, better than ever, in August 2024,” said Civic Center director Chaston Bullock. “We will begin planning for next year’s event and contacting sponsors and vendors in the spring.”

For 2023, the committee will focus on a partnership with the Southwest Mississippi Branch of the National Deer Association, by promoting and selling tickets and table sponsorships for its annual Banquet and Gun Bash. The event’s guest speaker is Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson. The banquet will be Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Civic Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a silent auction. A barbecue meal prepared by Mark Porter will be served at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.

The committee is continuing to raise funds for the Hunt of a Lifetime, which offers the opportunity for local residents with a disability to go on a hunting or fishing trip. These trips offer individuals a renewed hope and sense of normalcy while being in the outdoors. For some participants, the experience has been life-changing. Applications for the 2024 trip will be made available next year.

Two packages will be auctioned at the banquet on Aug. 17 with all proceeds from the packages and the silent auction benefiting the Hunt of a Lifetime. The bow package includes a Killer Instinct 415 DC Crossbow with a Rhino R100 Blind, Banded Swivel Blind Chair and a BOG DeathGrip Tripod. The rifle package includes a Browning Hells Canyon 7mm08 with a Vortex 4-16×50 scope and a BOG DeathGrip Tripod.

“The Southwest Mississippi NDA Gun Bash raises money for the conservation for the white-tailed deer and to help secure our hunting heritage locally and nationally,” said Southwest Mississippi NDA president Bruce Gray. “We also partner with the Hunt of a Lifetime to raise money and help send a local handicapped individual on a hunting or fishing trip of a lifetime. This is a great way to give back and support our community. We look forward to seeing you there.”

Contact Gray at 601-754-5592 with questions about Gun Bash tickets or table sponsorships and contact Bullock at 601-717-3629 to donate silent auction items benefiting the Hunt of a Lifetime.