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UPDATED: Vendors following MDWFP lead and dropping ‘Extravaganza’ booths.

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*****UPDATED*****

At 6:30 p.m., July 29, we updated the list of vendors refusing to participate in the MWF event this year.

*****UPDATE*****

At 7:30 p.m., July 29, we updated the list of vendors refusing to participate in the MWF event this year.

*****UPDATE*****

At 9:00 p.m., July 29, we updated the list of vendors refusing to participate in the MWF event this year.

*****UPDATE*****

At 9:30 p.m., July 29, we updated the list of vendors refusing to participate in the MWF event this year.

*****UPDATE*****

At 6 a.m., July 30, we updated the list of vendors refusing to participate in the MWF event this year.

*****UPDATE*****

At 3:45 p.m., July 30, we updated the list of vendors refusing to participate in the MWF event this year.

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Now even more vendors including Primos and Small Town Hunting are pulling out of the MWF Extravanganza this weekend.

A divide occurred earlier this year when victims of the Backwater Flood challenged the MWF position on not supporting the pumps to alleviate flooding in the South Delta. Backwater Flood victims have banded together to inform people about the event. Vicksburg Daily News broke the story of flood victim Victoria Darden trying to book a booth at the MWF Extravaganza and the subsequent denial.

A firestorm has followed.

Flood victim Victoria Darden at an event to educate the public this past weekend in Valley Park.

Governor Phil Bryant weighed in to express his displeasure at the MWF decision to not allow flood victim Darden at the event. Mississippi Department of Agriculture Director Andy Gipson tried to remedy the situation by contacting Darden over the weekend and invited her to the Mississippi Ag booth to distribute her information. It may have been too little, too late.

Primos Hunting said on their Facebook page:

“We support the Mississippi Wildlife Federation mission ‘to conserve Mississippi’s natural resources and protect our wildlife legacy.’ However, we find it difficult to support its recent decisions. For Primos Hunting, our decision not to attend this year’s Wildlife Extravaganza is about supporting the people of the Mississippi lower Delta, all of whom are our friends and family. We’ll be watching the situation closely and discussing ways to support those who have been impacted by the floods. As always, Speak The Language.”

Small Town Hunting has also dropped out saying:

“We, as many, have always looked forward to the MS Extravaganza to kick off each hunting season, but after the recent statements and decisions of the MWF, we will now NOT be attending the Extravaganza this year. As a group that has been directly affected by the floodwater, seen the devastation it has caused to families, friends, farmland, and wildlife, we 100% stand behind our friends and families in the MS South Delta, and 100% support the efforts to #finishthepumps 💯”

Sincerely,

Chris Ashley, Keith Burgess, and Cody Kelley”

The Backwoods Land Company has joined the list of vendors who will not be supporting the MWF Extravaganza. They said on their Facebook page:

“Based on the stance taken by Mississippi Wildlife Federation (MWF) regarding the Yazoo Backwater Pumps Project and its indifference towards both the citizens and the wildlife severely affected by this unprecedented flood, Backwoods Land Company has decided to withdraw and NOT attend the wildlife extravaganza. We fully support the flood control project and the people who have been devastated by this flood. We find it incomprehensible that MWF would refuse a resident of the Delta his/her right to educate the public on such an important issue during the Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza. We fully support the South Delta and will continue to do all we can to help the citizens rebuild their lives and get back on their feet!

#FINISHTHEPUMPS

Preston Pittman Game Calls has joined the growing list of vendors coming out in support of the pumps, Darden and the residents of the flood:

“After 12 years of exhibiting at the Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, Longleaf Camo and Preston Pittman Game Calls will not be an exhibitor this year.

The lack of support from MWF for the effort to, Finish the Pumps and The Forgotten Backwater Flood is disheartening to say the least.

It is our feeling that MWF has forgotten their roots and who they exist to serve. The time for lip service and to ‘study the situation’ has long past.

Preston Pittman and Longleaf Camo supports and stands by our Delta residents and hunters.
#finishthepumps #forgottenbackwaterflood “

Longleaf Camo opted out earlier in the day, just before noon. They said:

“After 12 years of exhibiting at the Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, Longleaf Camo and Preston Pittman Game Calls will not be an exhibitor this year.

The lack of support from MWF for the effort to, Finish the Pumps and The Forgotten Backwater Flood is disheartening to say the least.

It is our feeling that MWF has forgotten their roots and who they exist to serve. The time for lip service and to “study the situation” has long past.

Preston Pittman and Longleaf Camo supports and stands by our Delta residents and hunters.
#finishthepumps #forgottenbackwaterflood”

Sportsman Camo Covers has joined the group who will not attend this year’s event with the MWF. Here is their statement:

“We have been an exhibitor at the MS Wildlife Extravaganza for many years, but in light of recent events we have decided NOT to attend this year’s Wildlife Extravaganza. We apologize for any inconvenience. We are only doing what we feel is right.

#finishthepumps”

Steel Outdoors has canceled their booth for the event with MWF. Here is their statement:

“Our hearts go out to all our friends affected by the floods that have devastated so many people’s lives. Because of the stance the wildlife federation has taken against the pumps, we have cancelled our booths at the wildlife extravaganza. Prayers will continue for all affected. God bless! #finishthepumps

Echo Calls is not going to attend this years event with the MWF. Here is their statement:

“We have been an exhibitor at the MS Wildlife Extravaganza for many years, but in light of recent events we have decided NOT to attend this year’s Wildlife Extravaganza. We stand with our friends in the Mississippi delta. We will see everyone at the duck, buck & Bass sportsman’s expo in Memphis.

#finishthepumps”

 

We Live for Saturdays Gear has dropped out. They said:

“This year would have been our first year to attend the Wildlife Extravaganza but we have decided NOT to participate. Our thoughts and prayers continue for those in the MS South Delta!”

 

Apex Ammunition is also refusing to participate this year. They’ve said:

“As a company born and operated from Mississippi this was our first year to be at the Extravaganza however that will not be the case

While we stand firmly in supporting MWF’s mission to, “ conserve Mississippi’s natural resources and wildlife legacy,” we at the core disagree with the MWF’s recent decision to divert funds away from an investment project that protects the safeguard and security of Mississippi residents and their families in the lower Delta region.

As people of Mississippi, who have personally help farm, hunted and relied on the lower Delta region, this decision by MWF literally hits the heart of home for us.

Conservation comes in many forms and balancing life and nature requires sound decisions bound by logic and reasoning.

As the situation continues, we’ll continue to look for creative solutions to support those effected.

#finishthepumps”

 

Backwoods Attraction has joined the conscientious group of supporters for the Backwater Pump Project. Their statement on the issue is:

“We have been getting questions regarding our stance on the MWF statement regarding the Pumps and Backwater Flood. To be clear, we will NOT be attending or in any way support the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. We withdrew from the MS Extravaganza months ago regarding Mississippi Wildlife Federation uneducated statement on their support of banning Supplemental Feeding.

Also, to be clear, we are 100% in support of the efforts to #finishthepumps! Our continued prayers and support go out to all of our MS South Delta Friends, Families, Farmers, and Wildlife. There is no way, in our opinion, that if you have been on site to see the devastation that could have been prevented, you could be against finishing the pumps. BWA stands strong behind the pumps and the MS Delta 💯

Forgotten Backwater Flood”

 

Hunter’s Hollow, Inc. has dropped the MWF event after 25 years of participation. Here is their statement:

“For over 25 years we have been present at the MS Wildlife Extravaganza. Due to recent events we have decided NOT to attend the 2019 MS Wildlife Extravaganza. We would like to stand in support of all those who have been affected by the historic flooding in the MS Delta. We have many friends and customers who have been affected and support all efforts to combat the flooding.”

 

Rack Shack Outdoors had added their good name to the list of vendors in opposition to the MWF position on the pumps. Here is their statement:

“We have attended the Wildlife Extravaganza sponsored by Mississippi Wildlife Federation for more than 5 years.

However Rack Shack Outdoors has decided to support our fellow Outdoorsman by cancelling our booths.

We will NOT be attending this event due to MWF’s lack of effort to assist with flooded areas and residents.

Second Flight Outdoors has announced they will not be a part of the MWF event. Here is their statement:

“Due to recent events and decisions made by the Mississippi Wildlife Federation and being a small group from Vicksburg, Ms. We take stance into not attending or participating in the wildlife extravaganza this year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the South Ms Delta.#forgottenbackwaterflood #finishthepumps

 

Southern Bound Outdoors will not be participating this year. They’ve said:

“Being apart of a family who has been directly affected by the flooding. We will not be attending the Ms Wildlife Extravagnza. As we were excited to be going for the first year I find it difficult to support Mississippi Wildlife Federations recent decisions. We are for the pumps.

#finishthepumps #lowermsdelta”

Iowa & Missouri Trophy Deer Hunts

“Although our outfitting business is located in the Midwest….we are home grown Southern boys from the Missouri Delta and the Mississippi South Delta! We have been vendors at the annual MS Wildlife Extravaganza many times over the years and a lot of our Midwest client base is from the state of Mississippi and have many ties to the MS Delta. Our success and having fully booked seasons for the next couple of years is in large part due to our MISSISSIPPI client base, and because of them we havn’t felt the need to participate as annual vendors at the MS Wildlife Extravaganza for the past couple of years. WE DO NOT SUPPORT THE MS Wildlife Federation stance on the pumps that are needed for the South Delta of Mississippi and although we are not vendors this year we will in NO WAY support the MS Wildlife Federation in any way shape form or fashion! Our friends and clients located in the affected areas of Mississippi have our full support and prayers!

#finishthepumps #supportthepeople #southdelta #conservationiscommonsense #yazoobackwater”

 

Backwoods Grind Coffee Company

In light of recent statements and events, Backwoods Grind Coffee Company has decided to withdraw from the Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, leaving our two booths vacant. We have enjoyed the Extravaganza for many years as attendees and supporters, and we were excited to exhibit, for the first time, at this year’s event. However, as a Mississippi born company, we simply cannot support the MWF’s recent decisions and actions. Instead, we choose to support the people of Mississippi, and the people for wom we have founded our company. #finishthepumps #forgottenbackwaterflood

 

Ben Nelson Golf and Outdoor

“We support the Mississippi Wildlife Federation mission ‘to conserve Mississippi’s natural resources and protect our wildlife legacy.’ For Ben Nelson Golf and Outdoor, our decision not to attend this year’s Wildlife Extravaganza is about supporting the people of the Mississippi Lower Delta, all of whom are our friends and family.”

 

Guns-N-Gear

“We support the Mississippi Wildlife Federation mission ‘to conserve Mississippi’s natural resources and protect our wildlife legacy.’ However, we find it difficult to support its recent decisions. For Guns-N-Gear, our decision not to attend this year’s Wildlife Extravaganza is about supporting the people of the Mississippi lower Delta, all of whom are our friends and family. We’ll be watching the situation closely and discussing ways to support those who have been impacted by the floods.”

 

Dave’s Custom Meats

Dave’s Custom Meats will NOT be participating in this year’s Wildlife Extravaganza hosted by the MWF. We stand with our friends and family that are being affected by the Backwater Flood.

We are praying for everyone affect be (sic) this devastating flood. We stand in agreement to #FinishThePumps. Our concern is with the citizens and wildlife that are being affected. If there is ever anything that we can do, please let us know.

And remember, ‘The hunt ends at Dave’s’!

 

 

J & J Bagging

“As a Yazoo County company, that is living the Forgotten Backwater Flood, we want to be very clear, we will NOT be attending or in any support the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. Our continued thoughts and prayers to all that have been affected, and we are working on efforts to pull our weight to help our MS South Delta Family.

“J&J withdrew from the MS Extravaganza months ago regarding Mississippi Wildlife Federation’s uneducated statement on their support of banning Supplemental Feeding. This was an opinionated statement that attacked not only our business bur all of our loyal dealsers and customers. We stand by our dealers (sic) side in support of their businesses.

“Also, to be clear, we are 100% in support of the efforts to #finishthepumps! The forgotten backwater flood is right in our back door, and we have seen customers, friends, and families lose everything, so #finishthepumps is a top initiative for J&J to stand behind and support. J&J is a family owned business that purchases crops and grain from farmers in the MS Delta for its sister company Backwoods Attraction, so not only are we here to support the MS Delta, we are one of its own.

“Our continued prayers and support go out to all of our MS South Delta Friends, Families, Farmers, and Wildlife. There is no way, in our opion, that if you have been on site to see the devastation that could have been prevented, you could be against finishing the pumps. J&J stands strong behind the pumps and the MS Delta.

Sincerely,

Joseph Mohamed and Jim Davis”

 

 

 

 

This is a fluid and growing story. More and more vendors are dropping out as we write this story. We will update the story with an updated list of vendors dropping out.

 

 

 

 

 

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