OUTDOORS

Vicksburg native Larry Pugh has been named assistant chief of fisheries for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, fisheries chief Ron Garavelli announced Tuesday. Pugh will replace Bubba Hubbard, who retired in 2007.

A District 1 fisheries biologist for the past decade, Pugh previously oversaw 10 northeastern state lakes and compiled the annual Mississippi bass tournament report.

“It’s a logical progression for me, moving from fieldwork to a more administrative position,” said Pugh, a graduate of Mississippi State University who lives in Tupelo.

His District 1 position will be filled by Jason Olive, an Alabama native and Mississippi State graduate. Olive comes to the agency after serving four years as a biologist with the Arkansas Game and Fish Department.

Wildlife extravaganza Aug. 1-3 in Jackson

The state’s largest outdoors show, the 22nd edition of the Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, is scheduled for Aug. 1-3 in Jackson at the Trade Mart at the Fairgrounds. Included in the trade show is a 3D pop-up archery competition, cutest camo kids contest and big buck display and competition.

Show hours are 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children aged 6 through 12. Friday is Kids Day at the extravaganza, during which children younger than 12 get in free and adult admission is $7.

For information about the extravaganza visit www.mswildlife.org, or call 601-206-5703.

Backpackers’ gatheringnext week at Bass Pro

Backpacker Magazine is partnering with Woolrich to bring its Get Out More Tour to the Bass Pro Shop in Pearl on July 26.

The tour features experts Randy and Sheri Propster, who provide trail-tested tips to help hikers get out more this summer. The tour is traveling through 55 venues in 35 states.

The event is free, and participants will have the chance to win outdoor gear and apparel. For more information visit www.backpacker.com/getoutmore.