Ducks Unlimited will recognize eight Mississippians for their individual conservation commitments during this unique event. The Heroes of Conservation evening, including; dinner, honors presentation, conservation program presentations and an auction, will be held at the Hilton of Jackson.

Event honorees include:

Billy Joe Cross – past Executive Director of the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission and retired Director of Field Operations for Ducks Unlimited
Morgan Freeman – actor, conservationist and outdoor enthusiast
Toxy Haas – CEO of Haas Outdoors
Richard (Rick) M. Kaminski Ph.D. – Associate Dean and Professor of Wildlife, College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University & holder of the James. C. Kennedy Endowed Chair in Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation
Will Primos – Founder of Primos Hunting Calls
Bill Sugg – President, Haas Outdoors
Melvin Tingle – Host of Mississippi Outdoors television show
William E. Walker Jr. (posthumously) – Founder of the Walker Conservation Foundation and Bill's Dollar Stores.

These gentlemen have made an impressive contribution to conservation in Mississippi and elsewhere through their personal careers, philanthropic support of conservation organizations, conservation activities on their own lands, efforts to educate the public about conservation, and through a lifetime of sharing their own passion for the outdoors with those around them.

The conservation presentations will provide continental and regional perspectives to DU’s conservation efforts. Dr. Scott Stephens, DU director of conservation programs, will present an overview of DU’s work on the breeding grounds, and Jerry Holden, director of conservation programs for the South Mississippi Flyway, will be presenting the overview of DU’s work on the wintering grounds.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. and is expected to end at 10 p.m. Tickets should be purchased before July 24, and prices are: $100 for single ticket; $150 for couple; $375 for DU sponsorship and couple. Tables are also available.