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Refuge dedication honors a legendary Mississippi sportsman.
Southeast Region, February 22, 2005
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On February 22, 2005, 250 people gathered at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson to witness the dedication of the first national wildlife refuge ever named for an African American. The new Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge is one of seven refuges in the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge honors the legacy of the hunting guide who led President Theodore Roosevelt's 1902 Mississippi bear hunt. The expert marksman and freed slave was 56 years old when he was asked to guide Roosevelt's hunt. Collier later remarked, ?The President of the United States was anxious to see a live bear the first day of the hunt. I told him he would see that bear if I had to tie it and bring it to him.? As it turns out, Collier did capture a bear and tied it to a tree for the President, but Roosevelt refused to shoot the bear. The event was publicized nationwide and resulted in the birth of the ?Teddy Bear.? Senator Thad Cochran and Congressman Bennie Thompson, whose legislation created the Holt Collier Refuge in 2004, formally dedicated the new refuge and unveiled the new refuge entrance sign. Holt Collier's great-niece, Ann Marie Parker, her son John, and grandson Brandon, attended as well. She said ?I am elated to be here and am really glad we were invited.? Marcus Ward, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary Craig Manson spoke on behalf of the Department of the Interior and Regional Director Sam Hamilton spoke on behalf of the Fish & Wildlife Service.

Contributed by: Ray Nilius, Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Hollandale, MS

No contact information available. Please contact Charles Traxler, 612-713-5313, charles_traxler@fws.gov


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