ACE Magazine - Fall/Winter 2009
ACE Magazine - Fall/Winter 2009
in this issue...
EDITOR:
Warren Hinson
ASSISTANT EDITOR:
Gayle Morrow ARTICLES
PUBLISHER: President’s Corner....................................................................................... 3
Brent-Wyatt West Notes From The Trenches.......................................................................... 5
601 Interstate Park Drive
How Do We Know?..................................................................................... 6
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
Dan Quincey ~ ACEOA Officer of the Year 2009........................................ 7
SALES OFFICES: Blair Earns Redemption at Buckmasters Life Hunt.................................... 11
Bryan Elkins, Sr.
My Life Hunt Experience.......................................................................... 20
Jim Downing
601 Interstate Park Drive ACEOA Annual Scholarship Winner......................................................... 24
Montgomery, Alabama 36109 Alabama Black Belt Adventures Launched............................................... 27
(334) 213-6229 River Region Military News....................................................................... 35
Noodling ~ One Man’s Journey From Skeptic To Fanatic.......................... 39
Youth Fishing Rodeos: Making A Difference.............................................. 49
Department Honor Guard......................................................................... 59
Lakepoint Resort State Park Celebrates Grand Opening............................ 63
ACEOA Second Annual Top Gun Event.................................................... 67
Forever Wild Preserves More Unique Areas For Public Use....................... 71
ACEOA Holds Mini Conventions Across The State.................................... 75
Hunter Education Press Release and Class Schedule................................ 79
ON THE COVER Barbour County WMA Youth Hunt Huge Success...................................... 91
ACEOA’s Top Shooters compete Feral Hog Hunters Cautioned About Swine Brucellosis............................ 101
for Top Gun Title. Boy Scouts............................................................................................. 103
Jim Kirkland, District II is the
2009 Top Gun Champion.
Forever Wild Adds Acreage To Lowndes WMA....................................... 107
Characters, Jokes, Bells, and Lots of Grease...........................................111
Renowned Bare Bow Hunter Has Seattle Roots........................................119
Odds Favor Successful Waterfowl Season............................................... 123
Alabama Marine Police Awarded Two Homeland Security Grants............ 127
Henry County Youth Dove Hunt.............................................................. 129
Wilcox County Youth Dove Hunt 2009.................................................... 131
Youth Dove Hunts: Right On Target........................................................ 135
Choctaw County’s First Youth Dove Hunt Is A Hit................................... 139
Cheaha State Park Provides Mountaintop Getaway................................. 141
Alligator Season Ends With New Record................................................. 145
2009 Talladega County Hunter Education Event..................................... 151
Advertisers Index.................................................................................... 189
Business Directory.................................................................................. 194
The ACE Magazine is the official publication of the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association.
Purchase of advertising space does not entitle the advertisers to any privileges or favors from members. The
ACE Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by any contributor. This
magazine is created and produced by Brent-Wyatt West. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
ACE Magazine 1
President’s Corner
by Chris Jaworowski, ACEOA President and Wildlife Biologist
T
hanks to the ongoing support of Alabama busi- and supplies to support this very important project. At
nesses, ACEOA was able to bring smiles to a lot of the request of the Department, ACEOA provided funding
young faces this summer. Across the state, ACEOA for Honor Guard bugles, practice flags, and other equip-
sponsored events in order to bring the youth of Alabama ment. Though we hope the Honor guard will never be
into the outdoors for shooting sports, fishing, and hunting needed for one of our own, we are proud to be a part of
events. The ACEOA shooting sports trailer has been a this very important project.
great addition to our association giving us the ability to ACEOA will also be continuing our support of the
offer rimfire target shooting with our .22 caliber Ruger Buckmasters Life Hunt this year. Every year, ACEOA
rifles as well as skeet shooting with our 12 and 20 gauge sponsors a challenged or terminally ill hunter to attend
Remington shotguns. Recently, we also added two Horton this event. This year, the ACEOA Board voted to sponsor
youth crossbows to the trailer for even more shooting our friend Chris Jackson to attend the 2010 Life Hunt.
sports fun. Look out for ACEOA events in your area and Check out the articles, pictures, and hunting tales about
come join in the fun. our 2009 Life hunt participant, Skylar Blair, in this issue
After a fun filled summer, the ACEOA Elected Officers of ACE Magazine. Skylar made us all proud last year and
and Board of Directors are working harder than ever to harvested some impressive trophies to go on his wall.
represent Conservation Enforcement Officers from every For questions concerning ACEOA upcoming events or
Division across the state. One important project we have membership, check out our website www.aceoa.org or
been working on is the support of the newly formed contact me directly at [email protected]. l
ADCNR Honor Guard. ACEOA has provided equipment
ACE Magazine 3
Notes From The Trenches
by Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director
M
any of our officers are in full swing with dove ACEOA receives count-
season and now archery & gun deer seasons. Our less numbers of letters from
Marine Police and Marine Resources officers may individuals who want to hold
get a little break but often times spend these times work- youth events or volunteer in
ing in specific training courses and assisting Wildlife & their areas. Please visit or call your local district officers.
Freshwater Fisheries officers in their local areas. They can put you in touch with the local conservation
We have had great response from our summer issue of officers. You can also visit www.aceoa.org to check
ACE Magazine. We worked hard to provide something for events coming up in your area. We try to post these
all of our readers. I am finished with my Early Years events on a regular basis. We appreciate this support.
adventures involving Billy Bob for a while but you’ll hear Because of our corporate support we are able to increase
about him some more in the future. the numbers of sponsored events each year. Support for
We will be featuring our District Conferences in this our national sponsorships such as Buckmasters American
issue plus our Top Gun Competition. After four very diffi- Deer Foundation and Concerns of Police Survivors are
cult courses, Jim Kirkland (D-2 WFFLE) was the victor. guaranteed because of continued donations.
Skylar Blair was our sponsored hunter at the 2009 Life We were able to sponsor over fifty events in 2009.
Hunt last January at Sedgefield Plantation. We really had Request for new sponsorships in 2010 has increased. We
a great time and he was truly an inspiration. Be sure to never want to turn anyone away.
read these stories. Enjoy our Fall/Winter issue of ACE Magazine. When
Dan Quincey (D-5 WFFLE) was nominated and you are finished, pass it on to a friend. Visit our website
selected as the ACEOA Officer of the Year for 2009. and read the magazine online.
What a great job Dan has done with the youth of Wilcox Thank you for your support. Without your support,
County. He has unbelievable support from businesses ACEOA would not be able to accomplish these important
and residents of Wilcox County. outreach projects throughout Alabama. l
ACE Magazine 5
10ad14
How Do We Know?
by Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director
T
his should be a very important question to our cor- tired and ill when he arrived at the Life Hunt. He did man-
porate sponsors. Let me first tell you what we do age to harvest a beautiful buck. According to Brian, it was
know. an opportunity to temporarily forget about his illness and
HARTFORD TIRE &
ACEOA, for several years, has chosen to sponsor enjoy three day of hunting. The strength and determina-
INTERSTATE BATTERIES
AUTO CENTER
C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) on a national
level. We strongly believe in this program and the impor-
tion of these folks is humbling and almost unbelievable.
Skylar Blair is featured in this issue. What a great kid!
tance of giving back for the great work they do for fallen We enjoyed his3505
hunt probably
Governorsas much
Driveas he did. He was
400 West Main Street
officer survivors. We support their fund raisers in Missouri truly an inspiration. To see his joy when he harvested his
each year as well
Huntsville, Alabama 35805
H aasr tthe
f o rAlabama
d , A L 3Chapter
6 3 4 4 of C.O.P.S. deer was a sensational experience.
Each year we sponsor a hunter at the Buckmasters 256-519-2450
These hunts are composed of a lot of joy and tears. It
Life Hunt. This 3is3 4a- 5 8 8 - 2 1 2 2 American Deer
Buckmasters is a display of incredible strength and determination. As
Foundation program that caters to terminally ill or dis- we make these important decisions as stewards of dona-
abled children and adults. If you have been involved with tions from our corporate sponsors, we know we have
us for a while, you know we have sponsored three hunt- invested well.
ers and will feature our 2009 hunter in this issue.
Arrowood Heating
What we don’t know is what other opportunities are
6 ACE Magazine
Dan Quincey
ACEOA Officer of the Year 2009
by Rusty Morrow by Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director
I
f you went down the list for ACEOA criteria for Officer resource. Violators must deal with him if they choose to
of the Year, it would look like it was written for Dan violate state laws.
Quincey. A key ingredient for being ACEOA Officer of Wilcox County, over the years, has been a very difficult
the Year is community involvement. Dan certainly excels area for a conservation officer. It is very rural and blessed
in this area. Wilcox County Youth Dove Hunt featured in with abundance of wildlife and river resource. Many offi-
this issue is only one example of his total dedication to cers have come and many officers have gone; but Dan
his community and the youth. Because of this involve- calls Wilcox County his home. He is a vital part of Wilcox
ment, the community supports him 100%. County law enforcement.
Dan goes above and beyond in his duties as a Please read Dan’s nomination letter by officer Vance
Conservation Enforcement Officer in Wilcox County. He Wood (Director D-5). This will convince you he is the
is considered fair but dedicated to protecting the wildlife right person for the 2009 ACEOA Officer of the Year. l
Rusty Morrow, Trey Pose, Dan Quincey, and Vance Wood. Bo Willis, Dan Quincey, and Vance Wood.
I
take much pride and pleasure in nominating phone call from a dear friend, Becky Bailey. Becky told
Conservation Enforcement Officer Daniel C. Quincey me that her husband, Ken Bailey was working on hunting
Jr., for Officer of the Year 2009. Not only do I know and property in the Alberta Community of Wilcox County and
work closely with Dan, but I also consider him a great that she could not get in touch with him. She was wor-
friend. Dan was hired on in April 2005, by the Wildlife and ried, because it was unlike Ken to not answer his cellular
Freshwater Fisheries Enforcement Division. He was telephone. I told her that I would call Dan and see if he
assigned to Wilcox County, Alabama. He has since moved could check on him. I was able to get Dan on the
his family there and has been an active role model in the Southern Linc. He was off-duty. I explained the situation
community. He has been able to garner respect and to Dan and gave him Becky’s cell number. Dan contacted
friendship from the citizens and landowners through his Becky and received directions to the hunting property.
actions and concern for the area in which he works. He immediately drove to Alberta from Camden in his
In the fall of 2005, I received an alarming and panicked continued on 9
ACE Magazine 7
Dan Quincey ~ aceOa Officer Of the year 2009 – continued
personal truck. Dan was able to quickly locate the tracks Wilcox County. Dan was unable to resuscitate the diver,
to Ken’s Polaris Ranger and began tracking him. What despite his valiant and selfless efforts.
Dan came upon next was a horrible sight. Sadly, Ken had That is a lot of sad, sad news. Let’s move on to a most
wrecked the Ranger and was ejected from the vehicle. important and uplifting achievement. When Dan came to
Dan found Ken’s lifeless body at the bottom of a hill. Wilcox County he immediately got involved with an
Ken’s neck was broken and he had sadly departed this annual youth dove hunt. This was a large hunt and as
life far too soon. Ken was in his mid-forties. Dan con- luck would have it Dan was asked to take over and head
tacted Becky and me to inform us of the news. Dan stood the hunt up in 2006. Dan is wonderful with kids and for
by until the family arrived and gave much comfort to a big ol’ brute he sure gets soft when surrounded by
Becky and her son Josh. Dan and I both attended Ken’s them. Dan took the opportunity to head up the annual
funeral and there was not enough good that could be said youth dove hunt. He expanded it, grew it and made it,
about Dan and his actions on that sad day. well simply better than it ever had been before. Dan
In January 2006, Dan was on patrol in Wilcox County began to collect monies from local businesses and indi-
when he received notification of a plane crash near Pine viduals to better support the event. He created a bank
Hill. Evidently the FAA had been trying to account in which to place the monies. Dan
locate the plane for quite some time. Dan allocated local support for food and refresh-
was first on scene and made his way to ments, all of which is gladly donated
the crash site, which was in a wooded yearly. Dan then takes the monies he
area in a ravine. Dan found the pilot has collected and purchases door
to be barely alive and the passen- prizes for the children. He uses the
ger to have sadly expired. Dan money only within Wilcox County,
used his knife to cut the pilot out since it came from Wilcox. It is
of the aircraft and was able to Dan’s way of ensuring that the
maintain his airway, breathing money raised there stays in the
and bleeding until more advanced community. This dove hunt has
medical assistance arrived. He touched approximately 200 chil-
then assisted in the patient’s dren a year since Dan took over
move to the ambulance up the in 2006. There is something there
steep ravine. The pilot survived. for every child. Dan has handed out
Dan then returned to the aircraft and $9,900 in door prizes since 2006,
assisted with the removal of the some of which include 11 Lifetime
deceased passenger. Again, it was Hunting Licenses and six Shotguns. The
another sad day in Wilcox County. kids have a great time, but I often wonder if
In May 2008, while enjoying some off time it is not Ol’ Dan who has the best time of all.
and fishing with his then twelve year old son Bert, Dan I believe in this day and time; we need a hometown
came across a mussel boat in the Alabama River. The hero, someone who is looked upon as an example to all,
mussel fisherman’s family was onboard and Dan could especially by our youth. I have talked to many people in
tell something was terribly wrong. Dan pulled his per- Wilcox County since Dan has gone to work there and
sonal boat alongside and quickly observed there was a they all have the highest regard and respect for him. Dan
medical emergency. The mussel diver had apparently endeavors to persevere in any and all circumstances. He
accidentally drowned! Dan immediately called for emer- is willing to accept a challenge and not likely to back
gency help to meet him at a nearby boat ramp. He down. I am proud to call him my friend and even more
jumped into the mussel boat, where the diver’s wife was proud to nominate him as Officer of the Year 2009 with
holding onto her husband, who was still in the water. Dan the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers
was able to get the diver in the boat and he quickly Association. Please help me bestow this award upon
cleared the airway and began CPR without any use of a Daniel C. Quincey Jr. who is so very deserving and so
protective barrier. Bert took the diver’s grandchildren, overdue for recognition of his efforts. He is an example to
who were also on the mussel boat and got them into all both on and off duty. Thank you.
Dan’s boat. He then at Dan’s direction moved them away
from the scene and comforted them. Dan continued CPR Sincerely,
until they arrived at the boat ramp where an awaiting David Vance Wood
ambulance took over. It was yet another sad day in ACEOA Dist. V l
ACE Magazine 9
Blair Earns Redemption
at Buckmasters Life Hunt
by David Rainer, Outdoor Writer, Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
S
kylar Blair needed redemption at the 16th annual was young and had the opportunity to watch cartoons, he
Buckmasters Life Hunt Classic at Sedgefield never would. He was always watching The Outdoor
Plantation in Dallas County last week. Channel and the outdoors shows on ESPN and
He’d missed a nice 8-point the afternoon before. He Buckmasters. It’s always been in his blood, and I don’t
knew he couldn’t afford another miss with kangaroo know where it came from. He’s lucky that we have a lot
court set for the final day of the three-day event, which of family members who like to hunt, so he goes with
brings about a dozen disabled hunters from across the them.”
nation to the prime hunting land owned by the Hinton Skylar added: “I hunt all the time. I hunt mainly deer,
family in west central Alabama. but I duck hunt sometimes and I go squirrel hunting
Blair, like his dad (David), suffers from muscular dys- some. Hunting is a big part of my life.”
trophy. The Blairs have a form of the disorder called Making dreams – like Skylar’s – come true at this hunt
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a neurological dis- is the main goal for Jackie Bushman, who founded
order that causes damage to the peripheral nerves that Buckmasters in his hometown of Montgomery in 1986.
carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, “We’ve been doing this 16 years and I can’t believe it’s
as well as relay sensations (i.e. pain and touch) to the been that long since David Sullivan called me about
brain and spinal cord from the rest of the body. doing a show on the old TNN (The Nashville Network),”
“It makes life a little harder, but you learn to live with said Bushman. “I told David I needed help to get through
it,” said the 17-year-old Skylar, whose family hails from that first hunt. After that episode aired, our phone lines
Huntsville. just lit up, and we basically became a network for dis-
But he’s not blaming his disease on his miss on the continued on 13
opening day of the hunt. “I don’t know what happened,”
Skylar said. “I guess I got in a hurry (aka buck fever).”
On the second morning, it was cold and blustery and
Skylar and his guide, Clayton Lynn, had only seen does
and yearlings.
“We were actually climbing down out of the stand,”
said Skylar, who was nominated for the hunt by the
Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association.
“We had been rattling and we were climbing down. We
looked up and there were two bucks walking right at us.
They were getting closer and closer.
Skylar climbed back into the stand got his rifle
reloaded.
“Finally we stopped him at about 40 yards,” he said. “I
don’t remember how Clayton stopped him. I was focused
on the shot. I wasn’t going to miss again.”
After the shot, the buck ran over a hill about 50 yards
away and disappeared. Fortunately, the buck had gone
down just out of sight.
“When we got down and went to him I didn’t realize
how big he was,” Skylar said. “I walked over to him and
said, ‘Wow, that’s a really good deer.’ It’s going to make
a nice mount. This was my first rack buck.” Skylar Blair, 17, of Huntsville and Buckmasters founder Jackie
The elder Blair said he is not an outdoorsman and Bushman show off the nice eight-point Blair bagged during
can’t take any credit for his son’s love of hunting. the Buckmasters Life Hunt Classic recently at Sedgefield
“But I do think it was genetic,” David said. “When he Plantation in Dallas County.
ACE Magazine 11
Blair Earns Redemption at Buckmasters Life Hunt – continued
abled hunters, which we’re real proud of. Now, I think we’ve had, people have gone home without a deer but
we’ve done between 5,000 and 6,000 disabled hunts. just had a wonderful time.
“We’re in a recession, but when you come down here Sullivan said he and his staff scrutinize applications
nobody is having a bad day. To have the opportunity to and end up with about 50-60 viable applicants for the
help these kids and adults get their first deer or first nice Classic. The ones who aren’t chosen for the Classic are
buck, it’s priceless.” included on other hunts.
Bushman stays busy videoing episodes of Buckmasters “The thing that amazes me is that all the volunteers
and the Jackie Bushman Show, but he’s never too busy seem to get more out of the hunt than the hunters do,” he
for the Life Hunt Classic. said. “And we’ve been able to accommodate a variety of
“I say this every year – we do 39 original shows each disabilities from people who were completely blind to
year, and if the networks said I could only do one show, quadriplegics who couldn’t move anything from the neck
this would be it,” he said. “It means more to me person- down to one young man who didn’t have any limbs, and
ally because of all the kids, parents, the Hintons and the he was able to take a deer.
guides who work so hard to make this happen. To see the “It’s a team effort. The Hintons do a wonderful job.
smiles on these kids’ and adults’ faces, it makes it all They get their friends and family to help out. We’ve got
worth it. For some of them, it’s their first deer. It’s an our blind-building down to a science, and we pretty well
honor for us to do this. know where to put the blinds. The only things we can’t
“We’ve seen a lot of different disabilities in the 16 control are the deer and the weather, and the Good Lord
years, but we’ve never seen one that we couldn’t find always takes care of that for us.”
adaptive equipment to make the hunt happen. It’s a neat The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
three days, that’s all I can say.” Resources also offers opportunities for disabled individu-
Soon after that first disabled hunt, the aforementioned als who enjoy hunting, shooting and fishing.
David Sullivan became the director of Disabled Hunter The Alabama Hunting and Fishing Trail for People with
Services for Buckmasters American Deer Foundation, Physical Disabilities features 17 areas available for hunt-
the non-profit wing of Buckmasters. ing across the state, as well as 11 shooting sites and 20
“Our goal is to touch people’s lives and give them fishing venues. Visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/
hope,” Sullivan said. “We hope that some will take home hunting/physically-disabled for more information. l
a trophy deer. But I’ll tell you some of the best hunts
02ad12
ACE Magazine 13
Blair Earns Redemption at Buckmasters Life Hunt – continued
I
have always been a whitetail fanatic. Since I was about headed back to the cabin.
five I have been watching Buckmasters, and my favor- Tuesday morning we were running late but we saw sev-
ite episode has always been the Life Hunt. I was sur- eral deer on the road so we knew they were moving. We
prised to find out that ACEOA wanted to sponsor me for had sat there for an hour or two with no movement when a
the Life Hunt. Being able to attend that hunt has always small six point appeared. After he left we were getting into
been a dream for me. position to harvest a doe when I looked to my right and
When I arrived I couldn’t believe how gracious and there was a monster eleven point buck. I was getting
hospitable everyone there was. When we arrived my Dad excited but I knew I had to stay calm so when guide Clayton
and I met everyone, which was an experience. We then said take him I wasted no time. Unsure about my shot, the
received a box filled with equipment donated by the fine buck ran off the field. We then noticed a doe stand up. She
sponsors of the hunt. was another monster doe and I made a good shot.
Later, we sighted in our rifles, and then headed for the Clayton and I went back to get a UTV and my Dad.
woods. That hunt was awesome. We watched two does After we loaded the doe I told my Dad about shooting at
for about forty-five minutes, two monster bucks appeared an eleven point. We then decided we needed to look for
and I proceeded to miss one of them. Missing is a part sign. Dad found the trail and when he saw the buck he
of hunting. had the biggest smile I had ever seen him have. The buck
After the hunt we ate then headed to the cozy cabin had only run ten yards in the woods. There were lots of
and got a couple hours of sleep. That next morning we high fives! It was an amazing feeling when I got back and
saw a couple of does running across the ridge in front of everyone was excited for me.
us. We had rattled a little before we got too cold and When everyone got back we ate and had kangaroo
decided to leave. Before we left we looked to the left and court. Kangaroo court is where if you had missed a deer
saw two good bucks walking straight to us. The lead they cut your shirt tail off, or if you harvested your first
buck got to about 30 yards and I put a good shot on him deer you get your face painted with deer blood. That was
he ran about fifty yards. He was my first buck and he was a week I will always remember. I would like to thank
definitely a trophy. ACEOA, Buckmasters, Mr. Hinton and his family, the
After the hunt we all met up and ate and talked about guides, and everyone who had anything to do with mak-
the morning’s hunt. That afternoon we watched about ing that week possible. l
ACE Magazine 17
Blair Earns Redemption at Buckmasters Life Hunt – continued
ACE Magazine 21
ACEOA Annual Scholarship Winner
T
he strip of prairie soil that crosses central Alabama camps and lodges lined up to participate in the program
has long been known for its dark, fertile soil, rural with more expected to be added. The initiative not only
demography and hard-working citizens struggling to promotes a wide variety of outdoors activities but also
make a living. the many historical and cultural attractions available in
What every Alabamian who enjoys the outdoors knows the Black Belt. The Website www.alabamablackbelt
is the Black Belt is renowned as one of the premier desti- adventures.com and an extensive marketing campaign
nations for hunting and outdoors activities in the nation. are being spearheaded by Luckie & Co. of Birmingham.
In an effort to capitalize on the Black Belt’s natural “The Black Belt, as you know, is rich soil, rich heritage
resources, Montgomery businessman and landowner and history, abundant wildlife and outdoor recreation,”
Thomas Harris hatched an idea to promote those assets said State Rep. John Knight of Montgomery. “It is a
and spread the word throughout the world. region of honest, hard-working Alabamians. Those are
After almost two years of planning, that idea was the assets of one of America’s unique regions – the
unveiled last week at Southern Sportsman Hunting Lodge Alabama Black Belt. What we’re talking about not only
in Hayneville, smack dab in the middle of the Black Belt. means so much to the Black Belt, but so much to the
Called the Alabama Black Belt Adventures, the initia- State of Alabama.
tive is tailored after the successful Robert Trent Jones “Last year I was pleased to begin working with many of
Golf Trail and the Alabama Quail Trail. our outdoor recreation and economic development lead-
The initiative currently has 22 hunting and/or fishing continued on 31
BASS founder Ray Scott, right, chats with Buckmasters founder Jackie Bushman as Conservation Commissioner
Barnett Lawley introduces Bullock County Commission Chairman Ron Smith (front right) at the unveiling of
the Black Belt Adventures economic initiative at Southern Sportsman Lodge at Hayneville.
ACE Magazine 27
Alabama Black Belt Adventures Launched – continued
ers to develop a way to take the Black Belt’s abundant structure to support this initiative is already here, already
resources and use them to create jobs and opportunities in place. This is not something new we have to do. We
for our people. Alabama Black Belt Adventures will make want to work with, expand existing facilities and help
Alabama one of the top destination points in America to create new ones. By marketing this area and creating
hunt, fish, hike, bike ride, bird watch, ride horses and activities by use of the natural resources is going to have
enjoy our many other outdoors opportunities. There are an economic impact on every community in the Black
so many opportunities wrapped up in this adventure. My Belt. The abundance of land and natural resources in the
goal for the initiative is simple – take the God-given natu- Black Belt is unlike any other place in the world.”
ral resources of the Black Belt and use and promote them State Sen. Roger Bedford of Russellville said his sup-
to help all the people of the Black Belt.” port of the initiative is grounded in his lifelong love of the
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural outdoors in Alabama.
Resources (ADCNR) Commissioner Barnett Lawley worked “I grew up hunting and fishing all over Alabama with
with Rep. Knight, Economic Development Director Neal my granddad and dad,” Bedford said. “Now I have the
Wade, Harris and Tim Gothard of the Alabama Wildlife privilege of hunting with my son, now 22, all across the
Federation to hash out the details of the initiative. Black Belt. I appreciate the values that come from being
“We met about a year-and-a-half ago at Thomas’ in the outdoors with your children and instilling those
house about what we could do to create economic oppor- values in them. God gave us this land to be stewards of
tunity for the Black Belt and make it sustainable,” Lawley it. I think Black Belt Adventures is a step in the right
said. “We came to the realization that heavy industry, direction – not only from the hunting and fishing but the
such as the automotive industry, was not going to work fellowship and the image improvement for Alabama.
because of several reasons – lack of infrastructure and “In this time of divided politics where they talk about
lack of a workforce. What we did realize is there was no red issues and blue issues, we come together today in a
shortage of natural resources and outdoor opportunities bipartisan manner on an issue that’s red, white and blue.
within the Black Belt. The resources are continually And I’m glad to be a small part of it.”
flourishing because of the soil, the black prairie soil, Ray Scott, founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman’s
hence the Black Belt. There’s no other place in the world Society (BASS) and resident of the Black Belt at Pintlala,
that has the rich nutrients that this soil continues to pro- said seizing on opportunities is what made his ventures
duce every year. into bass fishing and the creation of the Whitetail Institute
“Our goal is to harness the resources that are created so successful.
from this, promote them to boost tourism in the Black Belt “That’s exactly what we’re doing here,” Scott said.
through a marketing program that we are developing for “We’re taking something that is so obviously evident and
outdoor opportunities. In doing so, we expand job oppor- putting a saddle on it. I think it’s going to be one of the
tunities. In addition to the vast hunting, fishing, hiking, best doggone programs that’s ever happened.”
biking, bird-watching, kayaking and other opportunities Jackie Bushman of Montgomery said he followed
the Black Belt naturally offers the citizens and the people Scott’s lead when he formed the hunting organization
of this country, there is really something special about the Buckmasters.
historical amenities offered by the Black Belt. We’re talk- “What we wanted to do was promote hunting,” Bushman
ing about the Southern cuisine, the historical sites through- said of the birth of Buckmasters. “It doesn’t get any better
out the Black Belt or just the friendly people located than this. Where else can you hunt something for seven
throughout the region. There are many attractions other months out of the year? It doesn’t happen many places.
than hunting and fishing that people can enjoy.” Some states have only seven or eight days of hunting. We
Lawley said the ADCNR will create education programs have it all right here. We’ve got this opportunity now and
at the State Cattle Ranch in Hale County, a Forever Wild we can make it happen.
acquisition, and the Auburn Research Facility in Camden “After 20 years in TV, we do 26 original shows a year
to help landowners and farmers improve their wildlife and a third of those shows are done right here in the
habitat. Lawley also said the program would also ensure Black Belt. It doesn’t get any better than this… I was born
the cultural aspects of the Black Belt are not affected. and raised in Alabama and I will die here. I love Alabama
“During the effort to brand the Black Belt as a premier and I love the outdoors. This will accentuate everything
destination for outdoors adventures, we’re going to strive we do. I will promote it every chance I can.”
to protect the heritage, the history and culture of the Visit www.outdooralabama.com to learn more about the
region while harnessing and expanding the natural Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
resources that are so abundant,” Lawley said. “The infra- or to read previous columns by David Rainer. l
ACE Magazine 31
River Region Military News
Local Organization Donates To Troop Support Project
R
ecently the Alabama Conservation Enforcement an easy decision for us to make as an organization. It’s
Officers Association (ACEOA) made a donation to for a good cause and it’s something we believe in. We are
Strength for Soldiers, a non-profit organization that even considering putting Strength for Soldiers in our
raises money for the devotional books and helps assist annual budget.”
deployed chaplains with items they need. An article about Strength for Soldiers ran in the
The ACEOA is a non-profit organization founded by Advertiser in March and since that time, more than
Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers and con- $3,000 has been donated to the project, Mickle said.
cerned citizens whose main objective is Resource To make a donation, make checks out to Strength for
Protection through Education. Soldiers and mail to: Strength for Soldiers, 209 Sweet
When they heard about Strength for Soldiers they Briar Lane, Prattville, AL 36067
quickly acted to see what they could do to help. When Mickle said donations of any size are welcome and she
the ACEOA realized Audra Mickle, a Troy University will put labels inside the book covers letting the soldiers
student, was raising money for Strength for Soldiers they know where and who the books came from. The dona-
generously donated $500 dollars to the cause. tions are also tax deductible, Mickle said.
ACEOA’s Executive Director Rusty Morrow said, “It was l
ACE Magazine 35
Noodling ~ One Man’s Journey
From Skeptic To Fanatic
by Jerry L. Fincher, ACEOA Associate Director, District II, Talladega County CEO
First Impressions
“Y
ou are crazy!” These were the exact words uttered
by me to Shelby County Conservation Officer Brad
Gavins as I watched him dive under the waters of
Lay Lake, reach his hand under a concrete slab, and pull
a 25 pound flathead catfish from its hiding place. Little did
I know that before the month was over, I would be addicted
to this activity.
My encounter with Officer Gavins, (Brad), was not the first
time that I had witnessed noodling, grabbling, or whatever name
you may use to identify fishing by hand. On many occasions, I
had stopped my patrol boat to observe people noodling.
However, I had always pulled away with the same opinion; this
is interesting to watch, but I’ll never do it. This all changed when
Brad called and invited me to join him and Lt. Cliff Robinson
on a noodling trip on Lay Lake. He told me he needed people
to block the holes around the slab in order to prevent the fish
from escaping. Not wanting to look like a wimp and not seeing under the concrete and placed his hand in the fish’s mouth.
any harm in simply blocking the holes, I said I would go. Many times a fish, especially a big one, will bite your hand and
lay still until it is pulled from the slab. This one did exactly that.
First Encounter Brad asked Taylor if he had a good hold, and Taylor confidently
stated that he did. “If you’re sure, pull it out,” Brad directed. As
The month was May, the water was cold, the slab was sur- Taylor began pulling on the fish, it began thrashing wildly. Taylor
rounded by dense vegetation, and I was doing more than my made a face that words cannot express, screamed loudly, and
fair share of second guessing what I was about to do. You know threw the fish about five feet into the air. He said that it slipped.
that what-am-I-doing-here feeling you get as a roller coaster Maybe it did; only God, Taylor, and the fish know for sure.
tops that first hill. However, after watching Brad pull several fish Personally, I have my doubts.
from beneath the concrete, my apprehension was slowly turning
to excitement. On this trip, my job consisted of placing my feet,
arms, and legs into the holes around the slab. Occasionally, the
If At First You Don’t Succeed,
whole slab would shake with a thud which felt as though some-
one had hit it with a sledge hammer, the result of the fish
God May Be Telling You
slamming its back into the concrete. Eventually, I did catch a Something
fish; however, I did it by catching it on a PVC pipe with a treble
hook attached to it. I was really excited about my first catch. The next fish Brad located was deep, about six feet at the
That is, until Brad informed me that using a treble hook was end of a boat ramp. I had decided that to save face, I had to
cheating and that a true sportsman wouldn’t be caught dead try to catch one using Brad’s purist techniques. After all, I was
using anything but his hands. the game warden; I couldn’t let some kid out do me. After
On our next outing, Brad and I invited Houston and Taylor taking the deepest breath possible, I dove down, felt for the
Hollingsworth, friends of my son Colt, to help block holes. We hole beneath the slab, stuck my arm in up to the shoulder, and
all traveled to Logan Martin Lake, an impoundment north of attempted to find the fish’s mouth. The fish kept moving to
Lay Lake on the Coosa River. It didn’t take long before Brad had the rear of the hole, and I kept running out of air. I kept swim-
located a fish. Brad asked Taylor if he would like to catch this ming down and racing back to the surface to breathe. I
one. Taylor looked more than a little concerned as he reached continued on 43
ACE Magazine 39
Noodling ~ One Man’s Journey – continued
A Wild Ride
Now that I fancied myself a pro and was talking to others
about noodling as though I had created the entire sport, I
thought it a good idea to go to a part of the lake where I had
never seen anyone noodling, the river channel below Logan
Martin Dam. I thought this area would surely hold some big fish;
I was right. One Sunday after church, Brad, my son Colt, my
wife Rene,’ and I headed up river toward Logan Martin Dam.
While working, I had located several likely looking slabs, old,
broken, and undercut. Most of these turned out to be void of
fish. Eventually, we located an old slab which had several large
holes beneath it. Brad approached from the down river side,
Colt from the upriver side, and I came in from the deep end.
Colt stuck a stick in a hole under his side of the slab and Brad
yelled loudly. “What’s the matter?” I asked. Brad said, “A fish
repeated this process until I was thoroughly worn out. Brad hit my leg, hard.” The fish was trying to escape through the
was wearing a weight belt which helped him get down quickly other side of the slab and had run headlong into Brad’s leg.
and keep him down once there. I forgot to mention that Brad Since then, I have had several fish run into, over, and under me.
can hold his breath for an unusually long time; I, on the other Once, while sitting in neck-deep water, a fish literally ran into
hand, can not. my chest. All I could do was wrap my arms around its body and
I had once again returned to the surface for a much needed hold on until Colt could grab its gills. On this occasion, however,
breath when I felt Brad shake violently and his hand grab my Brad took a deep breath and disappeared beneath the water as
leg. He had caught the fish but was running out of air. Often it Colt and I attempted to block the other openings. A few seconds
takes a while to get a fish out of a hole. The fish may have later, Brad’s feet appeared above the water. They were moving
entered through a larger opening, or, once inside, it may have back and forth, shaking so violently that he literally threw a
fanned debris into the opening, making extraction impossible shoe from his foot. The fast moving water caught the shoe and
without a little excavating. it went floating downstream. Not knowing if Brad was stuck and
In response to Brad’s movements, I dove down, felt the slick panicking or simply fighting a big fish, I dove down and ran my
form of the fish’s head, found its mouth, and shoved a hand hand over Brad’s back and down his arm. Just below his elbow,
inside. I placed the other hand in a gill, and began pulling. To I felt the unmistakable slick, rounded head of a big catfish. I put
make matters worse, I did not have a diving mask, and the water a hand in a gill and pulled. The fish weighed nearly forty pounds.
being forced up my nose had given me a throbbing headache. It had swallowed Brad’s arm almost to the elbow, leaving Brad
In addition, visibility was about two inches. Eventually, I found without the leverage needed to pull the fish from the slab.
myself kicking toward the surface with a twenty-eight pound Since these first fateful trips, which I will never forget, I now
flathead in tow. Once I reached the surface, my troubles were find myself scanning the banks as I work the river. Yes, I am
not over. I was in six feet of water, three inches deeper than I always looking for violators of Alabama’s conservation law, but,
am tall. My hands were being used to hold the fish, making it now, I am also evaluating ramps and sea walls: is there a silt or
extremely difficult to stay afloat. The fish, on the other hand, a rock bottom, is it an outside or inside bend, how old is the
was doing all it could to return to the bottom, and the tide was structure, has the ramp been maintained, is there much current,
turning in favor of the fish. Thankfully, Taylor grabbed my arm or how fast does the bank drop. All factors which affect the
and towed the whole sorry lot, fish and half-drowned officer, to productivity of a ramp.
the bank. No longer a noodling virgin, after a short recovery
period, I was anxious to find another fish; adrenaline is a won-
derful thing.
Not For The Faint Of Heart
Before dark forced us from the lake, we had boated thirteen Noodling can be dangerous. Internet sources indicate as
large flatheads. Even the cold trip back to the dock could not many as sixty-nine people in the U. S. have died while noodling,
dampen my newfound enthusiasm for noodling. All the water usually the result of drowning or being bitten by venomous
forced up my nose, however, resulted in a sinus infection which snakes. Other injuries listed on the internet included losing
took two rounds of antibiotics to get rid of, but I had proven digits to beavers, musk rats, and snapping turtles. Personally,
myself. My wife said I had simply proven what she had always I am more concerned with man-made structures such as elec-
known; I was insane. continued on 47
ACE Magazine 43
Noodling ~ One Man’s Journey – continued
trical lines and objects which could trap an arm beneath a slab. to catch it was truly a sight to see. Instead of going alone, I
Once, in an attempt to pull a fish through a hole smaller than usually take a boat load of people. All of them do not fish; some
its head, I pulled so hard that the fish’s head became stuck. drive the boat while others simply enjoy the show. However, we
When I attempted to release it in order to surface, my gloved always have a great time. Most noodlers release the fish they
hand had become trapped in the fish’s mouth. Luckily, the water catch. However, if keeping the fish is your goal, they go great
was relatively shallow, allowing me, with a little help, to get my with hush puppies, taking several people with you gives you the
head above water. I was eventually able to place my feet on option of keeping more of them. Alabama State law currently
either side of the hole and pull the fish from beneath the slab. prohibits the possession of more than one catfish per day over
Caught up in my desire to catch the fish, I had almost waited 34 inches in total length.
too long before attempting to surface, a novice mistake that I
will not repeat.
Another novice mistake is to noodle without gloves, a
Do It Right
mistake not usually made more than once. Some fish, espe- The increased popularity of noodling has been accompanied
cially blue cats, will spin or roll their bodies after they bite. by an increase in the number of complaints from lake front
This can result in the loss of skin, which is bad enough on its home owners to law enforcement. While it is legal to noodle
own, but, worse yet, the loss of skin can create a route for from the public waters around privately owned boat ramps and
bacteria from contaminated water to enter the body. My only sea walls, if the owner is present, I always ask for permission.
noodling injury resulted from my attempt to catch a small Most of the time, the home owner does not mind and, in fact,
fish. Due to the small size of the fish, I didn’t think that gloves will usually ask to watch. However, I have been asked to leave,
were necessary. I was wrong. Smaller fish will sometimes fight a request that I always honor. To do otherwise would invite
more violently than their larger relatives, resulting in a bloody conflict; I fish for enjoyment not trouble. Other activities to
hand unless it is gloved. Another good idea is to wear shoes. avoid are walking from ramp to ramp on the bank or getting on
Old tennis shoes do an excellent job of protecting the feet private piers. Alabama law prohibits accessing public waters
from rough concrete. through private property without the permission of the land-
Some noodlers use S.C.U.B.A. gear; this is not neces- owner. In addition, watch your language, pick up your trash, be
sary. However, I would recommend using a diving mask; courteous to home owners and other fishermen, and always be
especially if you are prone to sinus infections. The one thing in possession of a valid Alabama fishing license. If we all do
that a noodler should never be without is a partner. In fact, these things, we can continue to experience the exhilaration of
a group of people is best, and one of the group should noodling for generations to come.
always remain above water to watch for signs of trouble. Be Careful and Good Noodling l
ACE Magazine 47
Youth Fishing Rodeos: Making A Difference
by Ken White
W
hen Aurora Thomas got up on a recent Saturday 0-6 Yrs. age group:
morning, he did not like what he was hearing. The First Place –
sound of rain drops hitting the roof would have Tyler Morris Eufaula, AL 17 lbs. – 11 oz.
been enough to make some folks want to just give up. Second Place –
Fortunately, Aurora isn’t one of those folks. Despite rain Sarah Beth Scott Ariton, AL 14 lbs. – 09 oz.
coming down pretty good in the early morning hours, he 7-9 Yrs. age group:
loaded up his gear and headed down to Blue Springs First Place –
State Park. This was the scheduled day for the Annual Krista Habron Ashford, AL 17 lbs. – 09 oz.
Blue Springs Youth Fishing Rodeo and the show would go Second Place –
on. Eighty-eight youth registered for the 7th Annual Blue Andrew Meyers Eufaula, AL 17 lbs. – 03 oz.
Springs Youth Fishing Rodeo.
The Lake Eufaula Bass Club had a fishing tournament 10-13 Yrs. age group:
which was held along the banks of the Old Creek Town First Place –
Park in Eufaula for years. At the time, Mike Heath was Courtney Searcy Eufaula, AL 16 lbs. – 00 oz.
assigned to Barbour County and he kept watching the Second Place –
success of that event through the years. It made Mike Chris Porter Ozark, AL 15 lbs. – 06 oz.
wonder if another tournament, held in the southern part Big Fish:
of Barbour County would work. He finally put the plan Isiah Meyers Eufaula, AL 5 lbs. – 01 oz. Catfish
into action seven years ago and the result is a spring day Smallest Fish:
the area youth look forward to with great anticipation. He Daniel Grantham Skipperville, AL 3-ounce Bream
looked around and decided the small lake at Blue Springs
State Park would make the perfect setting for this event. Following the announcement of the winners, ticket
With a covered pavilion that could be used on rainy days numbers were drawn. Each youth in attendance went
or provide a medium of shade from the glaring sun, a home with a memento of a most enjoyable morning
work area for registration and preparing a few hundred spent on the banks of a small lake in south Alabama
hot dogs was assured. That also, does not take into doing a little cat fishing.
account the fact Blue Springs has some of the coldest This event is a success due to the volunteers that assist
spring waters in Alabama you can ever take a dip in. The and the several Alabama Conservation Enforcement
lake would be stocked with catfish to give these young Officers that attend. It also takes the financial and product
anglers a distinct learning advantage, while guaranteeing contributions of many area and county businesses, indi-
the key ingredient, FUN, would be present. viduals and organization such as the Alabama Conservation
Registration opened at 7:00 a.m. and 88 youth regis- Enforcement Officers Association to bear the costs of
tered for the 7th Annual Blue Springs Youth Fishing such an event Helping to make the morning a huge suc-
Rodeo. The fishing action got going hot and heavy at cess were: Mike Heath, Joe Carroll, Chris Lewis, Mike
8:00 a.m. and ended as the siren sounded at 10:00 a.m. Cox, Rob McCarter and Tim Ward of the Wildlife and
A line formed at the scales and weigh-in got underway. Freshwater Fisheries Division. They were also assisted by
Following the close of weigh-in everyone was treated to a Stephen Hanners of the Eufaula Police Department who
hot dog luncheon. Dividing the youth into three age handled the cooking chores. Stephen and his “The
groups allows for a fair and equitable competition range. Smokin’ Hole Cooking Team” won overall honors at the
The overall winners are determined by heaviest stringer Barbour County Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game
weight for first and second place honors in each division. Cook-off and will be competing for the state title later this
In addition to these places, the heaviest fish and smallest year. Terry Carter, Blue Springs State Park manager, did
fish won individual awards. After everyone enjoyed a a great job as location host for the event, assisted by Mark
great lunch, winners were announced in the age groups Jernigan. Also, in attendance, was Judge Charlie Hart of
as follows: Eufaula. The same teamwork that is found within the local
continued on 51
ACE Magazine 49
Youth Fishing Rodeos: Making A Difference – continued
area and district law enforcement personnel is carried conservation enforcement officers with Ken Weathers
over in preserving our outdoor traditions and heritage. from the Fisheries Biology department also working the
That is how it should be and how it really is when people event. Local outdoorsman, Jimmy Priest, oversaw the
care enough to give something back. cooking chores and was assisted by Lou Dawdry while
Upon being told the Lake Eufaula Bass Club had Darrell Harris, Angie Meyers and Lamar Morris assisted
decided their youth fishing event would be retired after 35 with putting the prize packages together. Once again,
successful years, Conservation Officer Aurora Thomas Judge Charlie Hart was on hand to offer his support and
took it upon himself to assure the youth of Eufaula would assistance and to see first hand another well- designed
continue to have some type of fishing event they could event to help keep the local and area youth on the right
enjoy. Aurora had assumed leadership of the Blue Springs pathway of life.
event as Mike Heath was transferred to Dale County three “This event cannot happen without the support and
years ago so getting the Eufaula event was just a matter generous giving of our local merchants, businesses and
of making all things come together. The first thing caring individuals,” stated Thomas. “Giving back to the
needed was a pond which was near town and could be outdoor world we enjoy so very much is easy when you
stocked with catfish. The event format would follow that see the smiles on the faces of those kids when that ole’
of Blue Springs. The right place turned out to be a private cat is in the net and being hauled to the bank. Thanks to
pond which is located on Ken and Jerri Ludlam’s Hillside everyone that made it happen and thanks to all of our
Ranch, located within the city limits of Eufaula. Ken and supporters like the Alabama Conservation Enforcement
Jerri are known for their work with youth as part of their Officers Association, Golden Flake, RC Cola, Flowers
successful horse ranch and they graciously offered the Baking Company, Young’s Bigmouth Shop, J&M Plastics,
use of their pond. In addition to providing boarding and Southern Plastics and a host of other supporters too
riding lessons, they are part of a special group of caring many to name.”
folks that work with the Personal Ponies project. This Do these events make a difference? Consider that the
program provides special needs kids with their own real, weather came into play for each of these events and this
live 30-inch and under UK Shetland Pony. muted attendance for Blue Springs which usually num-
Following the same basic format and guidelines as the bers well over one hundred entrants and it was Eufaula’s
Blue Springs event, the inaugural Eufaula Youth Fishing first event. These youths got to enjoy traditional southern-
Rodeo was organized and held the weekend following the style cat fishing and some great interaction with our
Blue Springs Youth Fishing Rodeo. This event got off to conservation enforcement officers and caring outdoors-
a great start as 78 youth registered for this event. Many men. Youth were registered from sixteen surrounding
of these young anglers had enjoyed the Lake Eufaula towns and three states were represented. This is a great
Bass Club’s Young People Fishing Rodeo and were look- statement about the Alabama Department of Conservation,
ing forward to their day at the lake with their family and with its great “Step Outdoors©” programs and sponsor-
friends. Again, the youth were treated to a hot dog lun- ships, organizations such as the Alabama Conservation
cheon following the close of weigh-in and the winners Enforcement Officers Association and Alabama out-
were announced following lunch. Just as at Blue Springs, doorsmen committed to the continuation of our outdoor
each youth left with a door prize and the overall age heritage and values. That continuation lies within the
group winners of the very first Eufaula Youth Fishing hands, and minds, of the youth of our communities as
Rodeo are as follows: they lead into the future. l
ACE Magazine 51
Youth Fishing Rodeos: Making A Difference – continued
Mike Heath (L) and Aurora Thomas (R) Daniel Grantham (L) and Weston Grantham (R)
getting the food line in order. show off their day’s catch.
ACE Magazine 53
Youth Fishing Rodeos: Making A Difference – continued
Krista Habron; (7-9 yrs.); First Place; 17 lbs.-09 oz. Andrew Meyers; (7-9 yrs.); Second Place; 17 lbs.-05 oz.
Courtney Searcy; (10-13 yrs.); First Place; 16 lbs.-00 oz. Chris Porter; (10-13 yrs.); Second Place; 15 lbs.-06 oz.
Isiah Meyers; Biggest Fish; 5 lbs.-01 oz. Daniel Grantham; Smallest Fish; 0 lbs.-03 oz.
ACE Magazine 55
Youth Fishing Rodeos: Making A Difference – continued
A great crowd enjoyed the inaugural Eufaula Youth Fishing Katelynn Letcher weighs in as weigh-master Chris Lewis gets
Rodeo. ready to call the total.
Amelia Holmes winner of the (7-9 yrs.). Cassandra Gifford winner of the (10-13 yrs).
Everyone is checking their ticket numbers for the door prize Ken Weathers, fisheries biologist, and Judge Charlie Hart
giveaways. discuss the mornings activities.
ACE Magazine 57
Department Honor Guard
T
he idea and dream of a Department sponsored the Honor Guard’s practice. Mr. Turberville’s first period
Honor Guard has become a reality. Previously, we Agri-business class at Tanner High School in Limestone
have relied on other agencies to provide an Honor County utilized their skills to build these caskets. These
Guard for our officers killed in line of duty or natural students accepted the challenge and the outcome is
death. Through the efforts of our Commissioner, Asst. exceptional. Their hard work is to be highly praised.
Commissioner and Directors, effective October 2009, Director –
our Department Honor Guard will be prepared to provide John Thomas Jenkins—Statewide Commander
this deserved and honored service. Lt. Ryan Bennett—State Coordinator
Commissioner Barnett Lawley realized the importance
North Team
of having a Department sponsored Honor Guard and
Larry Adams (Commander)—AMP
approved its creation. Assistant Commissioner Sealy,
being supportive of this idea, brought his past military Central Team
experience to the table during the inception of the Capt. Larry Hicks (Commander)—WFFLE
Department Honor Guard. He worked closely with the South Team
division directors and chiefs to move forward with the Capt. Scott Bannon (Commander)—AMRD l
formation of this newly created unit. Directors, officers,
and supervisors have worked very hard making this
dream become a reality. Without the commitment of
Commissioner Lawley, Asst. Commissioner Sealy and
the Division Directors, the Department Honor Guard
would not exist. During these hard economic times the
decision to fund and support this new venture is to be
commended. The Honor Guard is comprised of officers
volunteering from all Divisions of the Department of
Conservation. Officers participating in the Honor Guard
have a huge responsibility and are working hard to mas-
ter the required knowledge and skill for this special unit.
There is a sense of pride knowing the Department of
Conservation has its own Honor Guard available to assist
in showing our respect to the family upon the death of
one of our own.
The ACEOA has been very supportive of the Department (l to r) Firing Line: Josh Hughes, Luke Lemley,
Honor Guard donating automatic bugles and money to Steve Makowsky, Bryan Fisher, Joe Lindsey, Jeff Lowery,
buy the materials for building two caskets with stands for Scott Kellenberger. Back Row: Larry Adams.
ACE Magazine 59
Department Honor Guard – continued
Tanner High School. Front row (l to r) Capt. Johnny Johnson, Jessica Peden, Jeffery Clark, Brandon Waite, Isaiah Smith,
Zack Scott, CEO Ernie Stephens. Back row (l to r) Mr. Keith Turberville (teacher), Marcus O’Campo, Jeremiah Gonzalez-Olsen,
DeAundra Nelson, Jeffrey Horton, Matthew Jarrett, CEO Bryan Fisher.
ACE Magazine 61
Lakepoint Resort State Park Celebrates Grand Opening
ADCNR Commissioner Barnett Lawley thinks the renovation was well worth the wait. “Lakepoint is a gem
in the State Parks system that is important to the City of Eufaula and to the rest of the state as well because it
serves as a unique destination spot for anglers, business conventions, and family functions,” Lawley said. “We
are proud to be able to provide such a unique and beautiful facility to visitors from across the southeast.”
The showpiece of the park is the extensively renovated resort lodge and convention center. The
improvements are immediately noticeable in the main lobby as you are greeted by a more contemporary interior
design. The transformation of the lodge extends to the new Lakeside Terrace as well, which overlooks Lake
Eufaula and is perfect for wedding receptions or other gatherings.
Each of the 101 lodge guestrooms have been upgraded and include exclusive photos of the Eufaula area by
local photographer Todd Adams. In addition to the lodge improvements, 10 lakeside cottages offer some of the
best accommodations in southeast Alabama. There are a total of 29 cabins in the park. Handicap-accessible
cottages are available.
A new menu and expanded dining room enrich the Lakepoint dining experience as well. The Marina Grill
also has a new outdoor patio that overlooks Lake Eufaula, and is open Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. – 8:30
p.m., and Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
For more information about Lakepoint Resort State Park accommodations and activities visit,
www.alapark.com/LakePointResort/.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management
and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State
Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit
www.outdooralabama.com.
ACE Magazine 63
Lakepoint Resort State Park Celebrates Grand Opening – continued
ACE Magazine 65
ACEOA Second Annual Top Gun Event
by Trey Pose, ACEOA Vice-President
T
he Southern Sportsman Lodge was once again the per. Next shooters moved from the 25 yard line to the 15
location for the ACEOA annual meeting. This year yard line to engage a plate rack consisting of 6 steel
Top Guns from all six districts met at the Lodge to plates at the five yard line. Shooters then moved laterally
compete against each other in the Second Annual on the 15 yard line to a dueling tree also having six plates
ACEOA Top Gun Event. Throughout the year District and then finally moved laterally again to knock down
Directors held local events allowing association members another pepper popper. This course of fire proved to be
to qualify for the annual event. The shooters present were one of the most difficult with no shooters finishing the
Ernie Stephens, Jim Kirkland, Mike Nelson, Chris entire course.
Jaworoski, Danny Faught and Mike Cox. This year’s Top The final course of fire the shooters faced was the FBI
Gun Event consisted of four different courses of fire with Bull’s-eye course. This course is a 30 round course with
a possible 475 points and a new Glock 23 at stake. a possible 300 points fired from the 25 and 15 yard lines.
The shooters were divided into random pairs by draw- After being required to move and shoot and shoot with
ing numbers and began the course by firing at a dueling time constraints this course was really tough. Shooters
tree. Each shooter was given three magazines loaded had to calm down and get focused on fundamentals to
with four rounds and a 1 minute time limit. The winner score well here.
was decided by putting the most plates on the opponent’s After the four courses of fire were completed the
side in the allotted time. The winner of each round scores were tabulated and they were pretty close. Only
received 15 pts toward their total score. one point separated 1st and 2nd place. Coming in 1st
The second course of fire was the A.P.O.S.T. qualifica- place and winning a new Glock 23 was Jim Kirkland
tion course. Shooters were given no barricades and were from District 2. 2nd Place and new Ruger LCP went to
strictly held to the time limits with a penalty of five points Mike Nelson from District 3 and 3rd place along with a
assessed for firing after the whistle. A high score of 100 Cabela’s gift certificate went to Danny Faught from
points was possible with two shooters, Jim Kirkland and District 5. Congratulations are in order for all the shooters
Danny Faught both scoring perfect targets. and we look forward to this event again next year.
The third course of fire this year was a simulated I would also like to thank Vance Wood and Scott
combat course. The course consisted of 14 targets and Kellenberger for helping put the courses of fire together
shooters were given only 14 rounds and two minutes to and for helping run the range during the event. Everyone
clear the course. Shooters were required to make at least stayed safe and had a great time. The Association would
one magazine change during the course and were not also like to thank Tiger McGee for his informative presen-
allowed to proceed unless the scored a hit on the target. tation on firearms handling and his help in making sure
Shooters began at the 50 yard line and ran to the 25 yard we had a safe and enjoyable event. l
line where they had to knock down a steel pepper pop- continued on 69
ACE Magazine 67
ACEOA Second Annual Top Gun Event – continued
Ki rkla nd ,
i, Trey Po se, Ji m
Ch ris Ja wo ro w sk orro w.
am pi on Ru st y M
an d To p G un Ch
rs !
Sh arp Sh oo te
M ee tin g, To p G
You th Sha rp Sho ote rs! un Ch al le ng e!
ACE Magazine 69
Forever Wild Preserves
More Unique Areas For Public Use
by David Rainer, Outdoor Writer, Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
A
fter hearing reports on two pieces of property be another state park built there, if we want to, the land
added to the Forever Wild portfolio, members of is suitable for that,” he said. “What makes this special is
the Forever Wild Board voted last week to pursue that Wind Creek and some of the other state parks just
the purchase of two more properties deemed as high barely have enough land to host the campgrounds. With
priorities in its task to preserve some of Alabama’s (Yates Lake West), you could have a campground on the
unique natural areas for public use. shoreline and people could bring their horses to a stable
The Board, meeting at Birmingham Southern College, and then go into the interior and ride horse trails. You
approved the purchase of the Yates Lake West property could have hiking trails and mountain biking trails. It’s
located in Elmore County. The 3,519-acre tract is less part of what the Commissioner (Barnett Lawley) has
than an hour from Montgomery on Alabama Highway recently referred to as ‘a wilderness park concept.’ This
229. Yates Lake, a 2,500-acre impoundment could do that. This land is flat-out gorgeous.
south of Lake Martin on the Tallapoosa “Part of the magic of Forever Wild is it
River, offers fishing for bass, bream, doesn’t have to do everything. It just
crappie, as well as boating. The secures the property and prevents it
property is rolling hills divided by from being developed. If a com-
creeks and ravines with almost missioner wants to put in a state
five miles of frontage on the park 10 or 15 years from now,
lake. There is a natural stand there will be a place to do that
of timber, including native if they so choose.”
longleaf pine and mixed hard- The Board also authorized
wood. The woodlands provide State Lands to pursue Forest
excellent habitat for white- Legacy Program grant oppor-
tailed deer and wild turkey. tunities to use toward the
Greg Lein, who oversees possible purchase of the Weil
the Forever Wild Program for estate of 1,900 acres, which
the Alabama Department of adjoins Yates Lake West. Lein
Conservation and Natural said Alabama has been granted
Resources’ State Lands Division, more than $11 million from the
said Forever Wild purchases prop- Forest Legacy Program in the past
erty for four categories of land use – eight years.
nature preserves, recreation areas, In an extension of previous action,
wildlife management areas (WMAs) and the Board authorized the purchase of the
state parks. Red Hills Section 21 tract of 645 acres in Monroe
“Every nomination is evaluated under all four catego- County, which adjoins 1,945 acres the Board voted to
ries,” Lein said. “That’s how we objectively decide what purchase at the June meeting.
the land is most suitable for. It’s not unusual for a big “This will create a 2,590-acre nature preserve and
property like the Walls of Jericho to be a nature preserve, recreation area that will preserve the Red Hills salaman-
a recreation area and a WMA. But what’s unusual is when der habitat,” Lein said of the state amphibian that is listed
the state parks component makes the short list. We give as “threatened” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
the board the short list of the top three-scoring properties (USFWS). “This is another purchase in partnership with
in each of these four categories. The Yates Lake West The Nature Conservancy. We will probably develop some
property short-listed under all four categories, and that’s light recreational activities like hiking trails and the pub-
never happened before.” lic will be able to hunt that.”
Lein said Yates Lake West is the right size and has the Lein said a USFWS Section 6 Habitat Conservation
right attributes to do any of the things that Forever Wild Program grant will be used to purchase the property. The
is authorized to do. “While I’m not suggesting there will continued on 73
ACE Magazine 71
02ad3
Forever Wild Preserves More Unique Areas For Public Use – continued
S&C
USFWS makes money available to states for partner especially a wetland property that this WMA is. It was
projects that will lead to the downlisting of endangered or bought by the U.S. Corps of Engineers primarily as miti-
threatened species. If enough of the habitat of the threat- gation for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
ened species is preserved, the species may be taken off “The very nature of wetlands is they’re not easy to
CONSTRUCTION,
the threatened or endangered list. access. So when you can enhance public access to a
“That’s good for the state’s economy and the forest tract like that, it makes it especially attractive. That and
industry that uses those type lands,” Lein said. “That the fact it is central Alabama and the Black Belt, where
salamander habitat has limited what landowners and there has been the ongoing dialogue of doing things in
LLC
timber managers could do with their properties. If we can the Black Belt.”
preserve enough of that habitat and it’s de-listed, that Also the Old Cahaba Tract in Dallas County has been
means Forever Wild is not only good for preserving some added to land acquired by Forever Wild, which will be up
of Alabama’s unique habitat, it also contributes to the for re-authorization in 2012. The 3,020-acre tract adjoins
state’s economy.” the Old Cahaba State Park and site of Alabama’s state
The purchases of two pieces of property authorized capital in the 1820s.
by the Board were closed recently. The Big Swamp “This property has frontage on the Cahaba River and
P.O. Box 859
Creek addition to the Lowndes WMA will add 1,343
acres to the current 11,118 acres of the WMA for a total
it abuts the Old Cahaba State Park,” Lein said. “This was
another partnership project with The Nature Conservancy.
of 12,501 acres. The property was nominated because of several rare
Flomation, AL 36441
“Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries does the assess- species of prairie plants. Plus it was on the Cahaba River,
ment on these type properties,” Lein said. “Their assess- which is unique because of all the aquatic species that
(251) 296-1107
ment was that it increases the WMA by about 10 percent,
which is significant. And, it adds access on the south end
make a home there.”
Visit www.outdooralabama.com to learn more about the
of the WMA right there off of Highway 80. That’s always Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
a pretty significant consideration on this size property, Resources or to read previous columns by David Rainer. l
ACE Magazine 73
ACEOA Holds Mini Conventions
Across The State
This was a time for fun, food, family, friends, fellowship and prizes.
District
III
District
IV
ACE Magazine 75
ACEOA HOlds Mini COnvEntiOns ACrOss tHE stAtE – continued
District
V~ IV
ACE Magazine 77
Hunter Education Press Release
and Class Schedule
ACE Magazine 79
Hunter Education Press Release and Class Schedule – continued
* Indicates a field day, — (Field days require completion of internet or cd-rom course.)
ACE Magazine 81
Hunter Education Press Release and Class Schedule – continued
* Indicates a field day, — (Field days require completion of internet or cd-rom course.)
ACE Magazine 83
Hunter Education Press Release and Class Schedule – continued
* Indicates a field day, — (Field days require completion of internet or cd-rom course.)
ACE Magazine 85
Hunter Education Press Release and Class Schedule – continued
* Indicates a field day, — (Field days require completion of internet or cd-rom course.)
ACE Magazine 87
03ad4
December 5* 251-432-2520
October 28, 29 & 30
6pm – 10pm daily
WASHINGTON COUNTY
2pm – 6pm
Tuscaloosa Co. Ext. Office September 26*
Childersburg Church of God
October 31* 8am – 12pm
TALLAPOOSA COUNTY 8am – 12pm Chatom Public Library
Woods-n-Water
August 29 & 30 WILCOX COUNTY
7:30am – 5pm Sat. @ FOP Lodge November 12*
Northport Pharmacy
1pm – 5:30pm Sun. @ Jerry Brown’s 6pm – 10pm October 3 & 4
256-839-5154 to Register Alabama Forestry Com.-Northport 8am – 5pm Sat.
December 1* 1pm – 5pm Sun.
October 10 & 11 Auburn Exp. Station
6pm – 10pm
7:30am – 5pm Sat.
Academy Sports
1pm – 5pm Sun. WINSTON COUNTY (1)
FOP Lodge Jackson’s Gap WALKER COUNTY
256-839-5154 to Register October 19, 20 & 22
September 1*
909 McFarland Boulevard
6-10pm
5pm – 9pm daily
TUSCALOOSA COUNTY U.S. Forest Service Bldg
Philadelphia Baptist Church
Northport, AL 35476
August 24, 25, & 26 September 26* November 9, 10 & 12
6pm – 10pm daily 8am – 12pm 5pm – 9pm daily
Tuscaloosa Co. Ext. Office 205-339-5800
Walker County Fairgrounds U.S. Forest Service Bldg
* Indicates a field day, — (Field days require completion of internet or cd-rom course.)
ACE Magazine 89
Barbour County
WMA Youth Hunt Huge Success
by Ken White, Photos by Ken White
T
he weather could not have been any better for an This event is held on the first Saturday in February as the deer
early Saturday morning in February. Blue skies and season is over and small game hunting becomes the top prior-
moderate temperatures greeted the volunteers arriv- ity for many of Alabama’s hunters. If there is an additional
ing to finalize set-up for the upcoming day’s event. need to continue growing this event it is for additional squirrel
Nothing, however, could have been more surprising than dog hunters that will join in and volunteer their expertise for
the sight that greeted them as they approached the event a day of “giving back.” The smaller the size of the hunting
staging area. There were kids and adults everywhere! group, the more success and, therefore, the more fun our
The registration time of 10:30 a.m., which was scheduled youth will experience. Financial support is always critical and
to open the 12th Annual Barbour County Wildlife other sponsors, which would like to follow in the footsteps of
Management Area Youth Hunt was quickly thrown out the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association,
the door. Just as quickly, the attendance records were will be greatly appreciated and welcomed. We must always
tossed as a new record of 350 youth participated in this remember the future of our outdoor heritage and our outdoor
year’s event. traditions are in the hands of our youth.
What would bring 350 youth and their parents, guard-
ians and grandparents to a Wildlife Management Area on For additional information concerning the Barbour County
this first Saturday in February? How about a full day and Wildlife Management Area Youth Hunt contact:
early evening devoted to nothing but the outdoors and Pat or Rodger Kott
our hunting heritage? Several venues were established P.O. Box 1076 – Eufaula, AL 36027
which depicted and instructed the youths on several Home Phone: 229-334-7009 – Cell Phone: 334-695-1275
hunting and sport shooting methods. This was followed Email: [email protected]
by a quick lunch of hot dogs, chips and cola which got
everyone ready for their choice of a squirrel or rabbit
hunting adventure. That is correct! All youth get an hot chocolate or cola, once the hunts are concluded, the
opportunity to venture into the Barbour County woods youth are then treated to a drawing for door prizes. The
and field for a real-life, live-fire hunting experience. evening festivities close out with a traditional coon hunt
Following an evening meal of more hot dogs, chips and in the BCWMA nighttime woods.
The rules for attending the event are very simple. All
youth from “very young” to 15-yrs. old are invited to
participate. All youth younger than eight years old are
required to have a parent or guardian accompany them
on all events. Youths and adults may not bring their per-
sonal firearms to the event. All firearms and ammunition
are furnished for the event by the Alabama DCNR-WFWF
and the experienced outdoorsmen providing their exper-
tise and hunting dogs for the live hunt events. All live fire
events, including the hunts, are under the strict supervi-
sion of the venue instructors or hunt master at all times
and youth only fire while being directly supervised by
such. By the way, there is absolutely no cost to the youth
or the adults to attend this FREE event except the gas it
takes to get to the Barbour County WMA.
Various venues have been added as the event has
grown over the years and the list now features a sampling
Dozier Greer of Eufaula gets valuable advice on seeing of the basic shooting sports for hunting within the local
the target from Pat Kott, event coordinator, area. To visit the various venues, which are spread apart
at the Clay shooting venue. continued on 93
ACE Magazine 91
Barbour County WMA Youth Hunt Huge Success – continued
for safety, open-air trailers are used to transport the station set-up. Once again, the safety aspects were dis-
participants. The BB-gun target shooting venue gets cussed with the emphasis on the individual sport.
things off to a good start as all the youth get a chance to Participants were allowed to take shots at the targets
win a BB-gun for the best score in their age group. This while receiving the one-on-one instruction the Youth
was one of two original venues when the first event was Hunt has become noted for providing.
held and 27 youth attended. While this is where the fun From the archery venue it was on to the most-popular
really starts it is, also, where the very first safety talk venues of the entire event; skeet shooting. Can you take
takes place. Shooting a BB-gun is how many youth get a youth, who has never fired a shotgun, and watch him,
started in the shooting sports and hunting, therefore it is or her, hit a clay target on one of the first two tries?
essential they understand, and are instructed, in the Absolutely! Most often it is to the amazement of many of
firearm safety rules. the parents and adults observing. If you know James
Next up is the slingshot venue. Here is where Sgt. Mike “Jinks” Alteire, then you are not surprised. As the Hunting
Heath has a lot of fun “working” the event. Mike has Safety Instructor for the southern part of Alabama his
developed a pretty fair reputation around the Youth Hunt reputation is well earned as one of the best ever when it
when it comes to slingshot accuracy. He also has the comes to working with youth. It takes a lot of patience to
patience and demeanor required to work with youth, work with young people, especially when working with
regardless of age. It was he that suggested, in a talk to a live ammo and bunches of kids, but to watch Alteire is to
local civic club in Eufaula thirteen years ago, “a youth watch a master at his calling.
hunt to compliment the Eufaula Bass Club’s annual The skeet venue grew to a point over the last few years
Young Peoples Fishing Rodeo would be a tremendous that one instructional station would not get the job done.
event for someone to sponsor.” The challenge was Pat Kott, event coordinator, sets up a second instructional
accepted by the Eufaula Lions Club. They, then, enlisted station, which is provided for use by her and her friends.
the expertise of the Barbour County Coon Hunters Teaming with a Conservation Enforcement Officer and
Association and we now see the results. Mike was joined other experienced outdoorsmen, they form another great
by local outdoor experts in providing excellent instruc- team when it comes to working and instructing the youth
tion on shooting the modern slingshot. He also empha- on the art of wing shooting. The ADCNR provides shot-
sized the particular safety requirements for slingshots as guns, shells and clays for this venue as part of their
compared to firearms prior to anyone entering the actual Hunter Education sponsorship, which Alteire oversees.
shooting area. The last venue the youth visit is the turkey-hunting
A little further down the road one could find the venue. Here we had volunteers working with conservation
archery venue. This is an always-popular venue and we enforcement officers to provide another opportunity for
had several different instructors working the four-target continued on 95
ACE Magazine 93
Barbour County WMA Youth Hunt Huge Success – continued
education concerning the wild turkey. We were fortunate all aspects of the hunt. One person is assigned the task
this year to have a booth which was set up and manned of handling the gun and ammo and all shots are taken
by Sgt. Aurora Thomas and the owners, Sam and Grace under the guidance of these individuals. Each youth will
Pope, of Chattahoochee Game Calls which is located be assigned a “shooting number” and will take turns
near Abbeville, AL. They provided turkey calls to the first when firing once a squirrel is treed. Needless to say, the
300 youth to visit their booth. Sam is well known for his squirrel will often win this event as on one hunt it was
turkey hunting and calling and he demonstrated several noted that a single squirrel escaped over a dozen rounds
calls while providing great instructions to the youth. It before ducking into a hollow.
was not long before the sounds of turkey calls filled the This is a great educational opportunity as many of the
morning air as the youth gave their own calls a try. One youth, and adults, are in the hunting woods for their first
had to wonder just what the real deer, squirrels, armadil- time. Even for those returning year-after-year, the experi-
los and turkeys within the area were thinking. From this ence is always different and this is another facet, which
booth, the youth moved on down the trail just a bit to makes our outdoor world so unique. It is also a learning
another area which had a decoy spread set-up. Here the experience for many of the parents who are highly
volunteers gave further instruction concerning turkey- encouraged to participate along with their youths in the
hunting safety and the youth were then allowed to take a hunting activities. For many parents the afternoon of
practice shot at a turkey target. It must be noted that their outdoor adventures with their youth is one that creates
aim was so deadly the plywood target bases were literally everlasting memories. It is critical in their shaping their
destroyed by the end of the sessions. understanding, thoughts and perceptions of the real
Once the youth had visited the venues it was time for outdoor world.
another favorite activity. The Eufaula Lions Club volun- Late afternoon finds the groups reassembling for the
teers had the hot dogs, potato chips and cold sodas supper of, you got it, hot-dogs, chips and soft drinks.
ready as the lunch hour arrived. This provides a time for Somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500 hot dogs will be
a lot of the youth, and parents, to meet new friends and consumed during this event not to count the bags of
relive the morning’s activities. It, also, is the time the dog chips and cans of soft drinks. Hot chocolate has become
handlers and hunting volunteers get together to go over a big favorite in the late afternoon to take a bit of the chill
the ground rules and special instructions as they prepare off the winter cold as well. Once the supper hour has
for the afternoon squirrel and rabbit hunts. The youth are come to a close, it is time for the awards of the BB-gun
then divided into groups for the afternoon hunts. competition and the drawing of door prizes. As in the
The afternoon is devoted to the squirrel hunts and the past, each youth was able to leave with a door prize of
recently added rabbit hunts. During these hunts the dog some nature that pertained to the outdoor world.
handler is designated as the “hunt master” and controls continued on 97
ACE Magazine 95
Barbour County WMA Youth Hunt Huge Success – continued
Just when you think the day has to be coming to an nesses but with the event getting more popular and
end it is time to load up for the traditional coon hunt. Want growing each year the costs have increased as well. We
to have some real fun? Pick out a trailer that has a seat have never really had corporate sponsorships beyond our
left, climb in with a pile of kids and head off into the local outdoor-related national corporations providing
Barbour County WMA woods after dark. An almost full door prizes. That said, we are the largest youth hunting
moon added to the beauty of the night and the baying of event in Alabama and the third largest in the nation.”
the hounds filled the night air. An estimated 400 youth “With the downturn in our national economic picture
and accompanying adults ventured into the woods to we faced a major gap in covering our projected expenses
where the dogs were singing their special tunes. Once the for this year’s event. Making a huge difference in covering
coon was spotted hiding in the very highest fork of the the gap in financing was sponsorship funding provided
tree, a vote was taken. Unfortunately, the coon lost. by the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers
Everyone made it safely back to the trailers and the sec- continued on 99
ond stop was much easier. The coon treed close enough
to the road most folks did not have to walk very far at all
to catch all the action. It was then back to the operation
area and the day came to a very successful close.
Several years back one of the coon hunters was heard
to comment upon seeing the kids coming toward the
treed coon as “like watching a thousand sparkling fire-
flies as the flashlights flit and flash across the wooded
panorama.” It is truly a sight that has to be seen to be
fully appreciated.
The Eufaula Lions Club, Barbour County Wildlife
Management Area, the Alabama Department of
Conservation-Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division
and the Barbour County Coon Hunters Association host
this event. Sponsorship is provided by a host of local
merchants and businesses and their generosity cannot be
understated as the event has not attracted, or benefited
from, corporate sponsorships. Event chairman, Pat Kott,
noted “the majority of sponsorships come in the form of Hunter Cochran goes for his score at the BB-gun
$100 donations from these local merchants and busi- shooting competition.
ACE Magazine 97
Barbour County WMA Youth Hunt Huge Success – continued
10ad17
Joey Grimsley continued the tradition his late father, Joe
Grimsley, which began at the very first youth hunt, as he
WAYNE STUBBS
PLUMBING, LLC
presented a youth model 20-Ga. shotgun to 10-yr. old
CGF Construction
Walter Turberville of Phenix City, AL. Joe was a
co-benefactor of the Youth Hunt and his commitment to our
youth and the great outdoors will be missed.
24910 Pepper Road
P.O. Box 247
Troy, AL 36081
athens, AL 35613
256-431-7917
334-566-7087
ACE Magazine 99
Brickyard Landing
Feral Hog Hunters Cautioned About Swine Brucellosis
Swine brucellosis is caused by the bacterium Brucella suis. Humans can get swine brucellosis through
handling infected tissues of wild pigs. Brucellosis bacteria is found in bodily fluids, concentrating in
reproductive organs and milk. The bacteria can enter the human body through cuts, nicks, abrasions or other
breaks in the skin.
Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley says all hunters who field dress hogs should wear gloves.
“Heavy rubber gloves are preferred in case of nicks from a knife. After field dressing the hog, hands should be
washed with soap and hot water. Swine brucellosis does not affect the edibility of the meat. As with all pork, it
should be thoroughly cooked,” he said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking pork to an
internal temperature of 160° Fahrenheit.
Alabama Wildlife Chief Gary Moody says swine brucellosis is found throughout the Southeastern United
States. “As we have been saying for years, hunters should be aware of the potential threat and use common
sense safety precautions,” he said.
In 2007, eight Florida hunters were diagnosed with swine brucellosis, and a Texas hunter recently contracted
the disease when he did not wear gloves while cleaning a hog.
Because swine brucellosis can have a long incubation time, immediate symptoms may not be present.
Although few humans die of infection, the disease is often chronic and debilitating.
This was the case for the hunter in Tomball, TX, who did not feel symptoms until two months after field
dressing a feral hog. As reported in the Houston Chronicle, his symptoms included a fever, chills, sweating and
severe joint pain. It took doctors several days to diagnose swine brucellosis, which they treated with massive
intravenous doses of antibiotics. Later, the brucellosis triggered an infection on his spine, and his prognosis
remains unclear.
As Scoutmaster of Troop 115, I wanted to write to you and the other members of ACEOA to express our
gratitude and thanks for supporting our Unit for the last two years. When we formed our Troop in January
of 2008, we had very little of the equipment we needed to provide a quality outdoor program for our
Scouts. Because of the $500.00 grant your organization sent us, we were able to purchase 3 tents, 2
Coleman lanterns with stands, a 12x12 E-Z Up shelter, 2 Coleman propane stoves and a big assortment of
pots and pans and other cooking utensils. Because of shopping with the Coleman Store in Foley, AL, that
gives a 20% discount to Scouting units, we were also able to purchase outdoor tables.
We spent your grant money very wisely and our Scouts have really taken care of their equipment. We
camped a few days ago at Southern Sportsman’s Lodge in Livingston, AL. I am enclosing some good
pictures of our Scouts for ya’ll to see the fine young men your organization supports and also to see most
of the camping gear your generous grant paid for.
I received another grant for $300.00 a few days ago for 2009. Mr. Morrow, please express our Troops
gratitude to ACEOA’s members. We are thankful for this money and will be good stewards of it. The
young men in our Troop will see your money spent buying extra needed camping equipment and in our
outdoor program. We hope that the officers that make up ACEOA will continue to support us in the
future.
My son-in-law, Major Chris Blankenship, put us on the Alabama Conservation Expo. at Oak Mountain in
May. One of our Dad’s took us up there in a bus and the folks at Capital- Trailways took the pictures we
made, set them to music and made a DVD. I am sending you a copy and hope you get a chance to play it.
It’s very obvious our Scouts had a great time and some of your members might even see themselves
interacting with and helping our boys.
Thanks again for all your support. Because of your help, we are able to instill the Scouting program of
Citizenship, Character and Physical Fitness into 18 fine young men.
Sincerely
Jack A. Tomberlin
Scoutmaster
T
hanks to Forever Wild, the Lowndes Wildlife The majority of property will be walk-in only. If funding
Management Area (WMA) has grown by an addi- permits, hopefully we’ll be able to get parking lots further
tional 1,343 acres, providing additional public hunt- into the interior of the property at some point.
ing opportunities in the Alabama Black Belt. “I don’t know how many food plots we’ll be able to
The additional land, known as the Big Swamp Creek plant this year. Eventually, I think we’ll end up with about
Tract, gives hunters a total of 12,500 acres to traverse in 40 acres of openings if funding and time permits.”
pursuit of white-tailed deer, Eastern wild turkeys, feral As the name implies, the Big Swamp Creek Tract has
hogs, a variety of small game and waterfowl. basically no elevation change.
Gary Moody, Chief of the Alabama Wildlife and “It’s all flat land,” Jaworowski said. “There are some
Freshwater Fisheries’ Wildlife Section, said the Lowndes pine plantations, but they’re small, which is good for
WMA was established about 15 years ago as a partner- diversity. The majority of the property is in different
ship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the stages of hardwood regeneration. There are existing
mitigation for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Early mature hardwood stands that were thinned that will sup-
on in that process, to add to that land for public use, ply a lot of mast crops for wildlife. It will provide some
Forever Wild purchased an additional 624 acres known good bow hunting opportunities and good rifle hunting
as the Riggins Tract. opportunities.”
“Fortunately, during the last year, the opportunity came Jaworowski does think the new addition will provide
up to add acreage to the Lowndes WMA,” Moody said. havens for animals in certain areas, which is especially
“Thanks to Forever Wild, the public will have an additional good for the whitetails.
1,343 acres that joins the existing WMA on the south side. “The hardwood regeneration areas that are thick are
It’s a good addition to the WMA. We feel that this will be a continued on 109
very positive place to hunt.
going to provide for some older age-class deer,” he said. A valid hunting license, WMA license is required to hunt
“There is a lot of bedding cover that should help deer get any WMA in Alabama. To hunt deer, turkey or waterfowl,
some age on them. It’s going to provide a lot of deer a permit for the specific WMA to be hunted is required.
hunting opportunities, a lot of hog hunting opportunities Lowndes WMA permits are available at local sporting
and waterfowl hunting opportunities along the creek. And good stores or the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater
there’s a five-acre pond in the middle of the swamp that Fisheries District IV Wildlife Office at 1820-C Glynwood
should offer some waterfowl hunting, too. Drive, Prattville, AL 36066 (Phone: 334-358-0035).
“The biggest problem is it’s going to flood every win- “It’s going to be great habitat for deer and hogs and
ter. That’s going to be part of the road problem. We’ve got will provide some additional small-game hunting,”
roads under water right now. With its proximity to Big Jaworowski said. “It’s a welcome addition to the WMA.”
Swamp Creek and periodic flooding, access is going to Moody said this addition to the more than 144,000
be challenging.” acres acquired through Forever Wild can not only be
The use of ATVs on the WMA is limited to one use only used by the current generation but for untold generations
– retrieval of a downed animal. to come.
“They can go get the animal,” Jaworowski said. “It’s “Forever Wild has been a real, real blessing for the
not to scout or hang stands. It’s strictly to retrieve the state,” Moody said. “It not only secures the future of
animals. That way, if you do walk in, you won’t have to those lands and ensures public access, but it also means
drag the animal that far.” these lands will be managed in a way that best benefits
Jaworowski also cautions hunters who take feral hogs the wildlife and what we’re trying to do. Not only is the
to use rubber or plastic gloves to field dress and handle land secure, the habitat is secure and we can create the
the meat of swine to avoid potential contact with the type of habitat that is best for wildlife. Future generations
bacteria that causes swine brucellosis. He also advises are going to reap tremendous benefits from what Forever
that the feral swine meat be cooked to an internal tem- Wild has done in the past 18 years. It’s leaving a really
perature of 160 degrees. positive legacy in Alabama.”
Access to the Big Swamp Creek Tract is available on Visit www.outdooralabama.com to learn more about
the north and south sides of U.S. Highway 80 and there the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
are three parking lots off Brown Road. The WMA check Resources or to read previous columns by David Rainer.
station is located about 4 miles north of Highway 40 on l
Henderson Road.
03ad4
I
n my past articles, I featured some of the bad things Mr. Caswell McCurdy has two sons, Cas and Garrett.
that happened to Keith and me when we first came to Mr. Lewis has three sons. Billy resides in Lowndesboro,
Lowndes County in 1983. Fortunately, as bad as these David lives in Wetumpka, and the third son lives in north
things were, the majority of the people do not fall in that Alabama. Now you would think that is only a hand full of
category. people in the whole county, but in their prime, they were
Once Keith and I had established ourselves in the a handful.
county, we were accepted with open arms. These stories They made their living farming and raising cattle.
are about some of the loving people of Lowndesboro and Wildlife and especially deer were a real problem- espe-
Lowndes County. cially in the soybean business. So the McCurdys wrote
Lowndesboro, where I made my home, is a very close- their own book on how to handle deer problems – kill
knit community. It is a very small area and represented them – anytime – any day.
by very few families. It is a beautiful town, known primar- Now the crop damage program was not new to farm-
ily for its antebellum homes, historic churches, and gra- ers back then. They were allowed to remove deer under
cious southern hospitality. Most of the residents are this program if damage was determined by the local
located on a short stretch of Highway 29 (or Broad warden. The local biologist signed off on the permit when
Street). Lowndes Academy is located right in the middle the local officer determined there was, in fact, damage to
of Lowndesboro. Highway 80 is the main fairway and the crops.
feeds Lowndesboro on the southern end. It is located The program was there; now getting the McCurdys to
about 12 miles west of Montgomery Airport and about 30 follow it. Believe it or not, Keith and I were successful.
miles from Selma to the west. This was a major chapter removed from the McCurdy
Keith Mickle and I learned very quickly that the regula- regulation book. It is amazing what teamwork and persis-
tion book that was issued each year by our department tence will accomplish.
was not the only regulation book issued in Lowndes Mr. Caswell struggled through deer and soybean prices
County. The other regulation book that was observed in and finally gave it up. They became more diversified and
Lowndes County was the McCurdy book. To understand purchased equipment to build ponds and lakes.
this book, you have to get to know the McCurdys. When One particular day, I was leaving Hayneville traveling
I arrived, the two McCurdy monarchs were Mr. Lewis north on Highway 97 and passed Mr. Caswell going south
McCurdy and Mr. Caswell McCurdy. Both of these guys with his large four wheel tractor pulling two scraper pans.
are real characters. There was nothing unusual until I crossed Highway 80 in
Lowndesboro and I saw Mr. Caswell’s truck sitting at the
intersection with no one in it. I stopped and got out and
noticed a tow bar on the front of the truck was lying on
continued on 113
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hat would have become of me if I hadn’t had a father “I’ve found that in general the anti-hunter is not ame-
who introduced me to the hunting experience at an nable to arguments of rationality and the facts,” Dunn
early age is anybody’s guess. I honestly can’t imag- said. “They tend to think with their emotions and their
ine a life without the beloved outdoors adventures I’ve been minds are made up. ‘Don’t confuse me with the facts’ is
privileged to enjoy, and it is hard for me to comprehend the thing you run into there. The non-hunters constitute
what it must be like for those not as fortunate. about 80 percent of the population and they’re the ones
Yet, today’s world is vastly different from that which I who will determine the outcome of this ideological debate
reveled in as a Baby Boomer. My life back then was and struggle at the polls.
outdoors. I lost my first job because I was busy picking “The non-hunters are the ones who will determine if
up a couple of bobwhite singles from a covey flush and hunting remains a legal human activity and most non-
didn’t make it to the local drug store in time to complete hunters are not anti-hunting, per se. They’re just ambiva-
my cleanup chores. To me, the termination was no big lent and have a vague understanding that hunting is used
deal – I had more time to hunt after school. as a conservation tool to benefit the resource that is so
However, some manage to find a way into the hunting dear to all hunters. The non-hunter is where we have to
world despite the lack of a fatherly mentor. focus our attention. I think the best way to fireproof
Dennis Dunn is such a man. He hails from Seattle, a against the anti-hunting propaganda that’s coming is to
place that conjures up images of dark-roasted coffee beans give them literature, like the book I just finished writing.”
and extreme environmentalists bent on preservation by Dunn has managed to convert his beautiful bride,
man’s exclusion rather than conservation through prudent Karen, from the ranks of the anti-hunters.
resource management. Yet he was able to overcome those “Like a lot of other anti-hunters, she bought off on a lot
handicaps because he was introduced to archery by his of false concepts or images of what hunting is really like,”
mother. Neither his biological father nor stepfather hunted. he said. “It was a slow process. The first part of it had to
His fascination for bowhunting never waned, nonetheless. do with getting her to read enough stuff with factual con-
From the humble beginnings of arrowing squirrels, Dunn tent so that she started to question premises and assump-
has become one of the world’s renowned bowhunters, one tions of the stuff she had been getting from the mainstream
of only a handful who has taken all 29 huntable big game media. Finally, I gave her a book to read – In Defense of
species in North America. Hunting by Dr. James Swan – and I recommend to any-
And, Dunn has accomplished his quest using bows that body. You cannot read that book and not come to under-
were devoid of sight pins or any other distance measuring stand how vital hunting is – and I would go so far as to say
devices – in other words, bare bow. Neither does he use – to the preservation of western civilization.”
release aids, only three fingers and a leather glove. Dunn points out the vast majority of non-hunters are
Upon reflection of his vast experience in his 43 years not vegetarians and consume meat in some form.
afield, Dunn decided to chronicle his pursuit of the North “The typical city-dweller sees nothing connected with
American Super Slam. The result is the coffee-table book death,” he said. “But eating is as much a blood sport as
Barebow! hunting. Something has to die if you’re going to eat chicken,
Dunn relives his “adventures and misadventures” dur- beef, lamb or whatever. Once you approach it from that
ing his encounters with those 29 species. Yet, he has point of view then you can talk to them about hunting being
done it in a way – purposely – that appeals to both the more intellectually honest because you’re not paying some-
hunter and non-hunter. He declined to include any of the body else to do your own killing for you. You’re going out
animals he had taken and chose to have wildlife artists and taking responsibility for the death of your own food.
Hayden and Dallen Lambson illustrate the book through You become part of the prey-predator drama, just as man
species-specific art. has always done – up until a few hundred years ago when
It is the pursuit of the non-hunter that now consumes just about everybody had to hunt to survive.
Dunn’s energy, a fact I discovered recently at the “Now with modern animal husbandry where most
Southeastern Outdoor Press Association annual confer- people live in the cities and buy their antiseptically pack-
ence in Punta Gorda, Fla. continued on 121
aged meat at the meat market or supermarket, most eration, which has lost its connection to the outdoors.
modern citizens around the world have lost touch with “Children need to be introduced to the world of nature
their ancestors and with their natural world that has as soon as possible and come to understand the prey-
always provided man with what he needed to survive. predator drama,” he said. “If you introduce boys and girls
Hunters choose to reconnect with their ancestral soul by to hunting at an early age – definitely pre-teen if not pre-
immersing themselves in the forests, the fields, the 10 – they come to learn in a hurry what life and death is
mountains and take that responsibility upon themselves all about and how precious life is and how easily it can be
to provide food, as much as they can. And in that process snuffed out. They learn empathy and compassion. They
they are always in a position to be in touch their relative learn self discipline. They learn patience as they learn the
insignificance in the cosmos when they find themselves skills of hunting. They learn delayed gratification. The
engulfed by the outdoor world, which is so awesome and fact is that most young people in this culture, with our
so vast, compared to what we live in in the big city.” urban environment, live from day to day by instant grati-
Dunn suggests that each hunter reach out to his or her fication. That is not good for the future of civilization.
circle of family and friends who are non-hunters and “The virtues that our parents and grandparents had to
educate them. learn to survive are not being learned by most young
“They have the contacts in place to get into the ears people today in the schools they attend. Unless their
and minds of those people,” he said. “They need to real- parents (or mentors) take the leadership role in teaching
ize non-hunters will determine their fate down the road. them those virtues – and the outdoors life is one of the
Every hunter and fisherman has to become more proac- best ways to do it – we’re all going to be in trouble.”
tive at converting the waiting to be converted.” Visit www.str8arrows.com for information about
The focus for all hunters should be the younger gen- Dunn’s book. l
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ith abundant water in the nesting grounds and a Habitat-wise, nesting conditions improved in most areas
wet summer along the Mississippi Flyway, with the number of ponds and potholes up considerably.
Alabama’s waterfowl hunters currently have the “Total ponds for prairie Canada and the U.S. Midwest
odds in their favor for a successful 2009-2010 season. is 6.4 million,” Hayden said. “That’s about a 45-percent
Add that duck numbers are up and it’s easy to get increase over last year and 31 percent above the long-
pumped about the possibilities. term average. We’ve got lots of water this year.
David Hayden, waterfowl specialist with the Alabama “From what I’ve heard at the flyway meetings, the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ habitat along the migration route – areas between Canada
Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, said Alabama’s and the South – appears to be in good shape. What we’ve
waterfowl seasons will again fall under the liberal frame- got to do down here is hope for favorable conditions to
work with a six-duck daily bag limit and a 60-day season. continue and not turn into drought conditions between
The 2009-2010 seasons are split to take advantage of now and November.”
the weekend after Thanksgiving. The season will be open As usual, duck breeding success followed the increase
for two days, Nov. 27-28, and then re-open Dec. 5 and in nesting habitat.
run through Jan. 31. “For most duck species, the numbers were up,”
One canvasback per day has been added back to the Hayden said. “Generally speaking it was a good year for
bag limit after a closed season last year. Also two scaup waterfowl. For geese, that is not true. Most of the popula-
per day will be allowed for all 60 days, whereas last year tions of geese did not have a good nesting season
the daily bag limit was one for part of the season and two because of a late spring. There was ice and snow cover
for the rest. One of the few ducks that hasn’t fared well in for a long period of time. But most goose populations
recent years is the mottled duck. For that reason, the were good, so by and large, there are not any differences
mottled duck daily bag has been reduced to one bird. in seasons or bag limits.”
Hunters may take six ducks per day with no more than The mallard is usually the benchmark used to judge
four mallards, only two of which may be female. The bag duck populations and that number looks good. The mal-
limits on other species are: three wood ducks, one mot- lard number is 8.5 million, which is up from 7.7 million.
tled duck, one black duck, two redheads, one pintail, two “That’s a significant increase, about 13 percent, so
scaup and one canvasback. that’s good,” Hayden said. “That’s 25 percent above the
long-term average, which goes back to
1955. So that’s a good number of mal-
lards. Gadwall is another popular species
and is still way above its long-term aver-
age – about 3.1 million birds this year,
which is about the same as last year. So
they’re doing real, real well.”
Green-winged teal (3.4 million) and
blue-winged teal (7.4 million) numbers
are similar to last year. Both are above
long-term average. Pintail numbers are
3.2 million, up from 2.6 million last year,
which is a 23-percent increase and
20-percent above their long-term aver-
age. The canvasback count was 700,000,
which is 35 percent above last year’s
estimate of 500,000.
“Scaup (bluebill) numbers have been
dropping for quite a while, but the 4.2
million estimated for this season is simi-
lar to last year,” Hayden said. “That’s
Blue-winged Teal (USFWS photo) continued on 125
WAYNE STUBBS
PLUMBING, LLC
CGF Construction
24910 Pepper Road
P.O. Box 247
Odds Favor Successful Waterfowl Season – continued
Troy, AL 36081
athens, AL 35613
down 18 percent from long-term average. But we’re 256-431-7917
“Teal numbers are up this year so we hope that the
334-566-7087
pleased to see them level off. We hope the downward cooler weather they’ve had this summer up north will
trend is over. Of course, we won’t know for another couple mean more birds in our area when the early season
of years to make sure these numbers hold steady.” opens,” Hayden said. “We’ve had a lot of rain in the
Mainsail Asset
negative 10-year trend. Production of geese was variable Valley, so I’m looking favorably at a good year. Of
Insurance
by region, but production is reduced from last year course, we’ve got to have the cold weather to push the
because of the late spring thaw.
“Water conditions in Alabama have been good this
year,” Hayden said. “I’m optimistic that we’ve had good
Management
birds on down.”
The use of non-toxic shot is required for waterfowl
hunting in Alabama. A valid hunting license and state
P.O. Boxthere
food production. Hopefully 361196
will be a lot of seed and 304
and federal S. Market
waterfowl stampsSt.are• Suite 230
required, as well as a
Birmingham, AL 35236
good mast crop with plenty of acorns for the birds. We’ve
Scottsboro, AL 35769
free Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit.
still got September and October to go through, and we
could have some dry 205-988-5099
periods, but it looks good now.”
256-575-0110
Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to
sunset statewide except for the area of the Mobile-
Waterfowlers get their first opportunity in the field with Tensaw Delta north of Battleship Parkway, west of
the special Canada goose season, which runs Sept. 1-15. Alabama Highway 225, south of the CSX Railroad
The bag limit is five per day with 10 in possession. The tracks, and east of the west bank of the Mobile River.
regular goose seasons are Sept. 26-Oct. 7 and Dec. In that area of the Delta, shooting hours are one-half
ANDY LEE
5-Jan. 31. The daily bag limit is five with no more than HARVEST SELECT
before sunrise until 12 noon Monday through Thursday.
two Canada geese or two white-fronted geese. The pos- Friday through Sunday shooting hours will be one-half
Certified Public Accountant
session limit of five shall include no more than four CATFISH
hour before sunrise until sunset.
Canada geese and white-fronted geese in aggregate. Visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/
The P.O.
specialBox
teal2412
season• is2224
set for Sept.
14th 5-20 with a
Street season-limits/ for allHighway 80
hunting regulations for the upcom-
daily bag limit of four and a possession limit of eight. ing seasons. Go to www.outdooralabama.com for more
After an early Tuscaloosa,
cool front in theAL 35401
middle of August, water- information onUniontown, AL 36786
the Alabama Department of Conservation
fowlers are reporting205-345-5300
seeing flights of teal already head- 334-628-3474
and Natural Resources or to read previous columns by
ing south. David Rainer. l
T
he Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural receive the grants based on their strategic importance as
Resources (ADCNR) Marine Police Division has been shipping channels. Mobile is the 10th busiest port in the
awarded two grants totaling $545,194 from the country based on tonnage passing through the port. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The high amount of shipping traffic each port experiences
grants were awarded through the Port Security Grant creates a need for more security resources.
Program (PSGP) administered by FEMA, and will be According to Lt. Ryan Bennett of the Alabama Marine
used to purchase two new patrol boats, one for the Port Police Division, the communications capabilities of the
of Mobile and one for the Port of Guntersville. new boats are a welcome improvement over the03ad4 current
ADCNR will be partnering with The Alabama Department fleet. “The integrated radar, GPS, and chart-plotting
of Homeland Security to utilize the new patrol boats as equipment give the boat all weather capabilities, and will
part of an overall protection strategy for the state. allow us to stay at a scene for days if needed,” Bennett
Associates, Inc.
ties on the water. The Alabama Marine Police will have Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and provide
the ability to provide increased security and stay on funding to port areas for the protection of critical port
water-related incidents longer.” infrastructure from terrorism. The funds are primarily
The new boats will be larger than those in the current intended to assist ports in enhancing maritime domain
Marine Police fleet, and can operate under severe weather awareness, and to prevent, respond and recover from
169 Dauphin St. • Mobile, Alabama 36602
conditions allowing for more flexibility in emergency situ-
ations. When necessary, the new patrol boats will serve
terrorist attacks.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
as mobile command and control platforms that can Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and
251-432-2520
accommodate FBI, State Trooper or SWAT assistance.
The new boats will be in operation by the summer of
enjoyment of Alabama ‘s natural resources through five
divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands,
2010. State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn
The ports of Mobile and Guntersville were chosen to more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com. l
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he Henry County Youth Dove Hunt was held on boiled peanuts, cookies, snacks and drinks were pro-
October 3, 2009 near Haleburg, Alabama at Mrs. vided by local merchants that donated to the youth hunt.
Charlotte Doster’s farm. She has been a great host of ACEOA provided funding that made it possible for every
this hunt for the past nine years. Henry County was the hunter that attended to receive as door prize. Dove
first county in Alabama to hold a youth dove hunt. buckets, shotgun shells, dove decoys, and caps were
As usual, opening day of dove season in the south some of the prizes.
zone was very hot; however, the hot weather didn’t stop District VI Supervising Wildlife Biologist Bill Gray, Henry
the enthusiasm of the sixty young dove hunters and their County Conservation Officer Joe Carroll, and Larry Doster
sponsors. The day started with registration of the hunt- would like to say “thank you” to everyone that helped to
ers and plenty of good food for lunch. Grilled hotdogs, make this a very enjoyable and successful day. l
Quality time spent in the hot October sunshine on a good Henry County CEO’s (L) Larry Doster and (R) Joe Carroll
dove hunt. register hunters.
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hen you attend a Wilcox County Youth Dove Hunt, license for these events. Each youth leaves with a gift and
it looks like Christmas. To the fifty or so youth that memories of a great hunt. I was fortunate to present
attend – it is Christmas! Katelyn Lambert her lifetime hunting license on the first
Dan Quincy and all of his supporters (and believe me hunt. Dan presented Daniel Tillman his lifetime hunting
there are plenty of them) do a great job providing two license on the second hunt.
youth dove hunts in Wilcox County. I am not sure about My hat is off to the sponsors and supporters in Wilcox
the number of sponsors, but I am sure it is over thirty as County for two great Youth Dove Events. I promise to be
I look at the list. back next September. Check out the photos! They say
ACEOA sponsors door prizes and two lifetime hunting it all! l
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either rain, nor mud nor semi-auto shotguns take the hunter education course, which is required for all
reduced to single shots due to the weather man- hunting license purchasers who were born on or after
aged to keep youngsters from having a quality day Aug. 1, 1977.
in the outdoors at one of the Youth Dove Hunts hosted by “Several of these kids here will be going through the
the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural hunter education course as they get a little older,” she
Resources (ADCNR). said. “This is a great opportunity to get hands-on experi-
That was proven at a recent hunt near Gilbertown in ence. When we talk about firearms safety in the schools,
Choctaw County, where 34 youths and parents/mentors obviously we can’t have functional guns in the school. So
showed up despite a rainy forecast that turned out to be for them to get to see it in action puts what they’re learn-
right on target. The rainy summer pattern experienced ing in the classroom to use.
throughout most of Alabama had already rendered the “Plus, if we don’t have kids who want to hunt, there’s
fields – a combination of hay and corn – into a soggy no need for hunter education.”
bottom. But that didn’t deter the youngsters from having Perry also thinks teaching agriculture and hunter
a ball in conditions that left many with mud from head to education goes hand-in-hand.
toe, plus big smiles on their faces. “I’ve always wanted to do something with kids and
Jena Perry, agriculture teacher at Southern Choctaw teaching them the importance of agriculture and the
High School and certified Hunter Education Instructor, outdoors,” she said. “There are so many kids who never
said a day in the outdoors can be an educational oppor- go outside and they don’t have an understanding of how
tunity for youngsters and adults alike. agriculture and the environment relates to them.
“It’s a great example of a family outing,” Perry said. “It Hamburger meat just comes from the grocery store, as
gives the adults something meaningful to do with their far as they’re concerned.
kids. It keeps the kids out of trouble. The kids that are the Perry said there is one particular aspect of hunter
main causes of problems are the ones who don’t have education that she specifically stresses because the stu-
anything to do outdoors. dents don’t seem to grasp it the first time it’s mentioned.
“Second, we want to teach the kids, and adults, more “It’s the importance of hunting laws,” she said. “The
about the environment and the importance of conserva- laws are not just there to torture them – that laws serve
tion, being stewards of our natural resources for future useful purposes. We make sure they understand that they
generations and that it’s not just ours to waste.” can’t hunt any land they want. The biggest thing is getting
Perry said any experience outdoors, especially with them to understand that those laws have meaning and
youth hunts, makes it much easier when it comes time to continued on 137
they’re there for a reason – either their safety or the pro- “This is a family event and it helps preserve the tradi-
tection of the wildlife – and that it is important to maintain tion of hunting. They’re always learning in history class
the laws and not just a reason to give them a ticket.” about how our ancestors had to hunt to feed themselves.
The Choctaw County youth dove hunt came about It’s important for these kids to learn these skills and
after Riley Ezell of Butler and Vance Wood, Wildlife and understand the tradition of hunting, as well.”
Freshwater Fisheries’ Conservation Enforcement Officer, And Wood said at the end of the day one youngster
talked about reviving the youth hunt in the county after provided all the incentive he needed to hold the hunt
several years of absence. “We thought it would be a good again next year. “One of the boys came up with his big,
idea to do it again,” Ezell said. “Vance just took the ball blue eyes and told me how much fun he had,” Wood said.
and ran with it. If we don’t get these kids into the outdoors, “That made all the work it took to put this on worthwhile.
there’s just so much stuff they can get into that’s bad.” That is what this is all about, right there.”
Ezell lined up the dove fields through his uncle, Larry Several more youth dove hunts are planned by the
Adams, who held the hunting rights and landowner Eddie ADCNR for the 2009 seasons, mostly in the South Zone.
Driscoll. Bubba Carlisle provided all the equipment Hunts are scheduled Oct. 3 in Monroe, Henry, Geneva
needed to hold the event. Wood lined up sponsors for the and Escambia counties. Oct. 10 hunts are set for
refreshments and drinks, while the Alabama Conservation Covington and Escambia counties, while Oct. 17 hunts
Enforcement Officers Association brought in its portable are set for Geneva and Barbour counties. Covington
trap thrower for a little skeet shooting before the hunt County also has an Oct. 24 hunt scheduled, while Dale
started. “It was a community effort,” Ezell said. County has a hunt set for Oct. 31.
“They’ve all had a wonderful time,” Perry said. “Several Youth hunters must be less than 16 years old and
of them have been running around sliding in the mud. accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old or their
Some even stayed out in the rain. It didn’t bother them.” parent, with a valid state hunting license and a Harvest
Fun and safety are the two goals for youth dove hunt Information Program (H.I.P.) stamp. All are encouraged
organizers. “Adults stay right next to them in the field to to wear eye protection and ear plugs.
make sure the gun is pointed in a safe direction at all Visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/youth-
times and no low birds,” Perry said. “They had adult hunts/reservations.cfm for contact information to make
supervision shooting skeet and learned about gun safety. reservations for one of the hunts. l
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he First Annual Choctaw County Youth Dove Hunt After shooting skeet the children and adults were
was hosted in Gilbertown, Alabama on September treated to a lunch, which was provided at no charge by
19, 2009. There were a total of 41 youth dove hunt- Bubba Carlisle and his family. Door prizes were given
ers present, ranging in age from 5 years to 15 years old. away and the children took the field for an afternoon
The Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers hunt. Although the weather was less than desirable a
Association, supplied skeet for the children and ammu- good time was had by all. Many thanks to ACEOA, Ace
nition. The children really got a kick out of shooting Hardware and the many sponsors that made this hunt
skeet. possible. l
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ired of the hustle and bustle of life? Ready to get
away from it all? There’s likely no place in Alabama
better for a little peace and solitude than Cheaha
State Park this time of year.
Settle in with a good book near the fireplace in one of
the 10 stone cabins or rent one of the six chalets for a
panoramic view from atop Alabama’s tallest mountain.
There are also 30 hotel rooms, Bald Rock Lodge with 12
rooms that accommodate multiple guests, as well as a
restaurant with observation deck on the mountain ridge.
“Cheaha is a unique park because it’s the highest point
in the state of Alabama,” said David Odom, park man-
ager. “The views and vistas in the park are second to
none in the state.
“And, it’s 18 miles to anywhere from here. The nearest
store is 18 miles away, except
for the store right here in the ous spirits, there’s plenty to offer,
park. We are secluded.” as well.
One of the first parks acquired “We have several short hiking
by the state, the park’s history trails in the park,” Odom said.
starts in 1933. The original build- “We have a real pretty half-mile
ings in the park were constructed trail that goes out to Pulpit Rock.
by the workers of the Civilian Then we have Rock Garden Trail.
Conservation Corps and their There’s also a trail that goes
legacy can still be seen all under Rock Garden and goes
around the park in the many down to the lake. That’s a very
stone structures – cabins, Bald steep and rocky trail but a very
Rock Lodge and the observation beautiful trail. It’s just not for the
tower and CCC museum. All of weak-kneed or faint of heart.
the CCC structures have been “We have mountain bike trails
recently renovated with modern in the park with a 6.2-mile trail
amenities without spoiling the that’s mostly a real technical
historic charm. single-track, a really pretty trail
At 2,407 feet above sea level, on the side of the mountain. In
that feeling of being in the clouds July we have a mountain bike
is pervasive for those who enjoy race, one of the seven south-
the stunning sunsets and the eastern states points races. The
rise of the moon that seems race here ends the season. It’s a
almost touchable. 6-mile circuit where they race
“I think what people enjoy around the top and side of the
most about Cheaha is the relaxed mountain.”
atmosphere of the park,” Odom One of the most notable addi-
said. “You’re away from it all, tions to the park was dedicated
away from the phone, away from in 2000. The Doug Ghee
the TV.” Accessible Trail, a handicap-
Yet, for those with adventur- continued on 143
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he 2009 Alabama alligator hunting season is offi- each year and we haven’t seen any decrease in numbers.
cially over with a new alligator added to the record The population is healthy.
book. The 701-pound alligator taken by Matt Thornton “There were more females taken this year. Generally,
of Mobile and his hunting partners was harvested on the females are smaller. I think the second weekend the hunt-
first night of the hunt in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and held ers weren’t passing up as many gators looking for that
up for the remainder of the season. big one. That’s probably the main reason for the increase
The season was split into two areas this year with simi- in females taken.”
lar regulations for the Mobile-Tensaw Delta but a signifi- Sharp said although the harvest numbers weren’t
cant twist to the regulations for the hunts in the four-county quite as high as expected, he considered it a successful
area of Barbour, Houston, Henry and Russell. That season season.
in southeast Alabama ran from Aug. 21-31 and hunters “First of all, we had good, safe hunts,” he said. “We’re
were not required to bring the harvested animals to a not aware of any accidents. We’re getting more and more
central check station, as is required for the Delta. people who are experienced in hunting gators. We’ve got
The final numbers for the Delta were 78 gators taken guys who have hunted in the past, so we’re seeing a good
by 125 permit holders, a 62-percent success rate. bit of experience starting to develop. That’s always a
Chuck Sharp, supervising biologist with the Alabama good thing to have people more aware of what’s going on
Department of Conservation and what methods to use,
and Natural Resources’ and to develop confidence in
Wildlife and Freshwater the methods they’re using.
Fisheries Division, thinks In hunting, a 62-percent suc-
the alligators are starting to cess rate is not too shabby.”
adapt to the increased activ- Sharp said there has been
ity on the Delta. a definite preference for the
“I think part of it is the method of taking alligators
gators are feeling the pres- after much trial and error.
sure of the hunt,” Sharp said “I think most everybody
of the fourth gator season. is using the rod and reel
“The first year these gators with a snatch hook,” he said.
had never been hunted. “They’re using other meth-
These gators are long-lived, ods – harpoon and archery
so they’re adapting to the equipment – as intermedi-
pressure.” ate weapons. But you get
Still, hunters were able to so much more reach with
take 14 alligators larger than the hook and line that you
400 pounds on the first don’t get with the harpoon
weekend of the Delta hunt. or archery equipment. Even
“We saw a good number a crossbow is only good for
of big gators that first week- a few yards to get enough
end,” Sharp said. “As you penetration.”
take out these big gators, Thornton even resorted to
you’ve got one just a little bit bass tackle to get a line on
smaller ready to take its the record gator after a cou-
place. The hunting area is ple of hours of playing cat-
basically 100,000 acres and and-mouse. He had seen a
we’ve taken 78 animals off big gator in the area while
that large area. We are just bass fishing and decided to
taking off the surplus ani- hang out around Lower
mals in this population. We Bryant Landing. When they
do an annual survey in July continued on 147
spotted the gator, he had to crawl over a limb to make his The southeast Alabama hunt was lengthened and
getaway and the crew realized it was a big one. expanded to the four-county areas for several reasons,
“We sat there for 45 minutes waiting for him to come according to Gray.
back up,” Thornton said. “When he did finally come up, “Last year we were completely rained out by Tropical
it sounded like a whale coming up for air. We played that Storm Fay,” Gray said. “We wound up with only three
game for two hours. I had been trying to cast saltwater alligators harvested because of the weather. We were
spinning rods that I use for snapper and king mackerel basically looking for a way to provide the most amount
fishing but I couldn’t get the distance I needed. So I of hunting for the public. We also get a lot of nuisance
picked up my Curado reel and 7-foot rod I use bass fish- complaints in private ponds in the counties. We wanted
ing and got him hooked. He went straight down and we to expand it so the permit holders could work with land-
were able to get three more rods hooked up. Then we got owners who needed alligators removed. We wanted to tap
a rope with a snatch hook in him.” into that resource. We’re trying to provide the most
When the gator came up, the team was able to get a access to resource we could.”
snare on him, but the gator submerged for another 30 Although the final numbers are not in from the 80
minutes. permit holders, Gray thinks the new format has worked
10ad14
“We were lucky,” Thornton said. “Once we got him well.
hooked, it only took about 45 minutes to finish him off. I “The drawback is that, as a biologist, you want to put
think he wore himself out before we hooked him by stay- your hands on the animals you’re sampling,” he said. “We
ing down that long.” just had to make our peace with that. But the folks and
Thornton and his buddies – Richie Hurt, Paul O’Dell, processors are doing a good job of collecting the data.
Josh Parnell, Ben Harrell and Ross Odom – soon realized The hunters really like it and it’s been manageable all the
the difficulty of dealing with a dispatched gator. They way around. We’re considering it a success. Another
moved to shallow water so Thornton and one of his bud- drawback is having to wait 10 more days to get all the
dies could jump in to get better leverage on the 13-foot, data collected and get the final tally.
5-inch behemoth. “It also reduces the pressure at the reservoir (Lake
“The hardest part of the whole deal was getting him in Eufaula) where people were stacked in there trying to
the boat,” he said of his 21-foot bay boat. “We got his tail accomplish their harvest. People who work weekends or
in the boat. Then with me and one other guy pushing and work shift work can get out there during the week. I think
the others pulling we finally got him in the boat. He filled the changes have greatly enhanced the convenience and
up the bottom of the boat.” enjoyment of it with this format. One thing I would
HARTFORD TIRE &
With several days left for hunters to report their gator change is adding a couple of more counties where we
INTERSTATE BATTERIES
AUTO CENTER
harvest in southeast Alabama, Supervising Biologist Bill
Gray said 15 animals had been checked in with several
have considerable gator populations and problems. And
we might consider having a longer period of time to hunt.
more expected to be checked before the reporting period The hunters really seem to like it because they can hunt
ends on Sept. 411.
00 West Main Street 3505 Governors Drive
at their leisure more.”
Gray said three Huntsville, Alabama 35805
H aalligators
r t f o r d , that
A L are
3 6 3in4excess
4 of 12 feet Visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information on
and 400 pounds had been taken, including a 12-4, 256-519-2450
the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
627-pounder taken 3 3by4Bryan
- 5 8 8Hughes
- 2 1 2 of2 Gurley. Resources or to read previous columns by David Rainer. l
T
he Talladega County Hunter’s Education Association as he is known locally, allowed us to use his home and
held its annual appreciation day for its volunteer private lake for the event.
instructors, their children and grandchildren, and In addition, I would like the thank Mr. Barry Hagan, Mr.
other youth from the community. We were anticipating Donald Holdman, Mr. Glenn Stockdale, and Mr. Tommy
one hundred participants; however, the weather had other McGillberry. These men worked all day in the rain to
ideas. Five inches of rain between midnight Friday night provide entertainment, food, and instruction for the par-
and daylight Saturday morning created a muddy mess. ticipants. I would also like to give honorable mention to
But, we still had approximately forty participants. Mrs. Evonne Green. Mrs. Green is our newest hunter
The soggy bunch enjoyed skeet competition, rifle education instructor and a shooting sports phenom. She
competition, fishing, as well as a 3-D archery range. We handily won her division in all three shooting sports
ate fried catfish complements of my noodling activities events, easily beating most of the male competitors.
and hotdogs complements of Mr. Wesson, the manager The entire Talladega County area would like to thank
of Piggly Wiggly in Childersburg. The whole event was ACEOA for its commitment to hunter education and the
made possible by a donation from ACEOA and the gen- future of America’s youth. We would also like to thank all
erosity of ACEOA associate member Bill Gaston of the businesses who advertise in ACE Magazine, making
Gaston Construction in Sylacauga. Mr. Gaston, (Chopper) the ACEOA donations possible. l