Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Restructures Districts

In a move expected to save $650,000 annually, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) will restructure and reduce the number of districts statewide. The cost-cutting measure is a proactive approach to address the effects of the economic downturn on WFF, which is self-supporting through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and corresponding federal funds.

Under the restructuring plan, which will take effect March 1, 2010, the Prattville District Office will be closed and the counties currently in District IV will be absorbed by the remaining five districts. Details on new points of contact will be released in February. The attrition of supervisory-level positions in District IV will account for a significant portion of the cost savings. However, the present number of field-level conservation enforcement officers and biologists should not be affected by the change.

Read more here

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Fairhope Students Release Alligator Gar into the Mobile-Tensaw Delta

With the help from Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, students from the Fairhope High School aqua science class released 10 alligator gar, which were raised from hatchlings, into the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The fish, eight to 18 inches in length, were released into the delta from the Meaher State Park Pier on December 15, 2009. When fully grown the alligator gar can easily weigh more than 150 pounds and be eight to 10 feet in length.

The range of the alligator gar once extended to the Ohio River, but it is now extinct in six states. The current range of the fish in Alabama runs from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta to Claiborne Dam on the Alabama River and to the Coffeeville Dam on the Tombigbee River. There is also evidence of the fish in Claiborne Reservoir in southwest Alabama. When fully grown, officials hope the newly released fish will help to reinforce the population.

Read more here

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Alabama’s Third Community Archery Park Now Open

The Dothan Eastgate Park Archery Range held its grand opening on Friday December 4, 2009. The range was developed through a partnership between the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, the City of Dothan, the Archery Trade Association (ATA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Students from Rehobeth High School’s agriscience program contributed to the project by building the target frames. A fourth community archery park will open in Demopolis in 2010.

Alabama’s archery parks are user funded at no cost to taxpayers. The parks are also made possible through the Community Archery Program (CAP), which was developed in 2005 by the ATA to grow archery and bowhunting participation nationwide. The Dothan archery park is open to the public during daylight hours (except on Wednesdays) and features: eight youth targets from 5-20 yards; 11 adult range targets from 15-80 yards; and an elevated platform that simulates bowhunting situations with targets from 10-40 yards.

Read more here.

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2010 Outdoor Alabama Calendar Now Available

Looking for a great and inexpensive anytime gift that will last the entire year? The 2010 Outdoor Alabama calendar is now available from the online OA Nature Shop for only $3! The calendar is packed with vivid photography, seasonal hunting information, and outdoor adventure suggestions that are sure to inspire lasting memories. The calendar also contains a list of ADCNR divisions and facilities, as well as a directory of other federal and private environmental organizations.

The calendar is published as part of Outdoor Alabama magazine, which is dedicated to bringing you the best of Alabama’s wildlife, natural diversity, outdoor recreation and scenic beauty. Each issue is packed with outstanding color photography and compelling features on Alabama’s great outdoors, bringing you closer to our natural heritage and the issues that concern us all. Outdoor Alabama is published five times a year in February, April, July, October, and December.

Subscribe to Outdoor Alabama here.

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Your Harvest Information Helps Alabama Wildlife

Accurate, timely harvest data provides wildlife biologists with much needed information about the state's game populations and helps to ensure Alabama’s natural heritage for generations to come. Hunters are encouraged to take a moment and enter their harvest data online.

The online harvest data entry form can be found here here.

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January 2010 Oak Mountain Nature Programs

Join Oak Mountain State Park's Naturalist Emily Cohen for two fun and informative Nature Programs at Alabama’s largest State Park. All ages are welcome. Admission to Oak Mountain is $3 per adult, $1 children (ages 6 - 11), $1 seniors (62+), and children 5 and under are free.

January 9th, 2010 - "Hiking and Safety" The hike is an easy two-mile round trip. Hiking and other outdoor safety tips will be discussed. The hike will begin at the North Trailhead, located approximately 6 miles from the front gate on John Findley Drive. The program will begin at 10 a.m.

January 23rd, 2010 - "Winter Trees" Learn two methods of winter tree identification: by its bark, and by using a dichotomous key. The program will begin at 10 a.m. at the Treetop Nature Trail, located just past the park office on Terrace Drive.

For more parks events click here.

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Artists Invited to Enter 2010 Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest

Alabama artists can celebrate the New Year by entering the 2010 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp art contest, which opens January 1, 2010. The competition is open to resident Alabama artists only. Entries will be accepted from January 1 until the February 16 contest deadline. The winning artwork will be featured on the 2011-12 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp, which is required to be purchased when hunting migratory waterfowl.

For contest rules click here.

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Become An Alabama VIP

The VIP (Volunteers In Parks) Program provides you with the opportunity to make a positive impact by volunteering at an Alabama State Park. From campground hosting, improving trails to interpretive lectures and more, you can help others make memories they will cherish the rest of their lives. Each of Alabama’s twenty-two State Parks is looking for volunteers just like you. For more information about volunteer opportunities click here.

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