Threatened Eastern Indigo Snakes Reintroduced into Alabama
Alabama conservationists are one step closer to re-establishing a population of the Threatened Eastern indigo snake with the release of 17 juveniles into the wild. The snakes were released on June 16 in the Conecuh National Forest, which contains longleaf pine habitat suitable for the snake’s survival and potential expansion. A gopher tortoise was also released, which highlights the symbiotic relationship between the two species as the Eastern indigo snake utilizes gopher tortoise burrows throughout the year. The Eastern indigo is the largest snake native to North America, possibly growing up to 10 feet. Its diet consists of small mammals, reptiles and other snakes including rattlesnakes and copperheads.
The release is just one part of a multi-year project and the beginning of what Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) biologists hope will be a new start for the snake’s survival in the state. Historically, the Eastern indigo snake lived throughout Florida, the coastal plain of southern Georgia, extreme south Alabama and extreme southeast Mississippi. In 1978 it was listed as “Threatened” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act. As of late June the recently released snakes are doing well. During the first full day of tracking, one snake was found eating a 2 ½ foot copperhead. To read more click here.
Oak Mountain Deer Management Program Expands During the 2010-11 Season
In an effort to allow bowhunters to harvest more deer within Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham, continuous hunt dates will be scheduled mid-November 2010 through January 2011. The new program was designed by the Alabama State Parks Division, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (Wildlife Section) and Bowhunters of Alabama (BHA) in an effort to maximize hunter opportunity and streamline the deer management process.
Oak Mountain State Park will remain open during the hunting time period. All established rules and regulations will apply. The park will be divided into 11 zones with each zone accommodating 4-5 hunters on a first-come, first-serve basis. A total of 40 hunters will be chosen by BHA through a registration and interview process for the 2010-11 season. For more information on this program including how to register for the hunts click
Technology Aids Coastal Enforcement
Enforcement for the officers of the ADCNR’s Marine Resources Division has moved into the 21st century with technology that maximizes the resources used to patrol Alabama’s coastal waters. The days of hand-written tickets are gone, as are the days when repeat violations might go unnoticed. Marine Resources officers now have laptop computers and wireless connectivity as parts of their enforcement tools.
The new system, developed for Marine Resources by the University of Alabama, streamlines the previous ticketing system. The new system also captures specific statistical information such as the GPS coordinates where the ticket was written, which will allow for more efficient patrol-routes. Currently 17 enforcement officers have the new system on their boats. The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division will adopt the same system at a later date. Read about this and more in the July issue of Outdoor Alabama. For subscriptions click here.
New and Improved Lake Guntersville State Park Golf Course Now Open
The Golf Course at Lake Guntersville State Park, which recently underwent a $2 million renovation, is now open once again. The 18-hole championship course has been a favorite among golf enthusiasts since it was built in 1974. The course closed in April 2009 for renovations that included the laying of new water lines, cart path improvements, and the sowing of new greens in Tifdwarf Bermudagrass. While renovations have long been complete, the course needed to remain closed to allow the new greens time to grow and mature. The spring season allowed them to do just that.
Jim Strong, Lake Guntersville Golf Course Superintendent, says the new course is a variation on the old greens, and slightly more challenging without losing the playability of the old course. “The reshaped greens inject more movement into the course,” Strong said. “All in all, the course is forward tee friendly and slightly more receptive of approach shots than the old greens.” Reservations are now being taken for tournaments and golf retreats. More information including rates and hours of operation click here.
Daily Oil Spill Updates from Orange Beach
The potential impact of BP oil spill continues to threaten Alabama’s coast. The City of Orange Beach provides daily updates on the spill including water closure notices and aerial photos on their website.
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Register Now for Alligator Hunting Season
Alabama’s 5th regulated alligator hunting season will be held in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta August 13-16, and August 20-23; and in several southeast Alabama counties on August 13-29. Applications for Alligator Possession Tags are currently being accepted only through the ADCNR website. Registration will end July 12 at 8 a.m.
Get Outdoors this Summer
Visiting an Alabama State Park this summer is the perfect way to experience the beauty of our state. As an added bonus many parks have a full calendar of special events! For example, DeSoto State Park in north Alabama will host its annual 4th of July flag making contest, parade and ice cream social on Saturday July 3. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. Visit the state parks' event page for more summer staycation ideas!
2010 Outdoor Alabama Photo Exhibit Travels the State
Make plans now to go see some excellent outdoor photography when the exhibit is in your area. For more info on the contest including entry forms and rules click here.
Alabama’s Abundant Angling Opportunities!
Alabama is blessed with an abundance of lakes, streams and rivers so it only makes sense that you’ll find some of the best fishing in the nation right here at home. From county public fishing lakes to state parks to major reservoirs and rivers, the fishing is excellent. Renewing your license online is also quick and convenient. For a comprehensive list of where to fish in Alabama click here.
Visit the OA Nature Store for Wild Fare and Wise Words
This cookbook, edited by outdoor journalist Jim Casada, contains more than 200 recipes. In addition, it contains writings and quotes from famous outdoor scribes. Perfect for your kitchen, but nice enough to be on the coffee table! Get your copy here!
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