WFF District Reorganization Compete

The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has completed its district realignment, a move expected to save $650,000 annually. Under the realignment, the Prattville District Office was closed, and the former District IV counties have been absorbed by the remaining five districts. The attrition of supervisory-level positions will account for a significant portion of the cost savings. The present number of field-level conservation enforcement officers and biologists should not be affected by the change.

The restructuring plan addresses the effects of the economic downturn on WFF, which is self-supporting through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and corresponding federal funds. “License-buying hunters and anglers provide funds for the operation of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, and we have a strong sense of responsibility to be as cost-effective as possible,” said Corky Pugh, WFF Director. “The Division is sound financially, but we are dealing proactively with this economic downturn to ensure programs and services to the public are not affected in the future.” Read more here.

2010 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Winners Announced

Outdoor Alabama magazine is pleased to announce the winners of its Seventh Annual Photo Contest. The winning photos may be viewed on the ADCNR Web site and in the February 2010 issue of Outdoor Alabama magazine. The 2011 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries on April 1, 2010.

A photo of cavers rappelling into Stephens Gap Cave near Scottsboro, Ala., taken by Jeffrey S. Rease of Birmingham was selected to grace the cover of the February issue. “Each year the judging gets more and more difficult and this year was no exception,” said OA Editor Kim G. Nix. The winning photos can be viewed here.

Snapper Season Shorter Despite Higher Quota

For the first time in years, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted at its February meeting in Mobile to raise the total allowable catch (TAC) for red snapper. Unfortunately, that will not translate into immediate relief for the beleaguered recreational sector and its charter boat fleet.

In fact, the 2010 red snapper season will be the shortest on record, according to Roy Crabtree, regional administrator of NOAA Fisheries Service’s Southeast Region. To keep the recreational sector from going over its quota, which it did last year by more than a million-and-a-half pounds, Crabtree said the season will likely run from 51 to 60 days with a start date of June 1. A final season closing date will not be determined until May, Crabtree said. The TAC was raised from 5 million pounds to 6.945 million pounds with a 51-percent split going to the commercial sector and the remainder to the recreational sector. To read more click here.

Turkey Season Opens Monday March 15 in Most Counties

Very few outdoor experiences compare with spring turkey hunting. The sport can be challenging, exciting and in some cases almost addictive. When a gobbler sounds off up close, or he’s strutting just out of range, even the most experienced hunter’s heart tends to pound uncontrollably. However, due to the wild turkey’s keen senses you might hear one, but never see one. This is the challenge that makes turkey hunting so intriguing and is helping to attract droves of new hunters to the sport.

Alabama’s turkey hunting season will open Monday, March 15, 2010 in most counties and closes on April 30, 2010 statewide. Youth turkey hunting is scheduled for 15 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), including one with two zones, on March 13, and on four other WMAs on March 13 and 14. The special youth hunts allow Alabama’s youth to hunt prior to the season’s official opening. Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and Winston have different opening dates for turkey season. For complete details visit the hunting section of the ADCNR Web site.

Help Support Alabama’s Nongame Wildlife Program in 2010

If you enjoy watching wildlife, here is your chance to lend it a helping hand. Alabama’s Nongame Wildlife Program provides citizens concerned about the welfare of nongame wildlife a way to donate all or a portion of their state tax refunds for the benefit of nongame wildlife. These donations are matched with federal funds, so even the smallest donation is valuable.

The Nongame Wildlife Program is responsible for monitoring more than 900 of these species. Past donations to the program helped bring back bald eagles, ospreys and bluebirds to Alabama, but many other nongame wildlife species still need help. This year, give something back to wildlife for all the enjoyment it has given you. Make a donation to the Alabama Nongame Wildlife Fund on your 2009 state income tax form. To read more click here.

Dr. Robert W. Taylor Appointed to Forever Wild Board

Gov. Bob Riley has appointed Dr. Robert W. Taylor of Alabama A&M University to the Forever Wild Land Trust Board of Trustees. As a member of the board he will take part in land acquisition decisions that will preserve and expand public recreational lands. He will represent the Northern District of the state. To read more click here.

Cullman Community Archery Park Expands Facilities

The Cullman Community Archery Park will soon have a new 1,500 square foot pavilion complete with restrooms thanks to the Archery Trade Association and an Easton Sports Development Foundation grant. The new pavilion is currently under construction and will be completed by the end of March. To read more click here.

Cost-Share Grants Available for Longleaf Pine Restoration

WFF is currently accepting Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) applications from landowners interested in longleaf pine restoration and/or enhancement. Through the cost share grants landowners can receive assistance with site preparation, seedlings, planting, native grass restoration and/or exotic control costs. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2010. For more information click here.

Prescribed Burns Planned for Wind Creek State Park

State parks personnel will be conducting several prescribed burns along State Highway 128 within Wind Creek State Park from mid-February to mid-March as part of a Piedmont longleaf ecosystem restoration project. Read more here.

Now Is The Time To Renew Your Fishing License

Spring is perfect time to renew your State Fishing License, which can be purchased online or by calling 1-888-848-6887, 24 hours a day - 7 days a week! Fishing licenses are also available for purchase at various retailers throughout the state. For more information click here.

Help ADCNR Stop Poachers

Operation GameWatch is a program designed to stop fish and game law violators in Alabama. Citizen involvement is and always has been the key to its success. To report violators call: 1-800-272-Game (24 Hours A Day/7 Days A Week), or email.

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Outdoor Alabama March 2010 E-Newsletter