Autauga WMA | Outdoor Alabama

Wildlife Management Area Overview

Autauga WMA (Formerly known as Charles D. Kelly WMA), is located just North of the black belt region in the upper coastal plain. The land is characterized by gently rolling hills and sandy soils. The habitat is comprised mostly of loblolly-longleaf pine stands and pine-hardwood stands. There are also tracts of early successional habitats and reestablished longleaf pines that can be found on the property. The WMA also has several miles of creeks that traverse through the property creating hardwood bottoms and streamside management zones (SMZs).

History

The Charles D. Kelly/Autauga Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is in Northeast Autauga County and consist of 9,138 acres. The WMA was established in 1965 and was known as the State Bird Farm. Just a year later, the name of the property was changed to the State Wildlife Research Area when an additional lot was purchased for wildlife research. The WMA changed names again in 1985 to the Autauga County Community Hunting Area when land was leased from Union Camp to allow the hunting of game species. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with the Forever Wild Land Trust program started purchasing the property in 2014 to establish what is now the Charles D. Kelly/Autauga WMA.

GPS Coordinates to check station are: [32.590251, -86.555922]

Driving Directions & Contact

From Birmingham: Take exit 200 Verbena from I-65S onto Co Rd 59. Then in 2.5 miles tum left onto Co Rd 57. Continue straight for approximately 10 miles and a large green sign on the right will designate the driveway.

From Montgomery: Take exit 186 from I-65N onto US-31. Next, in 2.2 miles tum left on Co Rd 40 and then in 5.5 miles tum right onto Co Rd 57. Follow it for approximately 1 mile and a large green sign on the left will designate the driveway.

For more information concerning Charles D. Kelly/Autauga WMA, please contact Dalton Bray or call the District III Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries office at (205) 339-5716.

Game Species of Interest

Charles D. Kelly/Autauga WMA offers plenty of hunting opportunities. The most popular species that are hunted at the WMA are white-tailed deer, turkey, and dove. Hunters also can hunt squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, coyote, fox, quail, snipe, and woodcock. The peak of the breeding season for white-tailed deer at Autauga WMA is from January 9th to January 24th. The peak gobbling time on Autauga WMA seems to be from the first of April until the end of the hunting season.

Non-Game Species of Interest

The WMA also offers ample opportunities for those interested in non-game species. The most notable species is the federally threatened gopher tortoises that can be found on the property. The diversity in habitat also offers excellent birding and hiking opportunities.

Management Practices

Several management practices are implemented year-round on the WMA. Prescribed fire is the most used management tool. Fire is crucial in preventing the buildup of fine fuels and creating the desired early successional habitat. A variety of herbicides are used to control unwanted and invasive species to help improve the habitat.

Past research that has been conducted on the Autauga WMA includes chufa experimentation and dove banding. Two of the most recent projects that have been conducted on Autauga WMA are Mourning Dove Banding and a Golden Eagle project. Both projects are to help us better understand the movement and distribution of these species.

Camping Information

Autauga WMA has a primitive campground that is centrally located on the property. The campground is located on Paul Mattox Dr, in front of the check station. Autauga WMA is also conveniently located just 20 minutes from Prattville, Al. This allows quick access to restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers.

Additional Information & Area Attractions

City of Prattville
(334) 595-0100
www.prattvilleal.gov

Bass Pro Shop
2553 Rocky Mount Rd.
Prattville, AL 36066
(334) 290-6400