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PURCHASE YOUR LICENSE ONLINE at OUTDOORALABAMA.COM labama HUNTINGA & FISHING 2014–2015 REQUIREMENTS, FEES and SEASON DATES Digest

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Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Robert Bentley, Governor • N. Gunter Guy, Jr., Commissioner Curtis Jones, Deputy Commissioner • Chuck Sykes, Director • Fred R. Harders, Assistant Director

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Changes for the Upcoming 2014-15 Hunting Season...... 8 ContentsDeer & Turkey Harvest Record and Game Check...... 14 Major Changes...... 32 License Information Hunting...... 34 Fishing...... 36 Regulations & Information DISTRICT 1 Hunting...... 40 Blount, Colbert, Cullman, Fayette, Franklin, Fishing...... 50 Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Seasons & Limits Madison, Marion, Morgan, Walker, Winston Hunting...... 16 21453 Harris Station Rd. Tanner, AL 35671 Fishing...... 58 (256) 353-2634 Keeping Wild Animals as Pets: “Just Don’t Do It”...... 30 email: dcnr.d1wff@dcnr.alabama.gov Freshwater Fishing Distinctive License Plate...... 46 Wildlife Management Areas & State Lakes Map...... 56 DISTRICT 2 Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Hunter Education Class Schedule...... 64 Cleburne, Coosa, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Sunrise/Sunset Time Information...... 65 Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, Talladega, Freshwater Fish Records...... 67 Tallapoosa 4101 Hwy. 21 North Jacksonville, AL 36265 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (256) 435-5422 email: [email protected] If you have questions or comments regarding hunting or fishing laws, regu- DISTRICT 3 lations, freshwater fisheries or wildlife Autauga, Bibb, Chilton, Dallas, Greene, Hale, programs, please contact your District Jefferson, Lowndes, Perry, Pickens, Shelby, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Office Sumter, Tuscaloosa listed to the right. For information on salt- 8211 McFarland Blvd. water fishing license requirements, size P.O. Box 305 and possession limits, contact the Marine Northport, AL 35476 Resources Division, PO Drawer 458, Gulf (205) 339-5716 Shores, AL 36547; (251) 968-7576. For in- email: [email protected] formation on boat registration, license DISTRICT 4 requirements or other information on Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, boating in Alabama, contact the Marine Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Police Division, (800) 272-7930. Houston, Lee, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, For information or to report violations, Russell please call your nearest District Office. 3520 Plaza Dr. The Alabama Department of Conser- Enterprise, AL 36330 vation and Natural Resources does not (334) 347-9467 discriminate on the basis of race, color, email: [email protected] religion, age, gender, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment DISTRICT 5 Baldwin, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, practices nor in admission to, or opera- Escambia, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, tion of its programs, services or activi- Washington, Wilcox ON THE COVER ties. This publication is available in alter- 30571 Five Rivers Blvd. New Distinctive Freshwater Fishing native formats upon request. Spanish Fort, AL 36527 License Plate O.E.O., U.S. Department of the Interior, (251) 626-5153 Photographer: Billy Pope Washington, DC 20204 email: [email protected]

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N. Gunter Guy, Jr., Commissioner PURCHASE YOUR LICENSE ONLINE at OUTDOORALABAMA.COM Curtis Jones, HUNTINGAlabama 2014–2015 REQUIREMENTS, FEES & FISHING Deputy Commissioner and SEASON DATES Digest Chuck Sykes, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Director STATE CAPITOL Fred R. Harders, Montgomery, Alabama 36130 Assistant Director (334) 242-7100 NEW fax: (334) 242-0937 Freshwater ADDITIONAL OFFICES Fishing robert bentley, governor Distinctive License Plate | page 46 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources & PHONE NUMBERS Robert Bentley, Governor • N. Gunter Guy, Jr., Commissioner Curtis Jones, Deputy Commissioner • Chuck Sykes, Director • Fred R. Harders, Assistant Director Alabama is one of the premier states in the CARBON HILL HATCHERY nation for fishing and hunting. An abun- 368 SW Second Avenue dance of forested land, water resources and Carbon Hill, AL 35549 scenic landscapes makes Alabama a paradise (205) 924-4321 About this Guide for outdoor enthusiasts. This high-quality regulation guide is offered to you EASTABOGA FISH HATCHERY by the Alabama Department of Conservation and The wealth of hunting and fishing opportu- 1930 Fish Hatchery Road Natural Resources through its unique partnership P.O. Box 158 with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. nities and the abundance of wildlife species Eastaboga, AL 36260 are the direct results of hunters and anglers (256) 831-6860 J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house supporting the Alabama Department of that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife Conservation and Natural Resources and AL AQUATIC regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports the DCNR its programs. Your purchase of a hunting BIODIVERSITY CENTER staff in the design, layout and editing of the or fishing license directly funds conserva- 2200 Hwy. 175 guides. They also manage the marketing and tion in the state of Alabama and, along with Marion, AL 36756 sales of advertising to appropriate businesses federal matching funds, is the only source of (334) 683-5000 within the book. revenue for the Alabama Division of Wildlife The revenue generated through ad sales and Freshwater Fisheries. MARINE POLICE DIVISION significantly lowers production costs and (800) 272-7930 generates savings. These savings translate into A constant challenge the division faces is additional funds for other important fisheries and MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION habitat programs. how to nurture an interest in the outdoors in (251) 968-7576 Alabama’s youth. Make an effort this year to If you have any feedback or are interested in teach a child an outdoor skill such as fishing CONSERVATION INFORMATION advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or or hunting. When adults and children share (800) 262-3151 online at www.JFGriffin.com enjoyable experiences together, the generation gap narrows. Be sure to emphasize to Graphic Design: DEMOPOLIS OFFICE Jon Gulley, Erin Murphy, Evelyn Haddad, your children − and others whom you are 1105 Bailey St., P.O. Box 993 Chris Sobolowski, Dane Fay mentoring in outdoor skills − the importance Demopolis, AL 36732 of following safety rules. Start early to instill (334) 289-8030 in them an awareness of the consequences that can result from careless behavior. Your MARION FISH HATCHERY 36 Bass Drive consistent practice of safety measures will 430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267 Marion, AL 36756 teach by example and reinforce your instruc- (334) 683-6550 tions to be safe in the outdoors. WILDLIFE & FRESHWATER Outdoor adventures are not limited to just FISHERIES DIVISION hunting and fishing. Outdoor lovers in Ala- 64 N. Union St., Suite 567 bama have many opportunities to hit the trail, P.O. Box 301456 available online go camping, watch for birds and other non- Montgomery, AL 36130 in a new Digital Edition! game wildlife, boat in rivers and lakes, camp Enforcement or just relax and take in the beauty of nature. (334) 242-3467 Fully searchable Email pages Fisheries Live hyperlinks to One-click printing The outdoor experiences that you share with (334) 242-3471 expanded content others will build lasting memories and a firm Wildlife foundation for a lifetime of future adventures. (334) 242-3469 License Information eRegulations.com/AL (334) 242-3829

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M2014AL Hunting_Fishing_r2.indd 1 6/12/14 3:26 PM NATIONAL FORESTS IN ALABAMA HUNTING TIPS • “Know Before You Drive” – Check to see if a national forest road is open to motor vehicles by picking up a free motor vehicle use map from a local Forest Service office or view online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/alabama/kbyd. Remember off- road vehicles (ORV) are prohibited unless on designated ORV trails. BEFORE • Avoid hunting and discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsites, developed recreation sites, occupied areas and trails. Do not hunt or discharge KYOUnow DRIVE IN firearms from any open forest roads (including target practice). ALABAMA’S • Prepare for your hunting trip. Check weather forecasts, always wear hunter orange, dress properly with layered clothing, check equipment before and after each outing, NATIONAL FORESTS tell someone about trip details, carry a cell phone and The Forest Service is encouraging motorists to “Know Before avoid hunting alone. You Drive” in order to sustain the health of Alabama’s national • Check state regulations regarding the use of dogs for forests. Motorists interested in driving through the Bankhead, deer hunting. Conecuh, Talladega and Tuskegee National Forests can obtain a free motor vehicle use map (MVUM) that identifies which • Be aware that the national forest boundaries are marked Forest Service roads and trails are designated for motor vehicle with red paint on trees, or yellow signs with black printing. use. The motor vehicle use map was created to comply with the • No dispersed camping in the general Forest area over 21 2005 national Travel Management Rule requiring each national days without leaving the national forest for 10 consecutive forest to evaluate road systems to limit environmental impacts on days (developed recreation areas have a 14 day maximum). public lands. MVUMs are updated annually and posted directly • Camping is allowed only at designated hunter camps or on the National Forests in Alabama website at http://fs.usda.gov/ campsites from November 15 through January 31 except goto/alabama/kbyd or available at Forest Service district offices at the Talladega National Forest - Shoal Creek Ranger throughout the state. District which is thru 4/30. • Target practice outside of shooting ranges can cause MVUM ONLY DISPLAYS ROADS AND TRAILS THAT resource damage and littering resulting in fines. Only ARE OPEN TO MOTORIZED VEHICLES paper or plastic targets are allowed at shooting ranges. • When a Forest Service road is open, the public will see a num- • All state laws apply to taking of game on national forest bered sign and the road will be identified on the MVUM. Open lands. The use of baiting or salt blocks is prohibited. No Forest Service roads that access wildlife management areas are placing, leaving, depositing any food, bait, or refuse in also shown on the MVUM and the Alabama Department of Con- a manner likely to attract or concentrate any wildlife, servation’s wildlife management area maps and hunting permits. whether for purposes of hunting or viewing animals. • On Alabama’s national forests, 1,177 miles of road system are • Hunters are advised that permanent tree stands are not open annually or seasonally to state-licensed, street-legal vehicles. allowed on national forest lands. Temporary or climbing • The Bankhead District and Talladega National Forest-Talladega tree stands left on the Forest are left at the owners risk; District are the only two districts that have 42 miles of trails theft or damage might occur. Tree stands left in the woods specifically designated for all-terrain vehicles. do not convey proprietary rights to hunting an area. Public • Federal and state land managers are provided limited administra- lands hunting is always ‘First come; first served’. tive access to some areas of closed forest for official management purposes. • Be careful climbing in and out of deer stands. Falling can • MVUM will display roads that access Wildlife Management cause serious injuries. Alabama regulations now require Areas if the Forest Service has jurisdiction and primary main- all hunters using tree stands in wildlife management areas to wear a full body harness. tenance responsibility for the access road. • A wheelchair or mobility device is not considered to be a motor • Contact the following USDA Forest Service offices for vehicle. This includes devices that are battery powered, suitable information about maps, hunter camps and camping for use in an indoor pedestrian area and are designed exclusively permits: to give a mobility-impaired person locomotion. Supervisor’s Office in Montgomery – (334) 832-4470 • People traveling on a forest road or trail not identified on the Bankhead District in Double Springs – (205) 489 -5111 MVUM can be cited. Violations of 36 CFR 261.13 are subject of Conecuh District in Andalusia – (334) 222-2555 a fine up to $5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment. Shoal Creek District in Heflin – (256) 463-2272 • For information regarding the MVUM, please contact the fol- Talladega District in Talladega – (256) 362-2909 lowing Forest Service district offices: Bankhead District (205) Oakmulgee District in Centreville – (205) 926-9765 489-5111; Conecuh District (334) 222-2555; Shoal Creek District Tuskegee District in Tuskegee – (334) 727-2652. (256) 463-2272; Talladega District (256) 362-2909; Oakmulgee On-line maps are for sale at www.fs.usda.gov/alabama. District (205) 926-9765; and the Tuskegee District (334) 727-2652.

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BP141544 CHANGES FOR THE UPCOMING 2014-2015 HUNTING SEASON Changes implemented for the 2014-15 observations have declined due to the increased hunting pressure and harvest rates the two antlerless deer per day bag limit provided. hunting season are a continuation of Enrolling in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) will allow hunting clubs to address situations where those from last year. These changes are additional antlerless harvest opportunities are needed. DMAP based on the continual efforts of the cooperators can acquire a permit to harvest antlerless deer throughout the deer season with an increased daily bag limit if wildlife staff and public comments. the WFF Wildlife Biologist working with the Cooperator determines this is needed based on deer harvest data collected by the cooperator. DMAP is a free program with minimal requirements for participation. The 2014-15 hunting season will bring changes for Alabama’s deer hunters. These include changes to address concerns about declin- REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH DATA AND SEASON SHIFTS ing deer numbers in many areas of the state and the timing of the Hunters in Baldwin, Escambia, Mobile, and Washington Counties, hunting season in a portion of the state as well. These changes as well as hunters in portions of Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Cone- should improve deer hunter satisfaction and the deer management cuh, Monroe, and Wilcox Counties, enjoyed the opportunity to efforts of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF). hunt deer during the first 10 days of February during the 2013-14 hunting season. These hunters did not have more total days to deer ANTLERLESS DEER HUNTING hunt than hunters in the other parts of Alabama since the gun The daily bag limit for antlerless deer during the gun season was deer season was closed from December 2-11 in this zone. These reduced to one antlerless deer per day for a portion of north Ala- ten days of hunting were moved to early February in response to bama prior to the 2013-14 hunting season. Much of the justification the desires of many hunters in the area, as well as data collected for reducing the bag limit was based on declining deer harvests over the years by WFF wildlife biologists. Since 1995, WFF staff and observations by both hunters and WFF staff in the region. members have collected data on the reproductive health of deer in WFF staff believed reducing the daily antlerless deer bag limit many parts of Alabama. Most sites sampled showed the majority would be beneficial to the region’s deer population, but would of deer breeding occurred during the traditional hunting season still provide ample deer hunting and harvest opportunities for the framework (i.e., October 15-January 31), but some sites did show overwhelming majority of hunters, landowners, and deer manag- average conception dates at the very end of January and early Feb- ers in the region. ruary. Even after collecting 15 years of data, many areas of the state Following the 2013-14 bag limit reduction in northern Alabama, remained poorly sampled as late as 2009. similar concerns over declining deer harvests and sightings were Increased data collection efforts by WFF staff beginning in expressed by hunters and WFF staff in other areas of Alabama. These spring 2010 did a very good job of filling in many of the concep- concerns prompted discussions for an expansion of the reduced daily tion date data gaps in Alabama. The increased data made it very antlerless deer bag limit to the remainder of the state. For the 2014- clear most sites in some portions of the state had rut dates that 15 season, the daily bag limit during the unantlered deer gun, extended beyond January 31. The one area where the late dates muzzleloader, bow and arrow, spear, and special youth (under were most consistent from site to site was southwestern Alabama. 16) seasons will be one unantlered deer per day in addition to one Data collected from 1995-2012 showed the average conception antlered buck per day. It is anticipated the reduced daily antler- date in the February season zone was January 31, with 49% of the less deer limit will improve hunter satisfaction in areas where deer deer in the sample having conception dates after January 31. For

8 www.outdooralabama.com comparison, deer collected in the remainder of the state during Montgomery, Perry, Russell, and Sumter Counties, as well as all that period had an average conception date of January 15, with of Baldwin, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, 24% of the deer breeding after January 31. Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Lowndes, Mo- WFF’s Wildlife Section staff continues to expand its reproduc- bile, Monroe, Pike, Washington, and Wilcox Counties. Archery tive health data collection efforts into areas where no sampling season will open on October 25 and close on February 10 in this has occurred and areas where data indicates significantly earlier region. Gun season will open November 22-30, close December or later conception dates. Two such areas where significantly in- 1-10 and reopen on December 11 through February 10. Hunters creased sampling efforts were warranted beginning in 2013 were in south Alabama will now be able to hunt a larger portion of the the area surrounding the February season zone and the area along breeding segment of the rut. the Chattahoochee River in southeastern Alabama with unusually Another area of the state where biologists intensified their data early conception dates. Thirty-eight sites were targeted for sam- collection efforts in 2013 is along the Chattahoochee River valley pling south of U.S. Highway 80 and 14 sites were sampled along the region from Lee County to Houston County. Most of this area Chattahoochee River in Barbour, Henry, Lee, and Russell Coun- lies within the “south of Highway 80” zone where sampling was ties. This increased effort greatly improved WFF’s understanding increased. What makes this area unique is its distinctly earlier rut. of when deer are breeding in this part of Alabama. Deer along the Chattahoochee River in east central and southeast- Using data from 2013, as well as data collected during previ- ern Alabama tend to breed in early to mid-December, rather than ous years, it was clear conception dates in most of the area south mid- January to early February like deer in the majority of the of U.S. Highway 80 were very similar to conception dates in the area south of U.S. Highway 80. Shifting hunting days in this area “February” zone opened up for hunting during the 2013-14 season. from early in the season to February would not be justified based The collection sites and their data were grouped into three regions: on conception date data, nor would it be well-received by hunt- south (proposed Zone B) and north (proposed Zone A) of U.S. ers in the region. The increased sampling in 2013 answered some Highway 80/Alabama River/Interstate 85 and the Chattahoochee questions about conception dates in southeast Alabama, but the River Valley region in Lee, Russell, Barbour, Henry, and Houston picture is still not completely clear. Continued sampling hopefully Counties. Anyone can view the data at www.outdooralabama.com. will determine where the early breeding (early to mid-December) After reviewing the updated data for the regions, WFF person- ends and the later breeding (mid-January to early February) begins. nel felt an expansion of the February deer zone for the 2014-15 As other areas with distinctly different average conception dates season was warranted. The area designated as Zone B in the are identified across the state, additional management zones, such 2014-15 Hunting and Fishing Digest, includes portions of Bar- as the February season zone, may be justified and/or needed. Sev- bour, Dallas, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Marengo, eral criteria will determine whether these areas warrant a differ-

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Client: Progressive Job no: 11d00263 05/12 Created by: dalon Wolford applications: indesign Cs5 .5, adobe Photoshop Cs5, adobe illustrator Cs5 fonts(s): helvetica light, helvetica bold Condensed, humanist 777 family Job description: full Page, 4 Color ad document name: bass fishing ad / maine fishing regulations guide final trim size: 7-7/8˝ x 10-1/2˝ final bleed: 8-1/8˝ x 10-13/16˝ safety: 7˝ x 10˝ date Created: 11/20/13 ent season structure, including the size of the area (i.e., is it large Not collecting the right types or amounts of deer-related data often enough to be considered a separate zone) and factors effecting adds many unnecessary challenges to an already difficult task. This conception dates (e.g., deer stocking source, management activi- is true for deer on a small private property or across an entire state. ties, etc.), and where management zone lines are drawn. WFF biologists and administrators examine the agency’s data collection efforts each and every year to assess the effectiveness GAME CHECK and efficacy of the deer management program.One area where The voluntary use of the Game Check program will continue data collection efforts have been lacking is an understanding of during the 2014-15 deer and turkey seasons. Game Check allows how the state’s deer harvest is distributed across the state and all deer and turkey hunters, both licensed and exempt, to report throughout the season. While the number of deer currently all deer (i.e., bucks and does) and turkeys harvested in Alabama. reported through Game Check is only a small percentage of the All deer and turkey hunters are still required to have an Ant- total statewide harvest (<10%), these data will provide valuable lered Deer and Turkey Harvest Record in their possession while trend data in years to come. In the future, a larger percentage of hunting and will still be required to fill out the harvest record the annual harvest will be captured through Game Check as more prior to moving antlered deer and turkeys. Following comple- people become comfortable with the new system and see the value tion of the harvest record, hunters are asked to report all deer of the data gathered through the system. Knowing when and where harvests through Game Check using the Outdoor Alabama app people are killing deer, as well as when and where people are not for iPhone and Droid smartphones, ADCNR’s website (www. killing deer, will be indispensable when evaluating the effects of the outdooralabama.com), or telephone (1-800-888-7690). timing and length of the various types of deer seasons (e.g., archery, Over 19,500 deer were reported through Game Check during the muzzleloader, either-sex, etc.) on the deer harvest on a county and 2013-14 season. 10,585 bucks and 8,919 does were reported, with regional basis, rather than a statewide basis only. all 67 counties represented. Anyone can view a complete listing Managing Alabama’s deer population and its deer hunters is of county by county harvest reports. Game Check can be viewed a unique and challenging process. WFF strives to be proactive at www.outdooralabama.com. in its management strategies and to keep the best interests of the Data collection is an extremely important part of any deer man- deer populations and deer hunters at the forefront of the decision agement program and should be the primary item affecting deer making process. As data collection efforts improve and WFF gain management decisions. Data collection allows managers to monitor a clearer understanding of the desires of the state’s deer hunters trends in the deer population’s physical condition, deer population and the status of its deer herd, changes to the length and timing numbers, deer harvest numbers, hunter success rates, and many of Alabama’s deer season, bag limits, and other aspects of deer other measures of a deer management program and effectiveness. hunting in Alabama are likely in upcoming years.

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Accurate data provided by hunters through the Game Check system will allow the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to more effectively Dawning in 2015: manage deer and turkey populations for the future. A fundamental shift in competitive shooting 1 Before You Go Hunting: You must obtain a hunting license and a paper Harvest Record. If you are exempt from needing a license or have a lifetime hunting license, you still need a Harvest Record. You can get a Harvest Record online at www.outdooralabama.com or in the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest. License exempt hunters are hunters under the age of 16, residents age 65 A new Civilian Marksmanship Program and older, and resident landowners who hunt their own property. facility like no other in the U.S. Game Check System 2 During Your Hunt: You must always carry your Harvest Record, your hunting for 2014-2015 Deer license and a pen or pencil while hunting. Highpower Rifle Range - 600, 300, 200 Yards You must fill out the Harvest Record with the date and type and Turkey Seasons of animal taken BEFORE moving the animal. This includes All-Electronic Targetry & Scoring antlered deer and turkeys. Covered Common Firing Line - 54 Positions 3 After Your Harvest: Please report your deer or turkey harvest through the Game Check system after your harvest. Sight-In & Qualification Rifle Range - 100 Yards If you are exempt from needing a license or have a 64-year-old, optional All-Electronic Targetry & Scoring 65-year-old or Senior lifetime hunting license, you must have a Hunter Exempt License Privilege (HELP) number, which can be obtained anywhere Covered Common Firing Line - 50 Positions licenses are sold. There are three ways to report your harvest: 1. On your smartphone through the Outdoor Alabama app 50-Yard Pistol Range - 25 Positions Download the app at http://www.outdooralabama.com/oaapp.cfm 50-Foot Pistol Range - 20 Positions 2. Online at www.outdooralabama.com/gamecheck 3. Call 1-800-888-7690 3 50-Yard Action Pistol Bays Revised 06/03/14 12 25-Yard Action Pistol Bays At the end of the check-in process, you will receive a confirmation number to write on the Harvest Record 15-Station Sporting Clays Range Trap Field - 5 Stand Overlay n Harvest Record must be in possession when hunting. Alabama 2014-2015 Harvest Record n Harvest Record must be filled out before moving the animal. ANTLERED BUCK – One of the three must have 4 pts, 1” or longer on one side UNANTLERED DEER 13,000 Sq.Ft. Clubhouse xx Harvest Date: Points: Confirmation No.: Harvest Date: Confirmation No.: Spectator Porch/Live Target Screens _____/_____/_____ R: ______L: ______/_____/______/_____/_____ R: ______L: ______/_____/______Shooter Lounges/Live Target Screens _____/_____/_____ R: ______L: ______/_____/______Sportsman’s Retail Shop TM NOTE: For Barbour County – minimum of 3 points, 1” or longer, on one antler for all antlered bucks. _____/_____/______Changing Rooms/Classrooms CC MMPP Further restrictions apply on certain management areas. See Wildlife Management Area information. _____/_____/______Use back or attach handwritten version to record additional unantlered deer TALLADEGA TURKEY Harvest Date: _____/_____/______|| _____/_____/______|| _____/_____/______|| _____/_____/______|| _____/_____/______MARKSMANSHIP PARK Confirmation No.: ______|| ______|| ______|| ______|| ______Learn More 4387 Turner Mill Road HOW TO REPORT YOUR HARVEST ~ • SMARTPHONE APP: OUTDOOR ALABAMA • ONLINE: www.outdooralabama.com • PHONE: 1-800-888-7690 www.TheCMP.org Talladega, Alabama Projected Opening May 2015 256-835-8455 14 www.outdooralabama.com Dawning in 2015: A fundamental shift in competitive shooting

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13,000 Sq.Ft. Clubhouse xx Spectator Porch/Live Target Screens Shooter Lounges/Live Target Screens Sportsman’s Retail Shop TM Changing Rooms/Classrooms C MP TALLADEGAC MP MARKSMANSHIP PARK Learn More 4387 Turner Mill Road www.TheCMP.org Talladega, Alabama Projected Opening May 2015 256-835-8455 © istockphoto.com/EEI_Tony© Hunting&Trapping IMPORTANT NOTES: HUNTERS • All persons hunting on private lands of another must have written permission from the landowner with few exceptions. & ANGLERS • Hunting by the aid of bait is illegal in Alabama. • All required hunting and fishing licenses must be in possession when hunting or fishing. Participate in fish & • Hunters are required to have a deer / turkey harvest record in possession when hunting. wildlife surveys! • All deer and turkey hunters are asked to report their harvest using Game Check. See page 14 for more information. Provide your email address at • See hunter orange requirement and definition of open permit – public land. Consult outdooralabama.com/licenses/info management area leaflet for special rules and regulations and seasons before hunting State Wildlife Management Areas. • Any party controlling hunting rights may, by choice, be more restrictive on seasons and bag limits than those stipulated below.

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Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 17 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

2014-2015 Deer Season Zone Map

ANTLERED BUCKS LIMESTONE By Stalk or Dog Hunting LAUDERDALE JACKSON MADISON n Zone A:

Nov. 22 – Jan. 15 COLBERT n Zone B: LAWRENCE Nov. 22 – Nov. 30 FRANKLIN MORGAN DE KALB Dec. 11 – Jan. 25 MARSHALL

ANTLERED BUCKS CULLMAN MARION WINSTON STALK HUNTING ONLY ETOWAH No Dogs CHEROKEE n Zone A: BLOUNT Jan. 16 – Jan. 31 WALKER FAYETTE CALHOUN LAMAR ST. CLAIR CLEBURNE n Zone B: Jan. 26 – Feb. 10 UNANTLERED DEER JEFFERSON TUSCALOOSA TALLADEGA Privately Owned PICKENS or Leased Land Only SHELBY CLAY RANDOLPH n Zone A: Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 BIBB GREENE COOSA n Zone B: CHAMBERS TALLAPOOSA Nov. 22 – Nov. 30 HALE CHILTON Dec. 11 – Feb. 10 PERRY Opelika

ELMORE 431 UNANTLERED DEER SUMTER LEE 169 AUTAUGA Open Permit – Public Land 80 Demopolis 80 Selma 80 169 (See Pg. 22 for definition of above.) MACON DALLAS RUSSELL Montgomery Hatchechubbee Seale n Zone A: & n Zone B: 80 MARENGO Union Springs Rutherford 431 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 CHOCTAW LOWNDES MONTGOMERY 82 BULLOCK SPECIAL MUZZLELOADER Comer 82 AND AIR RIFLE WILCOX BUTLER BARBOUR Privately Owned or Leased Land PIKE CLARKE and National Forest Service Land- 431 Stalk Hunting Only (No Dogs) MONROE CRENSHAW Abbeville Shorterville n Zone A: & n Zone B: DALE Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 WASHINGTON HENRY COFFEE Headland CONECUH BOW AND ARROW Dothan COVINGTON AND SPEAR ESCAMBIA 231 HOUSTON Stalk Hunting Only (No Dogs) GENEVA n Zone A: MOBILE Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 BALDWIN n Zone B: Oct. 25 – Feb. 10

18 www.outdooralabama.com 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

DEER SEASON ZONE A: Those areas north or east of a line described as: Beginning at the intersection of the Mississippi state line and US Hwy 80 in Sumter County follow US Hwy. 80 east to the US Hwy 80 bypass and Alabama River; upstream along the Alabama River to I-65; south along I-65 to the intersection with I-85; north along I-85 to AL Hwy. 169 (exit 60); south along AL Hwy 169 to AL Hwy 1/US Hwy 431; south along AL Hwy 1/ US Hwy 431 to AL Hwy 26; west along AL Hwy 26 to Russell County Rd. 65; south along Russell County Rd. 65 to Russell County Rd. 4; west along DOG DEER HUNTING RESTRICTIONS AT A GLANCE Russell County Rd. 4 to Russell County Rd. 49; south along Russell County Rd. 49 to US Hwy 82; east along US Hwy 82 to the Chattahoochee River; LAUDERDALE LIMESTONE JACKSON south along the Chattahoochee River to AL Hwy 10; west along AL Hwy 10 DOG DEER MADISON LIMESTONE COLBERT LAUDERDALE to Henry County Rd. 57; south along Henry County Rd. Hwy 57 to AL Hwy JACKSON HUNTING LAWRENCE MORGAN MADISON FRANKLIN DE KALB 99; south along AL Hwy 99 to US Hwy 431; south along US Hwy 431 to Ross RESTRICTIONS MARSHALL Clark Circle (bypass around Dothan); east along Ross Clark Circle to US Hwy MARION WINSTON CHEROKEE CULLMAN 231 to the Alabama/Florida state line. COLBERT AT A GLANCE ETOWAH BLOUNT

WALKER DEER SEASON ZONE B: Those areas south or west of a line described as: LAMAR CALHOUN LAWRENCE These counties FAYETTE ST. CLAIR Beginning at the intersection of the Mississippi state line and US Hwy 80 CLEBURNE FRANKLIN MORGAN DE KALB have areas where JEFFERSON in Sumter County follow US Hwy. 80 east to the US Hwy 80 bypass and MARSHALL dog deer hunting TALLADEGA PICKENS TUSCALOOSA Alabama River; upstream along the Alabama River to I-65; south along SHELBY CLAY RANDOLPH is prohibited I-65 to the intersection with I-85; north along I-85 to AL Hwy. 169 (exit 60); CULLMAN or restricted by BIBB south along AL Hwy 169 to AL Hwy 1/US Hwy 431; south along AL Hwy 1/ MARION GREENE COOSA TALLAPOOSA CHAMBERS WINSTON CHILTON special permit. HALE ETOWAH US Hwy 431 to AL Hwy 26; west along AL Hwy 26 to Russell County Rd. 65; CHEROKEE PERRY ELMORE LEE south along Russell County Rd. 65 to Russell County Rd. 4; west along Russell Entire counties SUMTER AUTAUGA County Rd. 4 to Russell County Rd. 49; south along Russell County Rd. 49 to are open to dog MACON DALLAS MONTGOMERY BLOUNT RUSSELL MARENGO US Hwy 82; east along US Hwy 82 to the Chattahoochee River; south along deer hunting LOWNDES WALKER CHOCTAW BULLOCK the Chattahoochee River to AL Hwy 10; west along AL Hwy 10 to Henry except for WMAs. WILCOX LAMAR FAYETTE ST. CLAIR CALHOUN CLEBURNE BARBOUR County Rd. 57; south along Henry County Rd. 57 to AL Hwy 99; South along PIKE CLARKE BUTLER See for exact CRENSHAW Henry County Rd. 99 to US Hwy 431; south along US Hwy 431 to Ross Clark

MONROE details on dog HENRY Circle (bypass around Dothan); east along Ross Clark Circle to US Hwy 231; DALE CONECUH COFFEE deer areas. WASHINGTON south along Hwy 231 to the Alabama/Florida state line. JEFFERSON COVINGTON

ESCAMBIA HOUSTON TUSCALOOSA TALLADEGA GENEVA PICKENS MOBILE SHELBY CLAY RANDOLPH BALDWIN SPECIAL EXCEPTION: DOG DEER HUNTING: Dog Deer Hunting Prohibited Except by Special Permit from the Department: BIBB GREENE COOSA CHAMBERS Chambers; Chilton (except that area inside the following boundaries: US TALLAPOOSA HALE Hwy. 82 from the Bibb County line south to AL Hwy. 183, west to the Perry CHILTON County line); Choctaw (that area south of AL Hwy. 10 and west of AL Hwy 169 431 PERRY Opelika LEE 17 and north of County Road 18 from AL Hwy 17 to County Road 14 then ELMORE north of County Road 14 to the Mississippi state line); Colbert (that area ELMORE 431 SUMTER LEE 169 AUTAUGA 80 inside the following boundaries: from the intersection of the Natchez Trace 80 Demopolis 80 Selma 80 169 Parkway and U.S. Highway 72 west along US Hwy 72 to the Mississippi State 169 MACON MACON RUSSELL line, North along the Mississippi State line to the Tennessee River, East DALLAS RUSSELL Montgomery Montgomery Hatchechubbee Seale Hatchechubbee Seale along the Tennessee River to the intersection of the Natchez Trace Parkway, 80 Union Springs Rutherford 431 South along the Natchez Trace Parkway to the intersection of US Highway MARENGO Rutherford CHOCTAW LOWNDES Union Springs 431 72); Coosa; Covington, (north of US Hwy. 84); Elmore, (that area inside the MONTGOMERY 82 BULLOCK 82 following boundaries: from the Coosa County/ Elmore County line at the Comer 82 MONTGOMERY east bank of Lake Jordan, to AL Hwy 9, then south along AL Hwy 9 to the WILCOX BULLOCK Comer intersection of US Hwy 231, then south along US Hwy 231 to the intersec- BUTLER BARBOUR 82 tion of AL Hwy 14, then west along AL Hwy 14 to the east bank of the Coosa PIKE River, then north along the east bank of the Coosa River to Lake Jordan, CLARKE 431 back to the Coosa County/Elmore County line); Geneva; Henry; Macon, MONROE CRENSHAW Abbeville BARBOUR (that area inside the following boundaries: from County Road 24 at the Lee Shorterville PIKE County line, west and south to County Road 26, west to County Road 10, southeast to County Road 5, south to County Road 47, south to County Road DALE WASHINGTON HENRY COFFEE Headland 431 2, east to the Russell County line); Pickens (north of US Hwy. 82); Tallapoosa CONECUH and Wilcox counties. Individual property owners in Chambers and Coosa Dothan Abbeville counties may hunt with dogs on their own property without special permit. COVINGTON Shorterville No dog deer hunting allowed on Open Permit-Public Land (see definition). ESCAMBIA 231 HOUSTON GENEVA Dog Deer Hunting is Prohibited in the following areas: MOBILE DALE HENRY Bibb; Chilton; and Perry: (that area inside the following boundaries: east COFFEE Headland of AL Hwy. 219, south of US Hwy. 82 and north of AL Hwy. 183); Butler (that BALDWIN area south of AL Hwy. 106 and east of I-65); Cherokee; Cleburne; Coffee Dothan (that area inside the following boundaries: AL Hwy. 134 from the Covington County Line, east to County Road 460, south to the Geneva County line, east to the Dale County line, north to AL Hwy. 134, west to AL Hwy. 87 north to US 231 HOUSTON Hwy. 84, west to AL Hwy. 189, south to the AL Hwy. 141 and north to US Hwy. GENEVA 84, west to the Covington County line); Crenshaw (north of AL Hwy. 10 and that area inside the following boundaries, from the east city limit of Luverne, US Hwy. 29 east to the junction of County Road 57, County Road 57 south to

Continued on page 20

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 19 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

Continued from page 19 the junction of Davis Road, Davis Road west to County Road 41, County Road 41 south to US Hwy. 331, US Hwy. 331 north to County Road 41, County Road 41 north to County Road 39, County Road 39 north to the Luverne city limit); Dale (that area inside the following boundaries: Judy Creek south to Dale County Road 36, east to AL Hwy. 27, north to the Henry County line, north to AREA the Barbour County line, west to Judy Creek); DeKalb; Elmore (that area inside the following boundaries: east of US Hwy. 231, south of AL Hwy. 14, west of Tumkeehatchee Creek and north of the Tallapoosa River); Fayette (that area DEFINITION inside the following boundaries: west of US Hwy 43 and north of AL Hwy. 18); Franklin; Hale and Perry: (that area inside the following boundaries: from County Road 32 at the Hale County Line, west to the intersection of AL Hwy. REGULATION 25, AL Hwy. 25 north until it intersects with the Talladega National Forest boundary, following the boundary south until it intersects the Perry County According to Alabama law it is illegal to hunt game in line, following the National Forest boundary east to Perry County Road 23, any area where baiting/feeding serves as a lure or at- south to the intersection of Perry County Road 29, south to the Spring Hill tractant to game. However, when hunting deer or feral Church Road, Spring Hill Church Road west to the junction of Perry County Road 23 and AL Hwy. 14, west to the Hale County line); Greene; Pickens; and swine on private lands only, there shall be a rebuttable Tuscaloosa: (that area inside the following boundaries: in Pickens County presumption that any bait or feed located beyond 100 from the intersection of US Hwy. 82 and County Road 63, south on County yards and not within the line of site of the hunter, is Road 63 to Benevola, County Road 2 (commonly known as the Romulus not a lure or attractant on the area where the hunter Road) east through Greene County to US Hwy. 82 in Tuscaloosa County); is attempting to take deer or feral swine. Houston; Jackson; Lamar; Lauderdale; Lawrence; Limestone; Madison; Marion; Marshall; Morgan; Randolph; Tuscaloosa (that area north of US Hwy. 82); and Winston (that area east of AL Hwy. 5 from the Walker County “Not within the line of sight” means being hidden line to Natural Bridge and all that area north of US Hwy. 278). from view by natural vegetation or terrain features. U.S. CORP OF ENGINEERS LANDS: U.S. Corp of Engineers Lands in Greene; Pickens; and Sumter counties special For questions concerning the “Area Definition” contact muzzleloader and unantlered deer season same as privately owned or leased your local conservation enforcement officer or visit lands in those counties. outdooralabama.com. NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE LANDS, except Wildlife Mgmt. Areas – one deer per day.

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Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 21 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

DEER HUNTING SEASONS: NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE LANDS (except Wildlife Management Areas)

ANTLERED BUCKS UNANTLERED DEER SPECIAL MUZZLELOADER BOW AND ARROW ANTLERED BUCKS AND AIR RIFLE AND SPEAR COUNTY Stalk Hunting Only By Stalk Same as Open Permit Stalk Hunting Only Stalk Hunting Only or Dog Hunting (No Dogs) for County (No Dogs) (No Dogs) Bibb No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Calhoun Nov. 22 –Jan. 15 Jan. 16 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 –Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Chilton No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Clay Nov. 22 –Jan. 15 Jan. 16 –Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Cleburne No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Nov. 22 – Nov. 30, Covington No Dog Season Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 25 – Feb. 10 Dec. 11 – Feb. 10 Dallas No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Nov. 22 – Nov. 30, Escambia No Dog Season Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 25 – Feb. 10 Dec. 11 – Feb. 10 Franklin No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Hale No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Lawrence No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Nov. 22 – Nov. 30, Macon No Dog Season Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 25 – Feb. 10 Dec. 11 – Feb. 10 Perry No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Talladega Nov. 22 –Jan. 15 Jan. 16 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Tuscaloosa No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31 Winston No Dog Season Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 Nov. 17 – Nov. 21 Oct. 15 – Jan. 31

OPEN PERMIT-PUBLIC LAND Open Permit-Public Land is defined as governmentally owned land open for public hunting and/or lands made available to the public on an individual basis whether for a fee or not. Examples of such lands would be National Forest Service lands, land owned by lumber companies and utility companies available for use by hunters either through free permits, fee permits or no permit requirement. This does not include Alabama’s Wildlife Management Areas. See the 2014–15 Wildlife Management Area Schedule for information.

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Hunting with fully automatic firearms is • Handguns or pistols using centerfire, BOBCAT, GROUNDHOG, UNPROTECTED prohibited. mushrooming ammunition. WILDLIFE, FOX, COYOTE & FERAL SWINE • Rifles of any caliber. GENERAL PROHIBITIONS TURKEY • Handguns or pistols. It shall be unlawful for any person to use any • Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller using stan- • Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller. method, any weapon or ammunition contrary dard No. 2 shot or smaller. • Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows. to this regulation while hunting or attempting • Long bows or compound bows (no cross- to hunt game birds and animals or other spe- bows). OTHER GAME BIRDS OR ANIMALS cies provided for herein unless expressly pro- • Handguns or pistols using centerfire • Rifles using rimfire ammunition or those vided for by duly enacted laws of the State of mushrooming ammunition, black powder operated by air. Alabama. It shall be unlawful for any person handguns or pistols .40 caliber or larger. • Muzzleloaders and black powder hand- to refuse to submit firearms and ammuni- Handguns or pistols can only have open guns of any caliber. tion or any device, instrument or accessory metallic sights (no scopes). • Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows. used in hunting to Conservation Officers for • Nothing in this section is intended to pro- • Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller, using stan- inspection. It shall be unlawful for any person hibit the possession of rifles, shotgun/rifle dard No. 4 shot or smaller. (except for legally blind hunters) to hunt with combinations (drilling) or buckshot and • Handguns or pistols. a bow or gun that has a light source attached slugs when the hunter is stalk hunting both • Blowguns using darts propelled by the that is capable of casting a beam of light (in- deer and turkey provided no person shoots hunter’s breath only. cluding a laser sight) forward of said bow or or attempts to shoot turkey with the rifle or • Sling shots. gun or to possess such a light source adapted shotgun using buckshot or slugs. for attachment to said bow or gun while SPEAR hunting, except as provided for in 220-2-.02. MIGRATORY BIRDS Deer and feral swine may be taken by hand It shall be unlawful to possess any equipment • Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller, plugged thrown spear during the open Bow and that uses electronics to increase the ability to with a one piece filler incapable of re- Arrow season on these species. The hand see in the dark (night vision equipment) while moval without disassembling the gun or thrown spear shall have a sharpened blade a hunting any species of wildlife, both protected otherwise incapable of holding more than minimum of two inches in width. The spear or unprotected species. 3 shells using shot compositions and shot shall only be hand thrown. sizes that are approved by the U.S. Fish and DEER Wildlife Service. Waterfowl hunters shall • Rifles using centerfire, mushrooming -am not possess any size lead shot. munition. • Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows. • Air powered guns, .30 caliber or larger. • Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller using buck- RACCOON & OPOSSUM shot, slugs, or single round ball. • Nighttime hunting: Shotguns using No. 6 • Muzzleloaders and Black Powder Hand- shot or smaller; rimfire firearms. Be sure to report your harvest guns: .40 caliber or larger, during the spe- • Daytime hunting: see Other Game Birds using GAME CHECK. cial muzzleloader season. Or Animals. • Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows. See page 14 for instructions.

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Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 23 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

ATTENTION: The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has removed HUNTERS planting 'zones' and now recommends & ANGLERS planting dates between August We want to hear 1 and November 30 depending from you! on individual circumstances. The Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division needs your email address so you can For details see www.aces.edu/ participate in official pubs/docs/A/ANR- Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division surveys! 1467/ANR-1467-low. pdf. Be sure to provide your email address when you buy your license!

TURKEY DOVE HUNTING SEASON BY ZONES • Gobblers only—one a day, five during combined fall and North Zone South Zone spring seasons. See page 29 for legal hunting practices. • Special Youth Hunt—Saturday & Sunday prior to opening of the spring season, in accordance with rule 220-2-.119. MOURNING & WHITE-WINGED DOVE • Special Disabled Hunt—one day prior to all opening days. NORTH ZONE (All counties except those listed below in south zone.) Participants must meet medical requirements of regulation • 15 a day – 45 in possession (90 days) 220-2-.109(d). • Split Season with Shooting Hours: • Mandatory Harvest Record: see page 14. –S– eptember 6 – November 9 September 6: 12 O’clock noon until Sunset FALL SEASON (DECOYS NOT PERMITTED) (Afternoon Shooting Only) November 22 – November 30 September 7 – November 9: One-half hour before Sunrise December 20 – January 1 until Sunset (All Day) • Clarke; Clay; Covington; Monroe; Randolph; and Talladega. –– December 7 – December 31 One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) SPRING SEASON (DECOYS PERMITTED) March 14 – April 30 SOUTH ZONE • Autauga; Baldwin; Barbour; Bibb; Blount; Bullock; Butler; Baldwin; Barbour; Coffee; Covington; Dale; Escambia; Calhoun; Chambers; Cherokee; Chilton; Choctaw; Clarke; Geneva; Henry; Houston; and Mobile. Clay; Cleburne; Coffee; Conecuh; Coosa; Covington; • 15 a day – 45 in possession (90 days) Crenshaw; Cullman (except north of Lewis Smith Lake • Split Season with Shooting Hours: and north of Cullman County Road 437 and west of I-65); –– September 20 – September 28 Dale; Dallas; DeKalb; Elmore; Escambia; Etowah; Fayette; September 20: 12 O’clock noon until Sunset (Afternoon Geneva (except south of AL Hwy. 52, east of AL Hwy. 167, Shooting Only) west of Houston County line and north of the Florida line); September 21 – September 28: One-half hour before Sun- Greene; Hale; Henry; Houston; Jackson; Jefferson; Lamar; rise until Sunset (All Day) Lee; Lowndes; Macon; Marengo; Marion; Marshall; Mobile; –– October 11 – October 26 Monroe; Montgomery; Perry; Pickens; Pike; Randolph; One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) Russell; Shelby; St. Clair; Sumter; Talladega; Tallapoosa; –– November 12 – January 15 Tuscaloosa; Walker; Washington; and Wilcox. One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) April 1 – April 30 • Colbert; Franklin; Lauderdale (west of US Hwy. 43); Law- rence (south of AL Hwy. 24); Limestone (north of US Hwy. NOTICE: At the time of printing, Federal Guidelines 72); Madison; and Winston. were not final concerning all migratory birds, including dove season dates. Check www.outdooralabama.com for April 22 – April 26 updates prior to September. • Cullman (north of Lewis Smith Lake and north of Cullman County Road 437 and west of I-65.); Lawrence (north and east of AL Hwy. 157 and west of AL Hwy. 33 and south of AL Hwy. 20); Lauderdale (east of US Hwy. 43); and Morgan.

24 www.outdooralabama.com 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

BOBWHITE QUAIL ALLIGATOR (2014) November 8 – February 28 • By Special Permit Only • 8 a day — 8 in possession • Must register on-line at www.outdooralabama.com between June 3 and July 8. RABBIT • Must be Alabama Resident to register. October 1 – February 28 • 8 a day — 8 in possession Sunset August 14 – Sunrise August 17 • No running of dogs during daytime or after 3:00 a.m. during Sunset August 21 – Sunrise August 24 and in areas of spring turkey season. • Mobile Delta (nighttime only) • Dallas; Monroe (north of US Hwy. 84) and Wilcox SQUIRREL (nighttime only) October 1 – February 28 • 8 a day – 8 in possession Sunset August 8 – Sunrise August 24 • Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, RACCOON Houston, and Russell counties (nighttime only) September 1 – February 28 • Private Owned and Leased Lands: No Bag Limit BEAVER, NUTRIA, AND GROUNDHOG • Open Permit-Public Land: 5 Per Party No Closed Season • No running of dogs during daytime or after 3:00 a.m. during • No Bag Limit — Daylight Hours Only and in areas of spring turkey season. STARLINGS, CROWS & BLACKBIRDS OPOSSUM No Closed Season September 1 – February 28 • No Bag Limit — Daylight Hours Only • No Bag Limit • No running of dogs during daytime or after 3:00 a.m. during BEAR, MOUNTAIN LION & RUFFED GROUSE and in areas of spring turkey season. No Open Season

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Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 25 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

HUNTER ORANGE REQUIREMENT FOR HUNTING WOODCOCK December 18 – January 31 All persons hunting any wildlife species (except turkey and • 3 a day — 9 in possession migratory birds (including crows) and while hunting legally • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset. designated species during legal nighttime hours) during dates and in areas open by regulation to gun deer season to include special youth gun deer season and special muzzleloader deer SNIPE season are required to wear an outer garment above the waist November 14 – February 28 with a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange or • 8 a day — 24 in possession either a full size hunter orange hat or cap. • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset. Hunters are not required to wear hunter orange when: RAIL, PURPLE GALLINULE & • hunting from a stand elevated twelve (12) feet or more from the ground COMMON MOORHENS September 6 – September 21 • hunting in an enclosed box stand November 28 – January 20 • traveling in an enclosed vehicle • Note: At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. • traveling on foot no more than twenty (20) feet directly See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. between an operating enclosed vehicle and a stand where • 15 a day — 15 in possession the hunter is exempt from the hunter orange requirement. • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset. The hunter orange must be worn when traveling on foot between an operating enclosed vehicle and exempt stand SPECIAL TEAL SEASON when the distance is more than a direct distance of twenty September 6 – September 21 (20) feet. • Note: At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. A small logo and/or printing is permitted on the front of See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. hunter orange caps; otherwise, hunter orange must be of • 6 a day — 18 in possession solid color and visible from any angle. Only hunter orange, • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset. commonly called blaze orange, ten-mile cloth, etc., is legal. The various shades of red as well as camo orange are not legal.

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26 www.outdooralabama.com 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

SPECIAL EARLY 1 Mottled Duck, 1 Black Duck, 2 Redhead, 2 Pintail, 1 CANADA GOOSE SEASON Canvasback, and 3 Scaup. September 1 – September 15 • The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. • Note: At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. COOT See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. • 15 a day — 45 in possession • 5 a day — 15 in possession • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset. MERGANSER • 5 a day, only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser. SPECIAL SNOW/ • The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. BLUE GOOSE SEASON October 25 – November 9 GEESE • Monroe and Escambia Counties only September 20 – October 7 (Canadian Geese Only) • Note: At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. • 3 per day — 9 in possession See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. • 5 a day — 15 in possession November 27 – January 25 (All Geese) • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset. • The bag limit of 5 shall not include more than 3 Canada Geese or 2 White-Fronted Geese. The possession limit of 15 shall include DUCK, COOT, MERGANSER no more than 9 Canada Geese and 6 White-Fronted Geese. November 27 – January 25 • Note: At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. SPECIAL YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING DAYS See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. February 7 – February 8 • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset. • Note: At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. DUCK • Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammuni- • 6 ducks a day — may include no more than 4 Mallards tion apply as did in regular waterfowl season, in accordance (no more than 2 of which may be female), 3 Wood Ducks, with Rule 220-2-.119.

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Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 27 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

• Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as did in regular waterfowl season, in accordance HUNTERS with Rule 220-2-.119. & ANGLERS TRAPPING: Participate in fish & wildlife surveys! BOBCAT, COYOTE, FOX, MINK, MUSKRAT, NUTRIA, Provide your email address at OPOSSUM, OTTER, RACCOON & STRIPED SKUNK outdooralabama.com/licenses/info November 8 – February 28 BEAVER BOBCAT & OTTER TAGGING REQUIREMENT 220-2-.30 No Closed Season All bobcat and otter, regardless of method of harvest, are required to be tagged by a representative of the Wildlife and Freshwater RACCOON AND OPOSSUM UNDER SPECIAL PERMIT. Fisheries Division within 14 days of harvest or may be left with a No Closed Season (Permit available at WFF District Office) taxidermist with a completed tagging form, and the taxidermist is required to have the bobcat or otter tagged within 14 days of COYOTE receipt. No Closed Season BOBCAT(1,3), COYOTE(2), FERAL SWINE(2) AND FOX(3): No Bag Limit No Closed Season See page 40 for legal hunting hours. Dogs cannot be used to TREE STAND SAFETY RECOMMENDATION hunt during and in areas of spring turkey season. 1. Bobcat - See tagging requirement (above). Falls from tree stands are the most common hunting 2. Coyote and Feral Swine – trapping by landowner or his agent. accidents. Serious injury or death are likely to occur Feral Swine – upon capture, it shall be unlawful to release any from such a fall. It is strongly recommended that no one live feral swine. See regulation 220-2-.86 hunt from an elevated stand without using a full body 3. Bobcat and Fox – Trapping is limited to legal fur bearer season safety harness. by licensed fur catchers only. SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN Hunting Lodge, Inc.

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28 www.outdooralabama.com 2014–15 Seasons & Bag Limits: Hunting & Trapping

IT IS LEGAL TO HUNT DOVES ON, OVER, OR FROM...

• Lands or areas where seeds or grains have been scattered • Lands planted as pasture improvements or for the solely as the result of normal agricultural operations, purpose of grazing livestock. (The Fish and Wildlife Service which include normal agricultural harvestings, normal will not make a distinction between agricultural fields agricultural post-harvest manipulations, or normal planted with the intent to gather a crop and those planted agricultural practices. without such intent provided the planting is carried out in • Lands planted by means of top-sowing or aerial seeding a manner consistent with the recommendations of State where seeds have been scattered solely as the result of Extension Specialists). a normal agricultural planting, a planting for agricultural • Standing or manipulated natural vegetation. soil erosion control, or a planting for post-mining land • A blind or other place of concealment camouflaged with reclamation. natural vegetation. • Lands or areas where grain or feed has been distributed or scattered solely as the result of the manipulation of an For further clarification, see agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown. www.fws.gov/le/huntfish/whatislegal.htm. • Standing crops. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has re- • Lands planted as wildlife food plots, provided the seed moved planting 'zones' and now recommends plant- is planted in a manner consistent with Cooperative ing dates between August 1 and November 30 de- State Research, Education, and Extension Service pending on individual circumstances. For details see recommendations for the planting of wildlife food www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1467/ANR-1467-low.pdf. plots. In states without Cooperative Extension Service recommendations for the planting of food plots, the seed must be planted in accordance with Extension Service guidelines for producing a crop.

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 29 KEEPING WILD ANIMALS AS PETS: "JUST DON'T DO IT"

J.R. Dunsmore of Marshall Dunsmore didn’t have any concept of the power of a white- County learned a costly lesson tailed deer. last year about keeping wild “That deer picked me up, and I weigh 260 pounds, and carried animals as pets, and he wants me 30 or 40 feet in the air, never put me down,” Dunsmore said. “I to spread the word about the was just like a rag doll. I was on top of his horns and my feet were off extent of the risk involved. the ground. I was in the cradle and couldn’t do anything about it.” “Just don’t do it,” said the Sitting in his driveway after the attack, Dunsmore tried to evalu- 69-year-old Dunsmore, wear- ate his situation and quickly realized he needed medical help, ing a patch over his right eye pronto. from his ordeal with a “pet” “I couldn’t see one side because I had blood in my eye,” he said. deer. “They are dangerous. I “Then I saw blood running down the driveway and I knew I had didn’t know how dangerous. to go call 911. I remember coming back to in the ambulance. Then Now, when I wake up I see half I don’t remember anything else for about two days.” the world, because this (right) The wound that cost Dunsmore the sight in his right eye was half is gone. It can’t be fixed.” not the only trauma he suffered. He had puncture wounds in his Dunsmore was attacked by the buck he considered a pet when arm, hip, thigh, lower leg, ribcage and lung. the animal reverted to normal, wild behavior and almost killed Dunsmore had to deal with the legal consequences. He also pled him. Dunsmore regularly poured acorns gathered from around guilty to one count of “Possession of a Protected Game Animal in his yard into the 1 1/2-acre pen for the illegally captive deer. On Captivity” and paid a $275 fine plus court costs. Other charges were the fateful morning, a limb covered with acorns had fallen in the “Nol Prossed” in consideration for his assistance in illustrating the yard, and Dunsmore opened the gate to the pen to toss in the limb. dangers of wild animals as pets. The deer that were in Dunsmore’s “When I threw the limb, he just picked me up by the legs and pen were euthanized for disease testing. carried me down to a tree or stump,” Dunsmore said. “I really can’t “You can get in a lot of trouble,” he said. “It is (against the law) tell you which one he put me against. When he put me down, he for your own protection. They’re dangerous.” just started pushing. I could see his back legs and they were buried Kevin Dodd, WFF’s Chief of Enforcement, said youngsters this (6 inches) deep in the ground. He was just digging in, shoving have been conditioned that a variety of wild animals are harm- me. I had a hold on his horns (antlers) and that’s when one horn got less, which is far from the truth. me right here (right cheek). It went through my sinuses, through “Much of the interest in pet raccoons or skunks when I was a my optic nerve and stuck into the edge of my brain. kid arose from Disney movies and kids’ books,” Dodd said. “It “I got that pulled out, and when I did that I got turned around. seemed to be the thing to have. However, their competitive wild For some reason, he kind of picked me up. When we backed up, instincts are just beneath the surface of their cute, furry exteriors. we hit right at the gate, and the gate was still open. When we hit They are predators by nature and are adequately equipped to fend the gate, I rolled through and pulled the gate shut behind me. off larger animals that might compete with them. That includes When I got through that gate, he hit that gate like he was going humans. They have lots of needle-like teeth and sharp claws. Both to tear it to pieces.”” species carry a host of parasites as well as the dreaded rabies and The 6-year-old, nine-point buck had a 27-inch inside spread. distemper. People need to understand that there is no approved Conservation enforcement officers estimated the buck weighed vaccine for raccoons and skunks.” in excess of 250 pounds. Mature bucks go through a transition A few years back someone “rescued” a family of baby raccoons in the fall as rutting activity approaches. Hormones change the and distributed them across the state to several friends. Although buck’s behavior into that of an animal accustomed to fighting to the raccoons appeared healthy, one tested positive for rabies, and establish domination in the herd. everyone who had contact with the animals had to undergo expen- “During breeding season, the bucks get a shot of testosterone, sive, painful rabies treatment shots. Contrary to common belief, a and everything becomes an enemy,” said Wildlife and Freshwater bite from the animal is not required to transmit rabies. Fisheries Director Chuck Sykes. “In summer and early fall, the “Even if you are certain your pet raccoon won’t hurt you, there bucks are in bachelor groups. All the boys are hanging out, and are no guarantees how it might react with the neighbors’ kids or everybody is friendly, and everybody is happy. When the weather pets,” Dodd said. "We encourage anyone with a pet raccoon or gets cold that testosterone increases as breeding season is coming those who might be aware of someone who has one to contact us.” in. Then nobody is a buddy. Everybody fights. If they’re used to Sykes said the behavior of wild animals is unpredictable and a human as their buddy during the summer, they don’t care that poses a safety risk to humans. you were their best friend then. It’s ‘all about me’ when rutting "The bottom line, it's a wild animal." Sykes said. "It's not a dog season comes about. They defend their territory and assert their or a cat and they are unpredictable." dominance. Period. “Yeah, they’re cute and cuddly, but it’s a wild animal. You may “Don’t forget that does can be dangerous, too. They can inflict think that specific animal wouldn’t hurt anybody, but you can’t a lot of damage with their flailing hooves.” know that for sure.”

30 www.outdooralabama.com MEEKS’ F a r m s & N u r s e r y, I n c .

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MAJOR CHANGES FOR 2014–2015 servation Enforcement Officer if you have a legal question not • Reduced two doe per day to one. adequately covered in this booklet. • Extend the February Deer Season Zone. • Bag limits on National Forest Service Lands reduced to one GENERAL INFORMATION FOR HUNTING AND FISHING deer per day. To qualify for a resident hunting or fishing license, a person must • Opened remainder of Morgan County for turkey season. be a bona fide resident of Alabama for a minimum of 90 days • Removed prohibition on surpressed firearms for hunting. continuously immediately prior to purchasing any such license • Bag limits decreased for Bobwhite Quail. or be a member of U.S. military stationed in Alabama. For the • Allow Raccoon and Opossum trapping season extensions by purpose of buying hunting and fishing licenses, residency is special permit. • Air Guns, .30 caliber or larger, approved for special muzzleloader season. WHO NEEDS A LICENSE? • No release of feral or domestic hogs. (All feral hogs taken Residency is determined by Driver's License State of Issuance. must be killed on site.) YOU ARE... RESIDENT NONRESIDENT AGE 16–64 16+ INTRODUCTION HUNTING ON LAND No Yes This publication is provided as a popular guide to Alabama hunt- YOU OWN ing and sport fishing laws and regulations. The Code of Alabama FISHING FROM THE BANK (PUBLIC WATERS) WITH and the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book are the No N/A final authorities on laws and regulations relating to hunting and A HOOK & LINE IN THE fishing. Contact the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division, COUNTY YOU LIVE IN District Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Offices or any Con- Stationed in MILITARY STATIONED Alabama Yes (30 days or more) IN ALABAMA may purchase resident license NOTICE: At the time of printing, federal guidelines Home on leave — Purchase of were not final concerning all migratory birds, including MILITARY VISITING No license required nonresident (must have copy of dove season dates. Check www.outdooralabama.com ALABAMA license required for updates prior to September. leave papers)

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32 www.outdooralabama.com MetalFish-FLSP-140300.indd 1 1/16/14 11:39 AM determined by the Driver’s License issuance. Resident and nonresident annual hunting and fishing licenses are valid from September 1 through August 31 each year. Successfully completing an approved hunter education course is mandatory for all hunting license buyers born on or after August 1, 1977, see page 40 for exemptions. Licenses must be in possession while hunting or fishing. A deer and turkey harvest record must be in possession every time a person is hunting deer or turkey. It is unlawful to utilize or possess more than one harvest record. It is illegal to kill or cripple any species of game bird, game animal or game fish without making a reasonable effort to retrieve same and include it in the daily bag or creel limit, except all game fish not meeting legal length regulations, and protected species. An individual should not trail or retrieve game on property they do not have permission to enter. All game bags, hunting coats, camping equipment, live boxes, automobiles and such used in hunting and fishing will be open for inspection by officers of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. BUYING LICENSES DUPLICATE HUNTER EDUCATION CARD Alabama hunting and fishing licenses are available in all sections of the State from approximately 300 special license agents in many Do you need a duplicate Hunter Education Card? You can now obtain a duplicate Hunter Education Card sporting goods stores, marinas, and at all county courthouses. online. Go to www.outdooralabama.com and click on Licenses may also be purchased by mailing completed applica- the hunting/hunter education link to print a duplicate tions, proper payment and copy of driver’s license to Attn: License Hunter Education Card. Sales, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division, 64 N. Union St., Suite 567, Montgomery, AL 36104. For application packet call (334) Please call the Hunter Education Office at (800) 245-2740 242-3465 or e-mail [email protected] or visit if you have questions, or if you are unable to print a our website at www.outdooralabama.com/licenses. It is illegal to temporary card. willfully or knowingly make a false statement to a license agent when purchasing a license. It is also illegal to lend, borrow, sell, buy, rent or use another person’s license to hunt, fish or trap. For the purpose of buying hunting and fishing licenses, residency is determined by the Driver’s License issuance. An Alabama resident without an Alabama driver’s license must present proof of residency to a probate judge or license commissioner to purchase a license. (Excludes all persons with out-of-state driver's license). MIGRATORY BIRD HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM All licensed hunters who hunt doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, coots, ducks, or geese in Alabama are required by Federal law to obtain a Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit prior to hunting. The HIP program provides improved data collection on these species. This will allow hunting seasons for the various species to be set in an objective and efficient manner while maintaining healthy populations. HIP permits are free and are available wherever hunting licenses are sold. It takes a very short time to provide the requested information. In exchange for InsurancE cOVEraGE completing the HIP survey, you will receive proof of certification For your Boat & Equipment which must be in your possession while hunting migratory birds. No matter where you boat and fish, the BoatU.S. GENERAL INFORMATION LICENSE FEES ANGLER Insurance program protects the things

Hunting Licenses: Required for residents 16 years of age and importantPolicies subjectto you.to limits and exclusions. under 65 years of age and nonresidents 16 years of age and older. ttt Residents on active military duty home on leave may hunt and tt Agreed Value coverage Fishing equipment coverage fish without licenses. (State and federal duck stamps are still Broad cruising area Optional fishing guide coverage required when hunting migratory waterfowl. Management Area

t Tournament coverage On Water Towing & Roadside Assistance License and Permit are required when hunting deer or turkey on a wildlife management area.) See Hunter Education on page 40. For a free quote call 866-532-1829 mention priority code 4880 BoatUSAngler.com Licenses are available by calling the toll-free number Policies subject to limits and exclusions. 1-888-848-6887 and online at www.outdooralabama.com.

33 Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest FishingRegs_AL_4c_3.375x4.75.indd 1 5/21/14 10:33 AM License Descriptions & Fees—Hunting

RESIDENT HUNTING LICENSES: Valid: 9/1/14–8/31/15 (unless otherwise indicated) LICENSE CATEGORY TYPE DESCRIPTION/INFO FEE HUNTING LICENSE State: Valid for all legal game, to include deer and turkey. Includes privileges of Wild- $25.75 ** Hunter Education required if license buyer is born on or after August All Game* life Heritage License. 1, 1977. Hunting license buyers have the option to hunt under the State: Valid for all legal game, except deer and turkey. Includes privileges of Wildlife 'supervision required' status in lieu of passing the hunter education $17.15 course. (see page 40) Small Game* Heritage License. 50% PHYSICALLY DISABLED MILITARY State: Present certification by the U.S. Veterans Administration to be 50% or more disabled $13.40 VETERAN'S APPRECIATION HUNTING LICENSE All Game to your local Probate/License Commissioner Office for issuance. 100% PHYSICALLY DISABLED MILITARY State: All Present certification by the U.S. Veterans Administration to be 100% disabled to $3.05 VETERAN'S APPRECIATION HUNTING LICENSE Game your local Probate/License Commissioner Office for issuance. Event must be sanctioned by DCNR Commissioner. Allows up to 10 US military PHYSICALLY DISABLED MILITARY VETERAN'S State: veterans, 50% or more disabled, to hunt on one event license. Must present $129.25 APPRECIATION 3-DAY HUNTING EVENT LICENSE All Game certification by the U.S. Veterans Administration. Allows residents to fish in freshwater statewide with hook and line from the bank, fish in WFF operated Public Fishing Lakes (daily lake permits required), hunt small game, except waterfowl, on WFF WMA (WMA permit required), WILDLIFE HERITAGE LICENSE Annual $10.65 shoot on WFF managed shooting ranges, and support wildlife. These privileges are also included in all resident hunting and freshwater fishing licenses, including lifetime licenses. State — $6.00 DUCK STAMPS Federal Valid: 7/1/14–6/30/15 $15.00 Required for hunting big game (deer or turkey) and waterfowl on Management Ar- eas, in addition to the appropriate hunting license and a Management Area Permit WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LICENSE Annual $17.15 (free). Shooting range users on Wildlife Management Areas are required to have a valid hunting license, the Management Area License, or Wildlife Heritage License. FUR CATCHERS LICENSE Annual 90 day resident proof required. Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15 $21.05 In lieu of a regular hunting license, a resident may purchase for $8.00, plus a $2.00 COMMERCIAL FOWL issuance fee, a 7-day commercial fowl hunting preserve license that allows that 7-Day person the privilege of hunting only artificially propagated or pen-raised fowl on $10.00 HUNTING PRESERVE LICENSE a licensed commercial fowl hunting preserve. Check with the hunting preserve for information. * Residents 64 years of age purchasing a hunting or fishing license are issued the license on a lifetime basis. NOTE: Residents 65 years of age and over are exempt from buying freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses, hunting licenses, wildlife management area license or state duck stamp (federal stamp required), provided said resident has on his person, while hunting or fishing, an Alabama driver’s license or proof of permanent Alabama residence and age. Double J Fencing West Texas Feeder Supply We build a fence to hold’em THE-TIMER Your hunt may be determined by the quality of your timer.

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34 www.outdooralabama.com License Descriptions & Fees—Hunting

NONRESIDENT HUNTING LICENSES Valid: 9/1/14–8/31/15 (unless otherwise indicated) LICENSE CATEGORY TYPE DESCRIPTION/INFO FEE All Game: Valid for all legal game, to $296.40 Annual include deer and turkey. Valid for all legal game, to All Game: include deer and turkey. $183.10 HUNTING 10-Day Trip Valid for 240 consecutive LICENSE hours. ** Hunter Education required if license Valid for all legal game, to All Game: include deer and turkey. buyer is born on or $129.25 after August 1, 1977. 3-Day Trip Valid for 72 consecutive Hunting license hours. buyers have the option to hunt under Small Game: Valid for all legal game, the 'supervision $96.85 required' status in lieu Annual except deer and turkey. of passing the hunter Valid for all legal game, education course. (see Small Game: except deer and turkey. Valid $59.10 page 40) 10-Day Trip for 240 consecutive hours. Valid for all legal game, ex- Small Game: cept deer and turkey. Valid $42.95 3-Day Trip for 72 consecutive hours.

PHYSICALLY Event must be sanctioned DISABLED by DCNR Commissioner. MILITARY Allows up to 10 US military State: veterans, 50% or more VETERAN'S $129.25 All Game disabled, to hunt on one APPRECIATION event license. Must pres- 3-DAY HUNTING ent certification by the U.S. EVENT LICENSE Veterans Administration.

State — $6.00 DUCK STAMPS Federal Valid: 7/1/14–6/30/15 $15.00 TRY A DR® FIELD AND BRUSH MOWER WITH OUR Required for hunting on Man- agement Areas, in addition to the appropriate hunting 6-MONTH TRIAL! WILDLIFE license and a Management Area Permit (free). Shooting MANAGEMENT Annual $17.15 range users on Wildlife Man- AREA LICENSE agement Areas are required to have a valid hunting license or the Management Area License.

Same as nonresident license in applicant’s FUR CATCHERS Annual resident state, please call Varies LICENSE 334-242-3465. Valid: 10/1/14 – 9/30/15 Put one to the test In lieu of a regular hunting on your own property. license, a nonresident may purchase for $8.00, plus a $2.00 issuance fee, CLEAR meadows, CUT 6-foot ﬁ eld a 7-day commercial fowl COMMERCIAL trails, underbrush from grass, saplings 3" hunting preserve license woodlots, pastures. thick, tough brush. FOWL HUNTING that allows that person 7-Day $10.00 PRESERVE the privilege of hunting Tow-Behind CHOP everything LICENSE only artificially propagated Model into small pieces. or pen-raised fowl on a licensed commercial fowl hunting preserve. Check with the hunting preserve for information. 83672X © 2014 Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL FREE For more information on all available licenses, how and 888-213-1252 where to purchase your license and application packets, DRfieldbrush.com visit www.outdooralabama.com/licenses.

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 35 License Descriptions & Fees—Fishing

RESIDENT FISHING LICENSES: Valid: 9/1/14–8/31/15 (unless otherwise indicated) CATEGORY LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTION/INFO FEE Freshwater: Includes privileges of Wildlife Required for residents 16 years of age and $12.85 Annual* under 65 years of age who fish with rod and Heritage License. SPORT FISHING Saltwater: reel, hook and line, or from a boat in public — $22.60 LICENSE Annual* waters. This license is not required to fish with RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE Saltwater: ordinary hook and line, only from bank in Trip licenses are valid for 168 $9.55 7-Day Trip county of legal residence. consecutive hours. YOU CAN TRUST. STATE LAKES DAILY In lieu of a regular fishing license, a resident State Lakes Daily may purchase to fish for 1 day at any WFF Trip is valid for 1 day $6.05 FISHING LICENSE Division owned State Lake. PHYSICALLY DISABLED Event must be sanctioned by DCNR. Allows up to 20 physically disabled persons and their FRESHWATER FISHING Freshwater Trip — $100.00 assistant to fish on one event license. $5.00 for 2014 GRIZZLY 700 FI EPS 3-DAY EVENT LICENSE each additional participate. It not only provides a rock-solid, smooth, comfortable ride, it’s fully loaded: three-position Applications are available at your local On-Command® 4WD, exclusive Ultramatic® transmission with all-wheel engine braking, Resident Probate/License Commissioner Office or — $1.00 improved EPS for even lighter steering and more – making it #1 in off-road capability. (totally disabled) online. Valid for fresh and saltwater. No FRESHWATER expiration date. DISABLED FISHING Present certification by the U.S. Veterans LICENSE Veterans Includes privileges of Wildlife Administration to be 20% or more disabled Appreciation Heritage License. $3.05 to your local Probate/License Commissioner (20% disabled) Office for issuance. 12 month residency proof required. Annual Required for use of any commercial gear. $100.00 Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15 FRESHWATER Required to sell commercial or nongame fish Retail Freshwater Fish COMMERCIAL FISHING direct to the consumer. $11.00 Dealer LICENSE Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15 Wholesale Required to sell commercial or nongame fish for resale. Freshwater $26.00 Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15 Fish Dealer 12 month residency proof required. Catcher $251.00 FRESHWATER MUSSEL Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15 LICENSE 12 month residency proof required. Dealer or Buyer $101.00 Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15 Valid for fresh and saltwater. Must also have SPEAR FISHING Annual $6.00 LICENSE appropriate sportfishing license. * Residents 64 years of age purchasing a hunting or fishing license are issued the license on a lifetime basis. Saltwater fishing license also required when saltwater fishing by use of any artificial bait, fly, lure, gig, cast net, bow, crab trap (five or less) or spear. Game fish may not be caught by any method other than ordinary hook and line, fly, troll, or spinner. The sale or purchase of game fish taken from public water is prohibited by law in Alabama. EF2000iSH INVERTER NOTE: Residents 65 years of age and over are exempt from buying freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses, hunting licenses, wildlife management Our most popular inverter, now outfi tted in RealTree® camo. Powerful, area license or state duck stamp (federal stamp required), provided said resident has on his person, while hunting or fishing, a driver’s license or proof of permanent Alabama residence and age. If fishing in saltwater, residents 65 and over are required to register in the Saltwater Angler Registry each year. portable and retro-cool, delivering maximum effort, it weighs only 44 pounds and features an extra-large handle for easy transport to almost anywhere. RESIDENT LIFETIME LICENSES LICENSE PRIVILEGE (BY AGE) UNDER 2 2–11 12–49 50+ Freshwater Fishing License* $162.70 $216.65 $270.60 $162.70 Hunting License* $324.50 $432.35 $540.10 $324.50 Saltwater Fishing License $270.60 $324.50 $378.40 $270.60 Yamaha ATVs and generators deliver the reliability and performance for peace of mind when you’re Hunting & Freshwater $486.30 $540.10 $755.85 $486.30 Fishing License* deep in the wilderness. Get the gear you can depend on to perform flawlessly. Get a Yamaha. Hunting & Saltwater $594.05 $755.85 $917.65 $594.05 Fishing License* Freshwater & Saltwater $432.35 $540.10 $648.05 $432.35 Fishing License* Hunting, Freshwater & $755.85 $863.70 $1133.30 $755.85 Saltwater Fishing License* yamahaoutdoors.com | yamahamotorsports.com/powerproducts Wildlife Heritage License $216.65 $216.65 $216.65 $216.65 ™ * Includes the privileges of the Wildlife Heritage License. For details, see page 34. Also see Lifetime application form on page 66. Lifetime fishing licenses purchased prior to April 1, 1992 include saltwater. Shown with optional accessories. ATV model shown is recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix; avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on diffi cult terrain. Read Owner’s Manual before operation. Specifi cations 36 www.outdooralabama.com subject to change without notice. ©2013 Yamaha Motor Corporation. U.S.A. All rights reserved. YamahaOutdoors.com

ope8851_hunting_grizzly_ad_8-25x10-75_2b.indd 1 5/30/14 12:36 PM RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE YOU CAN TRUST.

2014 GRIZZLY 700 FI EPS It not only provides a rock-solid, smooth, comfortable ride, it’s fully loaded: three-position On-Command® 4WD, exclusive Ultramatic® transmission with all-wheel engine braking, improved EPS for even lighter steering and more – making it #1 in off-road capability.

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Shown with optional accessories. ATV model shown is recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix; avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on difﬁ cult terrain. Read Owner’s Manual before operation. Speciﬁ cations subject to change without notice. ©2013 Yamaha Motor Corporation. U.S.A. All rights reserved. YamahaOutdoors.com

ope8851_hunting_grizzly_ad_8-25x10-75_2b.indd 1 5/30/14 12:36 PM License Descriptions & Fees—Fishing

NONRESIDENT FISHING LICENSES: Valid: 9/1/14–8/31/15 (unless otherwise indicated)

CATEGORY LICENSE TYPE DESCRIPTION/INFO FEE

Freshwater: — $49.40 Annual

Required for nonresidents 16 years of Freshwater: Trip licenses are valid for 168 consecu- age and older. $27.85 7-Day Trip tive hours. SPORT FISHING Required in any public water regardless of tackle used. LICENSE Saltwater: — $48.40 Annual Special fishing license fees may apply to residents of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, & Tennessee.

Saltwater: Trip licenses are valid for 168 consecu- $26.85 7-Day Trip tive hours.

In lieu of a regular fishing license, a non-resident may purchase to fish STATE LAKES DAILY State Lakes Daily Trip is valid for 1 day $7.05 FISHING LICENSE for 1 day at any WFF Division owned State Lake.

In lieu of a regular fishing license, a STATE LAKES ANNUAL FISHING LICENSE State Lakes Annual non-resident may purchase to fish at Expires August 31 $12.05 any WFF Division owned State Lake.

Allows non-residents to add up to 4 FRESHWATER FISHING FAMILY TRIP LICENSE Freshwater Trip additional immediate family members Trip is valid for 3 days $27.85 to their Sport Fishing License.

Event must be sanctioned by DCNR. PHYSICALLY Allows up to 20 physically disabled DISABLED FRESHWATER FISHING Freshwater Trip persons and their assistant to fish — $100.00 3-DAY EVENT LICENSE on one event license. $5.00 for each additional participate.

Same as nonresident license in applicant’s Freshwater resident state, please call 334-242-3465. Varies Commercial Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15

FRESHWATER Required to sell commercial or nongame fish Retail Freshwater Fish COMMERCIAL direct to the consumer. $11.00 Dealer FISHING LICENSE Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15

Required to sell commercial or nongame fish Wholesale Freshwater Fish for resale. $26.00 Dealer Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15

Includes residents with less than 12 month Catcher $751.00 residency proof. Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15 FRESHWATER MUSSEL LICENSE Includes residents with less than 12 month Dealer or Buyer $301.00 residency proof. Valid: 10/1/14–9/30/15

Annual $8.50 SPEAR FISHING Valid for fresh and saltwater. Must also have appropriate sportfishing license. LICENSE 7-day trip $3.50

38 www.outdooralabama.com QUAIL Hunt in the Field Trial Capital Oct 1–Mar 15 of the World Chiappa 1/2 Day | Full Day | Multi-Day Famous Sweet Home Alabama ATTENTION: 3-Day Quail Tournaments Unlimited Birds (no overage charges) No Cleaning Fees

LICENSE GREAT See your local gun dealer today! SOUTHERN BUYERS OUTDOORS We want to Wildlife Plantation Union Springs, AL | 334.738.5066 Looking for Italian style hear from you! [email protected] and quality in an a ordable GreatSouthernOutdoors.com reproduction handgun? Chiappa delivers both at a The Wildlife & Freshwater DEER price that won’t make you inch. Fisheries Division needs Oct 25–Feb 10 True and faithful reproductions of the originals, your email address so you 8 pt. or larger, 2 does, the Chiappa M9 and 1911-22 are perfect for 2 hogs per 3 days cost-e ective practice. Spend hours - not minutes can participate in official honing your shooting skills or just having fun. Wildlife & Freshwater TURKEY Mar 15–Apr 30 Check ‘em out Fisheries Division surveys! 2 mature gobblers per 3 days today and see if www.MKSChiappa.com Be sure to provide your Home of the Alabama you can resist the World Champion temptation to BOW/GUN take one home! email address when you Bowhunter Tournament 2-Day, 3-Day & buy your license! Dec 1 - 10! Multi-Day Hunts Hunting Regulations & Information

50 YARD RESTRICTION FROM A PUBLIC ROAD of such land, unless accompanied by the landowner or unless a You may not hunt or discharge a firearm within 50 yards of guest of the landowner. the right-of-way of any public road, highway, or railroad with a centerfire rifle, a shotgun using slugs or shot larger than number HUNTING LANDS four (4) shot or a muzzle loading rifle .40 caliber or larger. This Land is divided into two categories: law significantly impacts deer hunters. It is illegal to take any • Private owned and leased land is defined as that which is not action to harvest a deer within the 50 yard restricted area with open to the general public. a weapon or shot listed above. The law was passed by the State • Open permit-public land is defined as governmentally owned Legislature to address safety issues. land open for public hunting and/or lands made available to the public on an individual basis whether for a fee or not. HUNTER EDUCATION Examples of such lands would be National Forest Lands and There are two ways to obtain your hunter education class; an lands owned by lumber or utility companies available for use in person class, also called a traditional class, or an all online by hunters either through free permits, fee permits or no per- internet option. Either option fulfills the hunter education re- mit requirement. quirement needed to purchase your hunting license. The online courses feature the best hunting safety videos avail- LEGAL HUNTING HOURS able, along with interactive learning exercises and games, and Legal hunting hours for game birds during open season are day- comprehensive hunter education content to provide you with the light hours only (except hunting hours for mourning dove; see knowledge and skills necessary to become a safe and responsible page 24). Other migratory game birds and waterfowl are as hunter. The internet course providers do charge a fee for the specified for each species. Game animals may be hunted in open online option. season during daylight hours only, except fox, may be hunted at The traditional hunter education course is a minimum 8 hours night with lights and dogs only, and raccoon and opossum may be of instruction plus a written examination. The course is taught by hunted at night with dogs, lights and rimfire firearm orshotgun Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries person- with No. 6 or smaller shot during open season with written per- nel and volunteer instructors to participants 10 years of age and mission from the landowner. Certain restrictions apply for run- older and is offered free of charge. A list of classes along with ning dogs during spring turkey season (see individual species). more information about hunter education can be found on our websitewww.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education. HUNTER ORANGE REQUIREMENT FOR HUNTING The course includes hunter responsibility, wildlife laws, wild- All persons hunting any wildlife species (except turkey and mi- life management and identification, firearms safety, archery, gratory birds and while hunting legally designated species dur- muzzleloading, basic survival and first aid. Goals of the hunter ing legal nighttime hours) during dates and in areas open by education program include increasing awareness of the impor- regulation to gun deer season, including youth deer season and tance of hunter-landowner relations, hunter behavior, reducing muzzleloader deer season, are required to wear an outer garment accident rates and increasing knowledge of basic wildlife man- above the waist with a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter agement concepts and wildlife laws. orange or either a full-size hunter orange hat or cap. Hunters Successfully completing an approved hunter education course are not required to wear hunter orange when hunting from a is mandatory for all non-supervised hunting license buyers born stand elevated twelve (12) feet or more from the ground, when on or after August 1, 1977, except APOST certified law enforce- hunting in an enclosed box stand, when traveling in an enclosed ment officers employed in the state, active duty U.S. Military vehicle, or when traveling on foot no more than twenty (20) feet personnel and Alabama residents who are active members of directly between an operating enclosed vehicle and a stand where the AL National Guard. Alabama is one of 49 states which has a the hunter is exempt from the hunter orange requirement. The mandatory hunter education program. hunter orange must be worn when traveling on foot between an Hunting license buyers also have the option to hunt under operating enclosed vehicle and exempt stand when the distance the “supervision required” status in lieu of passing the hunter is more than a direct distance of twenty (20) feet. A small logo education course. Hunters under supervision MUST be under and/or printing is permitted on the front of hunter orange caps; normal voice control, not to exceed 30 feet away from a properly otherwise, hunter orange must be of solid color and visible from licensed hunter 21 years of age or older. Under no circumstance any angle. Only hunter orange, commonly called blaze orange shall the supervising person be the holder of a “supervision re- or ten-mile cloth, etc., is legal. The various shades of red, as well quired” license. as camo-orange, are not legal. HUNTING DEFINED WATERFOWL HUNTING Hunting includes pursuing, shooting, killing, capturing and Refer to the Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide and the Wild- trapping wild animals, wild birds, and all lesser acts, such as life & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book, as well as federal disturbing, harrying or worrying, or placing, setting, drawing or regulations, for details on waterfowl hunting requirements and using any device used to take wild animals, wild birds, whether seasons. A September teal and goose season has been scheduled. they result in taking or not, and includes every act of assistance See seasons and bag limits section for information. to any person in taking or attempting to take wild animals or wild birds. REPORT BANDS To properly manage migratory birds, biologists must know HUNTING PERMISSION REQUIREMENT migration patterns, harvest and survival rates, and ecological It is illegal to hunt, trap, capture, injure, kill or destroy any wild processes. Reporting banded bird recoveries will help provide game on another person’s land without having in possession the needed information. All band reports are very important. the written permission of the landowner or person in control Call (800) 327-BAND (2263) to report a recovery or email

40 www.outdooralabama.com Hunting Regulations & Information [email protected]. Your help will greatly benefit quirements to preregister to use the fishing and shooting facilities migratory birds. but those using the hunting sites (see below) must be approved in advance including certification that they meet disability guide- GAME ANIMALS lines. Users must be properly licensed and abide by all laws and The following are designated as game animals in Alabama: bear, regulations. Call (334) 242-3469 for additional information. beaver, coyote, deer, fox, opossum, wild rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, nutria, mountain lion (cougar), red wolf, groundhog, bobcat FURBEARING ANIMALS and feral swine (wild hog). See Protected Species on page 41. The following are designated as furbearing animals in Alabama: beaver, bobcat, fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, otter, GAME BIRDS raccoon, striped skunk and coyote. The following are designated as game birds in Alabama: • Resident species: bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, wild turkey; ARCHERY EQUIPMENT USED FOR HUNTING DEER & TURKEY • Migratory species: wild duck, wild goose, brant, rail, sora, Longbows, including recurve and compound bows, legal for coot, common snipe, woodcock, mourning dove, purple gal- hunting deer and turkey, must have minimum tension (draw linule, common moorhen and merganser. weight) of 35 pounds. Maximum allowable draw reduction (let-off) is 90 percent at full draw. Arrows must be 20-inch mini- PROTECTED SPECIES mum length and equipped with a sharpened broadhead. Broad- All birds except English sparrows, crows, collared doves, starlings heads must have a minimum weight of 100 grains. The minimum and blackbirds (except rusty) are protected by state law. Game cutting diameter for any broadhead shall be ⅞ inch. Expandable birds and game animals may only be taken during open season broadheads shall have a minimum ⅞-inch cutting diameter after for hunting. There is no open season in Alabama for bear, moun- expansion of the broadhead. The minimum thickness for fixed tain lion (cougar) and ruffed grouse. Other wildlife species are blade broadheads shall be .015 inch, and the minimum thickness protected by the nongame species regulation. for expandable broadheads shall be .025 inch. Crossbows (not legal for turkey) must have a minimum peak ALABAMA’S HUNTING & FISHING TRAIL tension of 100 lbs. and must have a working safety. Arrows or FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES bolts must be a minimum of 14 inches in length. Lighted pin Alabama has a statewide network of hunting, fishing, and shoot- sights are legal. Laser sights, attachments and light sources to ing sites for people with physical disabilities. There are no re- project a beam forward of the bow are illegal for hunting.

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 41 Hunting Regulations & Information

Sights with magnification are prohibited on all bows except Forest, Coosa, Freedom Hills, Sam R. Murphy, Oakmulgee, Swan scopes may be used on crossbows. Creek, James D. Martin-Skyline, and Upper Delta Wildlife Man- agement Areas, Etowah Public Shooting Range (Gadsden) and WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS Marengo Public Shooting Range (Linden). Most ranges offer The Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division manages 35 Wild- shooting opportunities from 25 to 100 yards. Ranges are con- life Management Areas (WMAs) to provide public hunting structed with revenue from the sale of hunting licenses, am- opportunities. Consult the Management Area Season Leaflet munition and matching Federal Aid Funds and are utilized by and the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book or recreational shooters, competitive shooters, hunters and other www.outdooralabama.com for hunting dates and regulations shooting enthusiasts. governing hunting on these areas. Before hunting, hunters are Follow all firearms safety and handling rules while utilizing required to have proper hunting licenses and management area public shooting ranges. For more information on shooting ranges, permits. please call the area wildlife biologist or the Hunter Education In addition, WMA hunters must also possess the management Office at (334) 242-3620. A WMA License, hunting license, or area license. Shooting range users on WMAs are required to have wildlife heritage license is required to use the shooting ranges. a valid hunting license, management area license or wildlife heritage license (residents only). For locations, see map on page 56. ALWAYS WEAR A FULL BODY HARNESS Falling from treestands is the leading cause of injuries to hunters DESIGNATED AREAS FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED HUNTERS in Alabama. Injuries from treestand accidents could be mini- Specific areas are reserved primarily for use by physically dis- mized or prevented by wearing a full body harness. Alabama abled hunters. These areas are open to deer hunting on desig- regulations now require all hunters utilizing a treestand on wild- nated days during gun deer season. To hunt these areas, hunters life management areas to wear a full body harness. must possess proper hunting license, certificate of qualification Always use a pull-up rope to pull equipment from the ground to and reserve hunting dates in advance. Application forms and your treestand. Never carry a gun, bow, or other equipment while information on these designated areas are available from the climbing up or down a tree. Always pull guns up to your treestand Wildlife Section, Alabama Department of Conservation and unloaded. The use of portable treestands is highly recommended. Natural Resources, 64 N. Union St., Suite 584, Montgomery, AL Never erect permanent stands without landowner permission. 36104, (334) 242-3469. SALE OF GAME BIRDS & GAME ANIMALS SPECIAL YOUTH HUNTS It is illegal in Alabama to sell any game bird or game animal or Youth who have not yet reached their sixteenth birthday have the any part of the animal, except lawfully taken deer hides, deer opportunity to participate in special hunts. The special deer hunt hooves and squirrel skins, hides and tails. Finished product items is scheduled for the Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday before such as gloves, shoes, clothing, jewelry, tanned deer hides and the opening of gun season. Each youth or youth hunting party similar products may be sold. Exceptions also apply to certain (maximum of 2 youth) must be accompanied by a non-hunting, animals classified as both game animal and furbearing animal. properly-licensed adult 25 years of age or older, or the parent of the youth, and wear hunter orange (adult must also). LIVE DEER AND ELK MAY NOT BE IMPORTED INTO ALABAMA The opportunity for youth to hunt turkey is offered the Satur- It is illegal to import any live member of the deer family (Cervidae) day and Sunday prior to the regular spring season opening days. including deer, elk, caribou, moose, etc. This is our best defense The same regulations apply as for the youth deer hunt, except against diseases that could devastate Alabama’s deer herd. hunter orange does not have to be worn while hunting turkey. Recognizing the serious threat that the illegal transportation A special youth waterfowl hunt is offered statewide. The of live Cervidae into Alabama poses, the Alabama legislature Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide should be referred to for increased the maximum fine for each violation to $5000. Should rules and regulations. you become aware of any live deer being transported within Those interested in any of these special youth hunts should Alabama, it is important to notify the Division immediately. You contact the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division’s Wildlife may call the Game Watch number at (800) 272-4263. Section at (334) 242-3469 for more details. Alabama’s deer herd is an extremely important segment of our wildlife resources. The white-tailed deer is the most popular YOUTH DOVE HUNTS game animal from both a recreational and economic viewpoint. Fields located throughout Alabama will offer exclusive youth This herd, through proper management, has the potential to dove hunts on selected Saturday afternoons beginning on the produce high quality deer. It is extremely important that this opening date. To participate, an adult (25 years of age or older herd receives protection from sources that could cause harm. This or the youth’s parent) must be accompanied by youth(s) less is one reason it is illegal to import deer from outside Alabama. than 16 years old. These hunts are designed to maximize youth Any time a deer is moved, all its bacteria, viruses, diseases and participation and foster mentoring by the adults. Information parasites such as worms and ticks go along. Provisions such advertising the various hunts will be posted locally or you may as “health certificates” do not ensure that animals are disease call the nearest district office for information (see page 2). free. Diseases of concern to our deer populations are unlikely to move into Alabama unless they come here with infected deer. SHOOTING RANGES This risk of disease transmission to our native herd is too great. The Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division recognizes the in- Recent outbreaks of both chronic wasting disease, commonly creased need for public facilities where individuals can safely referred to as CWD, and bovine tuberculosis in other parts of discharge firearms. The Division operates and maintains shoot- the country demonstrate the wisdom of that ban. Many other ing ranges open to the public on Barbour, Black Warrior, William states have recently banned or are in the process of banning the R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River, Choccolocco, Conecuh National importation of deer.

42 www.outdooralabama.com DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM to accommodate hunters, hikers, campers and other outdoor rec- The Alabama Cooperative Deer Management Assistance Program reationists. For further information, contact the Lands Division (DMP) was developed in 1984 to assist those who wish to intensify at (334) 242-3484 (see page 61). deer management on their lands. Over 100 landownerships and hunting clubs covering more than 200,000 acres are enrolled as NONGAME WILDLIFE PROGRAM DMP cooperators. Wildlife biologists are assigned to help coop- Since 1984, the Nongame Wildlife Program has been charged with erators develop deer management plans and harvest strategies. the conservation of the nongame animals of this state—animals that Conservation Enforcement Officers assist with legal aspects of are neither caught, hunted nor trapped. With over 900 nongame the program. Cooperators collect biological information from vertebrate species of animals native to this state, as well as thousands deer taken on their lands each year. Analysis of the data results more invertebrates such as butterflies, crayfish, mussels and snails, in a status report and deer management recommendations which this is a formidable task indeed. Funding for the Nongame Wildlife are provided to each cooperator before the following hunting Program does not include any state general funds—not a penny of season. For more information, contact the nearest Wildlife Sec- taxpayer dollars. Conservationists support the program through tion district office (page 2). the nongame checkoff on state tax returns, direct donations, and from hunting license and wildlife heritage license fees. FOREVER WILD PROGRAM The Forever Wild Program was adopted by Alabama voters in November, 1992, to set aside land for permanent state ownership using a portion of the interest earned on profits from the sale of HUNTER SAFETY RECOMMENDATION offshore natural gas. The land, to be used for hunting, fishing, Many hunters travel to and from their hunting area, camping, outdoor recreation, natural resource protection and re- tree stand, or blind just before dawn and after dusk. It is search and preservation of unique sites, will be acquired from will- recommended that hunters use a small pen light while ing sellers at no taxpayer cost and will belong to you, the public. traveling to and from their stands or hunting area. A small The 15-member Forever Wild Board reviews all nominated red flashing light can be purchased that pins to a hat or tracts for purchase and establishes a priority purchase authoriza- other visible area. Use of a small light will help with the tion. The Forever Wild Program will allow a steadyacquisition problem of identification of hunters during low light effort to build a public land base to meet the needs of Alabama condition. This recommendation does not legalize the use citizens and provide natural resource protection and management of lights to hunt game animals.

Whitt’sDeer Processing

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Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 43 Prohibited Methods Of Hunting

The following are prohibited methods of hunting in the State of Alabama as condensed from railroad with a centerfire rifle, a shotgun the laws and regulations. Consult the Alabama Game, Fish and Wildlife Law Book and the using slugs or shot larger than number Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book for the entire law or regulation. four (4) shot or a muzzle loading rifle .40 or larger.

It is ILLEGAL to: 6. Take a deer, whether dead or alive, from 12. Willfully throw or cast the rays of a spot- 1. Hunt any area where baiting/feeding the waters of this State. light, headlight or artificial light from has occurred until 10 days after all bait/ any motor vehicle while the vehicle is on feed has been removed or consumed. 7. Use live decoys except when hunting any highway or public road and casting unprotected birds or animals. said light on any real property, between 2. Hunt deer or turkey without a deer or the hours of sunset and sunrise. turkey harvest record in his/her posses- 8. Use electronic dove, turkey or water- sion. See page 14. fowl calls. Electronic calls may be used 13. Concentrate, drive, rally, molest, hunt, to call predators during daylight hours take, capture or kill any bird or animal 3. Move any deer or turkey before record- only during open hunting season for from or by the aid of any automobile, ing kill on harvest record that species. ATV, airplane, train, motor boat, sail- boat or any other type mechanically 4. Hunt any game animal or bird with a 9. Hunt by the aid of fire or smoke, wheth- propelled device. Persons may hunt gun or bow and arrow except during er man-made or natural. from a floating craft or motor vehicle daylight hours, with the exception of once the motor is shut off and all for- raccoon and opossum which may be 10. Hunt resident birds or animals on any ward motion has ceased. It is not legal hunted at night as prescribed by law. floodwaters or backwaters, or islands to hunt from a vehicle on a public road. less than 40 acres created by such. 5. Shoot or hunt a turkey from an elevated 14. Use gasoline or other noxious chemi- treestand with a firearm. All other legal 11. Hunt or discharge a firearm from, upon cal to drive wildlife from their burrows, game animals and birds may be taken or across any public road or railroad, or dens or retreats. with a bow and arrow or firearm from the right-of-way of any public road or an elevated treestand. railroad. You may not hunt or discharge 15. Kill unantlered deer except during un- a firearm within 50 yards of the right- antlered deer seasons as set by the Wild- of-way of any public road, highway, or life & Freshwater Fisheries Division.

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44 www.outdooralabama.com Prohibited Methods Of Hunting

16. Hunt wild turkeys with the aid of a dog. and Game Animals, page 42) or any 26. Release any live feral or domestic pig or fish from the genus Clarias, Serrasalmus hog captured by trap or dog. 17. Hunt with dogs during day time or after or Mylopharyngodon. 3:00 a.m. during spring turkey season. 27. Hunt within 100 yards of any dwelling 20. Release any tame or wild turkey into any without the permission of the owner 18. Take or attempt to take or have in pos- of the wild areas of the state. or lessee or discharge a firearm while session more than the daily bag limit hunting so that any projectile strikes of any game bird or animal. Posses- 21. Utilize firearms for hunting deer during any dwelling or building used for human sion limit does not apply to deer and/ the preliminary archery only season, occupation, or any commercial vessel, or turkey provided not more than one except handguns may be possessed for without the permission of the owner deer and/or one turkey is taken on any personal protection. or lessee. This does not apply to a land- one day (except two deer per day, one owner or member of his/her immediate of which may be antlered, may be taken 22. Hunt using laser sights, attachments family hunting on his/her own property during the hunters’ choice gun season). and light sources to project a beam for- provided that no projectile strikes the On DMP lands using valid tags, three ward of a gun or bow, except for legally above property of another without the deer, no more than one of which is an blind hunters. permission of the owner or lessee. antlered buck, may be taken on one day. Possession limit of one day’s bag 23. Hunt using poison, explosives or Many dogs used by hunters in the pursuit limit does not apply to legally taken chemicals to include deer blocks, mo- of game animals accidentally become game birds or animals after they have lasses blocks, mineral blocks, chemical separated from their owners. Hunting been processed or stored in a cooler or licks, and similar products. Deer may be dogs are very valuable to these hunters. It is freezer at home or a commercial pro- hunted over plain salt licks containing generally illegal to kill or injure dogs which cessing plant. no other minerals or chemicals. have intruded onto another’s property and may subject the person to serious criminal 24. 19. Import, possess, sell or offer to sell live: Have in possession any protected live charges. However, it is the responsibility of any species of mongoose, any species of wild bird or wild animal. hunters to ensure their dogs do not infringe wild rabbit or hare and any deer, rac- 25. on other property owners. coon, fox, skunk, coyote, wild turkey Trail wounded game onto prop- or wild rodents from any area outside of erty where the hunter does not have Alabama. (Also, see Sale of Game Birds permission to enter.

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Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 45 s FreshwaterAlabama’ Fishing DISTINCTIVE LICENSE PLATE

Where can I get one? This is a typical re- tial supporters to purchase the “Freshwater hydropower dam through the turbine intake sponse our staff receives from individuals Fishing” license plate before it was available. trash screens, which often results in mortal- after they view the new Alabama Depart- In order to overcome this obstacle, ADC- ity due to water turbulence or actually being ment of Conservation and Natural Resources NR needed to develop a source of funding, struck by the turbines. (ADCNR) “Freshwater Fishing” distinctive since state funds could not be utilized for There are reasonable arguments on both license plate. This colorful license plate de- this purpose. These funds would be used to sides of the issue regarding a hydropower picts a largemouth bass, the state’s official pay each $50 distinctive license plate fee for utility company’s liability for these losses. freshwater fish, and has up to six spaces for interested individuals. This source of fund- Rather than debating the issue and having optional personalization. It replaces the ing would also need to be substantial, since FERC render a decision, ADCNR and APC “Take a Kid Fishing” license plate, which has the cost of reaching the commitment goal agreed to search for an idea that would have been in production since 2006. The “Fresh- totaled $50,000. For this reason, ADCNR a positive influence on Alabama’s aquatic water Fishing” distinctive license plate is cur- approached Alabama Power Company (APC) resources. After negotiations, it was agreed rently available to interested motor vehicle for assistance through a process known as that APC would provide mitigation funds owners at county probate offices statewide hydropower dam relicensing. to ADCNR to compensate for the estimated for an annual fee of $50. ADCNR is pleased APC operates the Martin Dam Hydro- losses of game fish stocked into Lake Martin. to offer this attractive license plate to the power Project under a license issued by the In previous negotiations on this issue, for public, especially since a distinctive license Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the Coosa and Warrior River Hydropower plate must go through a challenging approval (FERC). The process to renew a hydropower Projects, it was agreed that mitigation funds process before it can be produced. license is often complex and requires several would be utilized for aquatic habitat en- The Alabama Department of Revenue years of studies, meetings, and negotiations hancement activities. This particular agree- (ADOR) currently requires 1,000 commit- with resource agencies and the public. Dur- ment will benefit the resource and anglers ments, within a one year period, to ensure a ing this process, FERC requires the licensee for 30 years (license term); however, in the distinctive license plate has adequate support (APC) to evaluate project impacts to aquatic negotiations concerning the Martin Project, before production can begin. This process resources, including fish. One issue typi- ADCNR was looking for an even longer requires the completion of a “Commitment cally evaluated during hydropower dam lasting impact. to Purchase” application and an advanced relicensing is the loss of fish due to entrain- With the approval of Commissioner Gunt- payment of the $50 annual fee. ADCNR staff ment and turbine mortality. Entrainment er Guy, Jr., ADCNR presented APC with realized the difficulty of asking 1,000 poten- is a term used to describe fish entering a the concept of fish entrainment mitigation

46 www.outdooralabama.com

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Try a DR® at Home Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! for 6 Months! Includes product speciﬁ cations and factory-direct offers. Call for details. TOLL FREE 888-213-1252 funds being used for the promotion of the pay the $50 fee, and submit their proof of water Fishing” distinctive license plate to the new “Freshwater Fishing” distinctive license payment receipt to ADCNR for reimburse- citizens of Alabama. A lot of dedicated and plate. APC officials considered this idea and ment or 2) fill out a Power of Attorney form hardworking individuals within ADCNR, recognized the potential long-term value of allowing ADCNR to act on their behalf to ADOR, and APC worked together to make this vision to Alabama’s aquatic resources. It complete the commitment process and pay this happen. License plate sales will provide was therefore agreed that APC would provide the associated $50 fee. a funding source for fisheries programs and ADCNR with $150,000 over a six year period, By August 2013, ADCNR employees began projects as long as vehicle owners choose to not only to fund the initial requirement of promoting the license plate and informing invest in the “Freshwater Fishing” distinctive 1,000 commitments in the first year, but to the public of the commitment process. Store license plate. The Fisheries Section will re- also support future marketing efforts. managers at Bass Pro Shops, Gander Moun- ceive $41.25 from each license plate sold. This After ADCNR had secured funds to assist tain, and Woods & Waters graciously allowed revenue will be used to support the follow- with this process, the license plate design was ADCNR to promote and obtain commit- ing Fisheries Section programs: Habitat En- developed, and an application packet was ments for the new license plate in their stores. hancement and Restoration Team (HEART), submitted to the Legislative Oversight Com- Trade Days at Tannehill State Historical Park Alabama’s Aquatic and Biodiversity Center, mittee. In May 2013, the “Freshwater Fishing” was also a very successful venue utilized by Aquatic Resources Education Program, Bass distinctive license plate was approved and the ADCNR employees for this purpose. Genetic Enhancement Research, Coopera- clock began ticking on obtaining the 1,000 By December 2013, ADCNR had received tive Sport Fish Disease Research, Aquatic commitments. enough completed “Commitment to Pur- Nuisance Species Management, and Sport Prior to kicking off a promotional cam- chase” applications and Power of Attorney Fish Propagation. paign to begin obtaining commitments, a forms to exceed the goal of 1,000; however, If you would like to support ADCNR in substantial amount of planning and prelimi- ADCNR was not able to submit the applica- this endeavor, please consider purchasing nary work had to be completed. Numerous tions until February 2014 due to changes in the “Freshwater Fishing” distinctive license internal meetings were held in order to for- ADOR’s application process. Once the appli- plate. Additional information can be ob- mulate a plan to move forward. A decision cations were submitted, ADOR ordered the tained at ADCNR’s webpage: http://www. was made to offer two options for the first printing of the “Freshwater Fishing” distinc- outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish- 1,000 vehicle owners to commit to purchase tive license plate and they became available tag or ADOR’s webpage: http://revenue.ala- the “Freshwater Fishing” distinctive license to Alabama residents on May 1, 2014. bama.gov/motorvehicle/freshwater.cfm. For plate: 1) fill out a “Commitment to Purchase” It was a real challenge for ADCNR to information via phone, contact the ADCNR application at their county probate office, reach this milestone of providing a “Fresh- Fisheries Section office at (334) 242-3471.

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Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 49 Fishing Regulations & Information

SEASONS All public streams, lakes and ponds are open to fishing throughout the year except some state-owned and managed public fishing lakes. It is illegal to fish in private waters without permission from the owners. PRIVATE LANDS AND WATERS It is illegal to fish in public waters on or from posted private land without the owner’s permission. MEANS OF CATCHING GAME FISH

It is illegal to take, catch or kill, or attempt to take, catch or kill istockphoto.com/photographer3431 © any game fish by any means other than ordinary hook and line, artificial lure, live bait, troll or spinner in any of the public waters of this State. It is unlawful to use electrical devices, explosives, support. If your club is not participating, but would like to, you poisons or firearms to take fish of any species from these waters. simply need to complete and mail a B.A.I.T. card following each tournament. All clubs that participate are included on our mail- GAME FISH ing list and receive a copy of the Annual Report. The following shall be named and designated as game fish in The B.A.I.T. program has proven to be a significant aid to Wild- Alabama: rainbow trout, all members of the sunfish family to life and Freshwater Fisheries Division biologists in their efforts to include: largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, shoal, and those manage the state’s reservoirs. The benefits to all bass anglers and species formerly known as “redeye” bass, which are now known to our reservoir bass resources are expected to continue, thanks separately as Coosa, Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa, and Chat- to the cooperation and enthusiasm of bass clubs participating as tahoochee bass, based on their respective drainages and the members of the Bass Anglers Information Team. To enter your Alabama bass which was formerly known as spotted bass in club in the B.A.I.T. program or for more information, including the Mobile drainage; those fish commonly referred to as bream a copy of the Annual Report, contact the Wildlife and Freshwater which include rock bass, flier, shadow bass, warmouth, redbreast, Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3882 or Damon.Abernethy@dcnr. bluegill, longear, and redear (shellcracker); black and white crap- alabama.gov. Information about the B.A.I.T. program is also pie; all members of the temperate bass family to include: saltwa- available at the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division web ter striped, white, and yellow bass and any hybrids thereof; all site, www.outdooralabama.com. members of the pike family to include chain, redfin, and grass pickerel; the following members of the perch family: sauger (jack), CREEL AND POSSESSION LIMITS AND SIZE LIMITS walleye, and yellow perch. Detailed information on creel and possession limits and size limits is provided on page 58. Please familiarize yourself THE BASS ANGLERS INFORMATION TEAM (B.A.I.T.) PROGRAM thoroughly with this information. You should also notice B.A.I.T. is a voluntary partnership between bass clubs and the that size limits for the various fish species are not the same Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (ADWFF). on all public waters. Be sure and check this information for The intent of the program is to summarize information on bass each body of water you plan to fish. Should you have questions, fishing. This information is of great value to us in the manage- you may contact any Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division ment of reservoir bass populations. It is used by participating Fisheries Biologist or Conservation Enforcement Officer or call clubs to select tournament locations. (334) 242-3471 for assistance. Following a bass tournament, a club member fills out a data form on the back of a postcard (B.A.I.T. card) that pro- USE OF BREAM FOR BAIT vides details regarding the tournament format, the number of All species of bream may be used as bait as long as a person does participants, and the numbers and weight of bass weighed-in. At not have in his possession total bream numbers in excess of the the end of each year, the results are compiled and analyzed for daily creel limit, regardless of size, and they are harvested legally. every Alabama reservoir, and a report is published. Other native game fish may not be used for bait. The B.A.I.T. Report ranks each reservoir based on five fishing quality indicators and determines an overall ranking. Reservoirs SALE OF GAME FISH that rank at or near the top in several quality indicators in the It is unlawful to sell or purchase any game fish from Alabama same year have exceptional or outstanding bass fisheries. We or in Alabama from another state except (1) game fish raised in try to present this information in a way that is most useful to hatcheries and sold for stocking ponds and lakes; (2) non-native bass anglers. game fish (trout, salmon, etc.) raised for human consumption The B.A.I.T. Report is used by ADWFF fisheries biologists, in or (3) largemouth bass, shellcracker, yellow perch and bluegill combination with their reservoir surveys, as the basis for fisheries bream raised in farm ponds, which may be sold under permit management decisions. B.A.I.T. data allows biologists to identify from the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division. Contact your trends in bass populations and helps them better understand the local District Office (page 2). mechanisms that influence fish populations. All bass anglers need to recognize that they have an opportu- TROTLINES nity to participate in the process of managing this extraordinarily It is illegal to (1) fish trotline or snag line within 25 feet of the valuable resource. Tell your fellow club members and tournament bank unless the end of line is tied or anchored with at least six directors their participation is needed. If your club is already feet of 100 percent cotton line (untreated), and (2) fish a trotline, participating in this program, we thank you for your continued snag line, set line, commercial fishing net, slat boxes or wire

50 www.outdooralabama.com Fishing Regulations & Information baskets within one-half mile below any lock, dam or powerhouse. Nonresidents fishing trotlines are limited to 100 hooks total. ANNUALLY, HUNTING & FISHING— WIRE BASKETS BIG BUSINESS IN ALABAMA Wire baskets may be used only in certain counties to harvest • Economic Impact of Hunting & Freshwater Fishing: nongame fish for personal consumption only. Persons holding $2.2 Billion (Hunting $1.8B; Freshwater Fishing $780M) a commercial fishing license may not fish with wirebaskets. No fish taken in wire baskets may be sold or offered for sale. All • Direct Expenditures from Hunting & Freshwater Fishing: game fish taken in thebaskets must be immediately returned to $1.7 Billion (Hunting $1.2B; Freshwater Fishing $514M) the water. All baskets must be clearly marked with the valid wire • Sales Tax Paid to the State of Alabama basket license number and name of person using and owning from Hunting & Freshwater Fishing Expenditures: the basket. It is illegal for any one person to fish with more than $155 Million (Hunting $104M; Freshwater Fishing $51M) four wire baskets. Consult the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book or local Conservation Enforcement Officer (see District Offices, page 2) to determine number of baskets and locations where wire baskets are legal. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE from www.outdooralabama.com GIGS OR GRABBLING Commercial or nongame fish may belegally taken by gigs or by • Biology and Management of White-tailed Deer in Alabama grabbling by hand by persons possessing a valid sport fishing license. • Effective Food Plots for White-tailed Deer in Alabama • Ecology and Management of the Bobwhite in Alabama FILLETING FISH • The Wild Turkey in Alabama It is unlawful to fillet a fish while fishing or to possess fillets of fish while on public waters, except when fish are being prepared • Feral Hog Management • Sportfish Management in Alabama Ponds (includes videos) Continued on page 52. • Field Guide to Aquatic Plants of Alabama

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 51 Fishing Regulations & Information for immediate cooking and consumption; provided, however, of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife & Freshwater that the fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached. Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3471. SPEARFISHING PUBLIC WATER STOCKING The spearing of nongame or commercial fish solely for the pur- It shall be unlawful to intentionally stock or release any fish, pose of sport in all waters of this state, both fresh and salt, is mussel, snail, crayfish or their embryos, including bait fish, legal provided that the person engaged in the act of spearing is into the public waters of Alabama under the jurisdiction of the completely submerged and possesses the appropriate sport fish- Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries as provided in ing and spearfishing licenses. This license is issued by the Wild- Rule 220-2-.42 except those waters from which it came without life & Freshwater Fisheries Division, Marine Resources Division the written permission of a designated employee of the Depart- and online. For more information and application packet, call ment of Conservation and Natural Resources authorized by the (334) 242-3465 or visit our website at www.outdooralabama.com. Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries to issue such permit. The provisions of this rule shall not apply to SNAGGING the incidental release of bait into the water during the normal It is unlawful to take fish by snagging on the Chattahoochee River process of fishing. or its impoundments, the Tennessee River or its impoundments, and State-owned public fishing lakes. LIFE JACKET REQUIREMENTS BELOW DAMS It is unlawful for any person to operate any vessel on the waters BOWFISHING EQUIPMENT of Alabama within 800 feet below a hydroelectric dam and/or Any longbow, straight or recurve, crossbow or compound bow navigation lock and dam unless each person aboard, including may be used for bowfishing; only solid fiberglass or solid metal the operator, is wearing a securely fastened U.S. Coast Guard arrows may be used or in possession. Barbed bowfishing heads approved personal flotation device Type I, II, III or V. shall not have sharpened cutting surfaces. Heads shall be designed so that the barbs may be reversed or removed to permit PUBLIC BOATING ACCESS AREAS removal of the arrow from the fish. One end of a line having a Public access areas include state-owned and/or operated boat minimum breaking strength of forty (40) pounds, and a mini- launching ramps, associated parking lots, piers and any real or mum length of forty (40) feet must be attached to the arrow be- personal property within the boundaries of such areas. Such ing used, and the other end of the line must be attached to the public access areas are for the uses of pleasure boating, hunting bow or some type of reel which is attached to the bow. Licensed and fishing. Picnicking is allowed only where tables are provided. sport fishermen may take any of the following fish at any time The following is a synopsis of regulations for use of such areas, by bowfishing: shad, white amur, shark,mullet, or any fish des- and is intended as a general guide for the boating public. Please ignated as commercial or nongame except sturgeon, paddlefish refer to the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book for or other protected species, provided however, that only one al- specific interpretation. ligator gar per person per day may be taken. Consult the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book for special bowfishing AT PUBLIC BOATING ACCESS AREAS, IT IS ILLEGAL TO: regulations and exceptions. • Litter • Camp or build fires TAKING MINNOWS AND SHAD FOR BAIT • Loiter It is legal for licensed anglers to take minnows, shad, and cer- • Discharge firearms, except as otherwise provided by law tain suckers from certain public waters by the use of a cast net, • Consume alcoholic beverages minnow jug, minnow basket, not to exceed 24 inches in length, • Swim, dive, jump or sunbathe within 50 yards of any ramp 12 inches in diameter, with funnel entrance not more than one or pier inch in diameter, dip net or minnow seine, the length of which • Block ramp, pier or the approach with vehicles or trailers shall not exceed 25 feet and the width or depth of which shall not • Operate any unlicensed vehicle such as ATVs, except those exceed 4 feet for the purpose of taking shad or minnows for the driven by mobility impaired persons in accordance with exclusive use as fish bait. No seines may be used in un-impounded the Americans with Disabilities Act. tributary streams and creeks. All game fish and all commercial • Solicit, sell, advertise or install signs or nongame fish taken by nets or seines must be immediately • Destroy, damage, cut or remove any tree, bush, shrub, plant returned to the water from whence they came with the least or flower possible injury. Dip nets may be used to land legally caught fish. • Operate commercial, industrial or construction equipment such as barges without written approval obtained from the MUSSEL HARVEST FOR BAIT Fisheries Section, 64 N. Union St., Suite 551, Montgomery, Licensed anglers may use their hands, a rake or dip net not wider AL 36104. than 24 inches to collect the Asiatic Clam Corbicula for fish bait. All other state laws apply and are enforced on public access ZEBRA MUSSEL ALERT areas. Boating access information is available online at: The zebra mussel is an exotic species of freshwater mussel that www.outdooralabama.com. has colonized many Southern bodies of water, including the Tennessee River system. These mussels can disrupt freshwater COMMERCIAL FISHING food chains and may cause major changes in some fish popula- This pamphlet covers only freshwater sport fishing laws and regu- tions. Boaters are one of the major contributors to the spread of lations. For information on freshwater commercial fishing or zebra mussels from infested to uninfested waters. To report zebra musseling, visit our website at www.outdooralabama.com/licenses, mussel sightings or for more information, contact: Alabama Dept. call (334) 242-3465 or visit the nearest District Office (page 2).

52 www.outdooralabama.com Fishing Regulations & Information

COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM operator’s license, can only operate if an adult 21 years old or In 1995, a major initiative to bring fishing opportunities to ur- older with a vessel operator’s license in possession, is onboard ban dwellers became a reality when the Division launched the and seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if Community Fishing Program in cooperation with Alabama necessary. A licensed operator, 14 years old or older, may legally municipalities. Recognizing the shift in population from rural operate without supervision. Possession of a certificate of comple- to urban areas, the program promotes fishing as wholesome fun tion for a boating course is not a vessel license. for youth in Alabama cities and towns. From small communities to sprawling metropolitan areas, towns and cities throughout the BOATING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTS State are all eligible to participate. Non-residents 12 years old and older, may operate on Alabama The Division partners with local communities or civic groups. waters up to 45 days per calendar year without obtaining a ves- The Division provides expertise, block off nets and loaner tackle. sel operator’s license. However, operators 12 or 13 years old, can Communities and/or civic groups provide a location, volunteers only operate if an adult 21 years old or older who either has a and fish. The result is a lot of fun for everyone. Community events vessel operator’s license in possession or who falls under the 45 attracting participants are proof of the success of this program. day exemption period, is onboard and seated in a position to To learn how to have a community fishing event in your commu- take immediate control of the vessel if necessary. If operating nity, contact your local district fisheries supervisor or Doug Darr, a vessel for more than 45 days, the non-resident must get an Fisheries Section, 64 N. Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator’s License. Non-residents (334) 242-3884. Our web address is www.outdooralabama.com. who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state, may use that in lieu of the Alabama Non-Resident BOATING OPERATOR LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Vessel Operator’s License. The Roberson-Archer Act and The Boating Safety Enhancement For information on obtaining a vessel operator’s license, see Act of 2001 mandates that no one under the age of 12 may operate page 60, contact the Marine Police Division at (334) 242-3673, a motorized vessel, and that every vessel operator be licensed and or visit www.outdooralabama.com and click on Boating. have the license in possession at the time of operation. SALTWATER FISHING BOATING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALABAMA RESIDENTS For information on saltwater fishing license requirements, size Must be 12 years old or older, but cannot operate alone until the and possession limits, contact the Marine Resources Division, age of 14. Operators 12 or 13 years old, after obtaining the vessel PO Drawer 458, Gulf Shores, AL 36547, (251) 968-7576. Continued on page 54.

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Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 53 Fishing Regulations & Information

POND MANAGEMENT Ponds provide more fishing opportunities than most types of wa- YOUR FISHING AND HUNTING LICENSE DOLLARS ters in Alabama. Alabamians utilizing ponds for fishing provide FUND FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAMS needed funding for sport fish restoration. There are more than AND ARE IMPORTANT TO ALABAMA. 275,000 fish ponds in Alabama. Manmade fish ponds greatly allevi- ate the fishing pressure on our public streams and lakes. Therefore, the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division is vitally interested How many licenses does it take? in this popular resource. Proper stocking and management will • 2,333 Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses provide years of excellent fishing for bass, bluegill and shellcracker. Purchases 1 Fish Stocking Truck Sustaining good fishing in ponds requires proper design, stocking with appropriate fish species and ongoing fish man- • 3 Resident Hunting Licenses Purchases agement. Ponds should be thought of as gardens because all the 20 Gallons of Gasoline basic gardening principles also apply to pond management. • 3,458 Resident Hunting Licenses Technical assistance is also provided to pond owners at no Constructs 1 Shooting Range cost regarding proper management practices such as fertilization, liming, weed control and fish harvest. These management • 20,833 Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses Constructs 1 Boat Ramp with Parking practices are essential to maintaining good fishing in ponds. In particular, proper fertilization results in an abundant food sup- • 1,000 Resident Fishing or 500 Resident Hunting Licenses ply for bass and bream, ensuring that they will be abundant and pay for the Training of One Conservation Enforcement in good condition. Contact a Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Officer at the Alabama Peace Officers Academy Division Office for assistance (page 2).

FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES NON-NATIVE AQUATIC PLANTS Fish from almost all waters in Alabama are safe for It is prohibited to introduce, place or cause the introduction human consumption. For those few locations of or placement of any non-native aquatic plant into any public concern, fish consumption advisories are provided by waters of the State. For further information, contact the local the Alabama Dept. of Public Health. For a current list of District Fisheries Biologist (see page 2). advisories call: (800) 201-8208 or visit www.adph.org.

Alabama Hunter Safety Certiﬁcation The choice is yours

ONLINE COURSES The online courses feature the best hunting safety videos available, along with interactive learning exercises and games, and comprehensive hunter education content to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a safe and responsible hunter. The internet course providers do charge a fee for the online option.

TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM COURSES The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division continues to offer traditional classroom courses free of charge. A list of classes along with more information about hunter education can be found on our website.

www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education

54 www.outdooralabama.com Public Fishing Lakes

State-owned public fishing lakes include all land and waters under the direct supervision of the Fisheries Section of the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division. The lakes are as follows:

PUBLIC FISHING LAKE MANAGER LAKE PHONE # CLOSED DAYS

Barbour County Lake Ray Windham (334)775-1054

Bibb County Lake Cindy Holder (205) 938-2318

Chambers County Lake Kenneth Holt (334) 864-8145 Northern Plains Outfitters, Inc. is nestled in the rolling prairies and vast corn fields of beautiful Northeast South Clay County Lake Gene Simmons (256) 488-0038 Dakota. We offer some of the finest Pheasant Hunting, Archery Whitetail Hunting and South Dakota Bison Coffee County Lake City of Elba (334) 897-6833 Hunting to be found anywhere in the World!

Crenshaw County Lake Thomas Lewis (334) 360-0974

Dale County Lake Keith Stinson (334) 774-0588 State-owned public fishing Dallas County Lake Anthony Fail (334) 874-8804 605-380-9971 lakes are typically open six www.NorthernPlainsOutfitters.com days a week from February 1 through June 30 each year. DeKalb County Lake Lee Biddle (256) 657-1300 From July 1 until November 30, some lakes are only open Escambia County Lake To be determined five days a week. During the months of December and January, many lakes Fayette County Lake Joyce Harkins (205) 932-6548 are closed or operate on a limited basis. Information and schedules may change Geneva County Lake Daniel Drake (334) 360-5906 without notice, so please call the Lake Manager or the appropriate Wildlife and Lamar County Lake Kathy Parker (205) 695-8283 Freshwater Fisheries District Office for the current operat- Bass • Crappie • Blue Gill • Stripe ing schedule. In Your Local Stores or Contact Us Lee County Lake To be determined 800-762-4701; www.sliderfishing.com “Finessee Fishing Began Here” Madison County Lake Allen Smallwood (256) 776-4905 ***Free Catalog***

Marion County Lake Mickey Goggans (205) 921-7856

Monroe County Lake Brenda Craft (251) 789-2104 NOTE All anglers 12 years old and older must have Closed – to reopen Summer Pike County Lake a valid permit in possession to legally fish. of 2016 - (334) 347-9467 No child younger than 12 years old can legally be left unaccompanied by an adult at Walker County Lake Charlie Skalnik (205) 221-1801 a public fishing lake. All daily creel, possession and size limits are posted at each lake. Washington County Lake Francis Morgan (251) 846-2512 Fishing time is limited to daylight hours or as specified by lake manager. No method other than hook and line with natural or IT IS ILLEGAL TO artificial bait may be used at public fishing • Stock fish into public fishing lakes, including minnows used as legal bait lakes. All anglers must exhibit their catch, • Sell fish caught from public fishing lakes fishing permit and fishing license to Con- • Use any minnow as bait except for goldfish, shiners or toughies (fatheads) servation Officer or Lake Manager upon de- • Operate gasoline outboard motors except where permitted mand. All fish must be carried to the Lake • Camp (except where permitted), swim, wade or use sailboats Manager who must count and weigh them. • Launch any boat without a permit All state lakes are designated as wild- • Be unruly or disorderly life sanctuaries. Following is a synopsis of • Solicit, sell or advertise regulations for state-owned public fishing • Remove shrubs, wildflowers, trees or plants lakes and is intended as a general guide. • Deface or destroy state property Please refer to the Wildlife & Freshwater • Exceed posted speed limits Fisheries Regulation Book for complete • Operate unlicensed vehicles such as ATVs regulations. • Hunt, trap, pursue, catch or sell any wild bird or wild animals • Fish without a permit if age 12 or older

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 55 Wildlife Management Areas, Shooting Ranges & State Fishing Lakes

STATE FISHING LAKES

MAP LOCATION COUNTY

A Barbour County

B Bibb County

C Chambers County

D Clay County

E Coffee County

F Crenshaw County

Dale County G (Ed Lisenby Public Lake)

H Dallas County

I DeKalb County

Escambia County J (Leon Brooks Hines Public Lake)

K Fayette County

L Geneva County

M Lamar County

N Lee County Lake

O Madison County

P Marion County

Q Monroe County

R Pike County (Closed)

S Walker County

Washington County T (J. Emmett Wood Public Lake)

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56 www.outdooralabama.com Wildlife Management Areas, Shooting Ranges & State Fishing Lakes

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS & SHOOTING RANGES INCLUDES MAP LOCATION MANAGEMENT AREA FOREVER WILD ACREAGE* NEAREST TOWN HUNTED LANDS 1 Autauga 370 Prattville DOVE** 2 Barbour Yes 28,199 Clayton BG-SG-SR 3 Black Warrior 91,263 Moulton BG-SG-SR 4 Blue Spring 24,783 Andalusia BG-SG 5 Choccolocco 56,858 Heflin BG-SG-SR 6 Coosa Yes 22,988 Rockford BG-SG-SR 7 Crow Creek Refuge 3,346 Stevenson BG-SG 8 Crow Creek 2,069 Stevenson BG-SG-WF 9 David K. Nelson 8,308 Demopolis WF-BG-SG 10 Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin 17,632 Citronelle BG-SG 11 Fred T. Stimpson 5,361 Rockville Youth Deer Only 12 Freedom Hills Yes 31,828 Cherokee BG-SG-SR 13 Geneva State Forest 6,739 Kinston BG-SG 14 Grand Bay Savanna Yes 5,151 Grand Bay BG-SG 15 Hollins 28,802 Hollins BG-SG 16 James D. Martin-Skyline Yes 60,444 Scottsboro BG-SG-SR 17 Lauderdale Yes 20,351 Waterloo BG-SG 18 Little River Yes 13,100 Centre BG-SG 19 Lowndes Yes 13,962 White Hall BG-SG-WF 20 Mallard-Fox Creek 1,742 Decatur WF-SG 21 Mobile-Tensaw Delta & W.L. Holland Yes 51,040 Spanish Fort WF-BG-SG 22 Mud Creek 8,003 Scottsboro WF-SG-BG 23 Mulberry Fork Yes 35,260 Tutwiler BG-SG 24 North Sauty Refuge 5,009 Scottsboro BG-SG 25 Oakmulgee 44,500 Moundville BG-SG-SR 26 Perdido River Yes 17,337 Gateswood WF-BG-SG 27 Raccoon Creek Yes 8,507 Stevenson WF-SG-BG 28 Riverton Yes 6,631 Cherokee BG-SG 29 Sam R. Murphy 17,625 Guin BG-SG-SR 30 Scotch 19,480 Coffeeville BG-SG 31 Seven-Mile Island 4,685 Florence WF-SG 32 Swan Creek 8,870 Decatur WF-SG-SR 33 Upper Delta Yes 42,451 Stockton WF-BG-SG-SR 34 William R. Ireland, Sr. - Cahaba River Yes 40,504 West Blocton BG-SG-SR 35 Forever Wild Gothard-AWF Yates Lake Yes 5,493 Tallassee BG-SG 36 Conecuh National Forest Dixie SR 37 Etowah Public Shooting Range Gadsden SR 38 Marengo Public Shooting Range Linden SR

* Acreage current as of May 2014 ** Open for Falconry also. BG Big Game: Deer & Turkey RECORDS OF ALABAMA’S WHITE-TAILED DEER SG Small Game: Squirrel, Rabbit, Quail, Dove, etc. WFF has a new records and recognition program for white-tailed deer killed WF Waterfowl in Alabama, the Records of Alabama’s White-tailed Deer (RAWD). The program SR Shooting Range allows Alabama’s deer hunters to compare deer taken in their region to other areas of Alabama, as well as other states in the Southeast. It also showcases the quality animals produced by management efforts and strategies within Alabama. Contact your nearest ADWFF Office or visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information on the RAWD program.

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 57 Fishing Daily Creel, Possession & Size Limits

The creel and possession limits for fish in all public waters of this state, except as otherwiseprovided for certain State and Federally owned and/or managed fishing lakes and ponds, shall be as follows: SPECIES DETAILS LIMIT Includes combinations of largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama, shoal and those species formerly known as “redeye” bass, which are now known separately as Coosa, Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa and Chattahoochee bass, based on their respective drainages. The Alabama bass Black Bass 10 was formerly known as spotted bass in the Mobile drainage. No more than 5 of the daily creel limit of 10 may be smallmouth bass. See exceptions for shoal bass in specific tributaries of the Chattahoochee River. It shall be illegal to take or attempt to take walleye by any method from Sweetwater Lake located in the Talladega National Forest, Cleburne County, from White Plains Lake (also known as Whitesides Mill Lake), Calhoun County and from Shoal Creek upstream of White Plains Lake, Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. It shall also be illegal to take or attempt to take walleye by any Walleye 2 method from Lake Mitchell on the Coosa River between Mitchell Dam and Lay Dam or from its tributary streams; Walnut Creek in Chilton County, Hatchet Creek in Coosa and Clay Counties and Weogufka Creeks in Coosa County. Any walleye taken in these lakes or streams shall immediately be released back into the waters from which they were taken with least possible harm. Sauger It is illegal to possess any Sauger less than 14 inches in total length. 5 White Bass — 15 Yellow Bass — 15 Saltwater Striped Bass No more than five of the 15 may exceed 22 inches in total length. See exceptions for Lewis Smith, 15 and Hybrids or Combinations Inland, Yates, and Thurlow reservoirs and Lake Martin. It is illegal to possess any Crappie less than nine inches in total length taken from Alabama public waters, including Aliceville Reservoir and Pickwick Reservoir. Waters exempt from the nine-inch Crappie Crappie limit include impoundments less than 500 surface acres, and the reciprocal waters of the 30 Chattahoochee River and Impoundments and their tributaries, Bear Creek Reservoir (Big Bear Lake of the B.C.D.A. Lakes), Lake Jackson at Florala and Weiss Reservoir. See exception for Weiss Reservoir. It is illegal to possess more than one (1) catfish over 34 inches in total length taken from Alabama public waters. No blue or flathead catfish over 34 inches in total length may be transported live beyond the boundaries of this state unless permitted in writing by the Com- Catfish missioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This size limit shall not << See details apply for harvest of blue catfish and flathead catfish from river basins where blue catfish and flathead catfish are not native. These river basins include the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee Rivers. Bream — 50 It shall be unlawful to cull from the creel any trout caught from the Sipsey Fork from Lewis Smith Dam downstream to the confluence with the Mulberry Fork. Culling is defined as re- Rainbow Trout 5 moving and releasing a trout from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) whether or not it is replaced with another trout. Alligator Gar — 1 Includes Common Snapping, Painted, Eastern Chicken, River Cooter, Florida Cooter, Pond Turtles Slider, Eastern Mud, Loggerhead Musk, Stinkpot and all species of Softshells. Taking of turtles 2 is limited to personal use only. Commercial use prohibited.

IMPORTANT NOTES • The creel and possession limits provided for above shall not Good Fishing Depends on apply to fish held live for release by the sponsor or its designated Clean Water agent after a bona fide fishing tournament provided they are released unharmed to the public waters from which they were Many of our rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are experiencing taken as soon as reasonably possible on the same day they were algae blooms that cover our favorite fishing spots with green slime taken. This does not obligate the sponsor or its designated agent and cause fish kills and “dead zones” where no aquatic life can survive. The cause is usually nitrogen and phosphorus pollution to release dead or dying fish. that comes from farm and lawn fertilizers, septic systems, animal • Total length of fish measured from the front of the mouth to waste, and sewage treatment plants. Everyone can do their part the tip of the tail with both mouth and tail closed. for clean water by reducing fertilizer use, preserving plants along • It is a violation of Alabama law for any person to transport shorelines, and picking up pet waste. Supporting water quality protection supports great fishing! more than one day’s creel limit of any species of fish beyond the boundaries of this state. It is a violation of Alabama law Learn more at for any person to fillet freshwater fish while on public waters epa.gov/nutrientpollution except when fish are being prepared for immediate cooking and consumption, provided however, that fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached. • It shall be unlawful for any angler to fish with more than three rods and reels, or poles, or any combination thereof on Weiss Reservoir or Neely Henry lakes at any time. • There is no closed season on any freshwater game fish.

58 www.outdooralabama.com SIZE LIMITS As provided for above, as posted in State and Federally owned and/or managed public fishing lakes and ponds, and as follows:

Chattahoochee River Tributaries - It is illegal to possess shoal bass in Little Uchee, Uchee, Osanippa, Halawakee and Wacoochee creeks.

Demopolis Reservoir - It is illegal to possess any black bass less than 14 inches in total length.

Guntersville Reservoir and Its Tributary of Town Creek - It is illegal to possess any largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length.

Harris Reservoir - It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass between 13 inches and 16 inches in total length.

Lake Jackson at Florala - Creel limit of five black bass greater than 12 inches in total length. Only one of the five can be over 22 inches in total length.

Inland Reservoir - It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length.

Lewis Smith Reservoir - It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit. It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. Cull- ing is defined as removing and releasing a saltwater striped bass from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) whether or not it is replaced with another striped bass.

Lewis Smith Reservoir - It is illegal to possess any black bass between 13 inches and 15 inches in total length unless permitted in writing by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Little Bear Creek Reservoir of the B.C.D.A Lakes – It is illegal to possess largemouth bass between 13 inches and 16 inches in total length.

Lake Martin - It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit. It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any Weiss Reservoir - It is illegal to possess crappie less than 10 inches saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. Culling is in total length. defined as removing and releasing a saltwater striped bass from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler or other container) West Point Reservoir and its Tributaries - It is illegal to possess whether or not it is replaced with another striped bass. any largemouth bass less than 14 inches in total length.

Pickwick Reservoir - It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass Wheeler Reservoir - It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length. less than 15 inches in total length.

Thurlow Reservoir - It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater Wilson Reservoir and Its Tributaries of Big Nance and Town striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel Creeks - It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length. inches in total length.

Walter F. George Reservoir (Lake Eufaula) and its Tributaries Yates Reservoir - It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater - It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass less than 14 inches in striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel total length. limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length.

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 59 Boating Safety Regulations

LIGHTS RECKLESS OPERATION Operators of all vessels must comply with the requirements for the It is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless manner upon the type and use of lights when anchored or underway from sunset to waters of this state. A person is guilty of reckless operation when sunrise, or during times of limited visibility. he operates any vessel or manipulates any water skis or any other marine transportation device upon the waters of this state in a PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (LIFE PRESERVERS) willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property Vessels less than 16 feet in length will have aboard a Type I, II, III at a speed or in a manner to endanger or likely to endanger life or or V personal flotation device for each person. Vessels 16 feet and limb or property or cause injury to any person. over in length shall have aboard a U. S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device for eachperson and at least CARELESS OPERATION one Type IV on board as a throwable device. The Type V personal It is unlawful to operate a vessel in a careless manner upon the flotation device must be worn to be acceptable. waters of this State. Careless operation is the endangerment of life, All persons under eight years of age, on any vessel, must, at limb or property through negligence, carelessness or inattention all times, wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flota- of the operator. tion device that must be strapped, snapped or zipped securely in place; except, no personal flotation device is required when OPERATOR LICENSE inside an enclosed cabin or enclosed sleeping space. The Roberson-Archer Act and The Boating Safety Enhancement Act of 2001 mandates that no one under the age of 12 may operate EMERGENCY ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCH a motorized vessel, and that every vessel operator be licensed and No person shall operate or give permission to operate any vessel have the license in possession at the time of operation. For more less than 24 feet in length, having an open cockpit and having information on operator license requirements, see page 53. more than 50 horsepower, unless said vessel is equipped with an Any person who was age 40 or older on April 28, 1994 is exempt emergency engine or motor shut-off switch. The cut-off switch from taking an approved boating course and/or the written exam. must be a lanyard-type and must be attached to the person, cloth- Persons who are age exempt are still required to obtain a boat ing or personal flotation device of the operator. operator’s license. PROHIBITED OPERATIONS HOW AND WHERE TO GET YOUR LICENSE 1. Operating a vessel or personal watercraft under the age of 12 • Applicants may go to the Department of Public Safety Driver’s (check 2001 changes). Operators 12 or 13 years old, after obtain- License Examining Office in their county of residence, where ing a vessel operator's license, can only operate if someone 21 they must successfully complete a written/oral exam or show years old or older, with a vessel operator's license in possession, proof of exemption (certificate of completion), answer medical is on board and seated in a position to take immediate control questions, and pay application and license fees. of the vessel if necessary. Operators 14 years old or older, after • Minors (under 21) must furnish a certified birth certificate and obtaining a vessel operator's license, may legally operate without social security card. supervision. • All applicants will fill out the proper forms and pay a one-time 2. Operating a vessel in such a manner and at a rate of speed as application fee of $5 CASH to the Dept. of Public Safety. Upon will create a hazardous wash or wake when approaching or successful completion of all requirements and payment of the passing another vessel or when entering or leaving a harbor or $23.50 license renewal fee, the “V” class will be added to the marina area. applicant’s Alabama driver’s license. Non-residents or non driv- 3. Operating a vessel towing a person or persons on water skis, ers will pay a $28.50 fee ($5 application fee and $23.50 fee) to or an aquaplane or similar device unless there is in the vessel a generate a vessel only card which will expire four years from person, in addition to the operator, who is at least 12 years of age date of issuance. and is observing and is capable of communicating to the opera- • Applicants may also take an approved on-line course (www. tor the progress of the person being towed or unless the vessel is boat-ed.com or www.boaterexam.com) or classroom course and equipped with a wide-angle mirror with a viewing surface of at present the certificate of completion to the Driver’s License Ex- least 78 square inches and a field of vision of at least 170 degrees. aminer’s office in lieu of taking the exam there. Any fees charged 4. Motor boats generally yield right-of-way to non-motor powered for the on-line course are in addition to the license renewal fees. boats. • Failure to have a license in possession when operating a vessel 5. Vessels yielding right-of-way shall reduce speed, stop, reverse can result in the issuance of a citation, with average fine and or alter course to avoid collision. court costs of $200. 6. Vessel with right-of-way shall hold course and speed. If there is danger of collision, all vessels will slow down, stop or reverse OBSTRUCTION OF OPERATOR’S VIEW PROHIBITED until danger is averted. It shall be unlawful for the operator of a vessel, when the vessel is 7. Vessels approaching or passing another vessel must be operated operated at or above plane speed, to position or allow the position- in such manner and at such rate of speed as will not create a ing of, persons or equipment, including but not limited to, seats, hazardous wash or wake. coolers, tackle, ski and tubing devices, in a manner that would 8. All vessels must be operated at reasonable speeds for given situ- obstruct the operator’s view, or would otherwise impair, the safe ations and must be under the complete control of the operator operation of the vessel while operating on the waters of the state. at all times. Sailboats and auxiliary sailboats are exempt from this section. For more information on boating safety law and regulations, call the Marine Police Division at (334) 242-3673 or visit www. outdooralabama.com and click on Boating.

60 www.outdooralabama.com Bearing the Fruits of Wise Decisions ...

Forever Wild Land hunting and outdoor recreation. Since its incep- Trust, Alabama’s land tion, Forever Wild has protected over 240,000 acquisition program, acres, of which 213,230 are in 16 Wildlife is now in its 22nd year. Management Areas. The program’s purpose As successful as Forever Wild has been in is to evaluate acquisition protecting unique habitats and providing public of land for conservation and recreation lands, this progress has allowed us outdoor recreational purposes including public simply to keep pace with the loss of other private- hunting, and it is highly successful. lease lands enrolled in the state’s public hunting With a modest budget, especially compared to Wildlife Management Area system. Last year, the similar programs in other states, Forever Wild has public overwhelmingly voted for continuation of delivered on what it was supposed to do. The pro- Forever Wild’s funding to support potential acqui- LAND TRUST gram’s success is the result of the dedication of sition of additional conservation and recreational land. This public support preserved the legacy its board members, the ongoing work of person- Forever Wild. Forever Yours. nel within the Alabama Department of Conserva- we will leave to future generations that depend on tion and Natural Resources who administer the Alabama’s heritage of public hunting lands. program, and the continued support of the public. Forever Wild was developed largely in response To learn more about Forever Wild, visit to the loss of land available to the public for www.alabamaforeverwild.com. Facebook.com/ALforeverwild Commonly Caught Alabama Game Fish

LARGEMOUTH BASS SPOTTED BASS SMALLMOUTH BASS

BLACK CRAPPIE WHITE CRAPPIE

WALLEYE SAUGER YELLOW PERCH

BLUEGILL REDEAR SUNFISH (SHELLCRACKER)

CHANNEL CATFISH BLUE CATFISH FLATHEAD CATFISH

WHITE BASS STRIPED BASS

62 www.outdooralabama.com Angler Recognition Program

Alabama’s Angler Recognition Program is intended to honor those individuals who catch large sportfish from Alabama waters, ATTENTION: and to provide biologists with useful sta- tistics on the number of large fish caught from our reservoirs. The program includes four categories: HUNTERS 1. Master Angler 2. Trophy Angler Applications, specific requirements, and & ANGLERS 3. Lake Record detailed instructions can be obtained from 4. State Record any District Fisheries office or from our We want to website at: http://www.outdooralabama. Anglers can submit applications for Master com/fishing/freshwater/record/. hear from you! Angler and Trophy Angler status based upon their fish’s total length, or total Application must include two photographs: 1) The Wildlife & Freshwater weight, but not both, and may submit an showing side view of the fish with a ruler or unlimited number of applications. yardstick clearly visible beside the fish for use Fisheries Division needs as a reference to its length, and 2) the angler your email address so you Fish must be caught by legal angling meth- holding the fish to be included on the Depart- can participate in official ods either on pole and line, or rod and ment’s website. Each photograph must be of reel from a private pond within the State high enough quality that the species can be Wildlife & Freshwater of Alabama or from public waters under determined by Fisheries Section Biologists. Fisheries Division surveys! Alabama’s Division of Wildlife and Fresh- water Fisheries jurisdiction. Fish must meet Qualified anglers will receive a certificate Be sure to provide your the minimum size requirements listed in commemorating their catch, a decal to be the table below. Each applicant must pos- displayed on their boat or truck, will have email address when you ses a valid Alabama fishing license and their picture posted on the department’s buy your license! applications must be completed in full webpage, and will be recognized in the and submitted on an official application Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater form within three (3) months of the catch. Fisheries Annual B.A.I.T. Report.

MASTER ANGLER TROPHY ANGLER

SPECIES WEIGHT LENGTH WEIGHT LENGTH

Black Crappie 2.5 lb. 15" 3.5 lb. 17"

Blue Catfish 50 lb. 46" 70 lb. 51"

Bluegill Sunfish 1 lb. 10" 2 lb. 13"

Channel Catfish 15 lb. 32" 25 lb. 37"

Flathead Catfish 30 lb. 38" 50 lb. 44"

Hybrid Striped Bass 12 lb. 27" 16 lb. 29"

Largemouth Bass 8 lb. 23" 10 lb. 25"

Redear Sunfish 1 lb. 11" 2 lb. 13"

Redeye Bass 12 oz. 11" 1 lb. 13"

Sauger 2 lb. 17" 3 lb. 19"

Smallmouth Bass 5 lb. 20" 7 lb. 22"

Spotted Bass 4 lb. 19" 6 lb. 21"

Striped Bass 25 lb. 38" 35 lb. 42"

Walleye 5 lb. 22" 8 lb. 26"

White Bass 3 lb. 17" 4 lb. 19"

White Crappie 2.5 lb. 16" 3.5 lbs. 18"

Qualifying sizes are derived from the standard weight (W1) equation with a relative weight (W1) of 110%.

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 63 2014 Hunter Education Class Schedule

Unless otherwise noted, registration for classes is online. Please note classes are subject to change. For the most current class schedule and information, visit our website at www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education. COUNTY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER Autauga 7-9 6-8 Baldwin 12-13 9-10 14-15 4-5 Barbour 4 8 Bibb Blount 4,5,7 1,2,4 6,7,9 & 27,28,30 Bullock Butler 8-9 3-4 Calhoun 10-11 Chambers 23 8 Cherokee Chilton 8,9,11,13 27,28,30,Nov 1 Choctaw Clarke 25-26 6-7 Clay Cleburne 6,7,9 Coffee 11,13 Colbert 23 4 8 Conecuh 23 Coosa Covington 3-6 Crenshaw Cullman 16 15 Dale Dallas 25-26 10-11 Dekalb 25-26 Elmore 15 Escambia 11 1 Etowah 9-10 4-5 Fayette 23 20-21 Franklin Geneva Greene Hale Henry Houston 16,23* 4 1 & 3,4,6* Jackson 23 Jefferson 25-26 5-6 Lamar 9 1 Lauderdale Lawrence 9 4 Lee 13-14 17-18 Limestone 16 15,16,18,20 Lowndes 4 Macon 6-7 Madison 23 13 11 1 Marengo 25-26 6-7 17-18 Marion 6-7 Marshall 23 Mobile Monroe 4 Montgomery 2,4 7,9 Morgan 16 8 Perry Pickens 3-4 Pike Randolph 6,7,9 Russell 30 1 Shelby 2-3 12-13 St. Clair 13 Sumter 2-3 Talladega 3,4,6 Tallapoosa 23 27-28 Tuscaloosa 4-5 8-9 13-15 Walker 18-19 3-4 Washington 2 Wilcox 2 Winston 20-21 Note: Some counties may have multiple classes in the same month * Registration for this class is by phone and on-line For further information, call the Hunter Education Office: (800) 245-2740

64 www.outdooralabama.com Sunrise & Sunset Times SPORTSMANʼS CENTRAL STANDARD TIME • Times in table are for Birmingham (downtown) CABINS Location: WO86O49’,N33O32’ • Add one hour when on Daylight Savings Time • PLEASE BE AWARE that sunrise/sunset times for other locations in the state—both north to south and east to west—may vary by as much as ten minutes or more from the times given in the table for downtown Birmingham. Times are specific to a given location’s coordinates of longitude and latitude, as well as day-of-the-year.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET

DAY A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M.

1 0521 1813 0542 1732 0606 1655 0633 1639 0652 1650 0644 1718

2 0522 1811 0542 1730 0607 1654 0634 1639 0652 1651 0643 1719

3 0523 1810 0543 1729 0608 1653 0635 1639 0652 1652 0642 1720

4 0523 1809 0544 1728 0609 1653 0636 1639 0652 1653 0641 1721

5 0524 1807 0544 1726 0610 1652 0637 1639 0652 1653 0641 1722

6 0525 1806 0545 1725 0611 1651 0638 1639 0652 1654 0640 1723

7 0525 1805 0546 1724 0611 1650 0638 1639 0652 1655 0639 1724 6 SIZES AVAILABLE

8 0526 1803 0547 1722 0612 1649 0639 1639 0652 1656 0638 1725 Dealers Wanted 205-625-5473 9 0527 1802 0547 1721 0613 1649 0640 1639 0652 1657 0637 1726 www.brockshuntincabins.com 10 0527 1800 0548 1720 0614 1648 0641 1639 0652 1658 0636 1727

11 0528 1759 0549 1718 0615 1647 0641 1640 0652 1658 0635 1728 12 0529 1758 0550 1717 0616 1646 0642 1640 0652 1659 0634 1729 C A 13 0529 1756 0550 1716 0617 1646 0643 1640 0652 1700 0633 1730 F P 14 0530 1755 0551 1715 0618 1645 0643 1640 0652 1701 0633 1731

15 0531 1754 0552 1714 0619 1645 0644 1641 0651 1702 0632 1732 Hunts starting at just 16 0531 1752 0553 1712 0620 1644 0645 1641 0651 1703 0630 1733 $17900 17 0532 1751 0554 1711 0621 1643 0645 1642 0651 1704 0629 1733

18 0533 1749 0554 1710 0622 1643 0646 1642 0651 1705 0628 1734

19 0533 1748 0555 1709 0623 1642 0646 1642 0650 1706 0627 1735

20 0534 1747 0556 1708 0623 1642 0647 1643 0650 1707 0626 1736

21 0535 1745 0557 1706 0624 1642 0648 1643 0650 1708 0625 1737

22 0535 1744 0558 1705 0625 1641 0648 1644 0649 1709 0624 1738

23 0536 1743 0558 1704 0626 1641 0648 1644 0649 1710 0623 1739

24 0537 1741 0559 1703 0627 1641 0649 1645 0648 1711 0622 1740

25 0537 1740 0600 1702 0628 1640 0649 1645 0648 1712 0621 1740

26 0538 1738 0601 1701 0629 1640 0650 1646 0647 1713 0619 1741

27 0539 1737 0602 1700 0630 1640 0650 1647 0647 1714 0618 1742

28 0540 1736 0603 1659 0631 1640 0650 1647 0646 1715 0617 1743

29 0540 1734 0603 1658 0632 1639 0651 1648 0646 1716 — — Quail, pheasant, skeet, and lodging also available. 30 0541 1733 0604 1657 0633 1639 0651 1649 0645 1716 — — 31 — — 0605 1656 — — 0651 1649 0644 1717 — — www.alfowlpreserve.com DATA from the Astronomical Applications Dept. of the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. 334-412-3509

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 65 Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License Application

LIFETIME LICENSE APPLICATION Name: ______(1) Social Security #: ______- ____ - ______Driver's License #: ______Sex: o Male o Female Date of Birth: ______Email: ______Address: ______Weight: ______City: ______County: ______State: ______Zip: ______Height: ______Phone: Home (_____) _____ - ______Work (_____) _____ - ______Cell (_____) _____ - ______Eyes: ______Hunter Education ID Number: ______Hair: ______

License Privilege (by age) Under 2 2–11 12–49 50 & over New Upgrade

Freshwater Fishing* o $162.70 o $216.65 o $270.60 o $162.70 o o

Hunting* o $324.50 o $432.35 o $540.10 o $324.50 o o

Saltwater Fishing o $270.60 o $324.50 o $378.40 o $270.60 o o

Hunting & Freshwater Fishing* o $486.30 o $540.10 o $755.85 o $486.30 o o

Hunting & Saltwater Fishing* o $594.05 o $755.85 o $917.65 o $594.05 o o

Freshwater & Saltwater Fishing* o $432.35 o $540.10 o $648.05 o $432.35 o o

Hunting, Fresh & Saltwater Fishing* o $755.85 o $863.70 o $1,133.30 o $755.85 o o

Wildlife Heritage o $216.65 o $216.65 o $216.65 o $216.65 o N/A

Replacement Lifetime License o $5 OR o N/C (current license must be returned)

Freshwater Fishing and Hunting Lifetime License include the Wildlife Heritage Privileges—see page 34. * Upgrading / Replacement: Enter Current Lifetime License Number ______If enrolled in day care or school without driver’s license, provide proof of enrollment and attach copy of parent’s driver’s license. If not enrolled in day care or school, provide 2 proofs of residency (see residency flyer) and attach copy of parent’s driver’s license.

This is to certify under penalty of law, that applicant named above is a bonafide Alabama resident having resided continuously in Alabama a minimum of 90 days immediately preceding this date as required by State Law. NOTE: It is a violation of Alabama law for any nonresident to attempt to purchase an Alabama lifetime hunting / fishing license.

Submit: (1) completed application, (2) check or money order, and (3) copy of driver's license to: Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Div., Attn: License Sales, PO Box 301456, Montgomery, AL 36130-1456, or by walk-in or express mail requests: 64 N Union Street, Ste 567, 36104. Questions: (334) 242-3465 or [email protected] License can also be issued by selected WFF District Offices (Tanner & Jacksonville), County Probate Office/License Commissioner, local agents (which includes most sporting good and bait & tackle shops in Alabama), our website www.outdooralabama.com or by calling 1-888-848-6887.

Applicant’s Signature: ______Date: ______Check to be o excluded from DCNR email updates and o excluded from list sold by DCNR If blank, you will be included.

(1) DCNR is now required by Section 30-3-194 (A) Code of Alabama 1975 to collect social security numbers on all recreational licenses being issued/renewed.

66 www.outdooralabama.com Alabama Freshwater Fish Records

PROCEDURES FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF ALABAMA STATE RECORD FRESHWATER FISH • Fish must be caught in Alabama waters by legal means. • Fish must be identified by Alabama Fisheries Section POACHING IS biologist or other certified fisheries biologist. • Fish must be weighed on certified scales. STEALING! • Weighing must be witnessed by two people. • Application must be submitted on an official application CALL 1-800-272-GAME form within three months of the catch (request a form by dialing 1-334-242-3471). • Application form must be notarized.

SPECIES WEIGHT DATE LOCATION ANGLER/HOMETOWN Bass, Largemouth 16 lbs., 8 oz. 11/3/87 Mountain View Lake, Shelby Co. Thomas (T.M.) Burgin/B'ham Bass, Redeye (b) 3 lbs., 2 oz. 3/8/00 Choccolocco Creek William Terry Johnson/Oxford Bass, Rock 1 lb., 6 oz. 5/6/95 Paint Rock River James R. Stewart/Scottsboro Bass, Shoal 6 lbs., 11oz. 2/25/96 Halawakee Creek Darrell Trawick/Salem Bass, Smallmouth (c) 10 lbs., 8 oz. 10/8/50 Wheeler Dam Tailwater Owen F. Smith/Fairfield Bass, Spotted (b) 8 lbs., 15 oz. 3/18/78 Lewis Smith Reservoir Phillip C. Terry/Decatur Bass, Striped (a) 69 lbs., 9 oz. 2/28/13 Bankhead Reservoir James Bramlett, Dora Bass, Striped Hybrid 25 lbs., 15 oz. 9/13/96 Sipsey Fork (Warrior River) E. H. Hodges/Chelsea Bass, White 4 lbs., 9 oz. 2/14/87 Warrior River Ben DeMott/Bessemer Bass, Yellow (a) 2 lb., 8 oz. 4/12/00 Guntersville Reservoir, Jackson Co. Dennis M. Woebbeking/Pisgah Bowfin 18 lbs., 6 oz. 7/31/05 Lake Tuscaloosa Nelson Ray Sansing/Sawyerville Buffalo 57 lbs. 4/13/90 Guntersville Reservoir Ralph B. Lowery/Albertville Bullhead 3 lbs., 13 oz. 4/8/84 Private Pond/Montgomery Co. Charles A. Lane/Montgomery Carp 35 lbs. 4/19/80 Bear Creek, Colbert Co. Darrin Jackson/Double Springs Carp, Grass (White Amur) 73 lbs. 4/10/12 Guntersville Reservoir Bradley D. Bridges Sr./Bryant Catfish, Blue 120 lbs., 4 oz. 3/9/12 Holt Reservoir John Paul Nichols/Northport Catfish, Channel 40 lbs. 6/17/67 Inland Lake Donald R. Cox/Oneonta Catfish, Flathead 80 lbs. 6/22/86 Alabama River, Selma Rick Conner/Selma Catfish, White 10 lbs., 5 oz. 4/3/81 Chambers Co. Public Fishing Lake Roy T. Britton/Opelika 4 lbs., 5 oz. 3/27/07 Ft. Payne Reservoir Shelley Meadows/Mentone Crappie, Black (tie) 4 lbs., 5 oz. 6/2/97 Private Pond/Jefferson Co. William D. Webb/Birmingham 4 lbs., 4 oz. 3/18/84 Paint Creek Sherril Harris/Sylacauga 4 lbs., 9 oz. 5/8/00 Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. Jeremy S. White/Alexander City Crappie, White (tie) 4 lbs., 8 oz. 4/4/74 Guntersville Reservoir Jack Grant/Altoona Drum, Freshwater (b) 41 lbs., 8 oz. 7/24/49 Wilson Reservoir Wilson Brock/Birmingham Eel, American 5 lbs., 8 oz. 5/11/89 Lake Shechi, Chilton Co. Tod A. Groover/Montevallo 151 lbs., 9 oz. 8/13/09 Tensaw River Richard Johnson/Bay Minette Gar, Alligator 151 lbs., 5 oz. 8/13/04 Tensaw River Michael Houseknecht/Mobile Gar, Longnose 32 lbs., 14 oz. 4/18/85 Jordan Reservoir Gary Smyth/Pelham Gar, Spotted 8 lbs., 12 oz. 8/26/87 Cotaco Creek Winston Baker/Alexander City Herring, Skipjack 3 lb., 4 oz. 5/2/12 Mulberry Fork Bobby Lee Davis/Bessemer Muskellunge 19 lbs., 8 oz. 12/31/72 Wilson Dam Tailwater Steve Leatherwood/Haleyville Paddlefish 52 lbs., 12 oz. 3/18/82 Wilson Dam Tailwater Susan Holland/Muscle Shoals Perch, Yellow 1 lb., 15 oz. 2/26/00 Wheeler Reservoir, Limestone Co. Matthew K. Patterson/Decatur Pickerel, Chain 6 lbs., 6 oz. 6/24/76 Dyas Creek, Baldwin Co. Michael P. Ryan/Bay Minette Pickerel, Redfin 0 lbs., 11 oz. 8/24/10 Armstrong Creek/Washington Co. Frank Lambert Dickey/Chatom Redhorse, Silver (a) 14 lbs., 14 oz. 4/24/95 Wilson Dam Tailwater Chris Stephenson/Birmingham Sauger 5 lbs., 2 oz. 3/5/72 Wilson Dam Tailwater William F. Huntley/Athens Sunfish, Bluegill (a) 4 lbs., 12 oz. 4/9/50 Ketona Lake, Birmingham T. S. Hudson/Birmingham Sunfish, Green 1 lb., 9 oz. 8/10/05 McLamore Pond, Walker County Caleb Miller/Parrish Sunfish, Longear 8 oz. 5/12/90 Yellow River Jerry Jones/Ozark Sunfish, Redbreast 1 lb., 4 oz. 6/12/10 Choctawhatchee River Archie Russ/Brantley Sunfish, Redear (b) 4 lbs., 4 oz. 5/5/62 Chattahoochee State Park Jeff Lashley/Gordon Trout, Rainbow 9 lbs., 1 oz. 4/22/06 Mud Creek, Tannehill State Park Otha G. Hamm/Alexandria Walleye 10 lbs., 14 oz. 6/24/80 Weiss Reservoir Julia Hurley/Cedar Bluff Warmouth 1 lb., 12 oz. 4/25/86 Farm Pond Jimmy A. Barfield/Dothan a World Record b Previous World Record — Rod and Reel c Previous World Record — Any Method Revised on March 20, 2013. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, natural origin, or disability in its hiring or employment practices nor in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities.

Official 2014–2015 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 67 Four Issues plus an Outdoor Alabama Calendar with every subscription! MAGAZINE

easy YES! I’d like a year (five issues) ofOutdoor Alabama for just $8. ways to My Information: (Required for gift subscription) Send a Gift to: (Please print) subscribe: 1. Send in this NAME NAME subscription form. ADDRESS ADDRESS 2. Call toll free: (877) 339-0508 CITY / STATE / ZIP CITY / STATE / ZIP 3. Subscribe online: outdooralabama.com E-MAIL E-MAIL Please enter my subscription for: Please enter my gift subscription for:

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68 www.outdooralabama.com 1559-14M Alabama State Reg Guide.indd 1 5/22/14 4:17 PM Showplace

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