Controlled burns top tool for wildlife, land managers
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Social media has been filled with smoke and fire lately as many land managers, like the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), conduct controlled burns to enhance the flora and fauna throughout the state.
Steven...
R3 campaign encourages Alabamians to get outdoors
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
With the social distancing requirements from COVID-19, many people have turned to the outdoors to escape the impact of the lockdowns.
The number of people fishing and hunting for a variety of game species has seen a...
Alabama hunters bagging big bucks this season
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Judging from the number of deer reported through the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division’s Game Check system and the number of trophy bucks posted on social media, Chris Cook thinks this is the best...
Winners of Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest announced
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The winners of the 2021 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest are listed below. As usual, the judges had a very difficult time selecting the winning photos from among the thousands entered. The 2022 contest will be announced later this year.
“The abundant diversity...
Special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Day Feb. 6
The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) has designated Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 as the second of the 2020-2021 hunting season’s Special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. The first of the two special waterfowl hunting days took place...
Woodcock monitoring program tracks migration routes
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Seth Maddox will head out in February with other Division biologists to do some woodcock hunting. Yes, that is after the woodcock hunting season closes Jan. 31, but Maddox will not be using a conventional harvest...
Alabama State Parks provided safe haven for Alabamians in 2020
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State Parks found a new purpose during an eventful 2020.
State officials kept the parks open as a safe recreational option during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the parks’ wide-open spaces and variety of activities made it possible to practice social distancing...
Black Belt Adventures urges hunters to donate venison
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Hunters Helping the Hungry has provided more than a half-million pounds of ground venison to those in need in Alabama, and the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is encouraging hunters to make a special effort...
WFF reactivates 800 number for Game Check
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
The toll-free Game Check phone number, 1-800-888-7690, is back and better than ever. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has reactivated the number for hunters to comply with the reporting requirements for the...
CWD detected in 2 additional NE Mississippi counties
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) recently received “suspect positive” Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) test results for two hunter-harvested bucks from Tippah and Alcorn counties in northeast Mississippi. These are the first CWD-positive detections for those counties. According...
Tips for hunting the rut in Alabama
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
While the white-tailed deer rut has come and gone in a few areas in Alabama, hunters in the majority of the state are dealing with the December doldrums, waiting for the breeding season to begin in...
Last-minute Christmas gifts for outdoors enthusiasts
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Buying Christmas gifts for those who love the outdoors can be a daunting task simply because we tend to already be outfitted for every excursion into the woods or on the water.
If you’re struggling to find...
Public land provides opportunities to hunt rut all season
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Most people think the rutting activity of white-tailed deer in Alabama occurs mostly in January and into February. However, if you’re willing to travel, hunters can take advantage of the rut in the state from mid-November...
Venison recipes perfect for holidays
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
When that Thanksgiving turkey has been reduced to a discarded carcass, it’s time to break out those wild game and fish recipes to enjoy the feast Alabama’s outdoors offers.
With Alabama’s white-tailed deer season in full swing,...
With piers closed, Thornton takes to Alabama’s beautiful beaches
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
With a nickname like Pier Pounder, David Thornton of Mobile has seen his favorite pastime disappear with 2020’s double whammy of hurricanes. Hurricane Sally took the Gulf State Park Pier out of commission, and Hurricane Zeta...
Parks officials working to reopen portion of Gulf State Park Pier
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Gulf State Park on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast will be a beehive of activity now and into the future.
One of the priorities is to get a portion of the popular Gulf State Park Pier open after...
Why do leaves change colors?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Crisp, cool mornings and long shadows signal that fall has truly set in. With a transition into cooler weather, comes a transition with the vibrant colors of fall leaves. Often it seems as if this change happened over night. This...
Feral hog population in Alabama shows no decline
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Despite an increased effort to mitigate the impact of feral hogs in Alabama, the hog population shows no indication of decline.
“Unfortunately, it appears their numbers are continuing to increase,” said Matt Brock, Technical Assistance Wildlife Biologist...
Enjoying a fire pit, responsibly
CULLMAN, Ala. - Fall is a great time to gather around a backyard fire pit and enjoy the cooler weather. Cullman Fire Marshal Chris Chaffin described enjoying a fire pit as “like camping without being at the campground.” But, like any activity involving fire,...
Wood duck mates determine migration routes
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
In the waterfowl world, Alabama’s most abundant species, the wood duck, is not known for migrating long distances.
It turns out, the wood duck migration patterns follow a “boy meets girl” scenario. Boy meets girl; girl flies...
Don’t get complacent about hunter safety
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Although the number of hunting accidents has held steady for the last several years, Captain Marisa Futral doesn’t want Alabama’s hunters to take anything for granted during the state’s lengthy hunting seasons.
Futral, the Alabama Wildlife and...
Gulf State Park section succumbs to Sally’s surge
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
One aspect of living on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast is the realization that the best-laid plan is no match for Mother Nature.
The original plan was to gather Sept. 16 at the Gulf State Park Pier to...
Reintroduction of the Eastern indigo snake in the Southeast
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Eastern indigo snake, one of the longest snakes native to the United States, calls the Southeast home. Unfortunately, this staple reptile’s survival is at risk, especially in Alabama. In fact, these snakes are a federally threatened species under the...
What’s new for the 2020-2021 hunting seasons
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Deer hunters will find two new zones in the 2020-2021 Alabama Deer Zones map with season dates that better coincide with deer rutting activity in those areas.
Chuck Sykes, Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries...
Naturally Alabama: Plinking on the roof
Everyone is saying it: “This has been a crazy year.” The coronavirus has made its impact on human health and society around the world. While we are embroiled in the tempest of COVID, let me remind you of something that calmly happens every year...
Alabama State Parks online campground reservation system now live
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Ready for a camping trip to one – or several – of the beautiful Alabama State Parks? Ensuring you’ll have a site for your RV, travel trailer or tent just became much easier recently when the...
WFF cautiously optimistic about spread of silver carp
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)
Chris Greene is cautiously optimistic that an invasive fish species that can wreak havoc on reservoir ecosystems has not expanded its range in Alabama’s waterways.
The silver carp, which has done noticeable damage in Kentucky and...
Registration now open for Alabama’s Adult Mentored Hunting Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Learning to hunt may seem out of reach for those who didn’t grow up with hunting as part of their family tradition. For those individuals, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)...
ADCNR strengthens safeguards against nonnative species
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Due to ecological, economic, and human health and safety concerns related to the potential impacts of nonnative animals, Alabama Administrative Code 220-2-.26 has been amended to prohibit any person, firm, association, or corporation from possessing, selling, offering for sale, importing, bringing,...
Scaup limit reduced to 1; Sandhill crane registration opens soon
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
North America’s waterfowl breeding population annual survey is another aspect of the outdoors that has been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
Seth Maddox, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries’ Migratory Bird Coordinator, said virus-related travel restrictions would not...
Naturally Alabama: Danger follows the buzz of summer
Every summer here in Alabama, there is an eerie buzz in the woods. Those living close to water are used to the regular serenade of croaking frogs. Their croaking usually begins just before sundown and continues until its crescendo around the crowing of the...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 3
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries Monday, Aug. 3, 2020. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline to enter is...
Summertime snake sightings
CULLMAN, Ala. - Reports of snake sightings are on the rise, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the snake population has increased from previous years. The Tribune spoke to naturalist and wildlife biologist Marianne Hudson, conservation outreach specialist with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Division...
Hunting season dates announced for 2020-2021
The 2020-2021 hunting season will bring big changes for white-tailed deer hunters in a few parts of Alabama with the creation of two new deer zones. The newly created zones D and E will allow hunters to gun hunt before and during the peak...
Naturally Alabama: Imported danger to our native hemlocks
Welcome to “Naturally Alabama!” For a while now I have desired to write a series of articles based on what I have encountered in almost 40 years of working in the forest. What you will receive by reading this article is some research-based information...
North Zone dove season opens Labor Day weekend
Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Director Chuck Sykes wants to make sure dove hunters are not caught flat-footed this September when the season opens earlier than usual.
The North Zone dove season will open on Labor Day weekend this year, a week earlier than...
Weather safety on the water
CULLMAN, Ala. - With summer settling in for the long, hot foreseeable future, many residents are taking to area lakes for some fun in the sun. The Tribune spoke with Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Phyllis Little, who offered advice about the...
Participate in Alabama Backyard BioBlitz June 5
FAIRHOPE, Ala. - All Alabamians are invited to join Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in celebrating World Environment Day by participating in the Alabama Backyard BioBlitz Friday, June 5, 2020. The event encourages the public to explore and document the natural world from...
Awesome Trail opens at Joe Wheeler State Park
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Those who love to explore nature have another opportunity with the opening of the new trail at Joe Wheeler State Park in northwest Alabama. The name of the new 8-mile pathway is the Awesome Trail, literally.
Ken...
Asian giant hornets? Murder hornets? Not in Alabama
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Neighborhoods and social media are buzzing with hype as citizens are concerned about “murder hornets.” Alabama Cooperative Extension System professionals would like to put this rumor to rest. These stinging insects have not been found in Alabama. However, the detection of...
Controlling fire ants this spring
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Those preparing their summer vegetable gardens may find their plots already teeming with life, but not the kind they would like to see. Fire ants are common in yards, flowerbeds, playgrounds and gardens throughout Alabama.
Kelly Palmer, an Alabama Extension livestock...
How to start a vegetable garden
CULLMAN, Ala. - With quarantine still underway, some are itching to get outside and some are picking up new hobbies to pass the time. For those interested in starting a vegetable garden, Cullman County Extension Coordinator Tony Glover’s got you covered.
Glover forwarded the Alabama...
Alabama’s outdoors provides solutions for social distancing
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
While Governor Kay Ivey and Dr. Scott Harris, chair of the Governor's COVID-19 Task Force, work hard alongside other state, national, and private enterprise leaders to mitigate the effects of the novel coronavirus and bring its...
Alabama State Parks naturalists to provide virtual programming
For all those nature lovers who are unable to visit one of the beautiful Alabama State Parks due to the COVID-19 precautionary measures, the State Park Naturalists will bring the parks to you via modern technology.
During the effort to prevent the spread of the...
Spring landscaping tips from Cullman County Extension Coordinator Tony Glover
CULLMAN, Ala. – Warm, comfortable weather is around the corner with the arrival of spring. The Tribune spoke with Cullman County Extension Coordinator Tony Glover for some helpful tips with landscape renovations you can do in preparation for the warm weather season.
Glover shared, “It’s...
Conservation Advisory Board considers deer zones, turkey reporting
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
The first Alabama Conservation Advisory Board meeting of 2020 resulted in a wealth of good news and one disappointing statistic.
The good news included a 35-day, state-managed red snapper season, a productive oyster season, an increase in...
First wild eastern indigo snake found in Alabama in 60 years
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Traci Wood admitted holding the snake almost made her come unglued. No, she wasn’t afraid of the snake she was holding. It was the magnitude of the moment.
Wood, the Habitat and Species Conservation Coordinator with the...
Discover Alabama’s national forests through water monitoring
Alabama Water Watch (AWW), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service (USFS), is excited to announce the launch of a new water quality-monitoring project in the national forests in Alabama.
This project’s goal is to encourage citizens to discover the national forests in Alabama…by testing...
Live Christmas trees: Recycle and reuse
AUBURN, Ala. - The parties are over and the decorations are packed. Now, there is just one thing left to do – get rid of the Christmas tree. For those who have live Christmas trees, this can sometimes be a bothersome issue. Luckily, there...
New water monitoring project in Alabama’s national forests
AUBURN, Ala. – Community members in all areas of the state will soon have the chance to help shape the future of watershed management in Alabama.
Alabama Water Watch (AWW), in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, announces the launch of...
AL Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources named Agency of Year at Sportsmen’s Caucus Summit
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently received special recognition by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation with the presentation of the State Agency of the Year Award at the 16th Annual National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Sportsman-Legislator Summit in...
Fall: Time for a garden refresh
AUBURN, Ala. - As autumn brings cooler temperatures to Alabama, it looks as if summer heat is on the way out. Pleasant weather has drawn many southern gardeners out to make lawn and garden updates.
Whether it is general maintenance—like pruning branches—or raking fallen leaves...
ACES: Watch out for Black Widow spiders this fall
AUBURN, Ala. - Black Widow spiders are some of the most recognizable spiders. The shiny black body and red hourglass marking on the female spider are clear markers of this spider. This fall, whether working in the yard or cleaning out garages, watch out...
WFF holding CWD information meeting at Wallace State Oct. 22
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - This fall, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) is hosting a series of public meetings throughout the state to provide information about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), WFF’s CWD surveillance efforts in Alabama and how hunters can assist.
CWD is...
Complacency often leads to treestand, firearms accidents
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources:
The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division’s Hunter Education Program wants to teach old hunters new safety tricks. Actually, these are not new safety tricks, but experienced hunters seem to be failing to follow them,...
Yellow Jackets most aggressive in fall
AUBURN, Ala. – With fall just around the corner, the time when yellow jackets are at their most aggressive is fast approaching. To make matters worse, Alabama is experiencing unusually high yellow jacket populations this year. It’s important that people be on the lookout...
Registration for sandhill crane season opens Sept. 4
Registration for Alabama’s first sandhill crane hunting season in more than 100 years will open Sept. 4 and run until Sept. 25, 2019. The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) will conduct a computer-controlled random draw of 400 sandhill crane hunting permits...
Blue-green algae causes concern for dog owners
AUBURN, Ala. - Blue-green algae has caused several cases of dog poisonings and deaths across the country. While poisonings from these algae are nothing new, in recent years problems have been worse. These reports have many pet owners wanting to know more about these...
Freeze veggies to enjoy this fall and winter
AUBURN, Ala. - From tomatoes to squash, summer is filled with a wonderful bounty of garden vegetables. Wouldn’t it be great to have these fresh vegetables all year long? Luckily, you can freeze fresh produce from the local markets or homegrown vegetables this summer...
Seed saving 101
Bethany A. O’Rear, regional horticulture agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System
As our summer vegetable and flower gardens are winding down, why not get a head start for next year? Seed saving is a great way to preserve those hard to find varieties...
Lightning bugs: summer’s night light
AUBURN, Ala. – Many southerners have fond memories of catching lightning bugs on a summer’s night. The fascination surrounding these insects always invoke curious questions. An Alabama Cooperative Extension System professional provides some of the basic information on lightning bugs.
Lightning bug or firefly?
It is...
Good Hope anglers Arnold, Curington narrowly miss final round of Mossy Oak Fishing High School Championship
PARIS, Tenn. – Kentucky Lake is the site of this year’s Mossy Oak Fishing High School Championship and a pair of local boats were out on the water competing. Good Hope Fishing Team is represented on Kentucky Lake by Colton Williams and Landon Graham...
Alabama sets 1st sandhill crane hunting season in 103 years
Alabama hunters will have their first opportunity in 103 years to hunt a migratory bird that has been making a steady comeback for the past few decades.
The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division will conduct a draw hunt of 400 permits to hunt...
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System talks black bears in Alabama
AUBURN, Ala. – On vacations to the Tennessee or Georgia mountains, many hope to catch a glimpse of a black bear or two. What some don’t realize is there are populations of black bears living right here in Alabama. In fact, the black bear...
