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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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    Begin 2024 with a First Day Hike at an Alabama State Park

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    Alabama State Parks is hosting 11 First Day Hikes as part of a national program designed to celebrate the new year and the great outdoors. The hikes will take place at parks throughout the state, from Gulf State Park on Alabama's Gulf Coast to...

    Cullman’s Jake Burkey finds success as off-road vehicle titan

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - Sometimes finding the right career path means going off the beaten path – literally. That’s the lesson of Cullman, Alabama resident and business leader Jake Burkey.The 2009 graduate of Tennessee Tech University is now the CEO of Busted Knuckle Off Road,...

    4-H Adventure Classes begin in January

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Extension Office announced an exciting new set of educational courses for Cullman County’s 4-H program in 2024. Three new Adventure Classes will introduce children and teens aged 9-18 to hiking, kayaking and camping. “The goal of this new club...

    Cullman County’s Ryleigh Jordan places in Alabama National Fair Youth Sheep Show

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    Alabama National Fair preserves decades of tradition MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Smells of fresh pine shavings and a buzz of excitement hung in the air around Teague Arena as youth showmen and their parents prepared for the 70th Alabama National Fair. Exhibitors from across the state...

    Ivey issues statewide ‘No Burn Order’

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed a statewide Drought Emergency Declaration – often referred to as a “No Burn Order” – prohibiting all outdoor burning in Alabama. This order is effective Nov. 9, 2023. at 8 a.m. CST. “Alabama is currently experiencing extremely dry...

    ADCNR: Celebration of bats continues at Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Bats are ubiquitous during the Halloween season, but these creatures deserve celebration year-round for their contribution to our sustainable food production. By eating insects by the billions, bats save U.S. agriculture as much as $3.7 billion per year in pest control....

    Dance2Fit in Art Park

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - Every Tuesday and Thursday night, Kelsey Wooten gears up, grabs her sneakers and heads to southwest Cullman’s Art Park for her Dance2Fit outdoor classes. Teaching a dance fitness class wasn’t Wooten’s plan for her future; in fact, she was attending classes at...

    ADCNR: Wetumpka man arrested for killing black bear in Elmore County

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    Black bear is a protected species in Alabama Black bear NOTE: This is NOT the black bear that was killed in Elmore County. (Billy Pope, ADCNR) ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. - Michael Watkins, 32, of Wetumpka, Alabama, has been arrested and charged with killing a black bear...

    Ivey proclaims National Hunting and Fishing Day

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday, Sept. 21, signed a proclamation celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Since 1972, the fourth Saturday in September has been designated as National Hunting and Fishing Day to highlight the...

    BOARsighted: A look into wild pig management

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    AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Wild pigs are arguably one of the most detrimental wildlife species. These animals have the potential to decimate crops, wildlife habitat and food plots. Virtually every natural resource can be affected by these creatures. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System encourages...

    ‘Connecting with Conservation’ highlights funding for state wildlife agencies

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    How conservation and outdoors recreation are funded throughout the nation is somewhat of a mystery for most people. In an effort to inform the public about where state wildlife and fisheries agencies get the money to conserve habitat and provide quality outdoors recreation, the Alabama...

    ADCNR: Registration for 2023 youth dove hunts opens Aug. 21

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) provides several youth dove hunt opportunities throughout the state each fall. A simple hunting setup combined with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere makes WFF’s youth dove...

    Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 1

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest is now accepting entries. 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 Oct. 31, 2023. The 2024...

    Sheriff Gentry issues lake safety tips

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    CULLMAN, Ala. – With an increased number of incidents on the water this summer the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) wants the community to be aware of their surroundings while on the water. “I want to encourage everyone that comes to the lake to follow...

    City reveals planned Depot Park transformation

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - Back in May, the City of Cullman announced it would be making improvements to Depot Park, including changes to the park’s infrastructure. On Tuesday, June 13, renderings showing what the park will look like in the future were released. “These improvements will...

    Zip in for some fun!

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    CULLMAN, Ala. – The ribbon was cut on the grand opening of Smith Lake Ziplines Friday, June 2, with representatives from the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Cullman County Commission and more on-hand to celebrate with owners Craig Chapman and Brian Waldrep.   Smith Lake...

    Sportsman Lake Park ‘All Day Fun’ event June 3

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    CULLMAN, Ala. – This Saturday, June 3, Cullman County Parks and Recreation will host “All Day Fun” at Sportsman Lake Park. Train rides will go until 9 p.m. and paddle boats and bikes will be available for rental until 7. The concession stand will be...

    Memorial Day boating safety tips from the CCSO

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    CULLMAN, Ala. – Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, when many will be hitting the water at Smith Lake and other areas, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry is advising residents to be safe on the water. “Don’t boat under the influence, make sure everyone has the...

    Cullman County parks summer events

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    CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Parks and Recreation and the Cullman County Commission have many fun events planned for the public this summer. Cullman County Parks and Recreation Director Doug Davenport and Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons shared some details. The Smith Lake Park...

    Commission responds to community concerns about Sportsman Lake ducks

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    CULLMAN, Ala. – Recently, parkgoers have raised concerns about the ducks and the food available for purchase for them at Sportsman Lake Park. Worries are that the food lacks proper nutritional value and is having negative effects on the animals. Concerns have been brought to...

    Northern flicker: The story behind Alabama’s state bird

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    AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – In Alabama, one of the most iconic and historic creatures is the Northern flicker. These distinguished birds are found in forests, neighborhoods and parks across the state–reminding residents of the species’ significant heritage. The Northern flicker, also known as the...

    Editorial: Simple swaps toward sustainability

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    Today, April 22, is Earth Day! www.earthday.org/earth-day-2023 Sustainability can be a hot topic these days, and in a world as busy as ours, it's typically not on the top of our to-do lists. Between the day-to-day of school drop-off line, work, shopping and family time,...

    WFF’s goal: Make public fishing lakes even better

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama State Public Fishing Lakes (PFLs) program is adapting to better serve the citizens of the state who depend on these lakes for recreational angling opportunities.  The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division...

    Free admission to AL State Parks Sept. 24

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. – All entrance and parking fees for Alabama State Parks will be waived on National Public Lands Day, which takes place Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. “The past few years have shown us just how important outdoor recreation is to our health and wellbeing,”...

    Sutton Mill Farm hosts inaugural dove hunt

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    CULLMAN, Ala. -- For most people this time of year means college football, bonfires and all things fall but for Sutton Mill Farm in the Duck River Community, it means dove season is here and they couldn’t be happier. This year Bruce Shaw and...

    Guide to Alabama’s venomous snakes

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    AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Summertime is in full throttle, and outdoor enthusiasts are being extra cautious because of snakes. Most native Alabama snake species are not venomous. However, there are several toxic species that you need to be able to identify. Venomous snakes in Alabama According...

    Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 2

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2023 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. 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...

    Agriplex holds 3rd annual Nature Day Camp

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex’s third annual Nature Day Camp took children ages 10-14 on a journey, teaching them about Native American heritage skills including hiking, canoeing, fishing, heritage crafts and storytelling. Campers visited conservation sites and parks to explore their natural...

    Voters overwhelmingly approve state parks amendment

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - By a wide margin, Alabama voters approved the amendment on last Tuesday’s ballot to provide as much as $80 million in funding for improvements and enhancements to Alabama’s 21 state parks. “I would like to thank the voters of Alabama for their...

    Alabama’s forests: clearing the air

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    AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – One of the world’s largest sources of carbon can likely be found in your backyard. In fact, trees are some of most efficient carbon-capturing organisms in the world. Alabama’s forests work around the clock moving this element and making the...

    Roads and parking areas at Lake Guntersville State Park paved with longer-lasting asphalt made from recycled tires

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    GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - Officials with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management on Tuesday showed off newly resurfaced roads and parking areas at Lake Guntersville State Park paved with asphalt made with materials from items...

    Black bear cubs collared in northeast Alabama

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - To say Traci Wood has a passion for bears would understate her love for the small black bear populations on opposite ends of the state in northeast and southwest Alabama. Wood, State Wildlife Grants coordinator with the Alabama Department of Conservation and...

    Don’t be stumped by the 2022 timber market

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    AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Alabama timber industry is successfully healing after the COVID-19 pandemic’s temporary crippling of the market two years ago. The virus’s impact on mill capacity rates and lumber prices started in early 2020, and it is still likely to cause...

    Cullman celebrates 34 years as Tree City USA

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - “This is a fun one!” Those were Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs’ words as he prepared to open the 2022 Tree City Dedication/Arbor Week Celebration ceremony held Thursday, February 24, inside the City Hall auditorium. ARBOR WEEK CELEBRATION The ceremony began with Mayor Jacobs...

    Financial relief will soon be available to assist Alabama landowners adversely affected by the non-native, invasive noxious weed, cogongrass

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Administered by the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Cogongrass Mitigation Program is made possible through a grant from the USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection & Quarantine (PPQ). The goals of this program are to reduce the number...

    Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries announces special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Day

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) has designated Saturday, February 5, 2022, as the second of the 2021-2022 hunting season’s Special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. The first of the two special waterfowl hunting...

    All oyster harvest zones to close January 21, 2022

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Pursuant to Section 9-12-28, Code of Alabama 1975 as stated by Rule 220-3-.02, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) announces that all public water bottoms will close to the harvest of oysters at 2:00...

    Cullman County Master Gardeners share 2022 initiative for feeding birds during the winter

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - The Alabama Master Gardeners are educators trained by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. During their last meeting, they discussed taking an initiative to feed birds in the winter to help them stay healthy during their migration. On December 9, the group...

    Eagle Awareness Weekends in Guntersville planned for January and February

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    GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – Lake Guntersville State Park will host its popular Eagle Awareness Weekends starting in January 2022, through February 2022. The events will feature live bird demonstrations, programs delivered by notable speakers and guided field trips to view eagles in their natural habitat. The Eagle...

    National Wild Turkey Federation donates $122,000 for wildlife management

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently allocated $122,000 in Hunting Heritage Super Funds for wild turkey projects in Alabama. Of that total, $60,676 was donated to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) of the Alabama...

    Greater Amberjack, Gray Triggerfish and Flounder season reminders

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) reminds anglers that the recreational harvest of greater amberjack in federal and Alabama state waters closes November 1, 2021. The season will remain closed through April 30, 2022...

    Begin deer season with food safety in mind

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    AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Withdeer season opening Oct. 15, Mark Smith, a wildlife scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, says hunters need a game plan to get venison from the field to the table safely. “Hunters need a plan for managing heat, moisture and bacterial contamination,” said...

    Tips and tricks to avoid picking up ticks

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September). Know which ticks are most common in your area.  Before You Go Outdoors  Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy or wooded areas, or even on animals....

    Raccoon confirmed positive for rabies in Cullman; precautions advised

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - Earlier this week, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) confirmed a raccoon to be positive for rabies after it attacked a person on a walking trail near a subdivision on Fox Hollow Road in Cullman. The raccoon attacked a bystander...

    In Alabama, conservation Is for the birds

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    WASHINGTON D.C. - Whether called the Yellowhammer State or the Cotton State, an abundance of birds call the state of Alabama home. “Yellowhammer” in fact refers to the common name for the northern flicker woodpecker — which just happens to be the official state...

    Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens August 2

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2022 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries on Monday, August 2, 2021. 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 for entry...

    ‘Truth in Nature is tight lines, steady aim and a cleansed heart’

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - Truth in Nature held an educational day for the young men of the Cullman chapter Saturday, June 26. The first half the day began with the boys learning to build picnic tables with the instruction of Chapter Leader Brian Burchett. The...

    ATF promotes fireworks safety

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    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wants the public to be safe during the Fourth of July. Understanding the dangers associated with illegal or improperly used/manufactured fireworks can prevent severe injuries, disfigurement or even death.   Illegal devices are not fireworks,...

    Guest Editorial: Protecting Alabama’s waters requires more than lawsuits

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Recent heavy rains put the spotlight on one of the most common yet difficult to resolve environmental concerns – untreated or partially treated sewage leaking into our rivers, lakes and streams. Inflow of rainwater through cracked pipes or faulty manhole covers...

    Editorial: Don’t feed the ducks

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    A few years ago, I was employed in an area which harbored a substantial feral cat colony, 20 or so, with kittens. I was disgusted after showing up to work one day, only to discover they had been poisoned and suffered a brutal death.  It...

    Federal, state programs guarantee boating access

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Hank Weldon is a native Alabamian and a traveling man. As a director of student and junior tournaments for Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, he’s seen a lot of fishing spots.  Few, he said, can rival those found in his home state.  “If you...

    Wallace State’s Blackwood, Chambers lead at Bassmaster College Series event on Saginaw Bay

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    BANGOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Despite a three-hour run and a slow start to the day, the Wallace State Community College team of Clent Blackwood and Bryar Chambers sacked up 21 pounds, 15 ounces of smallmouth bass on Saginaw Bay to take the lead...

    Wallace State BASS Club anglers Bryar Chambers, Clent Blackwood compete this week in Michigan

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    HANCEVILLE, ALA. – Wallace State’s BASS Club anglers Bryar Chambers and Clent Blackwood continue their quest through the 2021 Carhartt Bassmaster Collegiate Series this week, competing Wednesday and Thursday at Saginaw Bay in Bangor Charter Township, Mich. Chambers and Blackwood have fished in three previous...

    Cullman’s Hopper and Franks get redemption in High School Classic

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    FORT WORTH, Texas — Implementing a two-stage game plan, Brody Hopper and Landon Franks of Alabama’s Cullman High School caught a five-bass limit of 13 pounds, 1 ounce to win the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series Classic presented by Academy Sports +...

    Palomino RV Resort hits full capacity for Memorial Day

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman’s investment in the development of an RV park, the Palomino RV Resort, at the Burrow Farm site on County Road 222 saw a great payoff this Memorial Day weekend.   Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Director Zac Wood shared that the...

    Go Fish, Alabama! teaches basics of fishing

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of fishing, but didn’t know where to begin? The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) has developed a beginner fishing course just for you.WFF’s “Go...

    Duck River Reservoir boat ramps closing at 5 p.m. today

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    CULLMAN, Ala. - The City of Cullman has announced the temporary closure of its boat ramps at the Duck River Reservoir today, May 20 as water levels are lowered for inspection and maintenance of the Duck River Dam.  On Wednesday, the City issued this notice:  Duck...

    Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center reopens May 22

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    PELHAM, Ala. - The Oak Mountain Interpretive Center (OMIC) at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama, will celebrate its reopening Saturday, May 22, with a daylong schedule of events for families and children of all ages. The event will feature guided tours of...

    Bassmaster College Series stops at Smith Lake

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    CULLMAN, Ala. — Talented teams from across the country will converge on Lewis Smith Lake May 14-15 for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops. The second stop on the 2021 schedule, the event was originally scheduled for Apr. 16-17 before heavy...

    Deer: Attract or deter?

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     AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Deer in residential areas—homeowners either love the friendly visitors or wish they would leave plants alone. While hunting season has come and gone, traces of white-tailed deer in residential areas or on landowners’ property are nearing their peak. According to...

    B.A.S.S., Alabama Power, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance & the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources host dedication ceremony for new pavilion at Smith Lake

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    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Participation in angling has hit new highs in the past year, and a new public use pavilion built by skilled volunteers from the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance as part of an Alabama Power and B.A.S.S. conservation partnership is offering a much-needed place...

    New license allows hunting of feral swine, coyotes at night

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - With Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature this week, new legislation will provide hunters in Alabama with another opportunity to harvest two specific animals. The legislation allows Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship to establish a season for hunting feral hogs and coyotes at night...

    Alabama PALS kicks off 2021 “Don’t Drop It on Alabama” Spring Cleanup

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    MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 statewide “Don’t Drop It On Alabama” Spring Cleanup will be held during the entire month of April. The cleanup is held annually and coordinated by Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State), which also coordinates and implements the Alabama...

    Oak Mountain State Park suffers tornado damage

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    PELHAM, Ala. – Severe weather, including an apparent tornado, moved through northern Shelby County Thursday and caused damage at Oak Mountain State Park. The park suffered widespread tree damage in areas near Alabama Highway 119, as well as damage to the park’s campground and cable...

    Hawley wants to leave turkey hunting legacy

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    At the recent Alabama Conservation Advisory Board meeting in Montgomery, one of the people who took advantage of the opportunity to address the Board was David Hawley of Livingston, Alabama. At that meeting on March 6, the Board approved a motion to open the...

    John Cox claims victory at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Lewis Smith Lake

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    CULLMAN, Ala. (March 14, 2021) – After leading the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2 – Lewis Smith Lake for most of the event, it’s no surprise that Berkley pro John Cox of DeBary, Florida, pulled out...

    Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers Heads to Lewis Smith Lake

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    CULLMAN, Ala.  – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament organization, heads to Cullman, Alabama, this week, March 11-14, for the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2 – Lewis Smith Lake . This is the second...

    Strawberry Festival is back, coming May 1

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    Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism touts active slate starting this week with archery and pro fishing tournaments    CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman’s Strawberry Festival has been a community institution since its inception in 1939. The 2019 80th anniversary event saw record attendance numbers of more...

    Hunting antler sheds

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    Late winter and early spring can often be a dull time for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Deer season is over, and turkey season has yet to begin, but people may still be looking for an excuse to get outside. Hunting for deer antler sheds...

    Controlled burns top tool for wildlife, land managers

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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?

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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...