Flounder Limit of 10 Fish Enacted in Alabama
September 29, 2008
For the first time, Alabama anglers are now restricted in the number of flounder allowed in the daily creel limit. Barnett Lawley, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, signed the new saltwater fishing regulations, which contains a 10-fish daily creel limit on flounder, as well as increases in the minimum size limits on triggerfish and amberjack.
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Before, there was a 12-inch minimum size limit on flounder but no creel limit.
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“For a variety of reasons, there has been a shift in fishing effort from offshore species to inshore,” said Vernon Minton, Director of the Marine Resources Division. “To ensure flounder are not overfished, especially during the vulnerable times when the fish are migrating in and out of Mobile Bay, we felt a creel limit was the appropriate measure. A 10-flounder limit is still a liberal creel.”
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The regulations also increased the minimum size on triggerfish to 14 inches fork length and on amberjack to 30 inches fork length to comply with federal regulations that went into effect Aug. 5.
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Commissioner Lawley also signed a regulation that removes the prohibition of the use of nets to catch mullet in Mobile Bay and Bon Secour Bay north of the Intracoastal Waterway from the day after Labor Day to Oct. 31.
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“In years past, the food value for mullet wasn’t worth much,” said Chris Blankenship, Acting Chief of Enforcement at Marine Resources. “Now, the price of food mullet is about equal to roe mullet. The removal of this restriction allows net fishermen more access to mullet for the food market.”
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Blankenship also reminds anglers that all fishing licenses expired on Aug. 31. Fishing licenses for the 2008-2009 season went on sale Aug. 27.
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The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com
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Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Deadline October 31
September 15, 2008
Youth Encouraged to EnterÂ
If you think you have an eye for photography and love the outdoors, then try entering the Outdoor Alabama Magazine 2009 Photo Contest. The deadline for entries is October 31, 2008. In addition to the regular categories of Birds, Scenic/Pictorial, Mammals, Nature-based Recreation, Other Wildlife, Reptiles/Amphibians, and Flora, new categories added this year are for youth and photos taken at state parks. The youth category has two age groups: 6-12 and 13-18.
Adding the youth category is a way the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is encouraging youth to enjoy the outdoors. “Photography is something anyone can enjoy,” says Outdoor Alabama Editor Kim G. Nix. “We’d really like to encourage young people to spend some time outdoors taking notice and photographing the beauty that our state offers. All youth may not be able to compete on an adult level, so we created a special category for them,” she said.
Winning entries in this annual competition will be published in the February 2009 issue of Outdoor Alabama magazine. The contest is open to any amateur photographer except employees of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and members of their immediate families. An amateur is defined as someone who does not earn most of his or her living from photography.
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All photos must be digital and submitted on a CD along with an official entry form and data sheet. The forms may be downloaded here. You can also email a request to magazine [at] outdooralabama [dot] com or call 800-262-3151.
In addition to having their winning entries printed in Outdoor Alabama, prizes will be awarded to the first place winners in each category. Certificates will be awarded to first, second and third place and one honorable mention from each category.
Outdoor Alabama magazine is published by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
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Celebrate the Fifth Annual Alabama Outdoor Heritage Day
September 15, 2008
Celebrate the Fifth Annual Alabama Outdoor Heritage Day, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wehle Land Conservation Center in Midway, Bullock County. The event is sponsored by the State Lands Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).
Get a feel for the day-to-day life of early settlers by walking through log cabins with period furnishings; listening to fiddle and hammered dulcimer music while watching pioneers in period dress demonstrating finger weaving, powder horn making, flint and steel fire, washing clothes and leather work. Experience real horse power during a demonstration on logging with draft horses. Stop by the cane mill and drink some cane juice on your way to the blacksmith shop. Get a bag of kettle corn and some of Bullock County’s finest barbeque to enjoy while watching a demonstration on quilting and home made soap making. Cap all that off with a relaxing October open woods trail ride. Admission is free to all.
The Wehle Land Conservation Center features over 6 miles of horseback riding trails, three fishing ponds, boating, canoeing and various woods roads for hiking, biking and wildlife observation. The Wehle Land Conservation Center is open to the public the first and third Saturday of each month and is located approximately 5 miles southeast of Midway, Ala. on County Road 47. Take U.S. Hwy. 82 from either Montgomery or Eufaula to Midway and follow the “Nature Center” signs. For more information, call 1-800-LAND-ALA.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
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Wind Creek Hosts Vintage Car Show September 13
September 8, 2008
Wind Creek State Park, located near Alexander City, will host the Fourth Annual Lake Martin Car Show on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. A variety of vintage cars and trucks ranging from antiques to street rods will be on display.
According to State Parks Promotions Director Randy Jinks, Wind Creek State Park provides a wonderful setting for the car show. “It’s really something special when you see all the antique vehicles parked under tall pine trees surrounded by beautiful Lake Martin,” he said.
Door prizes will be given away along with drawings for $1,200 in prize money. This year the car show will honor Ms. Ella Gray, a popular citizen of the Alexander City area and owner of Mama Ella’s Diner. The dash plates given to the first 100 entries and the T-shirts that sold at the event will honor Ms. Ella with a design showing Ford, Chevy and Chrysler cars in front of a diner called “Ella’s Diner.” Ms. Ella will be on hand to select her favorite car, and the owner will be presented with an awards plaque entitled “Mama Ella’s Choice.”
In addition, the “Mayor’s Choice Award” will once again be presented by Alexander City Mayor Barbara Young to the car of her choice.
For additional information, call Randy Jinks at 256-454-0963 or 334-353-4125.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.Â
The car show will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Pre-registration is $10 and will be $15 the day of the event. Registration forms can be picked up at Wind Creek or downloaded from www.alapark.com. Admission to the park is $3.
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Alabama Scenic River Trail Announces 631 Prizes
August 22, 2008
Officials of the recently-opened Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) announce the 631 Prize, including $1,000, which will be awarded to the first canoeist or kayaker to start on or after October 1, 2008, and complete the 631-mile trail, the longest such river trail in a single state. The ASRT begins in the Coosa River at the Georgia state line east of Cedar Bluff, Ala. and ends 631 miles downstream at historic Ft. Morgan where Mobile Bay joins the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to the chance of winning the prize, paddlers will enjoy a variety of beautiful scenery from the mountains of northeastern Alabama to the tranquil waters of the Delta, the second largest river delta in the United States.
The Alabama Power Company and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have worked with the Alabama Scenic River Trail Association to create and mark portages around the power company’s six dams on the Coosa River and the Corps’ three dams on the Alabama River.
The basic rules of the competition for the 631 Prize are as follows:
- Paddlers vying for the 631 Prize may not start down the ASRT rail before 9 a.m. October 1, 2008.Â
- Each paddler must register with the ASRT in advance of the trip and must comply with any requirements of property owners and legal authorities along the route.Â
- To evidence having paddled the route, paddlers will be required to submit evidence of having completed the trip as stated in the 631 Prize rules.
Details regarding the rules, maps, required entry forms and trail guides for the four sections of the ASRT are available by clicking on “Paddle Alabama” at www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com.Â
The ASRT has been designated as a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and was created with the cooperation and support of many different agencies, organizations and individuals, including the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
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Alabama Conservation Department Schedules Youth Dove Hunts
August 17, 2008
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announces registration for the Eighth Annual Youth Dove Hunts begins Aug. 20 for the North Zone and Sept. 24 for the South Zone. To date, over 13,000 young hunters have participated in these annual hunts.
In cooperation with landowners, local volunteers, businesses and organizations, 54 dove hunts are scheduled in 28 counties throughout the state. To participate, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old (or a parent) who holds a valid state hunting license and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp. All hunters are encouraged to wear eye protection and earplugs.
Registration is necessary for all youth dove hunts. Before each hunt, there will be a short welcome session with reminders on hunting safety. According to Conservation officials, dove hunting is a perfect way to introduce youngsters to the tradition of bird hunting and spend quality time with family members. “We encourage bird hunters to pass on the tradition to young people today so that future generations can also learn the enjoyment of the outdoors and dove hunting,” said Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Director Corky Pugh.
North Zone hunts begin Sept. 6 and South Zone hunts begin Oct. 4. South Zone counties include Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile counties. The remaining counties are in the north zone. To register, contact the appropriate number listed below. Hunt schedules, contact information, and schedule changes or updates may be found on the Department’s Web site at http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/youth-hunts/youthdove.cfm.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
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Hiking, Backpacking Seminars Set for 5 Rivers In Alabama
August 8, 2008
Author and renowned outdoors enthusiast Joe Cuhaj of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society will conduct a series of hiking and backpacking seminars at 5 Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort.
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Daphne’s Cuhaj, who penned “Hiking Alabama” and co-authored “Paddling Alabama,” will offer advice and discuss hiking opportunities in Alabama for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
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The series begins on August 23 at scenic 5 Rivers. Admission is free and registration is not required. The workshops, which begin at 1 p.m., are one-hour long with the exception of Backpacking 101, which will last two hours.
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The seminar schedule is:
August 23 - Hiking in Alabama: Spectacular Destinations
September 13 - Essentials of Day Hiking
October 11 - Backpacking 101
November 15 - Backpack Cooking
January 10, 2009 - Hiking with Children (and the Dog)
February 7, 2009 - Trail Safety
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The Alabama Hiking Trail Society will hold its annual convention March 6-7, 2009 at 5 Rivers. Visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information on scenic 5 Rivers.
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The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.
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Two Public Meetings Will Be Held Regarding Near Shore Reef Construction at Gulf State Park Pier
June 12, 2008
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division will hold two public meetings to ask for input on the design and placement of concrete material from the demolition of the old Gulf State Park Pier around the new Gulf State Park Pier. The first meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on June 24, 2008, at the Gulf Shores Adult Activities Center, 260 Clubhouse Dr. in Gulf Shores. The second meeting will be held at the Foley Civic Center, 407 E. Laurel Ave. in Foley on June 26 at 6 p.m.
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Public input from these meetings will be used to assist ADCNR in developing an artificial reef proposal for submission to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for approval.
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Alabama has one of the largest artificial reef programs in the world. There are currently 23 inshore artificial reefs in Alabama providing some of the very best saltwater gamefish populations in the Gulf of Mexico. Visit www.outdooralabama.com for information on Alabama’s artificial reef program.
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Construction to rebuild the Gulf State Park Pier began in November 2007. The original pier, a popular recreational fishing spot, was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The new pier is expected to be completed in late 2008.
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The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
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Fishin’, Not Wishin’” Event at Oak Mountain State Park May 7-9 Media Day – Thursday, May 8 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m
May 6, 2008
WHAT: Media Day for the annual “Fishin’, Not Wishin’” event for hundreds of Exceptional Anglers (special needs students).
WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 2008 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
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WHERE: Oak Mountain State Park,200 Terrace Dr., Pelham, Alabama
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Members of the media are invited to come and meet exceptional, special education students from the Shelby and Jefferson County School Systems as they learn to fish, participate in arts and crafts, play and sing with local musicians, and enjoy other activities. The participants, ages five through 21 have various physical and mental challenges.
This event would not be made possible without the generous support of area sponsors including Alagasco, Alabama Power, Consolidated Pipe, El Paso Southern Natural Gas, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, Oak Mountain State Park, the Pelham Police Dept., Academy + Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops and more. Additionally, sponsor representatives will be on hand to answer questions and to explain their involvement with this worthy cause.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
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Make Plans for the Annual Spring Outdoor Festival May 3 at the Wehle Land Conservation Center
April 27, 2008
Get back to nature during the 11th Annual Spring Outdoor Festival (formerly Plant Fest and Bird Awareness Day) on May 3, 2008, at the Wehle Land Conservation Center near Midway, Alabama in Bullock County from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Spring Outdoor Festival is a fun and educational event for the entire family and admission is FREE.