ACE Magazine Summer 2012

Published on June 2016 | Categories: Types, Magazines/Newspapers | Downloads: 54 | Comments: 0 | Views: 748
of x
Download PDF   Embed   Report

OFFICIAL MAGAZlNE OF THE ALABAMA CONSERVATION ENFORCEMENT OFFICER ASSOCIATION

Comments

Content

Official Publication of the ACEOA WWW.ACEOA.ORG SUMMER 2012

EDITOR:
Gayle Morrow

PUBLISHER:
Brent-Wyatt West 8436 Crossland Loop, Suite 207 Montgomery, Alabama 36117

in this issue...
2012 – 2013 State Officers and Directors ........................................................... President’s Column ............................................................................................ From the Trenches ............................................................................................. Valeska Receives Prestigious William “Bill” Perryman Award ............................ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Host Fishing Rodeos ........................................ ACEOA State Conference and Top Gun ............................................................ Fresh Air Family’s Gross Out Camp ................................................................. Beyond The Basics ......................................................................................... Alabama Hunting and Fishing Licenses on Sale .............................................. Buckmasters Expo 2012 .................................................................................. Water Fowl In North America .......................................................................... 2012 Kids Fishing Derby .................................................................................. Kid’s Korner ................................................................................................... Habitat Management – Seeing the Big Picture ................................................. Establishment and Maintenance of White Clover for Wildlife .......................... Living with Alligators ...................................................................................... Lake Guntersville State Park ........................................................................... Natural Resources Youth Camp at Mussel Creek .............................................

3 5 7 9

SALES OFFICES:
Bryan Elkins, Sr. / Jim Downing 8436 Crossland Loop, Suite 207 Montgomery, Alabama 36117 (334) 213-6229

13 19 31 37 45 47 51 57 63 65 69 71 75 81 91 95

ON THE COVER
Henry and Houston County District Attorney Doug Valeska became one of only three recipients of the prestigious William “Bill” Perryman Award by reaching beyond the duties of his office to assist victims of crime and the officers of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

ACE Magazine is the official publication of the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer Association. Purchase of advertising space does not entitle the advertisers to any privileges or favors from members. ACE Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by any contributor. This magazine is created and produced by Brent‑Wyatt West. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.

Forever Wild .................................................................................................... Red Snapper ................................................................................................... Avoid Contact with Raccoons ....................................................................... ACEOA Membership Application ................................................................... Advertisers Index .......................................................................................... Business Directory .......................................................................................

101 105 147 150

ACEOA Magazine • 1

2012 – 2013 State Officers and Directors
Rusty Morrow (Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Enforcement Retired) Chris Jaworowski – President  •  Heath Walls – Vice President  •  Chris Lewis – Secretary/Treasurer Ernie Stephens – Director  •  Wendell Fulks – Associate Director Blount, ColBert, Cullman, Fayette, Franklin, l amar, l auderdale, l awrenCe, limestone, madison, marion, morgan, walker, winston Scott Kellenberger – Director  •  Jerry Fincher – Associate Director  •  Joel Glover – Associate Director Calhoun, ChamBers, Cherokee, Clay, CleBurne, Coosa, dek alB, etowah, JaCkson, marshall, r andolph, st. Clair, talladega, tallapoosa Grady Myers – Director  •  Cliff Robinson – Associate Director autauga, BiBB, Chilton, dallas, greene, hale, JeFFerson, lowndes, perry, piCkens, shelBy, sumter, tusCaloosa John Bozeman – Director  •  Vance Woods – Associate Director BarBour, BulloCk, CoFFee, Covington, Crenshaw, dale, elmore, geneva, henry, houston, lee, maCon, montgomery, pike, russell Don Reaves – Director  •  Joe Little – Associate Director  •  Bo Willis – Associate Director Baldwin, Butler, ChoCtaw, Clarke, ConeCuh, esCamBia, marengo, moBile, monroe, washington, wilCox

Executive Director

2012 – 2013 ACEOA State Officers DISTRICT I

DISTRICT II

DISTRICT III

DISTRICT IV DISTRICT V

ACE Magazine
Gayle Morrow – Editor For questions about your District Director, ACEOA, or membership contact: Rusty Morrow, P.O. Box 74, Lowndesboro, AL 36752, (334) 391-9113, [email protected]

ACEOA Magazine • 3

President’s Column
By Chris Jaworowski – Wildlife Biologist, ACEOA President

T

he tug of a fish on a rod and reel is an experience that will bring a smile to any child. Fighting and landing a big fish is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Thanks to the generous support of Alabama businesses, ACEOA sponsored youth fishing events across the state this summer bringing smiles to hundreds of Alabama’s future leaders. Competing with iPads, iPods, tablets, and netbooks is not an easy task; however, this is a challenge that ACEOA is proud to take on. It is our mission at ACEOA to introduce as many children as possible to the natural resources that this great state has to offer. By sponsoring youth hunting and fishing events across the state on an annual basis, ACEOA is providing opportunities for the youth of Alabama to enjoy our natural resources while also learning important lessons about conservation and the “wise use” of Alabama’s renewable resources. Looking at the smiles from participants in our event pictures, I would have to

say ACEOA is on the right track. If you are interested in helping ACEOA getting the youth of Alabama out of the house and into the great outdoors, please check out our website at ACEOA.org. As summer draws to an end many of us are preparing for the upcoming hunting seasons. ACEOA will be sponsoring youth dove hunts, squirrel hunts, and deer hunts during the fall of 2012. Thank you for supporting ACEOA and allowing us the opportunity to educate the youth of today about the conservation concerns of tomorrow. If you are hosting a youth hunting/ fishing or conservation related event and need sponsors or financial support please contact ACEOA. Contact information as well as event information forms are available on our website. Thank you for supporting ACEOA and reading ACE magazine, please pass this issue along to a friend when you are done. l

ACEOA Magazine • 5

From the Trenches
By Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director

S

ummer events are coming to an end for ACEOA. What a summer it has been! The Youth fishing events sponsored by the Corp of Engineers in Lowndes and Wilcox Counties were a great success. ACEOA added to the success by awarding four lifetime fishing licenses at the events. Look at all the happy faces in the picture in this issue. We also assisted in youth fishing events in Butler County and Winston County. Again, we provided lifetime fishing licenses to lucky winners there. With these events winding down, we are getting ready for our fall youth dove hunts. Limestone County in District One and Henry County in District four are making their plans now and our support for these events is already in place. Look for these photos and editorials in our Fall issue of ACE Magazine. I have very little to report from the last Legislative session. They left what little money our officers make alone; But some of the deductions will go into full effect in October of 2012. Most of our readers already know the supplement feeding bill and extending deer season into February never left the Senate or House floor. New hunting regulations are out and you won’t find anything in there about them. I’m sure it will be back next session.

Those legislators have bigger fish to fry than worrying about a deer. I think so, anyway. Consolidation of state law enforcement agencies is milling around. Who knows where that will go. It seems so large a move with so little time before the next session. Our officers are definitely paying attention though. It is too early to speculate; so I’ll leave it like that. Our quarterly board meeting was held in Cullman on August the 8th. This gave me an opportunity to visit with Senator Roger Bedford (Senate Minority Leader) on the 9th. I always enjoy talking to Roger and he is always very supportive of Conservation Enforcement Officers. There are very few times that I have seen Roger in the state house that he hasn’t taken time to speak and shake my hand. Again, I enjoyed my visit with him and with Roger you always know where you stand … The people in his district should be proud to have him serve them in Montgomery. Please enjoy this issue of ACE Magazine. This time it is twofold with our Conference and Top Gun. It also includes a special award to a very special man, Doug Valeska. I encourage our readers to become Associate members of ACEOA. Applications are provided inside. This enables you to become a part of our association that is vital to our existence. Our corporate sponsors enable us to provide all the services in this magazine. There is never enough praise for your support. You have shown your dedication to ACEOA in each issue. Again, we thank you. Now read and enjoy and when finished pass it on to a friend. Enjoy your fall hunting experience and when able, take a kid to the outdoors and teach them to enjoy it also. I will leave you with this quote. Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. — Anais Nin

(L-R) Rusty Morrow, Doug Valeska and Tim Ward at Award Banquet.

l
ACEOA Magazine • 7

Valeska Receives Prestigious William “Bill” Perryman Award

H

aving only heard great things about District Attorney Valeska, it was truly an honor to be present at the award banquet for him. He was so humble when he realized he was there to receive the William “Bill” Perryman Award.

For our readers that don’t know what this award is; it is considered by ACEOA to be our most prestigious award. It has only been awarded two times since it was presented to Bill Perryman himself. The standards are high and only get higher each time it has been awarded. It is based on individuals that go above and beyond to help our Conservation Officers. They are individuals that ask nothing in return and are merely satisfied with helping. William “Bill” Perryman was one of those people for many years in Wilcox County. District Attorney Valeska is certainly worthy of this award. Please read the nomination letters and you will agree with us. Congratulations, Mr. Valeska. You are very deserving. A special thanks goes to Officer Tim Ward for single handedly putting this Banquet together. Thanks for your hard work, Tim. l

District Attorney Doug Valeska.
ACEOA Magazine • 9

Valeska ReceiVes PRestigious William “Bill” PeRRyman aWaRd – continued

Doug Valeska and his family.

Officer Tim Ward.

Doug Valeska with local officers.

Banquet for Doug Valeska.
ACEOA Magazine • 11

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Host Fishing Rodeos

I

n June, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alabama River Lakes Project, hosted two Annual Youth Catfish Rodeos. One was held at a Corps of Engineers pond in Millers Ferry and one was held at a Lowndes Wildlife Management Area Pond. The fishing rodeos are free and get great participation from local youth. There were approximately 100 kids (under 16) at each rodeo. This year the ACEOA gave away two lifetime fishing license at

each event. Kayleigh Hunter (age 4), Kamilah Robinson (age 6) were the big winners at Lowndes Management Area. These fishing rodeos are a great way to promote outdoor recreation. The ACEOA will also be giving away a lifetime hunting license at a Youth Dove Hunt in Lowndes County. The hunt will be held in September and sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Alabama Department of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. l

ACEOA Magazine • 13

u.s. aRmy coRPs of engineeRs Host fisHing Rodeos – continued

ACEOA Magazine • 15

10ad15

9340 – continued u.s. aRmy coRPs of engineeRs Host fisHing Rodeos Helena Rd.• Suite f310

13708 LAke Lurlene Road Coker, Alabama 35452

Jim Hallmon

smith & Elliott builders
birmingham, AL 35244

205-612-6790

Bagby & Russell Electric
513 West I-65 Service Rd. N. Mobile, AL 36608

FLEA & ANTIQUE MALL
742 East Main Street Prattville, AL 36067 334-361-4500

J&G

251-334-5987

Briskman & Binion, PC
P.O. Box 43 Mobile, AL 36601 251-433-7600

ACEOA Magazine • 17

ACEOA State Conference and Top Gun
By Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director
CEOA held its Annual Conference and Top Gun Competition at the Southern Sportsman Lodge in Lowndes County on May of 2012. It was great to be back at the lodge. Jim Mason and Dave Lyon always make our weekend there enjoyable. We began our weekend with our annual conference board meeting on Friday night. Our directors and state officers work hard to make this event go perfectly. Believe me there is a lot of planning that goes into it. This year we made revisions in our bylaws that were presented to the members on Saturday at the conference. The growth over the years of ACEOA made these changes necessary. We feel these revisions will help us grow even more. Our conference is always geared for the families. We enjoy it being a family event. The kids not only enjoy the shooting competition but this year they had a ball on the giant slides that were brought in on Saturday afternoon. I hauled several kids on the golf cart and they really loved that.

A

More of the fun started when we drew for the lucky winner of the Brent Wyatt West gun. The lucky officer was Ernie Stephens of District One. Thanks you, Paul Dinerman, and the rest of the crew at Brent Wyatt West for all you do in supporting our officers. Our top gun competition is always exciting and our instructors make sure it is difficult. A special thanks goes to Matt Weathers, Vance Wood, Wendell Fulks and Scott Kellenberger for designing the course of fire and overseeing the competition. No matter how difficult the course, we always have one officer that excels. This year Chuck Riddle was that officer. Congratulations Chuck for being the 2012 ACEOA “Top Gun.” Second place went to Jason Bassett and Third place went to Chris Blankenship. The competition was real close this year. We’ll put our Officers up against any division when it comes to shooting. “Big attaboy” to all the competitors. The ladies top gun competition grows each year and it is always very intense with these ladies. We have not been able to find anyone to dethrone Jenny Lush though and she won it again this year. She now has a collection of “PINK” semi autos. Great shooting, Jenny. Second place went to Krista Bush and third place went to Sabina Lucas. Again, congratulations to all the competitors. Please enjoy the conference photos. Many of these great pictures were shot by Darin Clifton. We really appreciate his great talent and his willingness to help out. All of our photos only show a portion of the fun had by all that attended. We are already planning for next year and look forward to seeing you there. l
continued on 21
ACEOA Magazine • 19

Officer Ernie Stephens, winner of the Brent-Wyatt West Gun with Paul Dinerman.

aceoa state confeRence and toP gun – continued

Top Gun participants getting some instruction.

Nice shooting, Brey!

Zach Lucas takes a shot.

Great day in the outdoors!

Chase zeros in on the target.

A fun ride with Mr. Rusty in the golf cart.
ACEOA Magazine • 21

aceoa state confeRence and toP gun – continued

Let’s get going!

Carter takes a fun ride to the bottom!

Officer Darin Clifton helps his son, Carter, take aim.

Carter and Jackson.

What a time we had on the 20 foot slide!

Winners are Jackson Weathers, Carter Clifton, Cayne Little.
ACEOA Magazine • 23

aceoa state confeRence and toP gun – continued

Winners Chase Little, Brey Blankenship, and Addie Weathers.

Nice Shirt!

Lodge, here we come!
ACEOA Magazine • 25

aceoa state confeRence and toP gun – continued

26 • ACEOA Magazine

aceoa state confeRence and toP gun – continued

ACEOA Magazine • 27

aceoa state confeRence and toP gun – continued

28 • ACEOA Magazine

aceoa state confeRence and toP gun – continued

ACEOA Magazine • 29

Fresh Air Family’s Gross Out Camp
By David Rainer, photos by David Rainer

C

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

ool, clear water splashed in every direction as the youngsters involved in the Fresh Air cavorted in the shallow waters of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. The camp is part of the Fresh Air Family’s initiative to connect today’s generation of children and families to the outdoors in the manner that previous generations enjoyed. Verna Gates, who founded Fresh Air Family in Birmingham in 2006, realized that if kids were allowed to sit in front of TVs or computer screens that society’s connection to the outdoors would soon become tenuous at best. “I was president of the (Birmingham) Wildflower Society for several years, and it dawned on me that I was the youngest member, and I’m not going to tell you my age,” Gates said. “I knew this was not a good thing. I thought, ‘We’ve got to get children and families back outside.’ “We had all these wonderful, free things to do outside, and everybody who participated was getting older

and older. I thought that somehow we had to reverse this trend.” Fortunately, my generation spent a great deal of time outdoors. When I was growing up, we were outside during every possible daylight hour. During the summer, I left the house after breakfast and many days didn’t get back home until supper. The rest of the day was spent exploring the outdoors, a cherished gift that many people from the current generation does not understand. “The outdoors is the natural habitat for children,” Gates said. “I’m shocked at the number of kids who have never played in a creek like these children are doing today. I decided we’ve got to do something to get these kids outside. When I started Fresh Air Family, I really was shocked at the need.” The organization’s membership skyrocketed to 10,000 members in two years. More than 11,000 people participated in Fresh Air Family (www.freshairfamily.org) programs last year. The number of Gross Out Camp events has been increased to four per summer, many of which are held on Forever Wild Land Trust property. “We thought about calling it Science and Math Camp, but how many kids do you know that would go for that,” Gates said of Gross Out Camp. “The kids love cutting things up, finding tadpoles and such. We offer everything from canoeing, caving, fishing, hiking, birding, fosYoungsters participating in Fresh Air Family’s Gross Out Camp this summer, sil hunting, star gazing and so on.
frolic in the shallow, clear waters of Turkey Creek near Pinson.
continued on 33
ACEOA Magazine • 31

fResH aiR family’s gRoss out camP – continued
Everything we can think of to when they take it home in their do outside, we try to do. We lunchboxes to unsuspecting invite families out. We feel like family members. we’re the introductory place. “These kids are doing heavy You can come and see if you duty science and have no clue,” like birding. You can come and Gates said. “I love to hear the see if you like fossil hunting. words ‘polymer’ and ‘barf’ We just want the families to used in the same sentence. get started. They just think they’re hav“We missed the last gening fun. Learning done well is eration that are the parents one of the most fun things you of these children. So many can do. When we say, ‘Hey, parents, especially single let’s go find some tadpoles’ or women, are afraid to get out ‘let’s make some fake vomit,’ by themselves. But we provide they don’t realize it’s science. a safe atmosphere where our They just think it’s cool and staff is trained in first aid. We funny. It’s been proven that give them a specific agenda science and exercise can make about where we’re going and you smarter.” what we’re doing. Along the One of Fresh Air Family’s way, we’re going to look for most popular programs is turtles or birds or flowering Hikes for Tykes each Saturday plants or rocks or fossils or at the Birmingham Botanical whatever. We’re providing Gardens for preschool kids. a safe place where families Gates said the average attencan go and enjoy nature and dance is about 25 people, but learn something.” as many as 60 have particiDespite its popularity, only Anna Hammond, 9, shows off a dragonfly nymph she pated. about 100 kids get to attend found hiding under a rock in Turkey Creek Nature “It’s just about getting the Gross Out Camp throughout Preserve during Gross Out Camp. little guys and girls out and the summer because of the getting them started,” she said. resources it takes to hold the camp. The effort is more “The people at the Botanical Gardens were seeing the than worth it, according to Gates. same problem. The average age of their members was “We seem to think that kids have gotten more sophisti52, so they wanted some programs to get youngsters and cated,” she said. “I’m here to tell you that is not true. I’ve families out and introduce them to nature.” had to drag kids out of creek beds because it was getting Gates said the organization works with as many biolodark. They were having the times of their lives. They gists and naturalists in the state as possible, as well don’t have this kind of freedom. This is like a magic camp as staff at various Forever Wild properties and other where you’re outside and you explore the world you live outdoors-related properties. in. I’m a great believer in science. Science is where you “We like to work with everybody because it makes learn to think. It’s all about solving problems. They learn our program better,” Gates said. “We’re trying to keep how to make decisions that will serve them later in life.” it free, so we can make it accessible to everybody. I’m One of the more popular activities at Gross Out Camp is very proud of the diversity and range of incomes we’ve when the kids mix glue, pieces of foam and food coloring be able to attract.” to make fake vomit, which then becomes part of a joke continued on 35
ACEOA Magazine • 33

fResH aiR family’s gRoss out camP – continued
Gates has numerous stoproperty is so important to ries about how Fresh Air us to have a place to take Family affects people who our children, who are stuck have never really experienced in houses and cul-de-sacs the outdoors. where there is no wilder“We took a woman to ness or wildlife, where there Conecuh National Forest who is nothing to see other than had never walked on grass,” groomed grass and concrete. she said. “She didn’t like it. We want to bring them to She was terrified, but by the places where there’s life.” end of the trip she loved it Jan Mattingly, who was in and wanted to buy a tent and charge of the camp at Turkey camping equipment. This is Creek, said a typical agenda the disconnect we’re talkincludes hiking, fishing, ing about. searching for invertebrates “Last year I was walkin the creek, making slime for ing along with a little girl, the science experience, not to holding her hand, on a neat mention the manufacture of little hike at the Botanical the fake vomit. Gardens. She asked how “The kids love it, and we much farther we were going get all this positive feedback to walk. She said, ‘I’ve never from the parents because the walked this far before.’ I realkids have been outside all ized she had gone from the day,” Mattingly said. “Some car door to the school, from of these kids have never the grocery store door to the been in a creek or played in car door. It’s really shocking, the woods.” but that is what’s going on in Nick Lazaro, 10, examines an owl pellet to search for The enthusiasm the kids America today.” evidence of what a Barn Owl had recently consumed have for the Gross Out Camp Gates said one example is for a meal. is obvious by the looks on particularly poignant to the their faces, and several were effort to improve the health of today’s youngsters. able put their approval in words. “We had one little boy who came to our first Gross “It’s different from other camps,” said 9-year-old Leo Camp at Turkey Creek,” she said. “He was overweight and Hernandez. “You usually are not able to swim in creeks, diabetic. After one week at Gross Out Camp, he went to and you don’t go fishing or discover things you’ve never his doctor on Monday. His doctor said, ‘What have you seen before. I like finding stuff in the creek like fish and done?’ His numbers on his diabetes were down. He had little insects.” lost about five pounds. One week of being outside is all Ten-year-old Morgan McCrickard said it’s all about it took. I went to a pediatric conference a few years ago, fun at Gross Out Camp. and the studies show that gyms don’t work; diets don’t “We’re never bored,” McCrickard said. “The experiwork. The only thing that works on children is getting ments are a lot of fun. This is my favorite camp I’ve ever outdoors and playing. That’s the only thing that keeps been to. At the other camps, we’ve never done anything kids in shape and keeps their brains working. this cool.” “This is the world’s greatest playground right here With a laugh, Gates added, “Our Fresh Air Family — nature. We want to bring people back. Forever Wild guarantee is tired and dirty children.” l
ACEOA Magazine • 35

Beyond The Basics
By Gayle Morrow, Editor

T

he Alabama Conservation Officer is a government employee assigned to management of freshwater fish, wildlife, marine resources, waterway safety, state lands, and state parks. Conservation officers are certified at the state level as peace officers. To ensure that wildlife is being protected, conservation officers have a number of basic duties that they must fulfill. These include, but are not limited to, Law Enforcement, licensing, patrolling, investigating and education. Most people do not realize that our officers often go beyond the basics in their everyday duties. Because of their training in law enforcement, their broad knowledge of Alabama land and waterways and their experience in search and rescue, they are called upon when disaster

13708 LAke Lurlene Road Coker, Alabama 35452

Jim Hallmon

strikes. They were there in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. They were there during and after Hurricane Katrina. When the Gulf Oil Spill devastated the Gulf Coast, your Alabama Conservation Officers were there. They are your unsung heroes. They have stories to tell that you won’t read in the newspaper or see on the nightly news. They just quietly do their jobs and walk away. Alabama has some of the most strict marijuana laws in 10ad15 the nation. While organizations are continuously working to change those laws, the fact still stands that the laws must be upheld. That is where the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer is called on to go beyond the basics once again. l

smith & Elliott builders
9340 Helena Rd.• Suite f310 birmingham, AL 35244

continued on 39

205-612-6790

Vinson

ACEOA Magazine • 37

marijuana eradication – continued

Marijuana Eradication

Marijuana found during dove season at Sand Mountain.

Marijuana grow at Raccoon Creek WMA.

Our officers constantly patrol wooded areas and can walk up on areas such as these. Most people have no idea that Conservation Officers are dealing with these types of crimes.
Marijuana grow at Skyline WMA. Assisting ABI with marijuana eradication.

Man using drugs Raccoon Creek.

Marijuana Raccoon Creek WMA.
ACEOA Magazine • 39

alabama Penalties – continued

•  Mandatory Minimum Sentence  /  Tax Stamps  •

Alabama Penalties
Penalty

Offense
Possession Personal Use Any amount Other Than Personal Use Any amount * Mandatory minimum sentence Sale Any amount To a minor Within 3 miles of a school or a public housing project * Mandatory minimum sentence Trafficking 2.2 lbs. - 100 lbs. 100 lbs. - 500 lbs. 500 lbs. - 1,000 lbs.

Incarceration

Max. Fine

misdemeanor felony

1 year 1* - 10 years

$ 6,000 $ 15,000

felony felony felony

2* - 20 years 10 years - life 5 years

$ 30,000 $ 60,000 $0

felony felony felony

3 years* 5 years* 15 years*

$ 25,000 $ 50,000 $ 200,000

* Mandatory minimum sentence, and a possible sentence of 10-99 years Paraphernalia Sale or possession of paraphernalia Sale of paraphernalia to a minor Miscellaneous A marijuana conviction will result in a 6 month driver’s license suspension. misdemeanor felony 1 year 2 - 20 years $ 2,000 $ 30,000

Possession for Personal Use
In Alabama, marijuana for “personal use only” is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum sentence of one year and a maximum fine of $6,000. Marijuana possessed for reasons other than “personal use,” or if the offender has been previously convicted of See: •  Code of Alabama Section 20-2-1 et seq. •  Code of Alabama Section 13A-12-214 marijuana possession for “personal use” only, is unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree and is a Class C felony, punishable by a prison sentence of a minimum of one year in prison and a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, along with a maximum fine of $15,000. •  •  Code of Alabama Section 13A-5-11 Code of Alabama Section 20-2-23
continued on 43
ACEOA Magazine • 41

alabama Penalties – continued

Sale
Sale of a controlled substance in Alabama is a Class B felony punishable with a minimum sentence of 2 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years, along with a maximum fine of $30,000. The sale to a minor is a felony which is punishable by a sentence of 10 years-life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $60,000. Sale within three miles of a school or a public housing project is an additional felony punishable by an additional sentence of five years imprisonment. * The imposition of the sentence will not be suspended and probation will not be granted. See: •  Code of Alabama 20-2-1 •  Code of Alabama Section 13A-5-6 •  Code of Alabama Section 13A-12-211

1,000 lbs. is a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum fine of $200,000. See: •  Code of Alabama 13A-12-231

Miscellaneous
A marijuana conviction will result in a six month driver’s license suspension. Sale or possession of paraphernalia is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,000. Sale of paraphernalia to a minor three or more years younger than the seller is a felony punishable by 2-20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $30,000. See: •  Code of Alabama 13A-12-260

Mandatory Minimum Sentence
When someone is convicted of an offense punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence, the judge must sentence the defendant to the mandatory minimum sentence or to a higher sentence. The judge has no power to sentence the defendant to less time than the mandatory minimum. A prisoner serving an MMS for a federal offense and for most state offenses will not be eligible for parole. Even peaceful marijuana smokers sentenced to “life MMS” must serve a life sentence with no chance of parole.

Cultivation
Cultivation in Alabama is punished as either simple possession or as possession with intent to distribute, depending on the amount of marijuana being produced and other factors that may lead to the conclusion that the marijuana was being grown for reasons other than strict personal use. See the “Possession for Personal Use” section for further penalty details.

Trafficking
The sale, cultivation, or manufacture of 2.2 lbs. – 100 lbs. is considered trafficking and is a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of three years imprisonment and a possible sentence of 10-99 years, as well as a maximum fine of $25,000. The sale, cultivation, or manufacture of 100 lbs. – 500 lbs. is a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum fine of $50,000. The sale, cultivation, or manufacture of 500 lbs. –

Tax Stamps
This state has a marijuana tax stamp law enacted. This law mandates that those who possess marijuana are legally required to purchase and affix state-issued stamps onto his or her contraband. Failure to do so may result in a fine and/or criminal sanction. For more information, see NORML’s report Marijuana Tax Stamp Laws and Penalties. The above information was obtained from NORML, an organization working to change the marijuana laws in Alabama.

ACEOA Magazine • 43

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2012

CONTACT: Information & Education 800-262-3151

Alabama Hunting and Fishing Licenses on Sale August 27
The sale of recreational hunting and fishing licenses for Alabama’s 2012-2013 seasons begins on August 27, 2012. Officials with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) say purchasing online at www.outdooralabama.com is the easiest way for consumers to obtain their licenses because they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both hunting and fishing licenses expire on the same date each year, August 31. ADCNR is making the new licenses available several days earlier than the expiration date for convenience purposes. Prices will be $25.05 for a resident all game license and $16.70 for a resident small game license. An all game license is required for hunting deer and turkey in Alabama. A resident freshwater fishing license is $12.50, while a saltwater fishing license is $21.95. Seven-day saltwater trip licenses are $9.35 and are valid for 168 consecutive hours. In addition to purchasing online with a credit card, licenses are also available by telephone at 888-848-6887, at county courthouses and at many sporting goods retail outlets and marinas. A listing of Alabama’s hunting and fishing regulations, seasons and bag limits may be found in the annual “Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest.” The Digest is available where licenses are sold or online at www.outdooralabama.com. Besides name and address, the following information is needed to purchase a hunting or fishing license: driver’s license number, date of birth, sex, height, weight, eye color and hair color. Those born on or after August 1, 1977, and purchasing a hunting license will also need to provide a hunter education number. Hunter education class information is available at www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education. 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.

###

ACEOA Magazine • 45

Buckmasters Expo 2012
By Rusty Morrow
s in years past, ACEOA made its appearance at the Buckmasters Expo. What a great event this is for us. We get exposed to a captive audience of over 30,000 people and get to feature all the great things we do. It is also a way for me to renew friendships from the past. I haven’t seen Greg Miller since our old Buckmasters Classics in the mid 1980’s. He has become a renowned outdoorsman, hunter and writer. He was in the Thompson

A

Center booth signing autographs all three days. We enjoyed the opportunity to relive those fun times. He came over and took some pictures in the booth. Terry Rohm also visited the booth. He is always a lot of fun and I tend to play jokes on him, so when I told him I had two very pretty ladies in the booth that wanted their
continued on 49

Krista Bush, Rick Murphy, and Crystal Reaves.

Krista Bush, Terry Rohm, and Crystal Reaves.

Don Reaves, Krista Bush, Terry Rohm, Ken Jackson, Crystal Reaves, and Heath Walls.

Rusty Morrow, Greg Miller, Don Reaves, and Ken Jackson.

ACEOA Magazine • 47

10ad17

3001 Lasalle Drive BuckmasteRs exPo 2012 – continued Dothan, AL 36303

Southeastern Seniors Golf Association
334-677-1099

Vince Jernigan Allstate Agent
picture made with him, he was real cautious. He found 334-687-2181 out it was not a joke and was a good sport as usual. Thanks for all the great help Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Special thanks to Crystal Reaves and Krista Bush who came on Saturday to help sell raffle tickets for the Brandon Hunnicutt fund raiser. Those girls sold HANDYMAN SERVICE a lot of tickets. Kenneth Jackson came back to help again this year and he really helps a 235Chris Lewis came on Sunday and lot. ABC LANE when it was over he helped in taking down our display. PELL CITY, AL 35125 We are planning to be back next year in the same spot. 205-370-3128 Thanks to all that visited the booth and learned about ACEOA. See you next year. l

504 East Barbour Street Eufaula, AL 36027

Sullivan Trucking
Joel Glover, Ken Jackson, Jackie Bushman, Rusty Morrow, and Jerry Fincher.

251-679-0911

417 Audubon Drive S. Satsuma, AL 36572

ACEOA Magazine • 49

Water Fowl In North America
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

T

he cacophony of Tensaw Delta, is similar to duck-like sounds last year’s at 3.6 million, echoed across the a whopping 96 percent lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta above the long-term average. recently, but it wasn’t the Teal numbers look excelopening day of waterfowl lent as well. Green-winged season. Instead, it was teal estimates are 3.5 mila celebration of new, uplion, up 20 percent over and-coming water fowllast year’s numbers and 74 ers who participated in percent above long-term the Ducks Unlimited (DU) averages. Blue-winged teal Greenwing event at 5 Rivers numbers were estimated at Delta Resource Center on 9.2 million, similar to last the Causeway. year’s but 94 percent above As the youngsters manthe long-term average. aged to create just about The scaup (bluebills) estiPHOTO BY DAVID RAINER every sound imaginable mate came in at 5.2 million, from a duck call, it was obvi- Youngsters who participated in the Ducks Unlimited Greenwing which is 21 percent above ous that some of the these event at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center recently received a free the 2011 estimate and simikids gained quite a bit of duck call, which got plenty of use during the event. lar to the long-term average. instruction during the event, Those numbers prompted sponsored by the Mobile and Baldwin chapters of DU. the USFWS to increase the daily bag limit on scaup I suspect that some of those youngsters may have spent from two to four birds per hunter. Other diver numbers some blind time with their parents and/or mentors and included 1.3 million redheads, similar to last year’s, and realized what a treasured resource we enjoy. 800,000 canvasbacks, similar to last year’s numbers and From the data from the fall flight survey conducted by 33 percent above the long-term average. the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), it appears Northern shovelers were estimated at 5 million, which there is also plenty to be excited about in the overall was similar to last year’s and 111 percent above the abundance of waterfowl in North America. The overall long-term average. population estimate increased seven percent from last American widgeon numbers were similar to last year’s at year to 48.6 million birds. 2.1 million, still 17 percent below the long-term average. The estimated number of mallards, which is the But the northern pintail suffered a 22-percent decline to gold standard for duck hunters, was 10.6 million birds, 3.5 million ducks, 14 percent below the long-term average. a 15-percent increase over 2011 and 40 percent above While those overall numbers look good, the prolonged the long-term average. drought in the Midwest and some parts of Canada will The estimated number of gadwalls, which we see in impact the breeding grounds to a certain extent. relative abundance along the Tennessee River and Mobilecontinued on 53
ACEOA Magazine • 51

WateR foWl in noRtH ameRica – continued
Of course, if the drought continues, the migration patterns may benefit those of us in the southern latitudes where there has been some rainfall. As always, the success of the waterfowl season in Alabama is dependent on the weather. With a mild winter and early spring, the 2011 season in Alabama was hit-and-miss, according to David Hayden, waterfowl specialist with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. “We didn’t have hardly any cold weather,” Hayden said. PHOTO BY DAVID RAINER “Some guys had some decent hunting early. It sounded to me, Four-year-old Teale Ojeda offers his best duck quack to the judges during the calling contest from most of the guys I talked that capped the day of festivities, which included dog handling, duck identification, calling to, that it got slower as the seainstruction, hunter safety and archery. son went along. Overall, it was a fairly slow season. My opinion is that it had to do with the weather. “There’s a lot of dry country out there right now, including Alabama. This is speculation, because there are a lot of lakes and ponds out there, but if there’s a lot of dry country between here and Canada, that might force the birds farther south than they’ve been in recent years.” For several years now, the flyway councils have recommended liberal seasons and bag limits. The regular waterfowl season in the Mississippi Flyway is 60 days. Alabama’s seasons are set for Nov. 23-24 and Dec. 1 through Jan. 27. The daily bag limit is again six ducks with no more than four mallards (two hens), three wood ducks, one mottled duck, two redheads, four scaup, two pintails, one black duck and one canvasback. The proposed daily bag limit of mergansers is five, only two PHOTO BY DAVID RAINER of which may be hooded mergansers. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day with the exception of the Mobile-Tensaw for Monday through Thursday are one-half hour before Delta. In the area north of Battleship Parkway, west of sunrise to 12:00 noon, while Friday through Sunday Alabama Highway 225, south of CSX Railroad tracks, and shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. east of the west bank of the Mobile River, shooting hours continued on 55
ACEOA Magazine • 53

WateR foWl in noRtH ameRica – continued
In terms of participation, waterfowl hunters in Alabama remain optimistic about the prospects for the future. “Hunter numbers were up about 10 percent,” Hayden said of the Alabama numbers from last season. “The federal harvest estimate showed an increase of 25 percent, which surprises me. The average daily bag limit per duck hunter was about the same at the previous year’s, but the number of hunters increased; therefore, the overall harvest goes up. That’s what makes the difference. “Our duck hunters are concerned about things being dry and the warm weather we’ve had for the last few years. At the same time, if we get a cold winter with snow cover up north, it could be a jam-up year. People are still looking for one of those years to come along.” For goose hunters, the daily bag limit on Canada geese has been raised to three birds per hunter, while the daily bag limit on white-fronted geese (speckle bellies) remains at two. In a change from last year, the possession limit is now twice the daily bag limit for Canadas and speckle bellies. A Canada goose-only season is scheduled for Sept. 22 through Oct. 9. “This was an effort by the Fish and Wildlife Service to help states deal with their resident populations of geese,” Hayden said. “The bag limit was increased to three birds, and the season was lengthened from 70 days to 78 days.” A special early teal season is set from Sept. 8-23, while the early Canada goose season is Sept. 1-15. A special snow and blue goose season is set for Oct. 27 through Nov. 11 in Escambia and Monroe counties only. The special youth waterfowl days are Feb. 9-10. Hunters must possess a valid hunting license, signed federal and state duck stamps, as well as a free HIP (Harvest Information Program) stamp. Visit www.outdooralabama.com for more information. l

10ad17

Billy Sheffield, II

ACEOA Magazine • 55

2012 Kids Fishing Derby
NEWS RELEASE
P.O. Box 278 • Double Springs, Alabama 35553 • 205-489-5111 Website: www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama

Bankhead National Forest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elrand Denson

Kids “Get Hooked” at Fishing Derby
(Double Springs, Al) June 12, 2012
The Bankhead National Forest held the twentieth annual “Kids Fishing Derby” on Saturday, June 9 in celebration of National Get Outdoors Day and National Fishing and Boating Week. The Forest Service, which hosts the yearly event to help interest young people in wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation, stocked a pond with about 450 pounds of catfish and invited area youngsters to try their luck. A highlight of this year’s Derby was the National Wild Turkey Federation’s “Jakes Take Aim” Shooting Booth. All children had the opportunity to practice their marksmanship and received a free membership to the NWTF’s Jakes club. A total of 65 children (with accompanying adults) from surrounding counties came to the Black Warrior Work Center on the Bankhead National Forest to compete for trophies in three age categories. Contestants fished for approximately 1 ½ hours and the winners in each age group were decided by measuring the longest fish caught by each individual. The largest fish overall, a 21” catfish, was caught by John Thomas Linley of Haleyville. In the 5–6 year old age group, Eli Morrill of Athens took the first place trophy with a 18 ¼” catfish. Maddie Mertens of Houston captured second place. Blayne Crawford of Danville won the first place trophy in the 7–9 year old group. Andrew Barker of Haleyville won the second place trophy. In the 10–12 year old category, Austin Breedwell of Houston took the first place trophy and Zachary Wright of Double Springs took the second place trophy. All first place winners and the winner of the largest fish overall received Lifetime Fishing Licenses which were donated by the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association. In addition to the fishing competition, a casting contest was held in which Tanner Garcia of Double Springs won in the 5–6 year old division; Blayne Crawford of Danville won in the 7–9 year old division; and Gauge Bridges of Haleyville won the 10–12 year old division. All three received a new rod and reel as their prize. Johsua Dempsey also received a new rod as a prize for catching the albino catfish. The Derby concluded with drawing for door prizes, awarding of trophies to contest winners and a hotdog lunch. This year’s event was sponsored by a grant to the Winston County Natural Resources Council from the Winston County Commission, a grant from the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Double Springs Lions Club, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Sipsey Strutters Moulton Chapter and Bankhead Beards and Spurs Winston County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association, and the Bankhead National Forest. A big “THANK YOU” from Smokey Bear to everyone who continue to help make the Kid’s Fishing Derby a great success.

Winners of the Lifetime Fishing License provided by ACEOA

ACEOA Magazine • 57

2012 kids fisHing deRBy – continued

ACEOA Magazine • 59

2012 kids fisHing deRBy – continued

ACEOA Magazine • 61

Kid’s Korner
By Gayle Morrow

B

oth Addi and Cayne headed off to church on Easter Sunday morning with Mom, Dad and brother Chase. They already knew that the day would be filled with family and celebration but they had no idea it included their very FIRST fishing trip. Following a wonderful meal with family at Kelli and Jason Little’s home, the Littles met up with Bill and John Morgan of Hayneville.

What followed was an afternoon of pure fun and excitement … and a mighty fine stringer of fish. Congratulations, Cayne and Addi, for catching your very first fish! Please email your photos and articles for Kid’s Korner to: [email protected] and type “Kids Korner” in the subject line.

ACEOA Magazine • 63

Habitat Management – Seeing the Big Picture
By Bill Gray, Supervising Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
any landowners seek the assistance of a professional wildlife biologist because they want to “do something to help wildlife on their property.” In many cases, their desire is to increase numbers of their favorite species and, subsequently, to improve hunting conditions for those species. Too often, a meeting between a landowner and a biologist amounts to only a brief discussion about what to plant, when to plant it, and how many animals should be harvested. When the conversation turns to managing the entire landscape, many landowners place wildlife habitat management and forest management in separate boxes never to be co-mingled. The truth is that wildlife habitat management and forest management are inextricably bound — for better or worse.

M

While much is made of the role of managing wildlife openings, this practice provides a very limited impact on the overall suitability of wildlife habitat. There is nothing that plays a larger role in providing essential wildlife habitat requirements than active forest management. The fact that 90 percent of a 500-acre tract is comprised of 8-year-old loblolly pine plantations clearly impacts whether the land provides key habitat elements such as diversity, food production and cover types in sufficient quantities to meet the seasonal needs of a variety of wildlife species. A unit of habitat fitting the previous description is certainly a legitimate option for landowners who are interested in maximizing the economic capacity of their lands. However, landowners should note that when one set of interests is selected for, other interests are selected against. This is an undeniable law of resource management. For landowners who are interested in balancing economic interests with wildlife and recreational interests, there are resource management options that provide both aspects of management with consideration sufficient to produce the proverbial “win-win” arrangement. The most desirable approach to achieving balance in resource management begins with careful planning before significant management activities (such as timber harvest or reforestation) are implemented. All too often, a landowner will conduct large-scale timber harvests, reforest the harvest units for maximum production, then conHabitat management should involve a broad spectrum of things tact a wildlife biologist to answer the
that may include food plot management.
continued on 67
ACEOA Magazine • 65

HaBitat management – seeing tHe Big PictuRe – continued
question, “What can I do for wildlife now that I’m done with my timber management?” Frequently, the answer is, “Not much, now.” A better solution involves consulting with a competent resource management team comprised of a professional wildlife biologist and a professional forester before largescale habitat modifications are made. During this planning phase, landowner goals can be clearly stated and understood. Once a clear understanding is established among all involved, the biologist and forester can work together to devise and implement a sustainable plan for providing both timber income and suitable wildlife habitat. The mix of components involved in producing such a model is fairly straightforward. It all begins at ground level, with identifying soil properties and planting sitesuited timber species. It involves minimizing “black out” time in pine plantations by using a wider spacing when planting and by thinning stands as early as practical and as heavily as is required for a multiple-use approach. It requires understanding that all hardwoods aren’t the same in terms of the benefits they provide to wildlife, that they aren’t sacred relics and that they require management just like pine species. It requires the judicious use of prescribed fire and, often, selective herbicides to develop or improve both timber production and wildlife habitat health. It requires an understanding of the habitat requirements of target wildlife species, an understanding of basic forestry principles, and a willingness to integrate both in an effort to achieve that near perfect balance commonly known as stewardship. Quite simply, the act of compartmentalizing forest management and wildlife management is a case of not seeing or refusing to see the larger picture. It is a sort of tunnel vision that management professionals on either side of the fence can no longer afford. To best assist landowners who are open to the possibilities of an integrated approach to resource management, forest management and wildlife management should be considered as two interconnected aspects of the complex amalgam we refer to as habitat management. After all, that’s exactly what’s being accomplished … for better or for worse. 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. l

10ad15

Bagby & Russell

J&G

ACEOA Magazine • 67

Establishment and Maintenance of White Clover for Wildlife
By Mitchell Marks, Wildlife Biologist, Freedom Hills WMA

W

hen developing wildlife openings, consideration must be given to the crops to be established. Cost of planting and maintenance, duration of plant life and usefulness to wildlife species are important factors. White clover is a legume that is a good source of protein for deer and turkey and should be considered when developing wildlife openings. Always conduct a soil test prior to planting. This will provide information on both the soil pH and fertility. A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is desired. Soils with a pH lower than 6.0 will require lime to correct. This is one of the most important steps in establishing a quality clover planting. Soil tests will also prescribe the type and amount of fertilizer needed. Legumes don’t need the nitrogen component of fertilizer because they fix their own nitrogen. Applying a fertilizer mixture containing nitrogen will be an unnecessary cost and likely benefit weeds and grasses that will compete with the clover. Increased competition will, in turn, increase the cost to control those weeds. The clover seed may come pre-inoculated, but adding additional inoculant will not hurt and in many cases it is advised. The inoculant is necessary for the clover to fix nitrogen. One method to prepare for planting is to spray with glyphosate three to four weeks prior to disking to kill most of the vegetation in the field. Follow that with burning to clear the field and to make the disking easier. If spraying and burning is not an option, then mowing the vegetation will work, but it may require disking two or three times over a two-week period to establish a clean seed bed. Clover seed should be planted on a firm, moist seedbed. Once the field is prepared, clover seed should be broadcast at a rate of 8-pounds per acre to a depth of 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inches. Using a roller or cultipacker after seeding will aid in firming the soil, helping hold in moisture and get the seed at the appropriate depth. If a roller or cultipacker is not available, lightly drag the field to cover the seed. Planting the clover with an associate crop, like wheat, at

a rate of around 30 pounds per acre, may be beneficial. The wheat will germinate rapidly and hold the soil together, which allows the clover to establish a better root system. In the spring, grasses and weeds may start coming up in the clover. Spraying with herbicides containing Sethoxydim will kill grasses and a variety of weeds while not hurting the clover. Spraying may be required a couple of times a year to keep competition down. The height of the vegetation should not exceed 12 inches when spraying, so a regular check on fields is needed. Also, mowing several times during the summer will help with controlling competition and create new growth at the top of the clover. One method of checking the utilization of the clover is to place two or three wire exclosures throughout the field. Exclosures need to be nothing more than wire baskets approximately 3-feet in diameter and 3- to 4-feet tall that protect the vegetation inside from browsing. Exclosures will let you see how the undisturbed clover is doing compared to the clover the wildlife is browsing. If the browsing on the clover is exceptionally heavy compared to that in the exclosures, this is an indication there is more wildlife than the habitat can support. Consideration should be given to improving foraging areas on the property, reducing the number of animals through appropriate harvest or both. For more information concerning clovers and other wildlife plantings, visit www.outdooralabama.com/researchmgmt/publications and click on the publication title “Effective Food Plots for White-tailed Deer in Alabama.” 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. l
ACEOA Magazine • 69

Living with Alligators
By Chris Nix, Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
merican alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) inhabit much of the southeastern United States from the Carolinas south through Florida, and west along the coastal states to Texas. Once a federally listed endangered species, American alligators have recovered and are common in many areas of the Southeast. Today, its population has increased and it is listed as a threatened species. It is listed as threatened, not because its numbers are dangerously low, but because it looks so much like the American crocodile, which is an endangered species. Alligators are long-lived animals whose life spans can exceed 60 years (usually less in the wild) and are typically found in freshwater swamps and marshes, as well as in rivers, lakes and smaller water bodies. While saltwater is usually avoided, a degree of salinity can be tolerated for short periods, and individuals are sometimes found in brackish water around mangrove swamps. Alligators are “cold-blooded,” meaning that they are ectothermic animals that cannot regulate their own body tempera-

A

ture, but assume the temperatures of their surrounding environment. To warm themselves, alligators bask in the sun, which is when they are frequently observed on the banks of water bodies. During very cold and very hot weather the American alligator may dig a den or hole in the mud. The alligator’s greatest value to the marsh and the other animals that inhabit it are the “gator holes” that many adults create and expand on over a period of years. Gator holes often fill with water and provide habitats for fish and watering holes for birds and other animals. The American alligator doesn’t hibernate, but during very cold weather it may become dormant. The American alligator typically breeds in spring, between late April and early June, with male alligators using a variety of behaviors to attract and court females, including deep, powerful roars, slapping the head against the water and complex body postures. Alligators reach
continued on 73

PHOTO BY KATHY HICKS

ACEOA Magazine • 71

liVing WitH alligatoRs – continued
breeding maturity at about 8- to 13-years of age, at which time they are about 6- to 7-feet long. From then on, growth continues at a slower rate. The oldest males may grow to be 16-feet long and weigh up to 1,200 pounds. The female builds a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water. After she lays 20 to 50 eggs, she covers them under more vegetation, which heats up as it decays, helping to keep the eggs warm. Alligators are carnivorous and feed primarily at night. Simply put, an alligator will eat practically anything that contains meat. Alligators enjoy an extremely varied diet, feeding on animals such as insects, frogs, fish, turtles, birds and land mammals. At home in the water, and surprisingly agile on land, alligators have a distinct advantage against any potential prey that finds itself in or near their grasp. Younger alligators eat insects, shrimps, snails, small fish, tadpoles and frogs. Eating will pause during the colder months, since the alligator will begin to have difficulty digesting food when temperatures dip below 80° F. Going without food for a few months is not a problem, as their slow and efficient metabolism will maintain their energy stores until springtime. Since the alligator will feed on almost anything, they sometimes could pose a threat to humans. If left alone, most alligators will generally leave an area if their food source is removed. Being chased, having things thrown at them or being cornered will make them aggressive. When confronted, their “flight or fight” response will be to “Flight” (leave as soon as possible). If they can’t, they will protect themselves aggressively. The key to staying safe is being alert to the possibility of alligators being present. NEVER FEED ALLIGATORS! They have a natural fear of humans. Feeding alligators takes away that fear and they might become more aggressive and more likely to attack humans. If you see an alligator that is swimming straight toward you, leave as quickly as you can. Most likely they have interacted with humans and may be looking for you to feed them. If you see people feeding alligators, please inform them of the law and the possible negative consequences of feeding alligators. Don’t dispose of fish scraps in the water at boat ramps or fish camps. That indirectly feeds alligators and, though it may not be intentional, the effect is the same as feeding them outright. It is very important to keep children and pets away from the water’s edge wherever alligators are likely to be present. Do not allow dogs to swim or explore waters that are known to have alligators because dogs look like prey to alligators. There are far more alligator attacks on dogs than on humans. An alligator’s prey selection seems based mostly on size of the potential prey animal, not so much on a keen recognition of specific animals as prey or non-prey. If you encounter a nuisance alligator, contact the closest Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries office to notify them of the problem. A wildlife biologist or conservation officer will be able to assist you with the problem. For more information contact Chris Nix, Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, 30571 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527; phone 251-626-5474. 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. l

ACEOA Magazine • 73

Lake Guntersville State Park
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

L

ake Guntersville has been a hallowed place for Mike Guntersville is 67,900 acres with 890 miles of shoreline. Carter as long as he can remember. He even took his The water level in the reservoir is maintained at a minimum first paycheck as a 16-year-old grocery bagger to buy winter elevation of 593 feet to maintain the depth required a set of waders to fish this ferfor navigation. The typical tile section of the Tennessee summer operating range is River in north Alabama. between 594 and 595 feet. “My parents weren’t too The lake’s vegetation crazy about me buying the includes hydrilla, milfoil and waders,” Carter said. “But primrose, just to name a few I had to have a way to fish species that bass love to the lake. When I was 20, I got hang around. my first bass boat. I’ve been In the summertime, Carter going at it ever since.” doesn’t ignore the huge After fishing Guntersville hydrilla mats, but he presporadically during his fers to probe the edges of 18-year career at a chemical the grass. company in Chattanooga, “When it’s hot, I stay Tenn., Carter returned to his deep,” he said. “The Carolina beloved lake seven years ago rig is great, but I don’t fish it to make a living on the water much myself. I fish a threeas a fishing guide. quarter to one-ounce jig on “Guntersville is not your deeper ledges. If you’ve like any other lake on the got a lot of current, you can Tennessee River chain,” he fish a big crankbait on the said. “Guntersville is a very ledges. Now, when I say fertile lake because of all the deep, that’s 12- to 14-feet grass it has. They don’t drop on Guntersville. Some of this lake like they do the other the deeper hydrilla lines will PHOTO BY DAVID RAINER lakes on the Tennessee River. border those ledges. Then They’ll drop some lakes 8-, Mike Carter lips a 6-pound bass that fell for a jig on the edge on down the lake there are 10-, 20-feet. On Guntersville, of the hydrilla in the Goose Pond area of Lake Guntersville. some ledges without grass about 2-feet is all they can that have a lot of structure, drop this lake. There’s an old dam in the Stevenson area as in wood, that hold a lot of fish. that still has pilings about 15-feet under the water. So “I fish the jig with a craw just like you’d fish a worm. they can’t drop it because of the barge traffic. Because You can catch more fish on a 10-inch worm, but the of that, this lake has all this grass and stays fertile.” quality of fish on the jig is better.” According to the Tennessee Valley Authority, Lake continued on 77
ACEOA Magazine • 75

lake gunteRsVille state PaRk – continued
Carter, who has fished all the Tennessee River lakes from Fort Loudon to Kentucky Lake, said another good summertime pattern is to take a heavy jig and punch through the thick hydrilla mats that are in 8- to 10-feet of water. “If the current is moving, you can take an ounce or ounce-and-a-half jig and punch through the mats,” he said. “If you don’t want to use a jig, just use a big weight and a creature-type bait, but you’ll need to peg the weight so it won’t move up and down the line. When you punch through the mats, you’re basically on a river ledge. Most and Wheeler are like Guntersville, but they’re not. The only thing that makes them like Guntersville is they’re on the Tennessee River chain. There is no lake like Guntersville, because they don’t drop it and it stays full of grass. And that’s why you don’t see the consistent stringers of fish on these other lakes like you do at Guntersville.” Carter, who offers guide trips of either four or eight hours, likes to get an early start on guide trips during the hot weather for a variety of reasons. “I like to start at 5 a.m. to get in on that topwater bite at dawn,” he said. “Then when the sun comes up, we’ll move to some of the deeper areas. PHOTO BY DAVID RAINER In the middle of the day, we’ll move to some of the river ledges.” The fishing transitions to a fall pattern after a couple of cold fronts cool the water from the 90-degree summertime temps to around the 80-degree mark. That’s when the lake’s touted “rat” fishing explodes. Of course, the “rat” most of the time is a weedless frog imitation that is dragged across the top of the hydrilla mats. The bass explode from the cover to ambush the lure. “That’s when the fish start moving out of that deeper water and up under the thick mats,” Carter said. “That’s when a lot of people like to fish a frog. The frog bite starts late Carter gets a little help from Gov. Robert Bentley to show off the 12-pound bass Carter in August and goes into the fall. caught as the Alabama Bass Trail was unveiled in March at Lake Guntersville State Park. It’s something you can do all day long if you want to fight through of the time, the strike is going to come just as you punch those mats. It only takes a couple of cool nights to get through the mat. It’s a reaction strike.” that frog bite going. Carter said the mid-lake areas of North Sauty and South “Another thing you can do in the fall is fish a spinSauty hold good fishing pretty much all year long, but the nerbait. You can fish these hydrilla flats and slow-roll other areas of Alabama’s largest reservoir aren’t far behind. a shad-type spinnerbait. That, to me, is one of the better “This is the only lake, in my book, that’s not seasonal,” patterns to fish in the fall. You can catch these fish in the he said. “You can fish this lake from the north end to the middle of the day when the water cools down. When the south end and catch fish just about any time. Most of water temperature gets below 80 degrees, you can catch your lakes, they’ll drop them way down in the wintertime. these fish all day long.” In Florida, it’s tough fishing in the summertime. But, Carter was among the guides, officials and dignitaries Guntersville, you can catch fish all year long. who helped kick off the Alabama Bass Trail at Guntersville “A lot of people will say that Nickajack, Chickamauga continued on 79
ACEOA Magazine • 77

10ad18

8901 Moffett Road lake gunteRsVille state PaRk – continued Semmes, AL 36575
State Park in March. In fact, Carter and Gov. Robert Bentley shared a photo opportunity with a 12-pound bass Carter caught earlier. “That was huge,” Carter laughed about the big fish. “I was easing a jig through some primrose stubble in 6-7 feet of water. I had already caught an eight and four before I caught her. That time of year, I swim a darker-colored jig a lot. After I caught the eight and four, I left and fished some areas. I decided to stop and fish that grass line one 7050 Airport Blvd. more time on my way in, and that’s when I caught her.” “There was no doubt it was a big fish when I stuck Mobile, Alabama 36608 her. She hit hard and fought the way one is supposed 251-445-0004 to fight. This one put on a show. It was sweet. It fought more than the eight-pounder. When I saw her come up and shake her head, I knew she was possibly 10-plus. But when I got her up to the boat and reached down to lip her, I knew exactly what I had.” Stunned by what had just transpired, Carter decided to put the fish in the livewell and stow his fishing tackle in the rod locker. 625 County Road 454 “I just sat there and thought about what just happened,” Heflin, AL 36264 he said. “I just enjoyed the moment. That was special.” 256-748-3276 The fish was transferred live to Bass Pro Shops head-

Buck N’ Up Feed & Tack
251-645-8885

ALL WATER LANDSCAPING
quarters in Springfield, Mo., and will eventually end up in the aquarium at the Bass Pro Shops in Prattville. Although the consistency of the fishing at Guntersville is a huge draw, it’s the quality of the fish that keeps the lake consistently rated among the elite bass lakes in the nation. In Bassmaster Magazine’s latest rankings of the Top 100 bass lakes in the nation, Guntersville finished third, behind only Falcon Lake in Texas and Florida’s Lake Okeechobee. “It’s pretty consistent to see 20-pound stringers on a lot of trips,” Carter said. “During tournaments, if you P.O. Box 12 don’t have a 20-pound stringer, there’s no need to even Jackson, AL 36545 weigh in. You might feel pretty good about that 23- or 251-246-2400 24-pound stringer you have until you get to the weighin and see all the 30-pound-plus stringers waiting to weigh in. “That’s typical Lake Guntersville.” Visit http://www.anglingadventures.info/ or call 423-802-1362 for more information on fishing with Carter for bass, crappie or catfish on Guntersville. Visit www.alapark.com/LakeGuntersville/ or call 800-548-4553 6841 Tallapoosa Street for information on the variety of accommodations at Notasulga, AL 36866 the park. 334-257-1998 l

2270 S. Sherrlyn Drive Hoover, AL 35226

205-447-7658

SPECTRUM AUTOMOTIVE

Harrison & Harrison Insurance

Rejuvination Restorations, LLC

Elmer’s Restaurant

ACEOA Magazine • 79

Natural Resources Youth Camp at Mussel Creek
Teaches Environmental Lessons For 17 Years
By Paul E. Hudgins, R.F., Butler Work Unit Manager/Forester, Alabama Forestry Commission

T

he Butler County Forestry Planning Committee has once again held another successful camp for area students. Spending three days and two nights in the deep woods of Butler County is not the typical way most kids want to start their summer vacation; however, for thirty students from across Butler County, they chose to do exactly that. Once chosen by their school to attend the camp, students spend three days and two nights at Mussel Creek Hunting Lodge, a rustic cabin located on private property in north Butler County. The Butler County Forestry Planning Committee (FPC) sponsors the Natural Resources Youth Camp with tremendous support from the forest community, local businesses, ACEOA and interested individuals. For seventeen years the FPC has offered this

“hands-on” camp for area sixth grade students at no cost to the students. The camp gives kids the opportunity to learn about our forest environment and how it relates to Alabama’s economy, as well as the important role it plays in our everyday lives. Campers leave the televisions, telephones and radios behind to take part in the adventure. The camp offers students something to do from 7am to 11pm and often later if you’re the last to get a shower. The camp begins with students being given a compass and a “crash course” on how to use it as well as how they can determine their distance by pacing. The students are then broken into groups and compete in an orienteering course that stretches across open land and wooden terrain.
continued on 83

ACEOA Magazine • 81

natuRal ResouRces youtH camP at mussel cReek – continued
Of course, one requirement of the orienteering course is a pair of snake leggings. This activity requires the students to work together as a group and individually in order to complete the rugged course. Students are required to complete at least one leg of the course themselves without any assistance from their team. With awards given at the end of camp to the group that can complete the course in the fastest time and with the most correct points located. Only once have we had a team to get completely turned around and miss a major portion of the course. While some students are learning about orienteering, others are learning about power line safety from Mr. Phillip Baker, System Engineer with Pioneer Electric. Still others are learning about home fire safety from the Greenville Fire Department and their department’s smoke trailer. These two activities work in conjunction with the orienteering exercise to ensure the students have a busy first morning. After a hearty lunch, the students were treated to a soil education activity entitled “Dig It.” Mr. Ben Moore and Mrs. Beth Chastain, both with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, teach this activity to the campers. This activity shows students how different land covers can affect soil movement and how the soil movement could eventually impact creek sedimentation. While there is still time, Mr. Chris Erwin, Education Coordinator with the Alabama Forestry Association takes the students on a tour on the Project Learning Tree Activity, “A Tree Factory.” This activity demonstrates to the students what is really going on inside the tree. Mr. Erwin also took the students on a walk through the woods and gave the students a course on tree identification. After Mr. Erwin’s presentation, students identify different types of wildlife habitat and what it takes to improve wildlife viewing opportunities on their propcontinued on 85

ACEOA Magazine • 83

natuRal ResouRces youtH camP at mussel cReek – continued

erty with Mr. Thagard Colvin, Wildlife Biologist, Retired, Department Conservation & Natural Resources. Finally, Mr. John Bozeman, Marine Police Office with the Department of Conservation, discusses open water and boating safety. Hunter Ethics and Preserving Our Hunting Heritage follows water safety and is the last scheduled event of the day before we take a trailer ride. Each night, well after dark, the students are loaded onto the FPC’s tour trailer and driven through the woods of South Alabama. While the purpose of the ride is to look for nightlife, we did take time to call some Bard Owls and this year we were lucky enough to call up a pair of Owls that perched on a limb just above the trailer. Early on the second day, the kids learn how to identify different wildlife tracks with Mr. Jody Holdbrooks, Wildlife Biologist with the National Wild Turkey Federation. Mr. Holdbrooks uses the Project Wild Activity, “Making Tracks” to introduce students to the different types of tracks made by Alabama wildlife. If making tracks isn’t

enough, Mr. Mike Sievering and Mr. Jerry Fiest taught the campers about fur bearer management and trapping techniques in Alabama. Campers learned how and what it takes to control nuisance animals in Alabama by using trapping as a safe and effect way to control damage. While the day is still young, the campers are treated to an educational and live flight demonstration from some of Alabama’s birds of prey. Winged Ambassadors gives the kids an up-close and personal look at some of Alabama’s bird of prey and what role they play in the environment. After spending time with some birds, the students are treated to “A Cooperative Environment” with Mr. Jimmy Stiles. The students are given a hands-on, upclose encounter with some of Alabama’s local inhabitants. An alligator, pine snake, king snake, tree frogs, toads and legless lizards are just a few “creatures” that the kids get to touch and even hold, if they dare. Even some of the adults opt out of holding a snake!
continued on 87

ACEOA Magazine • 85

natuRal ResouRces youtH camP at mussel cReek – continued

Students follow up this activity with a chance to explore and learn what really lives in a local creek with Mrs. Tammy Pickard, Science Teacher with the Butler County School system. The students take creek samples using nets and look through the samples to make an evaluation of the creeks overall condition. Once the condition is determined, the students have time to explore, play and swim in Mussel creek. After spending some one-on-one time with one of Alabama’s creeks, the campers are

treated to some local native Indian history by Mr. Charlie Clark, District Director, Farm Service Agency and Ms. Elishia Ballentine, Publication Specialist with the Alabama Forestry Commission and Native American. Mr. Clark and Ms. Ballentine share with the campers some stories and artifacts of the Native American culture. After a dinner of barbequed ribs and some “fixins” of a Cajun low country boil, the students learned about
continued on 89

ACEOA Magazine • 87

natuRal ResouRces youtH camP at mussel cReek – continued

firearms handling and safety from Mr. James Altiere, South Alabama Hunter Education Coordinator with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The third and final day starts off with an early morning walk with Mr. Charlie Kennedy, President of the Alabama Ornithological Society. Mr. Charlie as he is affectionately called, explores with the students the woods of Alabama looking for a variety of birds both large and small. The rest of the final day camp is spent learning to shoot skeet, black powder, 22’s and archery. For some of the students this is there first time ever shooting a firearm or pulling a bow. And for others, this is there opportunity to show

everyone how good they really are, or how good they think they are. For the past seventeen years, the girl campers have always given the boys a run for the top shooter. Girls as a general rule listen to the instructors better and are easier to teach. And this year was no exception to the rule. To closeout the “camp experience” the campers are given several books and other nice prizes for attending the camp. Special awards are given for the best shooter in each of the firearm events, as well as top shot in archery. An experience of a lifetime! That is just one-way that one camper described their experience. l

10ad18

SPECTRUM

Harrison & Harrison

ACEOA Magazine • 89

Forever Wild
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

D

espite the uncertainty of the future of the Forever Wild Land Trust, board members continued their effort to purchase land in Alabama that provides recreational opportunities in our great outdoors for the state’s citizens and maintains the vast biodiversity of Alabama’s flora and fauna. Forever Wild is in its last year of authorization, which was granted in 1992 for a 20-year term. Alabama voters will have the opportunity on the November ballot to authorize another 20 years for the program, which has purchased more than 227,000 acres for public use since its inception. At the recent board meeting at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, the Forever Wild Board approved the next step in the purchase of the 11,000-acre Jacob’s Mountain

tract in Jackson County with the help of The Nature Conservancy, which has worked in the past to secure eco-sensitive property until Forever Wild can complete the purchase process. Currently, The Nature Conservancy is negotiating to buy the Jacob’s Mountain tract, which is adjacent to the Skyline Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Part of the proposed deal is a $1-million private donation that would allow access to Wildlife Restoration funds that will be provided in partnership with the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, which will be purchasing almost half the tract with these contributing funds. Jackson County officials said similar projects, like the Walls of Jericho, Skyline WMA and other Forever Wild properties, are paying significant tourism dividends. Rick Roden of the Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce said the county enjoyed a 43-percent increase in tourism in 2011 for a variety of outdoors activities, including hunting and fishing, caving, horseback riding and hiking. “The Walls of Jericho is a huge asset for us,” Roden said. “Tens of thousands of people are coming from all over the United States to the Walls of Jericho. People are calling it the ‘Grand Canyon of the Southeast.’ Hunting and fishing are huge. Lake Guntersville has been in the top five bass fishing lakes in the nation for the past five years. “Plus, of all the charted caves in Alabama, over half of them PHOTO BY DAVID RAINER are in Jackson County. People The Turkey Creek Nature Preserve near Pinson is only one of numerous pristine landscapes come from all over to explore that have been preserved for public use through the Forever Wild Land Trust. More than our caves, eat in our restau227,000 acres have been purchased since Forever Wild’s inception in 1992 for public rants, and stay in our hotels.
activities like hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and bird-watching.
continued on 93
ACEOA Magazine • 91

foReVeR Wild – continued
We certainly support the Jacob’s Mountain purchase. Forever Wild has been a great asset to our county.” The board also took the next step on a purchase at Live Oak Landing in Baldwin County, which is also projected as an economic boon to south Alabama. The board approved a motion for a second appraisal for the purpose of purchasing a tract of land at Live Oak that will complete a 621-acre project site on the Tensaw River. The project would be in partnership with Baldwin County and the state, which have secured Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) funds for the bulk of the $13-million purchase. After a price concession from the property owners, the amount requested from Forever Wild to complete the project was reduced to $3 million. Baldwin County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey and State Rep. Randy Davis, R-Daphne, made presentations to the board about the project’s economic impact on the area and state, as well as the improved access to the vast Mobile-Tensaw Delta, which includes several Forever Wild properties. The property, as a whole, includes a four-lane boat ramp, fishing lake, boat docks and a building suitable for a bait shop or convenience store. The proposed Forever Wild purchase is adjacent to the boat ramp. Dorsey said the addition of the property at Live Oak, which is less than a mile off I-65, will enhance the 367 acres the county has purchased for its Bicentennial Park, which focuses on the area’s cultural history. “There will be a lot of traffic in the Live Oak area with the investments Baldwin County has made in the area,” Dorsey said. “We feel this property is a key component to keep the property preserved. We think this is a good fit for Forever Wild. The local community is very excited about this access point to the Delta this creates. “The economic impact study indicates this could generate between $9 and $12 million annually to the state of Alabama.” Rep. Davis, chair of the House’s Hunting and Fishing Subcommittee and co-sponsor of the bill to reauthorize Forever Wild, said the Live Oak package is needed to re-establish south Alabama as a desired location to hold large fishing tournaments. “Over the last few years, we’ve lost our competitive edge in attracting national bass tournaments, and that’s because of access,” Davis said. “What Forever Wild is about is access, access to lands to be able to hunt, fish, bike, hike trails and bird-watch and things of that nature. “We see this as a unique opportunity for this piece of property. This is a high-bluff property, a change from the estuarine to the high ground in the Delta with purely freshwater fishing and hunting activities. We’re pleased with the collaborative effort among all the parties: county, state, federal and the landowners.” After the Forever Wild Board approved the next step in the Live Oak process, Davis was gratified by the board’s response. “We look forward to moving to the next appraisal and proceeding with the final documentation with this project,” Davis said. “We’re looking at a major acquisition for Forever Wild, the state and Baldwin County to come together in a way that will have a significant economic impact. “This is a huge improvement in the accessibility. It’s a beautiful park, beautiful area, so this is really significant.” An addition to Frank Jackson State Park in Covington County also received a favorable vote from the Forever Wild Board. The 28-acre addition was promoted by the Frank Jackson Trail Masters, a group of volunteers that maintains and enhances the trails in the park. The Trail Masters also hold the very popular “Scarecrow in the Park” at Frank Jackson each fall. Visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/public-lands/ statelands/foreverwild/orhttp://www.alabamaforeverwild.com/ for more information about Forever Wild. l
ACEOA Magazine • 93

Red Snapper
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

D

etermination was written all over Lauren the season to July 16. “It adds another whole weekend Jordan’s face. Twice the 15-year-old from Mobile to our season.” had reeled up big red snapper near the surface Because the weather in the Gulf of Mexico had been only to have the fish get away. Once her line tangled with so horrible until recently, anglers had been unable to another angler’s, allowing the big fish to escape, while the participate in the snapper fishery. second fish just came unhooked for no explicable reason. Alabama Marine Resources Director Chris Blankenship Instead of enlisting help, Jordan declared she would said his division had been steadily gathering information not be denied, vowing to boat a big snapper all by her lonesome. As her grandfather, George Jordan of Daphne, maneuvered the boat over the artificial reef in 120 feet of water, Lauren lowered the snapper jig down to near the bottom and then set the hook on another big fish. The grimace on her face and the line peeling from the reel indicated this was indeed another huge red snapper. After hanging on for dear life, Lauren finally started gaining line with each labored crank of the reel handle. A few minutes later, the energy-sapping fight was over with a 17-pound snapper in the PHOTO BY DAVID RAINER boat, and Lauren jubilantly slapping high-fives. Lauren Jordan reacts to a hard run made by a big red snapper she hooked recently on a With a seven-person limit of big trip about 25 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico on her grandfather’s boat. red snapper in the cooler, the elder Jordan punched the return trip to Pelican Point into the on the fishing effort to aid in the National Marine Fisheries GPS machine and pushed the throttles forward on the Service’s (NMFS) decision to extend the season. 32-foot Donzi. “We had terrible weather on the upper Gulf Coast in “This is what I live for,” George said. “I love to see my June,” Blankenship said. “During the second weekend, grandkids and friends catch fish.” we had something like 20 inches of rain, and the wind That is why the recent announcement of a six-day was blowing 25 to 30 knots. Then we had Tropical Storm extension to the red snapper season is so important to the Debby, and we lost several days from that. In between, elder Jordan, who runs an auto repair facility in Daphne it was just rough with wind blowing 25 knots most of with sons George Jr. and Michael. Weekends and holidays the time. It really affected the number of days people are the only times the Jordan’s can fish. could fish. “Yes, it’s a big deal,” Jordan said of the extension of continued on 97
ACEOA Magazine • 95

Red snaPPeR – continued
“We’ve been in conversations with NMFS, as with other they don’t go over quota. The first three weeks in June, states, to show that the quota would not be caught by July the weather was horrible. Last Monday, Roy Crabtree 10 because there were so many days people couldn’t fish. (NMFS Southeast Regional Director) called and asked So the Marine Resources staff with Kevin Anson and other my thoughts. He talked to other people in the snapper biologists took information that we collect and compiled fishery, and he thought he had enough effort data to it to provide to NMFS.” extend the season.” Marine Resources polls the Alabama charter boat Shipp hopes there might be a bonus weekend in October industry each week on its activity. Also, during visits if the catch numbers come in under quota. to boat launches along the “We’ve got about two coast to conduct the Marine weeks left in the season, so Recreational Fishing Survey, they’ll have the catch totals where biologists record the sometime in August,” he said. anglers’ creels, the number “Depending on how much of boat trailers was recorded impact the bad weather had, to determine the fishing effort. it’s possible at the August Gulf “It was data that usually Council meeting we may be takes the National Marine able to have a weekend in Fisheries Service a month the fall. We just won’t know or more to use it,” said until we see what the weather Blankenship. “We were able does the next two weeks and to take that data and compile how much the effort has been it in a day. It showed that we affected. Roy is very conservahad lost about 25 to 30 percent tive and that was his rationale of the effort because of the for extending the season six days they couldn’t fish. The days, so I’m confident we other states were doing the won’t go over.” same thing. Blankenship said he finally “I appreciate the National got to take his family on Marine Fisheries Service for a snapper trip last week. He being flexible and working said it didn’t take long to put with the states to give us a few a limit of snapper in the boat. PHOTO BY DAVID RAINER more days. I wish it had been “I took my father, wife and more than six days, but six is After losing two fish at the boat, Lauren persevered and three kids out the other afterbetter than none. I think NMFS landed this 15-pound-plus snapper. noon,” Blankenship said. “We was being very conservative caught a limit of snapper, came with the extension.” back in and cleaned up the boat in a total of three-andDr. Bob Shipp, head of Marine Sciences at the University a-half hours. All of our fish were longer than 20-inches.” of South Alabama and a member of the Gulf of Mexico The average size of the red snapper being caught might Fishery Management Council, agreed that the extension be the only sticking point in the season extension. was limited to ensure the quota of just over 4 million “The average size of the fish seems to be even bigger pounds would not be exceeded, which would have conthan last year,” Blankenship said. “That may be the risk sequences for next year’s quota. we’re taking, but I think NMFS has that factored in.” “I’m very glad they’re extending it, but I think they Shipp said there’s no doubt that, as the fishery rebounds, could have extended it a little more,” Shipp said of NMFS. larger and larger snapper are being caught. “I understand they want to be conservative to make sure continued on 99
ACEOA Magazine • 97

Red snaPPeR – continued
“People are high-grading,” Shipp said. “People catch a five-pounder, and they know they can catch an eightpounder, so they throw the five-pounder back. I know that’s going to have a negative impact on the quota, but I’m sure Roy took that into consideration when he held it to six days. “The one criticism I have of NMFS on this is they go by weight instead of numbers. That’s wrong. Weight is a proxy. Real numbers are what determines fishing mortality. But that’s a story for another day.” Although the extension goes through the middle of July, it won’t help the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR), which is scheduled July 20-22 at Dauphin Island. For the first time in recent history, red snapper is not one of the categories at the rodeo, which holds the Guinness World Records title as largest fishing tournament in the world. However, there will still be red snapper brought to the weigh scales because of an exempted fishing permit granted by NMFS to several large fishing tournaments along the Gulf Coast. The ADSFR is the only event in Alabama to get the permit, which gives the rodeo 200 red snapper tags that will be distributed through a random drawing. John Napper, 2012 rodeo president, said interested anglers can apply for a permit in four ways — online at www.adsfr.com; by email at [email protected]; mail the application to P.O. Box 16606, Mobile, AL 36606; or submit an application in person at the Jaycees Office at 600 Bel Air Blvd., # 120 in Mobile. The cutoff for applications is July 8. “We will issue the tags at around 6 p.m. at the Liar’s Contest on July 19,” Napper said. “People who are selected will have to show a valid ID and proof of purchase of a rodeo ticket.” l

PHOTO BY DAVID RAINER

The trip aboard George Jordan’s 32-foot Donzi netted a box full of big snapper, as shown by (l-r) Lauren Jordan, David Sutley, George Jordan Jr., Brandon Jordan and Frank Sutley.
ACEOA Magazine • 99

Avoid Contact with Raccoons
By Chas Moore, Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

H

ave you ever been walking in the woods and noticed a raccoon that just did not act quite right? Perhaps it was not scared of you at all and may have even approached you. Or, maybe you have noticed one wandering around aimlessly in the middle of the day. These could be signs there was something wrong with that particular raccoon. Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they are usually active at night. They are almost always afraid of humans, and will run for cover when confronted under normal conditions. In urban areas, raccoons often make their homes near commercial or office buildings, as they are very adaptable and have learned to cope and even thrive in developed areas. As long as food and water are available, raccoons will probably be present. Finding food usually is not a problem for raccoons. They are omnivorous creatures and will eat just about whatever is available. Since raccoons are so adaptable and many live right alongside humans, they often become pests that raid garbage cans, gardens, pet food and commercial crops. This proximity to where humans live and work is what makes raccoons a potential hazard to humans and their pets.

Two major diseases affect raccoons and may pose threats to humans and their pets. These are rabies and canine distemper. Rabies can be deadly to humans and pets, while canine distemper affects only pets. Rabies is a virus that is found in mammals. It primarily occurs in carnivores and omnivores and can be easily transmitted from affected animals to others, including humans, through bodily fluids such as saliva and blood. There are many strains of rabies. One in particular affecting raccoons has been dubbed “raccoon rabies.” This form is predominately found in the Southeast, particularly in Alabama. But it has been found elsewhere due to illadvised human releases of trans-located raccoons, mostly by raccoon hunters trying to supplement a population. Raccoons, as well as other infected animals, display clinical signs of rabies in one of two forms. PHOTO BY JERRY FOSTER There is a “dumb” form and a “furious” form of rabies. Dumb rabies is characterized by aimless wandering, lack of coordination, weak hind legs and lethargy. The furious form is causes an animal to attack whatever is moving, including itself. Whatever the strain or form,
continued on 103
ACEOA Magazine • 101

aVoid contact WitH Raccoons – continued
rabies can be passed to humans and is always lethal if left untreated. Canine distemper has many signs similar to rabies, such as the lack of fear of humans. Experiencing frequent convulsions is probably the most distinct sign of distemper, along with tremors and a white mucous-like discharge coming from the nose and eyes of the infected animal. Canine distemper accounts for 60 percent of reported sick raccoons, which makes it a significant threat to raccoon populations. It is transmissible to gray foxes, coyotes, and perhaps pets, but what makes it a serious concern is that it can be transmitted through casual contact. Whatever the disease, it is extremely important for people to avoid contact with a suspected sick raccoon. Feed your pets in areas where wild animals cannot enter and do not leave garbage in areas accessible by raccoons. Fur trappers and raccoon hunters should use precautions to protect themselves from exposure and be on the lookout for any unusual symptoms of any raccoons they encounter. Dogs used to hunt raccoons should also be protected. Never approach or attempt to catch a raccoon. Strange acting animals, including raccoons, should be left alone. 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 10ad18 more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com. l

Buck N’ Up Feed & Tack
8901 Moffett Road Semmes, AL 36575

ALL WATER LANDSCAPING
2270 S. Sherrlyn Drive Hoover, AL 35226

251-645-8885

205-447-7658

ACEOA Magazine • 103

Earl’s Spas & Pools

Join Today!
We are a non-profit organization founded by Alabama conservation officers and supported by concerned citizens. This association is not connected with the State of Alabama or the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or any other state agency. All donations are tax deductible. Membership dues are $25 annually. Each member receives a vehicle decal and three issues of ACE Magazine with his/her membership. Take time to complete a membership form. Send it to the address below and begin enjoying your contribution to education and conservation in Alabama.

Membership Application
Thank you for your contribution! Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association $25 / Year Conservation Officer
Name: Street Address: City: Phone: ( ) State: email:
Officers Only Division: State Parks___ State Lands___ Marine Police___ Marine Resources___ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries___ District: __________________________ County: __________________________
Mail Application to: ACEOA P.O. Box 74, Lowndesboro, AL 36752

$250 / Lifetime Associate
Date of Birth / /

Zip:

ACEOA Magazine • 105

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close