ACE Magazine Winter 2014

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Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association
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FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Official Publication of the ACEOA
WWW.ACEOA.ORG

EDITOR:
Gayle Morrow

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

SALES OFFICES:
Chris Banks / Jim Downing
8436 Crossland Loop, Suite 207
Montgomery, Alabama 36117
(334) 213-6229

ON THE COVER

ACEOA board members with
2014 ACEOA Officer of the Year,
Sergeant Keith Mann.

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 2014.
All rights reserved.

WINTER 2014

in this issue...
2014 – 2016 State Officers and Directors �� 3
President’s Message �� 5
From the Trenches �� 7
Annual 2014 Scholarships �� 9
ACEOA 2014 Officer of the Year �� 13
Perryman Award �� 27
Balanced Deer Herd Is Healthier �� 37
Feather, Fins, Furs Host 2014 Outdoor Event �� 41
Kid’s Korner �� 45
Protecting Natural Resources:
Evolution Of The Conservation Enforcement Officer �� 47
Small Game Hunting Good Primer For New Hunters �� 55
Hunting Accidents �� 59
BADF and Iron Men Outdoor Ministries Banquet �� 65
Deer Hunting Lessons �� 67
Muzzleloading �� 73
A New Problem For Hunters �� 83
Quail Hunting �� 85
Limestone County Youth Dove Hunt 2014 �� 97
Is Everybody Out Night Hunting? �� 103
Outdoor Recreational Opportunities in
Alabama for People with Special Needs �� 105
Hunting at the Ballot Box �� 107
A Conservation Hero �� 111
Where’s the Beef, or the Birds?
It’s Not Just The Number That Counts �� 115
2014 Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor Dove Shoot �� 119
Hero Hunt �� 123
Run! It’s A White Thing �� 129
Wildlife Control Permits �� 135
Rabies �� 139
Coosa County Landowners Meeting �� 145
Coosa County Landowner Tour �� 149
Outdoors With Friends �� 155
Squirrels and Squirrel Damage �� 167
Advertisers Index �� 190
Business Directory �� 198
ACEOA Magazine • 1

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

2014 – 2016 ACEOA State Officers
Executive Director

Rusty Morrow (Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Enforcement Retired)

2014 ACEOA State Officers

Heath Walls – President • Vance Wood – Vice President • Chris Lewis – Secretary/Treasurer
Chris Jaworowski – Past President

DISTRICT I

Ernie Stephens – Director • Wendell Fulks – Associate Director
Blount, Colbert, Cullman, Fayette, Franklin, L amar, L auderdale, L awrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Walker, Winston

DISTRICT II

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

DISTRICT III

Grady Myers – Director • Cliff Robinson – Associate Director • Elliott Waters – Associate Director
Autauga, Bibb, Chilton, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lowndes, Perry, Pickens, Shelby, Sumter, Tuscaloosa

DISTRICT IV

Tim Ward – Director • Patrick Norris – Associate Director • Rick Smith – Associate Director
Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, Russell

DISTRICT V

Don Reaves – Director • Joe Little – Associate Director • Bo Willis – Associate Director
Baldwin, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Washington, Wilcox

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

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President’s Message
By Heath Walls

H

unting season is here. Dove season started in
September and I saw more dove at the beginning of the season than I have in several years.
Our agency hosted and assisted with several youth dove
hunts, and ACEOA helped by donating funds to several of
the youth events. I consider this a success based not on
the number of dove killed but because it is good to see
today’s youth participating in Alabama’s great hunting
heritage. I’d like to encourage you to take a child hunting
every chance you get.
There are several changes to this year’s season. Bow
season has two starting dates this year, depending on
where you live in Alabama. The Southern part of the state
has a closed season for the first ten days in December,
but the season in that area is extended through February
10th. Also, hunters are only allowed to harvest one doe
per day this season. Check out the Department’s web site
www.outdooralabama.com for all the changes and up to
date information for this hunting season.

We were proud to announce Sgt. Keith Mann as the
ACEOA Officer of the Year for 2014. He deserves it and
serves as an example of what a Conservation Enforcement
Officer does for the citizens of Alabama. Although our
officers are funded solely from the sale of hunting and
fishing license, we often find ourselves in situations that
assist the public at large. Sgt. Mann played a lifesaving
role in two different incidents this year. Check out our
“Beyond the Basics” video on our website www.aceoa.org
to see different situations in which our Marine Resources,
Marine Police, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, and all
Conservation Enforcement Officers have been involved.
With that being said, I would like to encourage everyone to purchase a hunting, freshwater fishing license,
saltwater fishing license, or wildlife heritage license. Even
if you do not hunt or fish, the money from these license
sales pay for everything our Conservation Officers do.
It also assists in our wildlife and fisheries management,
public boat ramp, access areas, and public land purchases
and up keep. The purchase of
these licenses is an inexpensive way to keep “Alabama the
Beautiful,” and insure that future
generations have access to all of
our natural resources.
We appreciate your support
of our Alabama Conservation
Enforcement Officer Association.
Thank you to those who have
bought magazine ads or made
donations to our Association.
We use the money that you give
to sponsor youth hunting and
fishing events, to take people
with disabilities hunting, to educate about our natural resources
and to assist our officers.
l

Sgt. Keith Mann as the ACEOA Officer of the Year for 2014.
ACEOA Magazine • 5

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From the Trenches
By Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director

I

hope this issue of Ace Magazine finds our readers
healthy and happy after the holidays. At the time
of writing, Alabama has not played Ohio State for
a spot in the national championship. I am confident we
will prevail.
Our Officers are busy at work protecting the wild life
resource in the woods and the gulf. With the changes
in the deer season across the state, hunters seem to be
adapting. The hunters, as
a rule, seem to be complying with the new feeding
regulations for deer. Those
that push the regulation
and don’t comply are putting themselves in situations
that could get them a ticket.
Please adhere to the regulation and you won’t have
any problems.
It is a very trying time
for law enforcement across
the country. There is no
doubt current incidents on
the news have been tragic.
There seems to be a nationwide push to change what
police do and how they
handle dangerous individuals. No doubt all agencies
are looking closely at their
current training procedures.
I know our Officers, more

often than not, work alone in remote areas. Because of
this we remain on alert at all times. It is our goal, as it
was mine for 25 years, to go home to our families after
a shift. Officer safety was a priority.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Ace Magazine. We are
featuring two very special people. Sergeant Keith Mann
is our 2014 Officer of the year and Mr. Charlie Platt is our
William “Bill” Perryman Award winner. ACEOA believes
in recognizing individuals
that go above and beyond.
These are two individuals fit
the bill.
I would personally like to
thank our corporate sponsors for making 2014 a great
success. You have allowed
ACEOA to reach more youth
across this state than ever
before. We could not do this
without you. I’ve said it over
and over, you are our life
line. Please enjoy this issue
and when finished, please
pass it on to a friend.
I will leave you with
this quote:
Excellence is not a skill. It is
an attitude.
~Ralph Marston

l

Charlie Platt receives his award from Rusty Morrow.

ACEOA Magazine • 7

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Annual 2014 Scholarships
Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer Association
Scholarship rules can be found on the ACEOA website at www.aceoa.org

Caleb Thomas Glover

Caleb Yates Conner

Lauren E. Goddard

ACEOA awarded the Lance Horner
Memorial Scholarship, a member
scholarship, to Caleb, son of Joel &
Melanie Glover of Rockford in Coosa
County. Joel has served as a wildlife
biologist and officer with the wildlife
section for over 27 years. He is currently the regional private lands biologist for Central Alabama. Melanie
recently retired as a gifted education
specialist in Talladega County.
Caleb graduated as the valedictorian of his class at B.B. Comer High
School in Sylacauga. He is an avid
hunter and outdoorsman. He is currently a sophomore at Mississippi
State University where he is seeking
a degree in History with a minor in
Criminal Justice. He hopes to become
a United States Marshall.
Congratulations, Caleb, and best
wishes to you.

ACEOA awarded the Jimmy Hutto
Memorial Scholarship, a member
scholarship, to Caleb, son of CEO
Tarrell Conner and Valerie. Caleb
is attending Auburn University in
Montgomery. He is a Junior majoring
in Political Science.
Caleb is involved in various
activities on campus. These include
Student Government and the campus
newspaper, AUMnibus.
Congratulations, Caleb, and best
wishes to you.

ACEOA awarded the James Vines
Memorial Scholarship, a member
scholarship, to Lauren, wife of CEO
Joe Goddard. Lauren is a registered
nurse serving the community of
Demopolis, Alabama. She currently attends the University of
South Alabama. She is pursuing
a degree in a Master’s program for
Nurse Practitioner.
Congratulations, Lauren, and best
wishes to you.

ACEOA Magazine • 9

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ANNUAL 2014 SCHOLARSHIPS– continued

Melissa Willis

Precious Rowell

AC EOA award e d the C e c il
Chapman Memorial Scholarship,
a member scholarship, to Melissa,
daughter of Captain Edward “Bo”
Willis of Marine Resources and
Victoria Willis. Melissa graduated from the University of South
Alabama with a degree in education. She has returned to school
and now attends the New Orleans
Baptist Theological Seminar y
where she is pursuing a Masters
degree in Christian Education with
a specialization in Childhood and
Recreational Ministries.
Congratulations, Melissa, and best
wishes to you.

ACEOA awarded the Frank Stewart
Memorial Scholarship, a member
scholarship, to Precious, daughter
of CEO Marcus Rowell. Precious
is a freshman attending Southern
Union State Community College in
Opelika, Alabama. She is studying
to be a Veterinarian.
Congratulations, Precious, and
best wishes to you.

ACEOA Magazine • 11

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ACEOA 2014
Officer of the Year
By Joel D. Glover

Sergeant Keith Mann

T

he 1220 Café in Tallassee was filled to capacity to honor Sgt. Keith Mann the 2014 Alabama
Conservation Enforcement Officers Association
(ACEOA) Officer of the Year. Among the well-wishers were
a mix of current and former coworkers, family, friends
and a large contingent of area landowners. The occasion reflected on Keith’s exemplary performance of his
many duties with the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Division (WFF) as a first line supervisor with the enforcement section.
Keith Mann officially began his WFF career as
a Conservation Enforcement Officer (CEO) assigned
to Macon County in 1999; however his training began
much earlier. A lifelong outdoorsman, Keith had long been
interested in a “game warden” job however he had been
repeatedly told it was near impossible to get hired. As
fate would have it, while fishing Keith located a sunken
boat. He retrieved the boat and carried it to CEO Byron
Smith (Ret.). This chance association grew into a great
friendship which still exists. Getting to know Byron and
hearing of his many game warden adventures whetted
Keith’s appetite. He soon found himself assisting with
details and falling in love with the job. Byron encouraged
him to apply and he was eventually hired.
Having already been “schooled,” Keith hit the ground
running and started making a difference in Macon
County. While Keith says he has and continues to learn
from several officers, he credits Smith, CEO Richard
Hartzog and Captain Ken Bryars (Ret.) with shaping
his ideology and heightening his desire to protect our
rich natural resources. Three years into the job he was
selected as Alabama’s Officer of the Year and attended the
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Convention. Years later he is still performing at a high level.

Sergeant Keith Mann

Sgt. Mann’s’ training and experience have served him
and our wildlife resource well. He has utilized his investigative skills, honed over the years, to bring numerous
violators to justice. Recently beginning with only a partial
tag number, a spent hull, a spot of blood and a picture of
a deer he was able to develop quality cases that brought
five night hunters in multiple incidents to justice. These
types of cases don’t just happen. They often involve
painstaking diligence including researching the database
to find a vehicle match, collecting and submitting forensic
evidence, analyzing the results, obtaining search warrants, conferring with prosecutors and lastly interviewing
continued on 15
ACEOA Magazine • 13

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ACEOA 2014 OFFICER OF THE YEAR • Sergeant Keith Mann – continued
violators and obtaining confessions. Although all arrests for
violations are important, these
cases make a lasting impression on the officer, the violator
and the affected landowners.
This willingness to go above
and beyond what is expected
is a major reason that Keith
enjoys a good relationship
with so many landowners.
Keith stated to me, “I am here
to protect our natural resources
and serve landowners,” obviously this type of commitment
is well received. In addition,
Keith is well respected and
appreciated by the other law
enforcement agencies operating in Macon County. He is
often called upon by Alabama
State Troopers and municipal
officers who are in need of his
knowledge of the county and
his enforcement expertise. He
enjoys a great relationship with
many officers in Macon and
surrounding counties.
A CEO in a rural county never knows what the day
may hold. While the primary duty is the enforcement of
game and fish laws and regulations, every officer realizes they may be called on at any time to assist with
just about anything. This has been the case for Keith
in the past year. While patrolling in early March Sgt.
Mann came upon a motorcycle versus tractor trailer
accident. Keith quickly assessed the situation, called for
assistance and then assisted the motorcyclist whose leg

was nearly severed below the
knee. Utilizing a bandana and
his expandable baton, Keith
fashioned a tourniquet for the
leg and applied pressure until
the Air Evac personnel arrived.
Medical personnel stated that it
was Keith’s quick thinking and
actions that in all likelihood
saved the bikers life.
While we all know the highway can be dangerous it is
probably no more so than the
woods and water. Keith recently
responded to a young woman
who had become separated
from her group while floating
down a swollen creek. Sgt.
Mann swam through the swift
current and brought the woman
to safety. The lady was treated
for hypothermia and diabetic
shock. When asked about
these events, Keith simply
says he was thankful he was
in a position to help someone
who needed it.
Through his actions Sgt. Keith Mann has earned the
respect of his peers and the admiration of his family,
friends and the landowners in Macon County. Keith’s mentor Byron Smith stated “Keith is the type of person who
goes above and beyond on any endeavor and I’m thankful
to have him protecting the resources and serving the
people of Alabama.” We, as members, are proud Keith
is a charter member of the ACEOA. His performance and
high moral character make him an asset to our ranks and
excellent choice for the ACEOA Officer of the Year. l

ACEOA Magazine • 15

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ACEOA 2014 OFFICER OF THE YEAR • Sergeant Keith Mann – continued
August 5, 2014
To:

ACEOA Board

From:

Lieutenant Heath Walls

Subject: Sergeant Keith Mann, Nomination for Officer of the Year
I would like to nominate Sergeant Keith Mann due to the great job has
been doing. He has always done an outstanding job as a Conservation
Officer. In my opinion he is one of the best field officers in the state.
He also balances these duties with his role as a Sergeant and assisting
his supervisors on various issues. He is respected in his county and
the surrounding counties by the public, judicial officials, and other law
enforcement. He routinely assists with hunter education classes and
youth hunting and fishing events. He has created a network of people
that trust him and are constantly calling with information that leads to
arrest and prosecution of violators. I could not ask for a more qualified,
dedicated, or better person to work with. I would like to recognize Sgt.
Mann for doing an outstanding job on the following issues:
1. Sgt. Keith Mann has been working on an investigation regarding a group of night hunters in Bullock County
and the surrounding counties. This group of night hunters had been reported to have killed dozens of
deer illegally. The night hunters involved were going almost every night and trophy hunting. They had
no regard for fair chase, landowner rights, or safety. They were very organized and used some high-tech,
expensive equipment to avoid detection during their night time hunts. Sgt. Mann has gone above and
beyond what most game wardens do to make a case. Most cases we make are because we catch the
violators in the act of committing a crime. Sgt. Mann has taken, what began with a picture of a deer,
and gathered enough information to justify search warrants which eventually led to several arrest. In the
course of this investigation he has executed several search warrants and arrest warrants. He has met with
Judges and District Attorneys on numerous occasions and conducted interviews and interrogations of
the suspects. He has also had to work with Conservation Enforcement agencies in other states to have
search warrants served on suspects who had left the state. Due to his efforts twelve arrest warrants have
been obtained so far.
2. Saturday, March 8th, Sgt. Keith Mann helped save an injured motorist’s life. While he was patrolling Saturday
afternoon a motorcycle in front of him ran into a truck. The injured motorcyclist’s, Harold Beverly, leg was
almost completely severed below the knee. Sgt. Mann called Tallassee PD for assistance and immediately
assisted the injured man by using a bandana and his expandable baton as a tourniquet. He stayed with
Mr. Beverly and applied pressure until Air Evac medical personnel arrived and took over. He was flown to
a hospital in Birmingham. Sgt. Mann’s actions and quick thinking likely saved Mr. Beverly’s life.
3. Sgt. Mann also saved the life of a young woman recently. She was separated from the group, she was
with while floating down a creek. The creek was swollen and had a swift current due heavy rain. After
she was found Sgt. Mann swam across the creek and brought her to safety. She received treatment for
hypothermia and diabetic shock.
These are not the only cases in which Sgt. Mann has performed an outstanding job. Sgt. Mann goes above
and beyond every day. Thank you for considering Sgt. Keith Mann for nomination of this award.

ACEOA Magazine • 17

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ACEOA 2014 OFFICER OF THE YEAR • Sergeant Keith Mann – continued

2014
Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association

OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Presented to

SERGEANT KEITH MANN
FOR HIS TIRELESS DEDICATION TO THE SUPPORT OF HIS
FELLOW OFFICERS AND HIS HEROIC ACTIONS DURING
LIFE-THREATENING SITUATIONS HIS CONTINUED
WILLINGNESS TO GO THE EXTRA MILE AND
UNWAVERING SUPPORT OF THE ACEOA
HE IS THE EPITOME OF A TRUE LEADER

ACEOA Magazine • 19

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ACEOA 2014 OFFICER OF THE YEAR • Sergeant Keith Mann – continued

ACEOA Magazine • 21

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ACEOA 2014 OFFICER OF THE YEAR • Sergeant Keith Mann – continued

ACEOA Magazine • 23

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ACEOA 2014 OFFICER OF THE YEAR • Sergeant Keith Mann – continued

ACEOA Magazine • 25

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Perryman Award

MR.
CHARLIE
PLATT

NOMINATED
FOR
THE
WILLIAM
“BILL”
PERRYMAN
AWARD

2014

I
would
like
to
nominate
Charlie
Platt
for
the
“William
Bill
Perryman
Award”.

There
has

never
been
a
TV
host
to
spotlight
our
department
like
he
has.

He
has
full
control
of
his
program

and
gives
us
countless
airtime
hours
in
front
of
thousands
of
viewers.

I,
myself,
have
been
with

the
department
for
thirteen
years
and
have
been
on
the
program
over
twenty-‐five
times.

Charlie
has
been
in
the
public
eye
for
over
35
years.

He
was
a
DJ
for
two
local
radio

stations,
but
anyone
around
south
Alabama
that
is
over
thirty
fondly
remembers
Charlie
as
our

favorite
“Wrestling
Announcer”
throughout
the
80’s.

He
started
“Top
of
the
Morning”
in
1993

on
WDHN
television.

He
personally
picks
the
programs
and
leans
towards
the
interest
of
the

farmers
and
the
outdoorsmen.

It
is
a
fact
that
whatever
Charlie
pushes
on
air
will
be
a
hot

topic
for
the
local
hunters
and
fishermen.

He
always
shows
our
department
and
particularly

the
individual
Conservation
Enforcement
Officer
in
a
positive
light.

Mr.
Platt
was
the
first
in
South
Alabama
to
consistently
highlight
the
American
Alligator

and
frequently
showed
our
local
legend,
Burks
Laney,
removing
the
nuisance
gators.

His
easy

going
demeanor
and
the
way
he
frames
an
issue
usually
encourages
the
public
to
see
things

from
a
Conservation
standpoint.

The
Alabama
Wildlife
and
Freshwater
Fisheries
Division
do
not

have
a
bigger
friend
than
Charlie
Platt.

Recently,
Charlie
had
to
undergo
open
heart
surgery.

He
is
a
walking
miracle
given
the

severity
of
his
condition.

He
stayed
on
a
ventilator
five
days
instead
of
one
and
credits
the

good
LORD,
for
his
recovery
saying,
“I
know
I
am
blessed
to
see
my
first
grandchild
born
and

God
has
something
else
for
me
to
do.”

I
am
fortunate
to
call
Charlie
my
friend
and
have
known

him
for
forty
years.

He
has
already
done
more
than
anyone
in
the
state
to
promote
our
entire

department.

His
morning
show
allows
us
to
spotlight
our
positions,
issues,
and
the
wildlife
we

all
love
so
much.

ACEOA Magazine • 27

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PERRYMAN AWARD – continued

WILLIAM
“BILL” PERRYMAN
AWARD

2014

PRESENTED
TO

MR.
CHARLIE
PLATT

A
SPECIAL
AWARD
FOR
A
SPECIAL
MAN

THROUGH
THE
MANY
HOURS
OF
TELEVISION

AIR
TIME

HE
HAS
GIVEN
TO
THE
CONSERVATION
OFFICERS
AND

FOR
THE
POSITIVE
LIGHT
HE
HAS
SHINED
ON
THE

ALABAMA
DEPARTMENT
OF
CONSERVATION

AND
THE
INTERESTS
OF
CONSERVATION

HE
HAS
MADE
A
DIFFERENCE

A
TRUE
HERO

2014

Charlie Platt and the ACEOA.
ACEOA Magazine • 29

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PERRYMAN AWARD – continued
I wanted to congratulate Mr. Charlie Platt, again, on a much deserved award. A special shout out of appreciation
goes to Christi at “Big Daddy’s Seafood and Oyster Bar” for the great catering. Thanks again to David for
hosting us at, “The Depot on Main.” It was a great night with a lot of great people. If anyone is ever in Dothan,
Alabama and need any of these services please get in touch with these home town business owners.
Thank You, Tim Ward

Banquet Room.

“Big Daddys Seafood and Oyster Bar”

Banquet food.

More banquet food.
ACEOA Magazine • 31

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PERRYMAN AWARD – continued

Tim Ward.

Heath Walls, Charlie Platt, and Rusty Warren.

Heath Walls, Tim Ward, and Charlie Platt.

Tim Ward and Charlie Platt.

Charlie Platt & family.

The crowd mingles.
ACEOA Magazine • 33

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PERRYMAN AWARD – continued

Rooms

More rooms.

ACEOA Magazine • 35

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Balanced Deer Herd
Is Healthier
By Chris Cook, Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Photo courtesy of Catherine A. Robinson

M

uch has been written about the need for an
adequate doe harvest when managing deer
populations. Most experienced deer hunters
realize they must kill some does each year to keep the
deer herd within the habitat’s carrying capacity and in
good health. Yet most hunters have no idea how important a balanced adult sex ratio is to maintaining the deer
herd’s overall health.
What is a balanced sex ratio? Sex
ratio, or more specifically the adult sex
ratio, refers to the ratio of adult does
to antlered bucks in the population. In
general, bucks and does are born at
a 1-to-1 ratio, but bucks tend to have
a slightly higher natural mortality rate
than does due primarily to deaths
resulting from rutting behavior (e.g.,
fighting, increased travel, etc.) and
fawn/yearling dispersal. Even with
this added mortality, the adult sex
ratio in a “natural” deer herd should
be fairly even or only slightly weighted
toward does (e.g., 1.0 - 2.0 adult does
to 1.0 antlered buck). In intensively
managed herds where does are heavily harvested and bucks are allowed
to reach maturity (i.e., 4½-years-old
and older), the adult sex ratio can
be weighted toward antlered bucks. On the other hand,
populations with a history of heavy buck-only harvest
will most likely be heavily skewed toward does (e.g., 4.0
or more does to 1.0 antlered buck).
A balanced sex ratio has many advantages. One of
the most important is the length of the breeding season,
or rut. In a deer herd with a balanced number of does
and antlered bucks, nearly all does will be bred during

their first estrous, usually over a very short period of
about two weeks. On the other hand, does in an unbalanced herd will have to “recycle” and will be bred over
a two- to three-month period, or even longer. One of the
advantages of having breeding occur over a short period
is so that most fawns are born within a couple of weeks of
each other. For buck fawns, this means each will have the

same length of time to grow and develop antlers during
their first year as other bucks born that year. Very few
late-born fawns will have to play catch-up during their
first couple of years.
Another advantage to having a shorter rut is the bucks
do not spend three or four months chasing does and
breeding. Instead, they participate in a very brief and
continued on 39
ACEOA Magazine • 37

10ad12
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Outdoor Elegance, Inc.

Refra-Chem Linings,
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BALANCED DEER
IS Road
HEALTHIER– continued
11280 A US Highway 31
18932HERD
Oakdale
Spanish Fort, AL 36527
Athens, AL 35613
intense breeding period that lasts only a few weeks. After
From a hunter’s standpoint, other benefits of a balanced
256-998-9000
251-625-4885
the majority of does
have been bred, the bucks can rest,
sex ratio and more
intense rut are the types of hunting
feed and recuperate from the rigors of the rut. These
bucks have a shorter recovery time, so they can put more
resources toward body and antler growth earlier in the
spring and summer. Bucks that have to participate in
a prolonged rut (e.g., three or more months) do not have
the luxury of this recovery time. In many situations, bucks
are spending all of their time trying to breed unbred does
well into late winter.
bucks
must
3230These
County
Road
11put a large portion of their food intake
during
the late spring and early
Heflin,
AL 36264
summer into recovering
from the previous rut, instead of
256-253-2976
into developing bigger bodies and antlers.
One advantage of a balanced sex ratio that is not often
discussed is the timing of the rut. Not only does the rut
become shorter in balanced herds, but many times the
peak of the rut is actually moved earlier in the year by
as much as 4 to 6 weeks. This is important primarily
because of the timing of fawn births. If a fawn is born 4
60 Brian Knoll
or 6 weeks earlier, its chances of surviving and developOdenville, AL 35120
ing to its potential are much improved. This is especially
important in areas such as Alabama where most does are
bred in mid- to late-January and fawns are born in August
or September. By moving the rut earlier through intensive
herd management (i.e., shooting does, protecting bucks),
fawns can be born as early as late June or July. Food is
more plentiful at this time of year so their mothers are in
better shape and should be able to raise healthier fawns.
It also gives the fawn additional time to grow during their
first year, which gets them off to a better start in life.

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tactics that can be effectively used and the amount of rutting sign/activity typically seen. Tactics such as rattling,
calling with grunt tubes and scrape hunting are much
JOHNSON
& with
ASSOCIATES
more
productive in herds
balanced sex ratios due
GENERAL
CONTRACTOR
to the increased competition among bucks for breeding
privileges. Scraping, rubbing and chasing activity during the rut are much
P.O.more
Boxcommon
241894in balanced herds.
Instead of the occasional small scrape, pencil-sized rub,
Montgomery,
AL a36124
and a single yearling
buck trailing
doe in heat, scrapes
the size of car hoods,
rubs
as
large
334-221-2115 as a man’s leg, and
several adult bucks chasing an estrous doe become fairly
common sights in well-balanced herds.
The solution for correcting an unbalanced sex ratio is
simple: kill more does and shoot fewer bucks. Removing
does help reduce yearling buck dispersal, and protecting
more antlered bucks allows more deer to reach the adult
age classes (3½-years-old and older).
Hunters must remember that correcting something
76023 Tallassee Highway
that took years to create will not occur overnight. This
Wetumpka,
ALcontinual
36092 commitment
type of deer management
takes
334-514-4200
from everyone involved, but the results are well worth
the effort.
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

GENERAL’S ONE
HOUR AIR

JERRY & CAROL
CHRISTIAN & FAMILY
390 Winners Circle
Lincoln, AL 35096

ACEOA Magazine • 39

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Feather, Fins, Furs Host
2014 Outdoor Event
By Joe Goddard

T

he 2014 Feathers, Fins, and Furs outdoor event at Foscue Park in Demopolis
brought the largest crowd in six years.
With the help of 40 volunteers, this year’s event
drew 114 children ages 8- to 17-years-old
and their parents from all over the state. The
Demopolis Fire Department brought their ladder truck to the park to hose down the kids
and supply water for the giant water slide.
Saturday’s events included: kayaking, fishing,
turkey and duck calling contests, Lasershot,
obstacle course with slipping slide and many
door prizes. Returning to this year’s event
(L-R) Officer Joe Goddard, Officer Matt Moran, Sarah McVay,
were the raptor demonstrations from Auburn
Officer Curt Porter, and Officer Adam Fuller.
University Raptor Trek with live raptors and
reptiles. Big Daddy Lawler and his radio show were on
shooting trailer with .22’s, skeet shooting, and archery.
site and brought the Fancher Gator (at the time state
The kids also enjoyed airboat rides and kayaking on the
record alligator) and told many stories about alligator
75 acre lake. The event is designed to get kids outdoors
hunting in Alabama. Also, an essay contest was held
and learn about wildlife, hunting, and many different
Saturday night with the grand prize of a lifetime hunting
wildlife techniques. Feathers, Fins, and Furs could not
be possible without the help of our local sponsors, the
and fishing license donated by ACEOA and USACE. The
winner of the license was Sarah McVay from Demopolis.
ACEOA, Ducks Unlimited, National Turkey Federation,
On Sunday, Mr. Tommy Atkins brought the departments
Corps of Engineers and many more.
l

Brandon Smith with USACE giving air boat rides.

Tommy Atkins with Alabama Department of Conservation.
ACEOA Magazine • 41

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

FEATHER, FINS, FURS HOST 2014 OUTDOOR EVENT– continued

ACEOA Magazine • 43

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Kid’s Korner
By Grady Myers
Tell us about your special time in the outdoors. We prefer a short article telling about the hunt along
with a few digital high resolution photos. Send the information to [email protected].

Pearson Shaw harvested his first bow harvested deer this year.

ACEOA Magazine • 45

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Protecting Natural Resources:

Evolution Of The Conservation
Enforcement Officer

B

By Tim Jones, Ed.D., Athens State University

eginning in the early twentieth century, conservation of natural resources became a significant
political and philosophical social force. The
enforcement of the laws and regulations that accompanied the movement created an essential aspect of
conservation’s growth. The roots of conservation law
enforcement can be traced from feudal England to the
modern environmental movement. This article briefly
surveys the historical development of the modern conservation enforcement officer.

English Roots Of Conservation Enforcement
An early example of conservation law enforcement
occurred in Norman England. The heavily-wooded
English landscape conquered by the Normans in 1066
had Saxon hunting preserves scattered throughout. The
Normans, however, introduced the concept of the “royal
forest” and thereby affected the status of forested areas of
England as well as the lives of Englishmen for centuries.
The royal forest consisted of areas in which a special
kind of law — the forest law — applied. At first, the forest
law was initially designed to protect the animals the kings
of England loved to hunt: red deer, fallow deer, roe deer,
and the wild boar. Hunting without the king’s permission
in the royal forest was forbidden, and the king’s forest law
superseded the hunting rights any man may have had in
his own land if it came within the bounds of a royal forest.
Dating from the time of the Norman Conquest, the
kings of England obtained a reputation for tyrannical
behavior in protecting their forests. According to an early
account King William I “set up great game-reserves and
he laid down laws for them. Whosever killed hart or hind
was to be blinded. He forbade hunting the harts and the
boars. He loved stags so very much, as though he were
their father.” William of Newburgh criticized another

king, Henry I, for punishing poaching as severely as he
punished homicide.
In feudal England, a forest was important as a source
of game and of timber, and by declaring an area of land
to be a forest, the King created a royal monopoly over
the management of all the natural resources previously
enjoyed by local lords and tenant farmers. Lords could
be “licensed” to create and manage their own warrens or
parks for small game such as hare and rabbit, and at one
time, there may have been as many as three thousand
parks in the country. The owner of a park had to appoint
“parkers” to maintain the park and keep its fences to
insure that deer could not wander into the park from the
surrounding royal forest.
Forest law’s original purpose to protect the King’s sport
gradually grew to encompass much more. Clearing and
cultivating land in the forest required permission from
the crown and the payment of a perpetual rent. Justices
created and supervised the forest courts. They traveled
around the country on “forest eyres” to try offenders
for violations of forest law. Ultimately, the king made
exclusive use of the forest law and the forest courts to fill
the royal coffers, and forest officials acted as his agents
in this financial endeavor.
The administration of the royal forests was established under a chief forester and his deputies, as the
king’s agents responsible for policing the forests and
attending forest courts. The chief forester was one of the
four most powerful officials in the feudal central government and exercised authority over all the other foresters
and officials who made up the forest administration. He
held forest courts, supervised the administrative system,
and collected all forest revenues.
Wardens had the general responsibility for adminiscontinued on 49
ACEOA Magazine • 47

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EVOLUTION OF THE CONSERVATION ENFORCEMENT OFFICER– continued
tering the forest law in individual forests. Any grants of
exemption or pardons of those who had violated forest
law were sent by the king to the warden for execution.
A warden’s job in protecting game required him to hold
inquests into any illegal acts, to arrest anyone found
breaking the law, and to receive any evidence of poaching. Wardens reported directly to the forest justices. The
sheriffs shared some of their responsibilities in executing
semi-judicial functions of the forest law.
The system of forest administration was intensely disliked by noble and commoner alike. People at the time
saw the forest law as consequential to their lives, and
they complained bitterly of the harsh burden it placed
upon them. There were numerous incidents of abuse of
authority by local forest officials, and they were often
despised for their roles as the king’s agents in enforcing unjust laws. Ultimately, the application of forest law
the nobles into compelling King John to issue the Magna
Carta in 1215, thus altering and easing the application of
forest law.

Timber And Game Protection In The New World
The passage of laws relating to game and timber became
important milestones of conservation efforts in colonial
and early America. These early restrictions on indiscriminate hunting, improper cutting of timber, and setting of
wildfires imply obvious concern about the depletion of
forests and wildlife in the formative years of America.
In 1626, Plymouth Colony enacted a law forbidding
the sale or transport of timber without the approval of
the governor and council. By 1668, Massachusetts Bay
Colony had placed restrictions on the cutting of wood for
ship timbers because the English sovereigns William and
Mary, in establishing the colony, reserved trees of specific
size, species, and quality for use by the British Navy.
Connecticut first regulated hunting seasons in 1677.
In 1699, a Virginia law made it an offense to shoot deer
between February 1 and the last day of July. Punishment
for a violation of the Virginia statute was a fine of five
hundred pounds of tobacco. By 1700, all but one of the
original colonies had established closed seasons on deer;
and by 1708, hunting restrictions had been placed on
upland game birds by New York.
In colonial times, there was no specialized enforcement mechanism in place to enforce these restrictions.

Conservation law enforcement was given a substantial
boost when in 1739, “deer wardens” were appointed in
Massachusetts. This initial effort at conservation law
enforcement would ultimately become the model — the
standard of operation for the states in enforcing environmental laws and regulations.

Growth Of Conservation In America
The body of regulation and policy, what today we
would refer to as environmentalism, began as turn-ofthe-century Progressive Era legislation directed at conservation goals. Conservation is a utilitarian philosophy
based on the idea of efficiently using resources in a manner consistent with the goal of “the greatest good for the
greatest number.” This movement spurred the passage
of federal and state conservation laws and the creation
of governmental agencies to enforce them.
Public awareness of the need for conservation developed greatly in the last three decades of the nineteenth
century. Between 1864 and 1900, the first state parks
were established, the national park idea born, and five
of our national parks came into being. During this same
period a number of states had formed forestry commissions, departments of conservation, and state forests.
Also, the first Federal forest reserves, now known as
national forests, were formed, becoming the nucleus of
the U.S. Forest Service.
The first full-time guardian of a protected area in the
United States was a fifty-two-year-old explorer named
Galen Clark, who became a ranger at Yosemite in 1866.
Some fourteen years later, Harry Young began the task
of enforcing hunting regulations in Yellowstone National
Park. By this time, there were 150 cavalry troops to assist
him. Yellowstone had been designated as a National Park
in 1872, but during the first five years of its existence,
Congress failed to provide funds for the park’s protection,
development, or administration. N.P. Langford, who served
as the park’s superintendent during that period, served
without remuneration. A law passed by Congress in 1883
permitted the Secretary of the Interior to request the War
Department to assign troops to Yellowstone for the purpose of patrolling the area. From 1886 to 1918 various units
of cavalry protected the park; their commanding officers
served as acting superintendents. The protection of wildlife
continued on 51
ACEOA Magazine • 49

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

EVOLUTION OF THE CONSERVATION ENFORCEMENT OFFICER– continued
in Yellowstone was generally ignored until 1894, when
Congress provided formal law enforcement machinery.
A general absence of a nation-wide enforcement of
conservation law enforcement led to the decimation and
extinction of some animal species. The extinction of
the passenger pigeon, for example, due to market hunting took place swiftly; the last wild passenger pigeon
was killed in the spring of 1900. It was the pattern of
devastation to America’s natural heritage that prompted
Congressman John Lacey of Iowa to introduce a bill
to the House of Representatives, known as the Lacey
Act, to deal with the disastrous overhunting of ducks
and gamebirds. The Lacey Act became the first federal
law protecting game under the jurisdiction of the U.S.
Department of the Interior. This law also prohibited interstate commerce involving unlawfully taken wildlife and
rejected all imports from other countries of animals for
which there was no permit. While there are now several
laws and international treaties that form the framework
for federal wildlife protection, the Lacey Act remains the
government’s key mechanism for deterring crimes against
wildlife. The Act set the tone for the eventual authority
of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Conservation Enforcement In Alabama
There were attempts to conserve the forests, waters,
and lands in early Alabama, but the first pioneers were
primarily interested in clearing and cultivating the land.
As early as 1803, a territorial law prohibited “fire hunting”
or the use of a gun with the aid of pine torches at night
within four miles of any settlement. By 1866, Alabama
had passed a group of forest fire laws; one of these laws
provided for a $200 fine for deliberate burning of unfenced
(open) lands not belonging to the burner.
Regarding the conservation of game and fish, Alabama
in 1852 took an initial step by passing a state regulation
to conserve oysters. By 1854, the legislature set the first
closed seasons on the hunting of deer, quail, and turkey.
In 1899, what appeared to be a major stride was taken
when Alabama’s first statewide game law passed, but it
would prove ineffective when 59 counties were exempted
from enforcement by an attached amendment. In the
period 1900-1901, the legislature passed 28 special laws
for the protection of game, but there was little provision
made for enforcement of these laws.

John Wallace, a state representative for Madison
County, established Alabama’s Game and Fish
Commission in 1907 and became the state’s first Game
and Fish Commissioner. The law creating this Commission
also established a licensing system, limited hunting seasons, prohibited the sale and shipment of game, and protected non-game birds. A total of 9,340 hunting licenses
were issued during this first year of statewide protection
and enforcement.
The 1907 law provided funds for forest wardens, which
provided a mechanism for enforcing state game laws.
These first conservation enforcement officers, known as
Game and Fish Wardens were appointed by Commissioner
Wallace. The first two officers, W.F. Sirmon and H.M.
Henderson, were joined the following year by an additional sixty-five appointees, thus providing conservation
enforcement for all of Alabama’s counties. These wardens
served as the first state law enforcement officers. They
were appointed for a four-year period, during which they
were to receive one-half of all fines, forfeitures and penalties collected in the county in which they held office.
Records indicate that during the first year of conservation
enforcement 176 convictions were obtained.
In September 1922, Game and Fish Commissioner
I.T. Quinn headed a statewide conservation congress
in Montgomery. Approximately 100 citizens attended
and made recommendations for new laws strengthening
resource protection, which stimulated the legislature to
enact the Forestry Act of 1923. This act created a statewide forestry program and provided for the establishment
of the State Commission of Forestry. This law was quite
comprehensive and designated county and local peace
officers as deputy forest wardens of the state.
In 1927, the Legislature passed a state land act that
gave the State Commission of Forestry responsibility for
the development and operation of state parks as well as
administration of other state lands. The Bureau of Parks
and Recreation managed these state parks. In 1930, there
was only one Alabama state park, but by 1933 the State
Commission of Forestry, the National Park Service and
the U.S. Forest Service had secured the assistance of the
Civilian Conservation Corps to construct additional park
facilities. By 1938, Alabama had 14 state parks.
By 1939, organizational changes had begun to take
continued on 53
ACEOA Magazine • 51

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

EVOLUTION OF THE CONSERVATION ENFORCEMENT OFFICER– continued
place that would ultimately result in today’s Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources. Following the
enactment of the Department of Conservation Act of 1939,
a Division of State Parks, Monuments, and Historic Sites
was created to manage the state parks; this unit would
later be renamed the State Parks Division of the department. Also as a result of the 1939 act, a Division of Forestry
was created within the Department of Conservation, but
by 1969, forestry activities would be performed by a newly
18932 Oakdale
Road Commission.
created and independent
Alabama Forestry
The State LandsAthens,
Division AL
was 35613
added to the Department
of Conservation in256-998-9000
1942. By 1951 supervision of seafood resources moved from Game And Fish control to
an established Division of Seafoods. Today this division,
now known as the Division of Marine Resources, manages
the marine resources of Alabama for both commercial
and recreational fishermen.

Outdoor Elegance, Inc.

P & S HEATING & AIR
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SOURCES

The Water Safety Act (1959) created a Division of
Water Safety, that by 1971, was renamed the Division of
Marine Police by legislative act. A significant 10ad12
step was
taken for boating safety in Alabama with the passage of
the Robertson-Archer Act of 1994, requiring operators
of all vessels to be licensed. This act was the first of its
kind in the nation.
Today, the Alabama Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources consists of the following divisions:
11280 A US Highway 31
Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (Division
Spanish
of Game And
Fish until Fort,
2000),AL
the36527
State Parks Division,
the State Lands Division,
the
Marine
Resources Division,
251-625-4885
and the Alabama Marine Police Division. Game enforcement has been performed since 1935 by Game and Fish
Wardens. In 1971, Alabama conferred state peace officer
status
on all conservation
officers, giving
JOHNSON
& enforcement
ASSOCIATES
them statewide jurisdiction.
l

Refra-Chem Linings,
Inc.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

P.O. Box 241894
36124
Friedman, Lawrence M.256-253-2976
Crime and Punishment in American History. New York: Basic Books. 1993
334-221-2115

Brockman, C. Frank Recreational Use of Wild Lands. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1959

3230 County Road 11
Montgomery,
Danzinger, Danny and Heflin,
John Gilingham.
1215: The Year of the Magna Carta. New York: Touchstone.
2003 AL
AL 36264

History of Conservation in Alabama. Published and distributed by the Alabama Department of Conservation. Date unknown.
Reisner, Marc Game Wars: The Undercover Pursuit of Wildlife Poachers. New York: Viking. 1991

JUDGE MIKE BOWLING

GENERAL’S ONE
HOUR AIR

Shirley, Hardy L. Forestry and Its Career Opportunities. 3rd. ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1973

Stauffer, J.M. and Kyle, G. A History of State Forestry in Alabama. Vol. 1 Montgomery: Alabama Department of Conservation. 1960.
Revised and reprinted by Alabama Forestry Commission. 1993

60Keepers:
BrianOnKnoll
Tobias, Michael Nature’s
the Front Lines of the Fight to Save Wildlife in America. New York: John Wiley & Sons. 1998
Odenville, AL 35120

76023 Tallassee Highway
Wetumpka, AL 36092
334-514-4200

Young, Charles R. The Royal Forests of Medieval England. University of Pennsylvania Press. 1979

205-640-8932

ACEOA Magazine • 53

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Small Game Hunting
Good Primer For New Hunters

I

By Thomas E Harms, Wildlife Biologist,
Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

n today’s hunting world, the mighty white-tailed deer
is king and small game gets less attention. Millions of
dollars are spent on the management of white-tailed
deer and many different methods are used to see who can
produce the biggest bodied and antlered deer to mount
on the wall. When introducing an inexperienced hunter
to hunting, don’t put them under the pressure of shooting
“the big one” at first. A better beginning to their hunting
career would be creating an enjoyable experience with
help from a more experienced hunter as a mentor. Small
game hunting is the perfect avenue for this.

The great outdoors is becoming lost to technology.
For many, outdoor experiences have become something
reserved for TV series or outdoor-themed video games.
It is up to the more experienced hunters and outdoor
enthusiasts to introduce new generations to the hunting
tradition — or risk losing it. Being outdoors is a great

escape from the fast pace and stress of life. The openness
and quiet of being in the woods or on the water gives you
time to relax and think. These adventures can be great
opportunities to spend with your children and introduces
them to the joys of the great outdoors. Youth hunting,
especially when shared with family and friends, can be
a positive experience for all. These positive experiences
can create better bonds and life-long memories.
When introducing young people to hunting, the experience needs to be fun and enjoyable. Small game hunting
provides many opportunities for new hunters that whitetailed deer hunting often
does not. When small game
hunting, you do not have to
stress over wind direction or
remaining still, which can be
hard for a youngster. Small
game hunting also provides
a platform for more social
interaction between hunters
since you do not have to be
as quiet while hunting. This
presents the opportunity
to discuss hunting ethics,
hunter safety and your outdoor surroundings, as well
as other non-hunting related
topics. Small game hunting
also typically provides more
action than deer hunting
because there are usually more game and opportunities to shoot. If you do choose to go white-tailed deer
hunting, let the new hunter enjoy the experience without
pressure to harvest a deer. A bad experience their first
time out could discourage them from wanting to hunt in
continued on 57
ACEOA Magazine • 55

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

SMALL GAME HUNTING GOOD PRIMER FOR NEW HUNTERS– continued
the future. Most young hunters are normally just happy
to tag along and have a chance to shoot at anything,
whether it is a buck or a doe.
What is most important is the social interaction
between the hunter and the youth, which builds stronger
bonds and a support system. The experienced, skillful
hunter should strive to make this adventure enjoyable.
Small game hunts, such as dove, rabbit or squirrel hunts,
are great ways for the next generation of hunters to
become a part of the hunting tradition. Family members
need not be the only ones included, as these types of
hunts are great opportunities to get other inexperienced,
but willing hunters in the field. Many children do not have
the option to go hunting, but would love the chance to go.
This also can be a good opportunity to help a troubled
teen find a positive outlet and show them someone cares

and is willing to get involved in their life. These early
hunting experiences, if positive, have been shown to create lifelong hunters and a strong bond with other hunters.
Each year, the Alabama Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources sponsors youth dove hunts
with the cooperation of landowners and other sponsors. Many youngsters are introduced to hunting during these events. Visit www.outdooralabama.com for
additional information.
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,
10ad12
State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
To
learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

l

18932 Oakdale Road
Athens, AL 35613
256-998-9000

11280 A US Highway 31
Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Outdoor Elegance, Inc.

JVC Sandblasting &

Refra-Chem Linings,
Inc.
251-625-4885

ACEOA Magazine • 57

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Hunting Accidents
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
Photos by David Rainer

M

ore evidence that the Alabama Wildlife and
Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division’s Hunter
Education program is having a positive impact
on reducing hunting accidents is reflected in the incident
report from the 2013-14 hunting seasons.
The increased emphasis on hunter safety has contributed to a significant decrease in accidents since WFF
started tracking firearms-related accidents during the
1973-74 seasons. In the 1973-74 seasons, a disturbing
19 fatal and 25 non-fatal accidents involving firearms
occurred. The total number of firearms-related accidents
remained high, peaking at 52 during the 1984-85 seasons. The average number of firearms-related accidents

since the 2003-2004 seasons has been fewer than 12
per season.
There were five fatal hunting accidents during the
2013-14 seasons, and the people involved in four of the
five incidents had not taken a hunter education course
because of the grandfather clause that exempted those
who were born before August 1, 1977.
The one exception in the fatalities during the 2013-14
seasons can only be described as a tragic occurrence.
In Sumter County in January, two friends were hunting
in shooting houses 642 yards apart.
Marisa Futral, WFF’s Hunter Education Coordinator,
said the accident report indicated the two hunters were
communicating with each other about which one would
take the shot. One hunter shot twice at the deer. One
of the rounds went into the shooting house of the other
hunter and struck the victim.
Failure to properly identify the target, the most common cause for hunting-related accidents, was the cause
of fatal incidents in Blount County and Cullman County.
Both involved man drives and both victims were struck
by buckshot.
Also in January, a hunter in Tallapoosa County was
continued on 61

Most treestand accidents can be prevented if hunters use a full-body safety harness and have it attached to the tree at all times after
leaving the ground. The failure to properly identify the target continues to be the main cause of firearms-related hunting accidents.
ACEOA Magazine • 59

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HUNTING ACCIDENTS – continued
hunting with a firearm on private property that had been
designated for archery hunting only. Although hunter’s orange is required during all open firearms seasons
for deer, the victim was not wearing hunter’s orange in
the archery-only area.
“Because the victim was not wearing hunter’s orange
does not relieve the shooter from the obligation to properly identify the target,” Futral said.
The last firearms fatality of the 2013-2014 seasons
occurred in February in a quail-hunting accident in
Bullock County.
“That’s the only quail-hunting fatality we’ve had in the
10 years I’ve been here,” Futral said. “You hear of people
getting peppered with shot, but that’s the first fatality.”
There were six non-fatal firearms accidents including
two incidents of hunters shooting at low birds, another
incident of failure to identify the target, one incident of
the victim being out of the line of the sight of the shooter
and two incidents of careless handling of firearms.
There were 14 total treestand accidents last year with
one fatality. Futral said the victim in the fatal accident was
wearing a full-body safety harness, and it was attached
to the tree.
“What they figured was the leg straps were too loose,
which allowed the chest strap to ride up and asphyxiate the victim,” she said. “I want to stress that people
need to make sure their leg straps are worn correctly.
A lot of people will loosen them up for comfort, but they
need to make sure they are snug so the harness will
work properly.”

Futral said the most common cause of treestand accidents is the failure to connect their harnesses to the tree
as they are climbing up and climbing down the tree or
transferring from the ladder to the treestand.
“The good thing is the accidents are down from last
year,” Futral said. “The number of fatalities was about
the same, but the total number of incidents was down.
We want to emphasize that the main cause of accidents
again for firearms was the failure to identify the target.
For treestand incidents, the key is to be attached to the
tree the whole time.
“Hopefully, these numbers will continue to go down.”
Futral said there is no doubt hunter education is one
of the reasons the number of hunting-related accidents
has decreased.
“Absolutely hunter education has made a significant impact on the number of accidents,” she said.
“Even if you’re not required to take hunter education,
there’s always something you can learn from taking it.
“We have adults taking the class with their kids, and
they are surprised at what they learn in class.”
Visit www.outdooralabama.com/hunter-educationalabama to learn more about the classes available in
person and online. A hunter safety course has been
mandatory since 1993. Anyone born on or after August
1, 1977, is required to complete the course before the
person can purchase a regular hunting license. For those
who are new to hunting or may want to try it before
they take a hunter education course, the mentor license

P & S HEATING & AIR

JOHNSON & ASSOCIATES

continued on 63

ACEOA Magazine • 61

10ad16
FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Styx River Shooting
Center
24775
Water World
Road
HUNTING
ACCIDENTS
– continued
Robertsdale, AL 36567
251-960-1173

allows people of license-buying age (16 and older) who
have not completed the hunter education requirement
to purchase a restricted license to hunt with a properly
licensed hunter as a mentor. The license will indicate
“supervision required,” which means the new hunter
must be within normal voice control — not more than
30 feet — from a properly licensed hunter who is at least
21-years-old. The mentor must have a regular hunting
license and not303
a mentor
South
license.
Main Street
Futral wants hunters
to
remember
and practice the 10
Linden, AL 36748
commandments of firearms safety:
334-295-4108
Treat every firearm
as if it is loaded.
Control the muzzle of your firearm. Keep the barrel
pointed in a safe direction; never point a firearm at anything that you do not wish to shoot, and insist that your
shooting and hunting companions do the same.
Be sure of your target and beyond. Positively identify
your target before you fire, and make sure there are no

people, livestock, roads or buildings beyond the target.
Never shoot at water or a hard, flat surface. A ricocheting bullet cannot be controlled.
Don’t use a scope for target identification; use binoculars.
Never climb a tree, cross a fence or jump a ditch with
a loaded firearm.
Store guns and ammunition separately. Store firearms
County
Road
under lock and3345
key, and
use a gun
case35
to transport fireFayette, AL 35555
arms.
Make sure your
barrel and action are clear of
205-932-5179
all obstructions.
Unload firearms when not in use. Never take someone
else’s word that a firearm is unloaded. Check for yourself.
Avoid drugs and alcohol when hunting or shooting.
Even some over-the-counter medicines can cause impairment.

l

2011 E. Coats Avenue
Linden, AL 36748

P.O. Box 480066
Linden, AL 36748

Dixon Furniture Company

Anderson & Associates
334-295-5690

Sipsey Deer Processing

Gaddy Pumping
334-295-8232

ACEOA Magazine • 63

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BADF and Iron Men
Outdoor Ministries Banquet

T

he ACEOA representatives attended the annual Buckmasters American Deer Foundation
Banquet on November 6th for the benefit of our
nation’s heroes through Iron Men Outdoor Ministries.
The banquet was held at the beautiful St. James United

Methodist Church Family Life Center.
We enjoyed great food and fellowship. It is always
great to see our friend Rick Murphy. The guest speaker
was Gene Chizik, former head football coach for Auburn
University.
l

ACEOA Magazine • 65

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Deer Hunting Lessons
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

M

ike Jones’ son, 12-year-old Chase, learned a valuable lesson about deer hunting recently — you
can’t shoot ‘em if you’re lying in the bed.
The elder Jones said he decided to climb into a deer
stand on his father-in-law Jerry Hill’s land after his son
balked at rising early two days in a row. That decision paid
off with one of the largest bucks taken in Alabama lately.
Buckmasters scored the deer at 188 3/8, although the
traditional Boone & Crockett scoring system will deduct
for some irregular points, including a split brow tine.
“I told my son, I promise you’ll never kill one if you

don’t get up,” Mike said. “I would have let him shoot that
deer, but he just wouldn’t go with me that morning.”
Mike went to the 110 acres near Wilsonville and
climbed up into the stand that was only a few yards
from Hill’s driveway.
“He just came walking right up the middle of the driveway about 10 minutes after daylight with his nose stuck
in the air, trailing a doe,” he said. “I popped him. He ran
about 50 yards and fell over. It was just that simple.”
Mike said his father-in-law has the deer’s shed antler
continued on 69

Mike Jones was hunting on his father-in-law’s land when this huge buck came walking up the driveway about
50 yards from his stand in Shelby County. According to Chris Cook, Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries’
Deer Study Project Leader, weather and habitat conditions appear to favor hunters this season.
ACEOA Magazine • 67

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DEER HUNTING LESSONS– continued
from last year, so they knew there was a good buck in
the area.
“The antler is almost exactly the same except it’s bigger this year,” he said. “That’s one thing I can say about
Jerry. He lets the grandkids kill one small buck. After that
it has to be mature bucks.”
In years past, rumors of big deer taken like Jones’ deer
in Alabama were often quickly passed around the hunting
community. Sometimes the big deer were confirmed kills,
but many other fabulous tales of monster bucks faded
away with no proof that the animals weren’t still prowling
the hardwood bottoms and pine plantations that abound
in our state.
Wow, how things have changed. With the advent of
social media, especially Facebook, confirmation of the
huge bucks that make Alabama home has been abundant
this year. Almost every day since the start of archery
season, a photo of a happy hunter and a big buck has
adorned the usual pages on the Internet.
Chris Cook, Deer Project Study Leader with the
Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division,
has also noticed all the big buck photos that have been
posted. Two deer really got Cook’s attention, Jones’ buck
and one from Walker County. Cook hopes to be able to
measure both deer in the coming week.
“Those are some healthy deer,” said Cook, who teamed
up with fellow Wildlife Biologist Bill Gray to produce
“Biology and Management of White-Tailed Deer in
Alabama” and “Effective Food Plots for White-Tailed Deer
in Alabama.” Both are available for download at www.
outdooralabama.com/white-tailed-deer-publications.
Cook said weather and habitat conditions are in favor
of hunters this year, so far.
“This looks like one of those years when acorns are
pretty scarce, and we’ve had an extremely long dry spell
through the summer and into the hunting season,” Cook
said. “It’s setting up to be one of those years that the deer
kill should be outstanding, just because deer are having
to get up and look for something to eat instead of stand
up, eat and then lie back down.
“I suspect the season is going to be better and better
as we go along, especially if we get out of this 75-degree
weather pattern.”
The Alabama Conservation Advisory Board, based on
recommendations from Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

(WFF), expanded the south zone for deer hunting to most
of the state south of Montgomery. The south zone season
swapped 10 days of hunting in December for hunting the
first 10 days of February. Right now, it appears it was
a prudent swap.
“Based on the weather right now, they probably
wouldn’t have killed many deer anyway,” Cook said of
the high temperatures, which usually limit deer movement.
“I don’t think they missed anything. I would suspect that
little flurry of activity the first of the season, then getting a 10-day break, they’ll very likely have pretty good
hunting when it comes back in, because the deer will be
lulled into thinking the problem is over. They may not
have been pressured enough to where they do that ‘go
in a hole’ routine in December like they do in a lot of the
state. There will probably be some more really good bucks
killed because it may be more like a second opening day.”
Unless weather conditions deteriorate rapidly, Cook
doesn’t think the deer population will be adversely affected.
“Deer in the South are pretty hardy,” he said. “Typically,
we don’t have tough winters that take a toll on populations. The only thing the dry spell will do is make them
more vulnerable to hunters. The last several years, it
seems the harvest has been down.
“The dry weather will continue to put stress on the
habitat and the deer. The native browse that was available
is getting scarce and so are the acorns.”
That means that any supplemental food source for the
deer will be heavily utilized.
“The food plots that many people plant to supplement
the diet are getting pounded, the plots that are growing,”
Cook said. “They’re still on the acorns that are there, but
it won’t be long before that food source is going to be
few and far between.
“It’s more likely that hunters are going to see deer in
and around food plots at a much higher rate. If we get
rain on food plots, it should be jam up for everybody.
Unfortunately, that’s where everybody wants to hunt.
The way it’s looking now, it’s going to be a great year to
hunt food plots.”
Cook said next year conditions will likely be different
with a better mast crop and browse conditions. If hunters
continue to focus their attention on food plots, they could
be disappointed.
continued on 71
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DEER HUNTING LESSONS– continued
“Then they’ll want to know why all the deer have disappeared,” laughed Cook. “That’s the curse of hunting
food plots. But it’s hard to fault hunters for doing that in
years like this.”
When hunters harvest a deer, it should be recorded
on their licenses before the deer is moved. Also, WFF
officials urge everyone who harvests a deer to participate in the Game Check program via Smartphone, online
at www.outdooralabama.com or by calling toll-free at
1‑800‑888‑7690.
“We encourage everybody to report what they harvest through Game Check,” Cook said. “Keep in mind it’s
a tool to try improve the management of our deer population and help us get a better handle on what’s going on
throughout the state.

“Again, it’s shaping up to be an excellent season
because the things that are not so good for deer are good
for hunters. Everybody should be optimistic. Just as soon
as I say that, it’ll be 75 degrees for the rest of the season
and deer won’t move until it gets black dark. But, really,
weather affects hunters more than deer.”
Neither weather conditions nor lack of sleep will keep
Chase Jones in bed for the rest of the season.
“He got up every day before that hunt and he’s gotten
up every day since,” said his dad. “When I go hunting,
I get in the woods about 4:45 and wait on daylight. I’ve
just always done that. He went with me the day before,
but I guess it was too much to get up again. Ever since
10ad16
then, though, he jumps right up like OK, I’m ready
to go.”

l

Styx River Shooting
Center
24775 Water World Road
Robertsdale, AL 36567
251-960-1173

ACEOA Magazine • 71

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Muzzleloading
By Fletcher Scott

I

n the late 1700’s, the forests
surrounding the settlement of
Wheeling Creek, West Virginia
were often filled with bands of raiding Indians since their lands were
deeded over to King George by the
Proclamation Line of 1763. This
land grab was accomplished with
help from the self-serving Iroquois
as payback to their enemies in the
west, the Shawnee, Miami and
Delaware Indians.
The Wetzal family lived a short
distance from the settlement on
“free lands” made available by the
Treaty of Fort Stanwix. They occupied a farmstead on Big Wheeling
Creek. Lewis Wetzal, the fourth born
of seven children to Mary and John
Wetzal, who at this time, was an
continued on 75

Larry Hutcherson’s custom
made muzzleloader.

All of the supplies needed for a days shoot. Shown are a patch
knife, powder measure, patches, lead balls, percussion caps, cap
dispenser, starter ramrod, can of powder and a muzzleloader.

Inserting the ramrod down the muzzle.
Note the tape which is used to indicate
a charged or uncharged bore.

Larry Hutcherson places a percussion
cap from his dispenser, on the
nipple of his muzzleloader.
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MUZZLELOADING – continued

Pouring a measured amount of
black powder down the muzzle.

Placing a ball and patch on the muzzle.

accomplished hunter, and skilled woodsman, was carrying out his father’s order to notify the neighbors that
a raiding party was nearby. Lewis came upon Frazer
Forrest who was out hunting and told Frazer about the
hostile Indians. Frazer immediately grabbed his horse
and bolted for home. When the two arrived, they found
Frazer’s house burning and his young wife, Rose, missing. Soon Lewis found the raiding party’s tracks which

Larry Hutcherson fires his in-line muzzleloader.

A modern in-line muzzleloader
showing a 209 shotshell primer
inserted in the breech.

led to the banks of the Ohio River. They quickly made
a raft to carry their guns and powder across the river in
order to keep them dry. Swimming behind the raft, they
crossed to the other side of the river and picked up the
trail, hoping to find the raiding party before dark. With
darkness closing in, they were about to give up on the
trail when Lewis smelled campfire smoke. Knowing that
the raiders must be nearby, they quietly slipped in close
enough to see four Indians and Rose who
was sitting with her back against a tree,
sobbing. Wetzal and Frazer wisely decided
to wait until first light to surprise the
Indians. This meant they would be sleepy
and their shooting would be inaccurate.
Watching the Indians all night, they knew
the moment of attack was drawing near.
Frazer was anxious to rescue his wife, but
was concerned about being outnumbered
two to one. Lewis calmed his fears and
said, “I have a plan.” When dawn arose,
they saw two Indians stand up and both
were immediately shot. Then Lewis and
Frazer drew their tomahawks and charged
the other two Indians as they fled. Frazer
ran up to his wife to comfort her. Lewis,
who was shooting a flintlock rifle, quickly
reloaded and pursued the fleeing Indians.
continued on 77
ACEOA Magazine • 75

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MUZZLELOADING – continued

Close-up of a Civil War era percussion lock.

Close-up showing the rifling in the bore of a muzzleloader.

Suddenly the Indians stopped running, turned, and confor the flint to strike producing a shower of sparks which
fronted Lewis. They realized he had only one shot, and
ignites the powder in the pan. This explosion creates
knew one of them could take him. Lewis calmly raised
enough energy and heat to set off the main charge inside
his gun and fired, killing one of them. The other one
the barrel via a touch hole in the breech of the barrel.
charged and Lewis took off. At this time, Lewis Wetzal
The American version of the longrifle was really patperformed one of the most incredible feats in frontier
terned after the German Jaeger flintlock rifle. It was first
history. He reloaded his longrifle, while running full speed
made by German immigrants in and around Lancaster
through the woods! As the charging Indian was drawing
County Pennsylvania from about 1730 to 1750. These
near, Lewis turned and shot him. This feat, that Lewis
guns eventually took on names of states where they were
used many times in his frontier battles with Indians, soon
made and used. Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Tennessee
earned him the name “Death Wind” among local tribes.
rifles were all variations of the same gun. These were
To fully appreciate this task that Lewis could accomplish
not the first rifles brought into America. That distinction
so quickly, one must look at the steps required to load
continued on 79
and shoot a flintlock rifle, the most prolific
gun used on the frontier.
First, a measured amount of powder
must be poured down the muzzle. Then
a patch (piece of cloth) is placed over the
muzzle with a ball seated on the patch.
The patch and ball are usually pushed
into the barrel with a short ramrod or
starter. After this, the full length ramrod
is removed from beneath the rifle barrel
and used to ram the patch and ball all the
way down the tube until it is seated on top
of the powder charge. Another measured
amount of finer powder is then poured into
the flash pan located on the side of the rifle
near the breech (rear) of the barrel. The
powder is then covered with a lid which
is part of the frizzen. When closed, this
“L” shaped device provides a hard surface
Close-up of a percussion fired Damascus doubled barreled shotgun.
ACEOA Magazine • 77

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MUZZLELOADING – continued
belongs to the guns the first explorers of North America
brought in called Northwest trade guns. These guns were
frequently traded to the Indians by early explorers for
beaver pelts. These trade guns were smoothbores and
therefore lacked the accuracy of the American longrifles
which had spiral grooves cut down the bore. This caused
the projectile to spin, which gave it stability in flight.
Accuracy and distance were greatly improved. Wetzal
could hit anything he saw up to 200 yards!
The shooting of muzzleloading firearms is still alive

were like general contractors are today,” Hutcherson said.
“They didn’t make most of the pieces of the gun. These
were made in nearby shops by gunsmiths that specialized
in producing say, triggers or maybe just a tiny spring.
Some specialized in finishing barrels or engraving. Row
after row of streets in London were full of gunsmiths
that produced only parts of guns. Then the head gunsmith would have the final gun assembled in his shop,”
Hutcherson explained.
I asked Hutcherson who had been the biggest influence on his interest in black powder weapons.
He quickly replied, “That’s easy.
Don Holley, (who is from Alexander
City) made me a masterpiece back
in the seventies. He built me a
.46 caliber longrifle. It can be
fired with percussion caps or by
flint. You just have to change out
the side locks on the rifle. It is
made with the best curly maple
he could find. When he finished
building the gun, he gave it to
me to finish. I rubbed the wood
with chromic acid to “whisker” it.
After sanding off the “whiskers,”
Damascus doubled barreled shotgun showing the makers name. A.G. Genez.
I applied several coats of boiled
linseed oil and sanded with steel
and well today. Many states have incorporated special
wool in between applications. When it got as smooth
hunting dates for muzzleloading weapons only. The mysas I wanted, I was finished. I occasionally apply another
tique of using a traditional firearm with modern enhancecoating of oil if the stock appears dry or lackluster.”
ments is something a lot of today’s hunters enjoy. One of
Hutcherson has some tricks to keep his firearms accuthose hunters is Larry Hutcherson, who lives in Newsite,
rate and well maintained. He explained, “The key to the
Alabama. Hutcherson has been shooting muzzleloadlongevity of a muzzleloader is in keeping it clean. Unlike
ing weapons for over thirty years. He owns many types
smokeless powder rifles, guns using black powder need
of muzzleloaders, some of museum quality, including
to be scrubbed after every session. Getting the powder
smoothbores, rifled bores, flintlocks, percussion locks
residue out of the barrels is important. If you don’t, then
and in-line rifles. But, he specializes in shooting muzzleit will pit and rust quickly, as black powder is corrosive.
loading shotguns. These guns are usually double barSince the barrel can only be accessed from the muzzle,
reled Damascus bores and ignite with percussion caps.
I will sometimes push a swab part way down the barrel
The guns are usually ornate with many fine engravings
and leave it there while I mount a cap and fire the weapon
and inlays. The maker’s name is often subtly displayed.
without a charge. This will blow some of the powder
A few Old World gunsmiths include names like James
residue back up onto the swab which helps clean the
Purdey and Sons, Parker Brothers, Lyman Smith, and
bottom of the barrel. I like to hear the metal tip of my
W.W. Greener. “Most Old World gunsmiths in England
continued on 81
ACEOA Magazine • 79

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MUZZLELOADING – continued

Muzzle of a doubled barreled shotgun
with the ramrod under the barrel.

ramrod make a clinking sound as it hits the bottom of
a clean barrel,” Hutcherson noted.
Damascus barreled shotguns are Hutcherson’s favorite firearms to shoot and collect. “Damascus barrels
were made by taking a three stranded cable, with each
strand a different type of steel, and hammering it around
a mandrel. When finished, this gives the characteristic
wavy lines appearance of Damascus steel. After this was
done, the barrel was sent to the filers. They hand filed
the barrels until they were very smooth. Damascus barrels are not meant to be used with smokeless powder.
They will not withstand the pressures and would rupture.

Dixon Furniture Company

These Old World guns are used with black powder only,”
said Hutcherson.
Modern muzzleloading weapons are a far cry from
their original design. They resemble modern smokeless powder rifles more than the flintlocks used in the
Revolutionary War. Recently, modern muzzleloading guns
have undergone a renaissance in design and manufacture.
They are referred to as in-line rifles. The touch hole is
located in the rear of the barrel and the charge is ignited
with a 209 shot shell primer rather than a percussion cap.
Barrels are often made of stainless steel and the stocks
can be a polymer or plastic. The guns use a sabot and
slug. The sabot is a plastic sleeve that holds the bullet.
This sleeve provides a very efficient seal against escaping
gases which makes the rifle more powerful and accurate.
When mounted with a scope, these guns perform like
a modern smokeless cartridge rifle than the ball and patch
weapons from which they evolved.
Hutcherson summed it up by saying, “I own an in-line
rifle but I don’t like to shoot them. I much prefer shooting
the traditional firearms. I love the workmanship, design
and history that surrounds all of my old black powder
guns. When I shoot them it takes me back to a time when
early Americans depended on their firearms to procure
food for the table or fight off Indians on the frontier.” l
About the Author
Fletcher Scott is a retired Biology teacher and writes a monthly Outdoor
Life column for Lake Martin Living magazine. He is also an active
member of the Tallapoosa County Hunter Education instructors, and
Vice President of the Lake Martin Chapter of QDMA (Quality Deer
Management Association).

ACEOA Magazine • 81

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A New Problem
For Hunters
By Jerry L. Fincher

J

ust when you think you have heard it all, a new problem rears its ugly head, a problem stemming from the
flood of camo patterns available these days. When
I was a kid, camo meant one thing, military. There were
no other options. Then, along came Mossy Oak, Realtree,
and Treebark. The success of these new products spurred
a never ending stream of patterns hoping to separate you
from your hard-earned money. There were pine patterns,
oak patterns, snow patterns, rock patterns, limb patterns,
gray patterns, green patterns, and, yes, even corn and
hay patterns. This is where the problem began.
While it is totally understandable, it has recently come
to our attention that many hunters, and even some officers, are experiencing difficulty in distinguishing between
real-live hunters and scarecrows, but, as always, ACEOA
is on top of things. Striving to make hunting better for
all, we at ACEOA are in the process of developing and
field testing a hunter/scarecrow identification kit. It will
be available soon online and, hopefully, in your local
big-box stores by Christmas. To aid in reducing the time
needed to become proficient with the kit’s components,
we are including a list of them and their accompanying
directions in this article. Please review them now. Good
hunting, be safe, and remember, ACEOA works for all its
members, even those that just hang around in the field.
Kit Contents
Mirror – Instructions: Hold the mirror beneath the
subject’s nose for at least one minute. If the subject is
a real hunter, condensation will form on the glass.
Bottle of Doe Urine – Instructions: Pretend to drop
the bottle in front of the unidentified hunter and walk
away. No real hunter will be able to resist picking it up
and placing it in his pocket.
Clown Mask – Instructions: Place mask over
face. Stand approximately three inches from the subject, raise both hands in the air, and shout, “Boo!”
*NOTE TO USER: Be Cautious. Twenty percent of the time

our subjects were attacked when employing this technique.
Photo of Black Panther – Instructions: Hold photo in
front of the subject and say the following words: “These
do not exist in Alabama.”
Our tests have shown that most scarecrows
couldn’t care less, but a real hunter will most definitely
have an opinion on the subject.
Lighter Fluid and Matches – Instructions: If the above
steps fail to produce a positive identification, liberally
apply lighter fluid to subject and light a match. We realize
that this step is drastic and may result in the destruction
of some perfectly good scarecrows, but you will most
definitely find out if the subject is real.
l

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Quail Hunting
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

O

ne of the most endearing aspects of
living in semi-rural Alabama in the
mid-to-late 1990s was a sound emanating from a 20-acre pecan grove adjacent
to our home.
During the spring and summer, just about
every morning during that time, the familiar
“bob-white” call would echo through the
pecan trees and fall pleasingly on my ears.
During my formative years in the 1960s and
‘70s, the call of the bobwhite quail was a common occurrence for those who spent most of
their time outdoors.
Although my late father was involved in just
about every outdoors pursuit imaginable, he
was probably best known as a “bird” hunter.
That bird was the bobwhite quail, and my dad
always had at least two bird dogs to pursue
the quarry.
On special occasions, my mother would make her
famous biscuits to go with the fried quail, a testament
to the number of birds that roamed the woods and fencerows of that era.

Bobwhite quail.

A Bobwhite quail in a tree.

However, as agricultural practices changed and the
majority of the human population migrated to more urban
environments, the quail population suffered. Gone were
the pea patches and numerous fencerows where quail
found safety and sustenance.
Sadly, it’s been more than five years since
I’ve heard a bobwhite whistle in the pecan
grove next door.
While most of the quail hunting these
days is done on preserves with release
birds, there is a renewed effort to try to reestablish wild populations in suitable habitat.
The National Bobwhite Conservation
Initiative (NBCI) was formed several years
ago but struggled to gain a foothold in
the conservation world because of a lack
of funding.
Last week at the Southeastern Outdoor
Press Association (SEOPA) Conference in
Fontana Village, N.C., I had a chance to
continued on 87
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QUAIL HUNTING – continued
sit down with John Doty of the
NBCI to talk about the future of
quail. Doty had some good news
to share.
“The Nat ional Bobwhite
Conservation Initiative was created by the state wildlife agencies
in the 25 states that make up the
core bobwhite range,” Doty said.
“We do not do the same things
the state agencies do. They created NBCI to work at the regional
and national levels to look at
opportunities and obstacles to
quail restoration.
“One of the biggest things
that has happened lately is the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved NBCI as
a Pittman-Robertson program so we can receive Wildlife
Restoration Act funding.”
That funding will allow NBCI to expand its outreach
program as well as hire a grasslands coordinator and
a central database coordinator.
“The grasslands ecosystem is a really critical part of
bobwhite restoration,” Doty said. “When all the states
feed in their information on habitat and restoration work,
the database person will coordinate the information on
the response to the habitat work.
“The Pittman-Robertson funds will allow us to work
on bobwhite restoration on a landscape scale, which is
pretty exciting.”
There have been many theories about the decline of
the bobwhite, including fire ants and increased predation, but there is one cause that has emerged as the
prevalent theory.
“The states got together and got on the same page
some time ago,” Doty said. “It’s disappearing habitat
and fragmentation of habitat. It’s not only development,
but it’s the way people used the land for decades. That
has changed.
“People remember when bobwhites were numerous,
and they didn’t have to do anything to make that happen.
It was just a function of the way the land was being used.
Now so much has changed — from the way we manage
our forests to the way we have industrialized agriculture,

Bird dogs.

as well as the demise of small family farms across the
region. The fencerows are gone. We’re row cropping from
border to border. We’re replacing native, warm-season
grasses with fescue.”
The good news is that the state wildlife agencies and
general public are now paying attention to the demise of
the wild quail populations.
“There is more momentum right now among these 25
states to restore wild bobwhite populations than there
has ever been,” Doty said. “You’ve got 25 states working
together on this, which is very unusual.
“One of the things NBCI brings to the table is there
is a coordinated implementation plan now. This will get
much more discussion among the public in coming years.
There is a specific plan for the creation of bobwhite focal
areas and how they’re monitored. We’re working with
the National Park Service to restore National Battlefields
to native vegetation. That’s bobwhite habitat.”
Doty said the next several weeks are crucial for the
bobwhite restoration efforts in the form of the Farm Bill
under consideration by Congress.
“I hope that we will be able to announce in the next
three to six weeks the addition of at least a quartermillion acres of bobwhite habitat through the Farm Bill
program,” he said. “Also, we are working with the U.S.
Forest Service to create a bobwhite emphasis areas in
national forests.”
continued on 89
ACEOA Magazine • 87

10ad17
FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

CENTRAL SERVICES, LLC
QUAIL HUNTING – continued

P.O. Box 37 • Fairhope, AL 36533

Doty said he is working with Mark
251-402-4436
Sasser of the Alabama
Wildlife and
Freshwater Fisheries Division to try to
assist in Alabama’s quail project.
“NBCI is making a range-wide, coordinated effort in bobwhite restoration,”
Sasser said. “What they’re trying to help
us do, where a state can’t individually do
this, is affect policy in the Farm Bill and the
215 Hwy.Agency
136 E.through
• Monroeville,
AL 36460
Farm Services
the NRCS
(251)
765-2356
(Natural Resources Conservation Service).
“They really went to bat for us with the
new Farm Bill to help promote the Pine
Savanna Initiative proposal to the Farm
Services Agency in Washington, which
would pay landowners for thinning their
CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) timber stands at an earlier age and prescribed
burning, which helps quail and a variety of other species.
NBCI gives us a national voice and national attention on
quail restoration.”
31968 Ansel Road • Logan, OH 43138
Doty said the longleaf
pine restoration projects have
740-569-4063
garnered a great deal of attention. Now the next focus will
be on shortleaf pines, which will have more of a widespread impact.

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218 South Madison Street
Athens, AL 35611

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P.O. Box 373
Cottondale, AL 35453
205-556-7731

Simmons Ambulance
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4269 Drewry Road
Monroeville, Alabama 36460

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eagle
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Fried Bobwhite
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“The pine initiatives are going to be premier avenues
for bobwhite restoration
the 36830
longleaf and shortleaf
Auburn,inAL
regions,” Doty said. “So there is a whole lot going on
that’s very good for bobwhites.”
Alabama’s quail season runs from November 8th
through February 28th, with a daily bag limit of eightbirds per person.
l

334-821-0216

Oaktree Rental
Properties
4529 Ingram Road
Deatsville, AL 36022
334-312-2040

ACEOA Magazine • 89

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Lionfish
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

M

ost people look at the lionfish
with disdain or fear. Chef Chris
Sherrill looks at the invasive
fish species as another adventure in his
culinary journey.
The lionfish, a colorful reef dweller that
vacuums up every bait species that comes
close to the reef, has migrated from the
Atlantic, probably from fish released from
aquariums, through the Caribbean and
into the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama Marine
Resources Division personnel regularly
visit several offshore reef structures to
document and remove lionfish. The fish
can populate reefs at alarming rates.
It competes with native reef fish species
for food and is seldom caught by hookand-line anglers. Marine biologists realized several years
ago that lionfish could be a problem for the reef ecosystem
and started to spread the word about the species to the
dive community. Divers are currently the only way to
control the lionfish population.
One of the reasons lionfish hasn’t been on the menu is
the misconception about the fish’s 18 venomous spines,
which are used for defense. That’s venomous, not poisonous. Only the spines cause a problem, and the fish’s flesh
is light and delicate, similar to a freshwater crappie or
Gulf flounder.
Sherrill has been trying to introduce lionfish to the
public at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club in a variety of dishes,
and he expanded his outreach recently with a trip to
the Alabama Wildlife Federation Gulf Coast Wild Game
Cook-Off at the Blue Gill Restaurant on the Battleship
Parkway in Spanish Fort.
Sherrill brought the Flora-Bama Yacht Club crew to
cook lionfish for the attendees and ended up winning
the Best Overall trophy with his Lionfish Nachos dish.
You’re going to have to get lionfish from some of your
diver friends, or substitute flounder fillets in the following recipe.

Lionfish Nachos
Lionfish preparation:
1 pound boneless, skinless lionfish fillets
Sea salt
Granulated garlic
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Season lionfish to taste with salt and granulated garlic. With
a skillet on high sear, very lightly and very quickly sauté the
lionfish fillets in oil. Set aside on a plate in a cooler or refrigerator. Make sure that the lionfish are ultra rare.

Wonton Nachos:
1 pack Asian wonton wraps
Hot frying oil set to 350 degrees
Cut into wonton wraps triangles and fry until crisp. Place on
paper towels to drain and set aside.

Wasabi Drizzle:
4 ounces wasabi powder
1 cup water
1 cup creole mustard
continued on 93
ACEOA Magazine • 91

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

LIONFISH – continued
1 cup mayo
1/4 cup sugar
Mix wasabi powder into water until dissolved.
Mix rest of ingredients and set aside.

Spicy Mayo:
2 cups Sriracha hot sauce
1 cup mayo
Mix well and set aside.
Commercial hoisin sauce is available in most
grocery stores.

Garnish:
1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
1/2 cup chopped banana peppers
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup diced red onions
2 cups seaweed salad (Asian market)
Remove Lionfish from cooler, slice ultra thin and split into
four portions. Place a pile of wonton nachos. Place Lionfish
on top of nachos. Garnish with chopped peppers and onions.
Drizzle a small amount of each sauce onto the nachos. Top
with seaweed salad.

Sherrill’s dish had tough competition in the fish category.
Second went to Choctaw Bluff with its Wicked Tuna
dish of Ahi tuna fried in a wonton. Salty Dog came in
third with its Delta White Shrimp Sliders.
In the game category, Alfa Insurance’s Wild Pig and
Deer Tamales prevailed, followed by Middle Bay Boats’
Hare in the Dog (delicious rabbit sausage cooked a la corn
dog) and Overseas Hardwood Company’s Venison Chili.

Wild Pig and Deer Tamales
Although Bob Plaster is from south Alabama, his wild
game dish came from his love and obsession with the
tamales of the Mississippi Delta.
“Most of my recipes are by feel and not exact measurement,” Plaster said. “Cooking is art and not science.
Baking, however, is a science (chemistry) so it must
be exact. Hence, the exact measurement of the corn
meal batter.”

A tamale is constructed with four components, cornhusks, corn meal batter, meat filling and sauce.
Cornhusks:
You can find this wrapper at most Hispanic grocery
stores. The corn husk is dry and must be soaked in water
for about two hours so it will be pliable enough to wrap.
Tear the coarser shucks into thin strips to use as ties for
the tamales.
Corn Meal Batter:
2 cups Masa Harina corn meal
2/3 cup butter
2 cups chicken broth
With a mixer, cream the butter and Masa Harina together.
Then combine with the chicken broth. Mix until the mixture
starts to stiffen.

Meat Filling (half-and-half venison and wild hog):
Deer hind quarter
Wild hog ham
2 sticks butter
4 cups red wine vinegar
Make dry rub of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper,
cilantro and smoked chipotle powder. Apply liberally to meat.
Add a stick of butter and two cups of red wine vinegar to each
of two large crockpots used for the hind quarter and ham. Cook
for six hours. Cool and debone, reserving the liquid.
continued on 95
ACEOA Magazine • 93

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

LIONFISH – continued
Sauce:
Reserved cooking liquid
2 cups ketchup
1 cup cane syrup
½ cup commercial Cajun seasoning
½ cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper

Second went to the Coontainer Rollups from the Mobile
Wildlife and Conservation Association, while the Mobile
Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation took third
with its Gobbler Poppers.

Fried Quail Salad
Jack Crosby was short on the portion sizes of the

ingredients, but he thinks the recipe is simple enough
Remove fat from reserved cooking liquid and reduce to about
1⁄8 original volume. Add reduction to above ingredients
that amateur chefs will quickly figure it out.
and combine.
Season bobwhite quail with Cavender’s Greek seasonPlaster said construction of the tamale will take practice.
ing and place on hot grill. After quail are done and cooled,
Combine the meat and the sauce.
pick the meat off the bone and add mayo, minced garlic,
Spread the corn meal batter in a thin, continuous layer on
fried bacon and salt and pepper to taste.
the bottom corner (about ¼ of the area) of the corn shuck.
Mix ingredients to the consistency of regular chicken
With your hands, take enough of the meat filling to create
salad. Form a small patty of quail salad in your hand.
a portion about the size and shape of a short Sharpie marker.
Place a small dollop of pimento and cheese in the middle
Place meat in the middle of the corn meal batter spread on
of the quail salad and work into a ball shape. Roll the
the corn shuck.
salad mixture in flour seasoned with Tony Chachere’s.
Carefully roll the corn shuck so that the corn meal batter
Gently place the balls into 350-degree oil and cook until
fully encloses the meat filling and so that the corn shuck fully
golden brown. Serve over cheese grits.
encloses the tamale.
Now you know why I have gladly been a judge at the
Fold the corn shuck in half, long ways, and tie with a strand
Gulf Coast event for many years. And you understand
of another corn shuck.
why David Holloway, the Mobile Register’s Food Editor,
Place the tamales (open end up) in a steamer.
and I have volunteered to serve as judges for the state
Add chicken broth and water to the bottom of the steamer.
finals. It’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make.
l
Steam at least 1-1/2 hours, and make
sure the steamer doesn’t run out of liquid.
Plaster recommends making enough
tamales to completely fill the steamer.
“If you don’t have enough, use the
remaining corn shucks to fill in the space
so that the tamales all stand up,” he said.
“I actually used two large fish fryers with
baskets to make 210 of them. A larger
quantity is better. It takes as much effort
and clean up time to create 20 as it does
to create 200. So make a large number of
them and then freeze them in a plastic bag.
You can steam a few for whatever size
group that you need. You can also micro(AWF group photo; David Rainer) Flanked by AWF members Lee Dzwonkowski
wave them, but be careful for hot spots.”
(left) and Lister Crosby, the Flora-Bama Yacht Club team of (left to right) Zac
Reigel, Jenny Sherrill, Chris Sherrill and Billy Highland walked away from the
Finally, the folks in the fowl catego- Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Gulf Coast Wild Game Cook-Off with the best fish
ry came up with a clear winner with
and best overall trophies for its Lionfish Nachos. Another popular dish among
Middle Bay Boats’ Fried Quail Salad.
the attendees was the Delta White Shrimp Sliders from the Salty Dog team.
ACEOA Magazine • 95

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Limestone County
Youth Dove Hunt 2014
Sgt. Wendell Fulks, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Law Enforcement Section

T

he second Saturday of the 2014 Alabama dove
hunting season provided a great opportunity for
a group of young hunters to get in on the action
in Limestone County.
We started out with a cloudy and windy morning in
south Limestone County, which appeared ready to drop
some liquid sunshine on us at any moment. With the
help of our administrative expert, Kym Champion, we
started the process of getting everyone signed in, and
managed to keep the forms from flying away. The rain
did manage to stay away, but a great group of kids and
adults showed up ready for an afternoon of hunting. Our
field was provided by Brent Shaw of Shaw farms, who
has generously provided a location for our annual Youth
Hunts for the past several years.
While munching on gourmet hot dogs provided by
our resident hot dog chef, Will Woller, and a few Little
Debbie’s, everyone watched the skies and waited for the
dove to show up. Our own ACEOA Executive Director,
Rusty Morrow, provided the entertainment, as well as
instruction, and in some cases, some welcome practice,
with the help of a skeet throwing machine. Kids and
a few dads alike got in on the action, with some friendly
competition soon ensuing. The always popular door prize

giveaway was a huge success this year, thanks to the
ACEOA’s generous donation, and Academy Sports fine
selection of prizes.
A few new additions to the prizes this year were a huge
hit. Ducks Unlimited donated a much coveted pellet rifle
for the event. Tim Green, President of the Athens branch
of Regions Bank, supplied the “big” prize of the day.
A shiny, bright green, Regions Bank beach cruiser bicycle!
With every kid getting a door prize and a hot dog, it was
time to get down to business.
continued on 99
ACEOA Magazine • 97

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

LIMESTONE COUNTY YOUTH DOVE HUNT 2014– continued
District One Captain, Johnny Johnson gave us a brief
safety talk and declared the hunt on. Soon after taking the field, the sun started peeking through the clouds
and not long after, the doves started to appear over the
tree line. In one of our most successful youth hunts in
Limestone County to date, quite a few dove were taken,
and it appeared that everyone at least got a chance at
one of the elusive creatures. All in all it was a great
opportunity to introduce a lot of young people to a great
sport. We can’t wait to see everyone again next year!l

continued on 101
ACEOA Magazine • 99

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

LIMESTONE COUNTY YOUTH DOVE HUNT 2014– continued

ACEOA Magazine • 101

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Is Everybody Out
Night Hunting?
By Joe Goddard

S

ince 2012, I have been assigned as a Conservation
Enforcement Officer (CEO) in Marengo County.
Many days and nights my job is fairly routine, but
there was one night in January of 2013 that I’ll never forget.
My partner, CEO Curt Porter, and I were hidden along
a desolate road about one-o’clock in the morning watching out for anyone night hunting for deer. Numerous deer
could be seen feeding on either side of the road. Nothing
happened for what seemed to be an eternity; we were
cold and began to wonder if we had chosen the wrong
place for a stake-out. Eventually a pick-up appeared
far in the distance and suddenly turned sideways in the
road, shining their headlights on a deer. We rushed out
of hiding, blue-lighted them, and while questioning these
potential game violators, heard three gunshots down the
road behind us. All of us, including the hunters, spun
around to see another pick-up about a half-mile down
the road turned sideways shining deer. I immediately
cut off my blue lights and, strangely enough, the truck
with the people who had fired the shots drove toward
us and passed right by us as if nothing had happened.
I immediately called for back-up from CEO Howard in
Choctaw County, left my partner with the first set of
night hunters, got in my truck and followed this new set
of potential game violators. When I chirped my siren
and blue-lighted them, a huge, what appeared to be an
8-point buck, jumped up in the bed of the truck and began

flailing around, trying to get out. When the truck pulled
over, the injured deer managed to get out and stumbled
off into the woods. I got four hunters out of the truck,
and secured a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol from them. At
that point, CEO Howard arrived to assist. Upon further
investigation, we found an additional freshly killed doe
and fawn in the back of their truck, not to mention blood
smeared everywhere from the wounded, flopping buck.
When I asked them about the deer that ran off, they
replied matter-of-factly, “We thought it was dead.”
We arrested these four men and charged them with
hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, and
hunting from a motor vehicle. Meanwhile, down the road
at the other truck, my partner charged its two hunters
with the same three offenses. Crazily, while we were writing citations for these six people, another vehicle came
down the road and turned sideways, which we thought
was also spotlighting deer. I was beginning to wonder
if the whole town was out deer hunting that night. We
took off after him, pulled him over, and found him to be
intoxicated, but no guns in the car. Apparently, he had
thought all the blue lights in the highway signaled a road
block, and that’s why he had turned around in the road.
We called the local sheriff’s deputy to come deal with
him. What a night!
All offenders appeared in Marengo County District
Court, pleaded guilty, and paid their fines.
l

ACEOA Magazine • 103

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Outdoor Recreational
Opportunities in Alabama for
People with Special Needs

P

By Michael Bloxom, Regional Hunter Education Coordinator,
Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

eople with special needs are finding that some
forms of outdoor recreation, such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing can easily be
enjoyed with certain accommodations. The Wildlife and
Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources has made it a goal
to expand outdoor recreational opportunities for people
with special needs. One of the ways the division does
this is through the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Trail for
People with Physical Disabilities. This trail provides hunting, fishing and shooting opportunities through a network
of public and private sites scattered around the state. The
trail consists of 17 physically disabled hunting areas, 23
public lakes, 11 shooting ranges and nine community
archery parks.
The hunting areas are located from Jackson County
in the north all the way to Mobile County in the south.
Shooting houses are wheelchair accessible and qualified
participants may bring a non-hunting partner to assist.
Hunting is restricted to two or three days per week so
that the deer are not overly pressured. Nearly 100 deer
were harvested on Physically Disabled Hunting Areas
during the 2012-2013 hunting season.
The fishing opportunities on the trail are located at
state-owned public lakes. These lakes range in size from
13 to 184 acres for a total of 1,912 surface acres. Each
lake is intensively managed to provide quality fishing.
Wheelchair accessible covered piers make it easy to reach
deeper water without using a boat.
The shooting ranges and archery parks on the trail
have handicapped parking available. All of the shooting ranges are wheelchair accessible and have concrete
walkways for downrange access to the target lines. The

archery parks each have at least one wheelchair accessible shooting lane.
An application process and preregistration is required
before using the hunting areas. No preregistration or
application is required to use the lakes, shooting ranges
or archery parks; however, all state laws and regulations
must be followed, along with any licensing or permit
requirements. Visit www. outdooralabama.com/physically-disabled-hunting-and-fishing-trail to learn site
locations, licensing requirements and instructions for the
application process to use the hunting areas.
Beyond these efforts, many private companies and
nonprofit agencies promote and sponsor outdoor recreation events throughout the state. One of the goals of
many of these programs is to re-introduce the beauty and
excitement of the outdoors to disabled people. Theodore
Roosevelt once said, “It is an incalculable added pleasure
to any one’s sum of happiness if he or she grows to know,
even slightly and imperfectly, how to read and enjoy the
wonder-book of nature.” The chance to learn to shoot,
hunt, fish, and view or photograph wildlife in their natural
setting can be life-changing events for everyone, including
people with special needs.
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 • 105

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Hunting at the Ballot Box

A

By Corky Pugh, Executive Director of the Hunting Heritage Foundation

labamians once again voted to support hunting
and fishing, with 80% checking the “YES” box
beside Amendment 5 to the State Constitution in
the November election.
Amendment 5 added the following language to the
Alabama Constitution:
The people have a right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, subject to
reasonable regulations, to promote wildlife conservation and
management, and to preserve the future of hunting and fishing.
Hunting by the public and fishing by the public shall be the
preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife. This
amendment shall not be construed to modify any provision of
law relating to eminent domain, trespass, or property rights.
NRA President and prominent Alabama attorney Jim
Porter said, “Amendment 5 – Right to Hunt and Fish
will protect our sporting traditions from attack initiated
by well-funded national anti-hunting groups that have
assailed sportsmen throughout the country in recent
years. Additionally, it specifies that wildlife conservation and management decisions will be based on sound
science, not the misguided emotions of anti-hunting
extremists. Hunting by the public and fishing by the public
shall be the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife.”
Thankfully, the percentage of voters who support law-

ful, ethical hunting has not changed too much since 1996
when Alabama voters adopted a similar amendment by
an 81 percent margin. The 1996 Amendment simply read:
All persons shall have the right to hunt and fish in this state
in accordance with law and regulations.
According to information compiled by the Initiative and
Public Referendum Institute, Alabama was the first state to
adopt such a referendum, followed by Minnesota (1998),
North Dakota (2000), Virginia (2000), Wisconsin (2003),
Louisiana (2004), Montana (2004), Georgia (2006),
Oklahoma (2008), and others. The language varies, with
some referring to hunting as, “a valued part of our state
heritage.” Another reads, “Hunting, trapping, fishing,
and the taking of game and fish … will be preserved for
the people and managed by law and regulation for the
public good.”
Three states already included the right to hunt and fish
in their state constitution: Vermont (1777), Rhode Island
(1844), and California (1910, right to fish only). Having
watched the public policymaking process up-close and
personal for many years, I am always cautious about
ballot initiatives on hunting issues. Remember that only
7% of the people hunt. Fortunately, the vast majority of
Alabama voters support hunting, as long as fair chase is
preserved. When asked the question in a public opinion
continued on 109
ACEOA Magazine • 107

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

HUNTING AT THE BALLOT BOX– continued
poll, “Do you support hunting?,” 87% responded, “Yes.”
When asked the question, “Do you support hunting over
bait?,” only 19% responded, “Yes.”
Based on the vote in November, 20% of Alabama voters
were not in favor of hunting being guaranteed as a basic
right. That means one out of five people who voted do
not support hunting.
The constitutional amendment should stand as a vivid
reminder that our rights are defined for us by society.
This is why
conduct
as huntersAL
should
always be
P.O.ourBox
37 • Fairhope,
36533
responsible and ethical.
Many vividly remember
the overwhelming adoption of
251-402-4436
a local referendum on hunting by voters in a certain east
Alabama county not that many years ago in which the
question was, “Do you favor hunting deer with dogs?”
Based on a series of conflicts between landowners and
a small rouge element of hunters, public sentiment was
so strong that had the question been, “Do you favor
hunting?,” there would probably be no hunting now in
that county.
215 Hwy. 136 E. • Monroeville, AL 36460
A point worthy of note is the slight erosion of public
(251) 765-2356
support for hunting over the past 18 years in Alabama.
Based on the results of public opinion polls in Alabama
and across America, it is obvious that as fair chase is
compromised, public support for hunting is lost.
Around the country, ballot initiatives are increasingly
being used by anti-hunters to restrict or prohibit hunting.
Alabama hunters are well served by proactively protecting their rights through the adoption of Constitutional
Amendment 5.

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S & S Whitetail
Galore

31968 Ansel Road • Logan, OH 43138

740-569-4063

Considering the language in Amendment 5, of particular significance is that, in order to meet Constitutional
muster, new hunting and fishing regulations must
be rea10ad17
sonable, and promote wildlife conservation and management,
and preserve the future of hunting and fishing.
Furthermore, hunting is legally established as the
preferred wildlife management tool, as opposed to other
pie-in-the-sky, animal-rights extremist approaches
to deal with over-abundant populations of deer and
other animals.
P.O. Box 373
As the authors
of The Sportsman’s
Voice: Hunting and
Cottondale,
AL 35453
Fishing in America note
in
regard
to
huntingand fishing205-556-7731
related referenda, “As these trends indicate, the majority of recurring ballot issues concerned with sportsmen
and wildlife are sponsored and initiated by anti-hunting
interests. On the other hand, hunters and sportsmen
are, for their part, responsible for initiating just one of
the major recurring ballot issues: the proposal to insert
right-to hunt-and-fish language into state constitutions.
Considering the4269
frequency
of ballot
measures proposed
Drewry
Road
exclusively
to limit the rights
of sportsmen,
these right-toMonroeville,
Alabama
36460
hunt-and-fish constitutional amendments can be viewed
251-362-4928
largely as defensive — in
some cases, preemptive — strategies by pro-hunting/pro-sportsmen interests.”
l

Barger & Turner
Waterproofing

Simmons Ambulance
Service, Inc.

The Hunting Heritage Foundation is an Alabama non-profit
organization established in 2011. To see what HHF stands
for go to the website at huntingheritagefoundation.com. You
1887
Drive
can write to us at P.O.
BoxPrim
242064,
Montgomery, AL 36124,
or [email protected].

eagle mark, inc.
Auburn, AL 36830

334-821-0216

ACEOA Magazine • 109

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

A Conservation Hero
By Jerry L. Fincher, Talladega County Conservation Enforcement Officer

L

ike it or not, we live in a society that worships
fame, fame that is usually the result of physical
perfection. If you don’t believe me, take a look at
the magazine covers at your local grocery store. You’ll
see race-car drivers, movie-stars, quarterbacks, pitchers,
bodybuilders, dancers, singers, and a host of people who
epitomize physical perfection of some type or another.
We idolize these people and pay them ridiculous sums
of money. Our children strive to be like them, and, for
some reason I have yet to comprehend, we seemingly
value their opinions on subjects which they have little or
no expertise. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t care
less what the real housewives of anywhere have to say
about anything, but that doesn’t stop them from telling us.
I recently met a man who will, in all likely-hood, never
play professional sports of any kind, and I doubt you
will ever see him on a magazine cover. He will not be
starring in the fall line-up of new television shows, and
he couldn’t beat anyone in the hundred-yard dash if you

gave him a three-week head start. He isn’t wealthy, at
least not by this world’s standards, and you won’t hear
him giving his opinion on late-night television. In fact, for
him, simply standing or walking requires such effort that
most of us wouldn’t even try. His name is Sherman Finn,
and, for most of his life, he has battled the debilitating
effects of Multiple Sclerosis. But, when it comes to being
a role model, I doubt seriously any Hollywood actor,
sports hero, or late-night talking head could live up to
his example. That’s because Mr. Finn believes in doing
the right thing, with no expectation of reward, and he
is one of those rare individuals who actually practices
what he preaches.
Mr. Finn’s conviction to do the right thing prompted
him to call and report night hunting activity near his
home. Knowing Mr. Finn’s limitations, and with no regard
for public safety, subjects were actually shooting deer
at night from his driveway. Not only were they shootcontinued on 113

ACEOA Magazine • 111

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

A CONSERVATION HERO– continued
ing across a public road, they were shooting into a field
which was directly in front of inhabited homes. One
of Mr. Finn’s neighbors even had a shotgun slug come
through his front door. Mr. Finn’s call to the operation
gamewatch hotline resulted in a total of seven subjects
being arrested. The charges included hunting at night,
hunting from a public road, hunting without land-owner
permission, hunting by aid of a motor vehicle, illegal possession of a hand-gun, hunting over bait, and two arrests
for outstanding non-conservation warrants.
It would have been easy for Mr. Finn to say that he
couldn’t or shouldn’t get involved and simply turn a deaf
ear to the shots, but, thankfully, he didn’t. I was incredibly
proud and appreciative of my newfound friend and ally,
but, somehow, just saying thanks didn’t seem like enough.
So when an opportunity to nominate someone for the
Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Operation Gamewatch
Award presented itself, I immediately thought of Mr. Finn.
I typed a letter, sent it in, and hoped for the best. Several
months later, I received a call from Mr. Bill Nunnery of
P.O.Wildlife
Box 37Federation.
• Fairhope,Mr.
ALNunnery
36533 stated
the Alabama
that he had read my letter and that he and the Wildlife

CENTRAL SERVICES, LLC
251-402-4436

Federation agreed. As a result, the Federation had named
Mr. Finn as one of their Operation Gamewatch Award
winners and that he would be mailing a check for the
sum of one thousand dollars. He also said that, in his
opinion, it would mean more if the check was presented
by the Conservation Officers in the county.
When I told Sherman about the check, he was obviously thrilled, saying, “You just don’t know what this
means to me and my family.” But you know something;
as happy as winning the award made him, I believe he
was just as, if not more, excited about seeing the four
deer that were eating his garden that morning, a sight that
he had been missing while the poachers were operating
10ad17
in the area.
On behalf of Alabama’s Conservation Enforcement
Officers, I would like to thank the Mr. Bill Nunnery and
the Alabama Wildlife Federation for their unwavering
support of our mission. I would also like to thank them
for allowing us the honor of presenting their award, and
I would like to thank Mr. Sherman Finn and all our conP.O. Box 373
cerned citizens who provide information which allows
Cottondale, AL 35453
our officers to protect Alabama’s natural resources. l

Barger & Turner
Waterproofing
205-556-7731

ACEOA Magazine • 113

Oaktree Rental

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Where’s the Beef, or the Birds?
It’s Not Just The
Number That Counts

O

By Jerry L. Fincher, Talladega County Conservation Officer

n a perfect fall afternoon, the Talladega County
Hunter Education Association held the last of what
has become an annual event, our dove shoot. The
doves were few and far between, but the fun was nonstop. Our elderly minister member entertained us all by
attempting to run doves from the power-lines above his
head. He would throw dirt clods at them and attempt to
shoot them as they flew away. He was way too slow to
ever get off a shot, and his elderly accomplice couldn’t see
well enough to hit one when it did fly, but their sense of
sportsmanship and never-give-up attitude was appreciated by all.
Most of the birds that were unlucky enough to cross
the field which had been prepared by the Alabama
Conservation Officer’s Association lived to see another
day, but a few did bite the dust. One fell dead of a heart
attack and two collided in midair. The most exciting thing

that happened was when someone attempted to drive
a four-wheeler through the adjoining woods in an attempt
to flush the birds that were laughing at us from the tree
continued on 117

ACEOA Magazine • 115

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WHERE’S THE BEEF, OR THE BIRDS?IT’S NOT JUST THE NUMBER THAT COUNTS – continued
line. The attempt, while well intended, only produced
one dove and a timber rattler, see accompanying photo.
Even though we only killed enough birds for one person
to have a meal, the kids caught fish and turtles, the adults

ate way too much, and good fellowship and laughter were
in abundance. Consequently, the day was a resounding
success. After all, dove wrapped in bacon does taste
good, but laughter feeds the soul.
l

ACEOA Magazine • 117

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2014 Hunter Education
Volunteer Instructor Dove Shoot
Location; Alligator Alley in Summerdale Alabama
By Thad Homes

Sponsors ~
Wesley Moore – owner operator of Alligator Alley
Plants and prepares dove field, supplies his grounds,
staff and equipment to transport guests, supplies and
prepares lunch.
Nelson Wingo (Campbells Hardware in Robertsdale, AL)
Donates door prizes and much more for our events.
ACEOA – Proud to be associated with ACEOA.
ACEOA always ready to support Hunter Education.
People began to arrive and socialize around noon.
- 100 p.m. Wesley Moore said Grace and we all ate.
- Around 200 p.m. Thad Holmes spoke to the gathering
and thanked all our sponsors, and related actual occur-

rences in the field that were directly related to the efforts
of our Hunter Education efforts.
- Introduced ACEOA Vice President guest Speaker
Vance Wood and Hunter education coord. Jenks Altiere
- Jenks spoke gave a quick safety briefing and thanked
our volunteers again.
- Vance Wood spoke about the mission, efforts and
accomplishments of ACEOA.
- Drawing for prizes gift certificates supplied by ACEOA
funding and Campbells Hardware
Around 330 p.m. the dove started flying and the folks
that were not watching football on the television that
Wes had set up, went to the field and the shooting began.
Good afternoon, good folks, good time.
l

continued on 121
ACEOA Magazine • 119

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2014 HUNTER EDUCATION VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTOR DOVE SHOOT – continued

ACEOA Magazine • 121

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Hero Hunt
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
Photos by David Rainer

A

s is often the case, Charles Jones of Asheville was
by a sniper as he came to the aide of one of his fallen
behind the wheel of his 18-wheeler when he was
comrades in Afghanistan.
passed by a vehicle with a special tag that really
With the help of Matthew Glencoe, Thad wrote “My
Brother in Arms: The Exceptional Life of Mark Andrew
got his attention.
It was a Purple Heart tag, and Jones, a former Army
Forester, United States Air Force Combat Controller” to
Green Beret, said an idea popped into his head and it
share Mark’s legacy with the world.
wouldn’t leave.
“Mark and Ish worked together
in Afghanistan,” Thad said. “Mark
When Jones is not on the road,
was killed in 2010. He had a teamhe’s usually at Scott Deuel’s Stick
Lake Hunting Preserve on top
mate go down, the team’s medic.
In his effort to rescue his teamof Straight Mountain north of
Springville, Alabama.
mate, Mark was shot.”
The idea that stuck in Jones’
Thad said the book was three
head involved bird hunting at Stick
years in the making, and it’s basiLake and the military.
cally a biography of Mark’s life.
“I wrote it for two reasons,”
“I thought, why don’t we have
a hunt for some of these wounded
Thad said. “The main reason was
warriors?” Jones said. After disso our family would have a record
cussing it with his wife, Linda,
of his life. He was 29 years old
and Deuel, Jones was on it like an
when he died. The second reason
English setter on a bobwhite quail.
is so his example of patriotism
Lt. General Leroy Sisco (Ret.)
and excellence can be shared with
with the Military Warriors Support
the world.
Foundation lined up two military
“The book covers his whole life.
veterans and Thad Forester to
Mark and I were the two youngest
participate in the Stick Lake bird
of five kids. I was four years older
hunt with plenty of quail, chukthan Mark. We were definitely
kars and pheasants.
close. When he was in college,
The veterans were Air Force
he lived with me in Tuscaloosa.
Thad Forester’s tribute to his younger
He lived with me until he joined
Tech. Sgt. Ismael (Ish) Villegas,
brother, Mark, is available in hardback,
the military in 2007.”
who was awarded two Silver
paperback and for Kindle.
Thad said the Stick Lake bird
Stars for bravery under fire
hunt illustrates how there are
in Afghanistan, and Staff Sgt.
Johnnie Yellock, who suffered significant leg injuries in
people who want to honor American heroes.
Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device (IED)
“Ish and Johnnie have risked their lives multiple times
on deployments,” he said. “Both have been injured big
blew up the vehicle he was riding in.
Thad Forester was there to honor his kid brother, Mark,
time. I’m just here to honor my brother.”
who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his coun“My Brother in Arms” is available on Amazon and the
try. Senior Airman Mark Forester was killed in action
continued on 125
ACEOA Magazine • 123

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HERO HUNT – continued

Before starting the first hunt of the morning at Stick Lake Hunting Preserve, the
hunting team pose for a group photo. The hunting team are: (L-R) Charles Jones, Thad
Forester, Mike McClendon (dog handler with Rock) Johnnie Yellock and Ish Villegas.

Books-A-Million and Barnes and Noble websites. The
Trussville Books-A-Million has it in stock.
Mark Forester, Villegas and Yellock were all Air Force
Combat Controllers in Afghanistan, a duty that put them
on the front lines every day.
“Special Forces teams on the ground are not allowed
to leave what is called ‘the wire’ unless they have someone in our capacity to go with them,” Yellock said. “So
we’re attached to every Special Forces team outside ‘the
wire’ as their air-to-ground liaison. We’re right beside
the team leader, and we relay their objectives to the pilots
overhead. We often had to select which munitions would
work best, what type of bomb to drop, what type of fusing
to use. We had to coordinate all that for the safety of all
the other air assets overhead.”
Yellock was deployed in Afghanistan when Mark
Forester was killed, which was chronicled by the National
Geographic channel’s series “Eyewitness War.” The iconic
photo of Forester with his dust-covered Alabama Crimson
Tide hat came from that documentary series.
“I wasn’t able to leave to come back to the States with

Mark’s body,” Yellock said. “My
parents went to Mark’s funeral in
my stead. They drove from Texas to
Alabama for the funeral. After my
deployment, I spent a lot of time
with the Foresters in Haleyville,
Alabama.”
Si x months later, Yellock
deployed to Afghanistan again.
Seven days in, he was hit with an
IED that ravaged his lower legs.
“I had to put two of the three
tourniquets on my legs to help the
medics save my life and provide
useful information to the team
so they could get out of the area
safely,” he said. “I also called in
the MediVac aircraft to get me to
the hospital.”
More than two years of physical therapy and 30 surgeries later,
Yellock doesn’t plan to stop any
time soon. He does realize that the
injuries will hasten his mobility

issues in the future.
“I’m trying to get it while I can,” he said. “I know the
things that are impaired on my legs are going to transfer
up my body. It’s already taken a toll on my knees, my
hips and my lower back. My goal is to not stop and do
what I can to live life to the fullest.
“Hunts like this are awesome. It gets us out of our dayto-day and brings us to an oasis like this and provides
us with food, lodging, ammo and birds. It’s a great time
to hang out with friends and like-minded people like
Charles, who is one of the old school grunts. It’s incredible
what they do, and it does make a difference.”
It was obvious during the bird hunt that Villegas maintains an intensity in all his endeavors even though his
combat days are likely over, much to his chagrin. Despite
his bravery, Villegas’ humility downplays his role in the
combat incidents.
“My first Silver Star came after I was in the country
(Afghanistan) for about two months,” he said. “One of the
Green Berets got hit on top of the hill while he was helpcontinued on 127
ACEOA Magazine • 125

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

HERO HUNT – continued
ing a couple other of our guys
who were wounded. We went
up about a month after they
got hit. They remote-detonated
an IED on us. There were only
three of us. We were fighting it
out for about 25 minutes. They
had put a lot of IEDs all over
the area, because they knew we
were coming back.
“I just sprinted across the
area to get to where I could
get eyes on the enemy and drop
some bombs and get our guys
out of harm’s way. We ended
up fighting it out for about 16
hours. We had a lot of help
A flushed quail tries to evade the hunters, but a well-placed
from airborne assets, mainly
helicopters and fighters overshot sends the bird tumbling to the ground.
head. We used them to target
the enemy and get rid of the threat.”
Villegas, who has been on several hunts like the one at
Villegas’ second Silver Star came in 2011 on the last
Stick Lake, said he promotes the wounded warrior hunts
of his seven deployments to Afghanistan. Villegas said
to all his fellow soldiers.
a week-long mission turned into three weeks.
“I was never a big hunter before I started coming to
these events,” he said. “It’s very stress-relieving – being
“We encountered heavy resistance on the way in,” he
said. “We continued to fight day in and day out. Right
able to hang out with guys who know about the military
off the bat, we started taking fire and there were a lot
and being around people who are very supportive of
of IEDs. Half of our team was wounded. Our Afghan
the military.
partners took a lot of casualties. Basically, we just fought
“I need it every now and then. It’s great to get away
it out for three weeks.”
and hang around such amazing people who make a difThe military version adds more details, indicating that
ference. I don’t think I’m ever going to get a chance to
Villegas pulled a wounded soldier behind a wall and held
deploy again. It’s hard when you’re told you can’t do
off the insurgents until Villegas’ team could evacuate the
what you love to do. This puts me back a little bit into
“kill zone.”
that mindset. It’s just fun.”
l

10ad17

ACEOA Magazine • 127

Simmons Ambulance

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Run! It’s A White Thing
By Jerry L. Fincher, Talladega County Conservation Enforcement Officer

N

ow, before you go getting all worked up and start
calling me a racist, you might be interested to
know that the white thing I’m referring to isn’t
a person at all. In fact, it doesn’t even exist, but that
didn’t keep it from making me and every other kid who
lived in Vandiver scared to death of it. That’s because
the white thing was, reportedly, a white wolf that lived
up on Miner’s Mountain and came down into the community at night to feed. If anyone ever lost a chicken,
a dog didn’t come home, or the family cat disappeared,
the white thing had got it, and that was all there was to it.
As a game and fish officer, I have had the opportunity
to investigate a host of strange animal sightings, and the
fact that I have never found so much as a shred of evidence to support the existence of any of them matters not,
at least not to the people who reported them. You name it,
and I have probably gotten a call from someone claiming
to have seen it, and you will never convince these folks
that it wasn’t there. Over the years I have received calls
about gorillas, wolves, monkeys, ant eaters, polar bears,
grizzly bears, buffaloes, cobras, pythons, chupacobras,
one very dead hyena, and enough black panthers to fill
the a football stadium, and the stories that accompany
these reports are simply priceless.
I once had an 83-year-old woman get down on her
hands and knees to demonstrate how the grizzly that
walked through her turnip green patch moved, and when
she suddenly stood, raised her arms, and yelled, “Rarrrr!
Rarrr!” to demonstrate the way it stood and growled at
her, it was all I could do to keep from laughing.
There used to be a poor soul in my assigned county
who affectionately referred to me as “Green Man.” He
has since gone to live in a very nice place provided by the
state at no expense to him, but before he went away, he
called and asked if I would be so kind as to come remove
the raccoons that were walking by his window each day
and laughing at him. On another occasion he called to
ask if we would please come remove the mountain lion
that lived in the woods behind his home. In his words,

“Buying five pounds of hamburger each day to feed it is
breaking me up.”
When you work as a conservation officer, getting called
at all hours of the night is a common occurrence. It simply
goes with the territory, so when my phone rang one night
about midnight, I wasn’t surprised. But that all changed
when I heard the person on the other end of the line say
that he had a polar bear in his front yard. Not completely
convinced that I should jump out of bed and head in that
direction, I began asking questions such as, “How big is
this polar bear?”
He answered my question with a question of his own,
“Well, how big is one of those trash cans the county
puts out?”
“Why,” I asked.
“Because he’s bigger than that.”
Before our conversation ended, the man advised that
the bear had left his front yard and that he could no longer
see it all. I told him that since polar bears were not native
to Alabama, this one was probably just passing through
and that he would most likely never see it again. Then,
I added, “But of it does return, feel free to call me back.”
I hung up the phone and returned to my warm bed,
thinking that I would never hear from this person again,
but less than an hour later my phone was ringing again.
This time when I answered, a very excited voice simply
said, “He’s back.”
Although I did look, I never found this wayward bear,
not so much as a track. But I think I might have found
out why this gentleman thought he had seen one. There
were no less than a dozen empty whisky bottles scattered
across his back porch.
Another time when I answered my telephone in the
wee hours of the morning, the man on the other end
literally yelled, “Jerry!”
“Yes,” I answered.
“I’m following a buffalo down the highway!” he said.
“Are you drunk?” I asked.
“Yes,” he responded.
continued on 131
ACEOA Magazine • 129

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RUN! IT’S A WHITE THING– continued
I then asked, “Are you on East Marble Valley Road?”
Again, he responded, “Yes.”
“Well, don’t hit the thing,” I said. “It’s probably real.
A man that lives on that road owns several of them. One
must have gotten out. You should just go on home.”
“Okay.” he said and hung up.
Three years passed before I knew who had called.
Although there are many, my all-time favorite misidentified animal story though came via a lady who called to
report that she had actually hit and killed a hyena near
Sylacauga. I tried to explain that she probably hadn’t and
asked her to describe in detail the animal that she had
killed. In response she said, “It’s about the size of a collie
dog, but it only has a little hair on its head, a little down
its back, and a little ball on the end of its tail.”
Convinced that she had most likely hit a dog, I asked,
“Mam, could it be a mangy dog that you hit?”
My question seemed to anger her greatly, and in a very
irritated tone she replied, “No, it can’t be! I saw The Lion
King! I know what a hyena looks like!”
On another occasion I received a call from dispatch
regarding an eagle that was injured and in a public road.
As I arrived at the location reported, I could see a woman
standing in the highway. She was wearing bright pink
pajamas and waving her arms around in an effort to
keep cars from hitting what appeared to be a dead buzzard. I stopped behind her, turned on my blue lights, and
removed both the lady and the buzzard from the roadway.
With the scene secure, I asked, “Mam, are you the lady
who called about an injured eagle?”
“Yes, but I think it’s dead now. I’ve been keeping cars
from running over it.”
“Mam, that’s not an eagle,” I said. “That’s a buzzard.”
“Well,” she said. “It didn’t have any feathers on its
head, so I thought it was a bald eagle.”
But not all of these strange sightings involve animals.
One of my more frequent callers reports strange hunters instead. They range from marshmallow people, to
tree people, and people who are three inches tall and
lived in the shrubbery around her home. And, according
to her, I am their leader. They wear shirts bearing my
image and masks that bear a striking resemblance to
household trash.
But, there is an exception to every rule, and, on occasion, these strange calls actually turn out to have a basis

in reality. I recently intercepted a call to the sheriff’s office
regarding a timber wolf. I advised the S.O. that we do
not have timber wolves in Alabama. Then, I told them
that I would respond to the call. As I pulled into the
man’s drive, to my surprise, standing there as big as day
was a timber wolf. After some investigating, I was able
to determine that this animal was actually an escaped
hybrid. But this is not the way most calls of this nature
end. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve responded to
what was supposed to be a dead black bear only to find
a black dog, or, as was the case with one of our officer,
a mule. And I was recently told about a man who was in
possession of some unidentified eggs, eggs that turned
out to be paint balls. And every game-trail camera image
of a mountain lion in Alabama that I have ever seen has
had western tree species in the background. And the
internet has only fueled the fire of reports of strange
beats. It is literally filled with photo-shopped images that
keep my phone ringing, like the photo of the giant alligator swimming off with a full grown deer in its mouth.
This is not to say that people aren’t seeing something.
I’m sure they are. Coyotes are abundant. They come in
all color phases, including black, and they can interbreed
with dogs, creating some very strange looking creatures.
In fact, I live in fear of the day that one crosses with
a Chihuahua. Black bears are making a return to our
state as well, and, it is possible that a mountain lion
could someday find its way across our state lines. But if
one ever does, I’ll bet you a week’s pay it won’t be black.
I used to try to convince people that they hadn’t actually seen what they were reporting. I would give them the
facts, the animal’s home range, the last time one was seen
in this state, this country, or even on this continent, or, as
in the case of the marshmallow people, this planet, but
I was always careful to end with the following disclaimer:
“But you can buy anything on the internet these days.”
But, in recent years, I’ve stopped telling people the
truth about these strange sightings, especially the more
fantastic ones. It’s not because I believe them. I don’t.
There’s no way we have a cross between a rabbit and
an aardvark roaming the hills of Talladega County as
one of my neighbors claims. I just don’t like stealing
people’s sense of wonder. I have never gone on one of
these calls when the people I met weren’t as excited as
continued on 133
ACEOA Magazine • 131

10ad18
FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

JOSEPH STEVENS, JR.

7886 Bullitt Drive
RUN! IT’S A WHITE THING– continued
Mobile, AL 36619
251-402-0910
kids at Christmas, but
when I explain to them that what
they saw was probably nothing more than a coyote, you
can literally see the excitement drain from their faces,
and some of them will get down-right angry. I guess
what I’m trying to say is that there is nothing wrong with
letting people believe that there is something out there
that we can’t explain. If you’re completely honest, I’ll bet
even you have sat and watched, hoping that the sonar in
P.O.
Box 2besides fish, and I bet
Loch Ness would show
something
you have listened
as the guysAL
on 35031
Finding Bigfoot yelled
Huntsville,

GOSSETT CORPORATION

205-429-5634

WESSON

ANIMAL CLINIC, PC
7705 Cottage Hill Road
Mobile, AL 36695

251-633-2509

into the darkness from some remote hilltop while beating a piece of wood against a tree knowing that nothing
would respond but listening just in case it did. Knowing
everything about our world makes it a dull place, a place
without mystery and wonder. So the next time someone
tells you they just saw a black panther, a sasquatch,
a UFO, or even a hyena in your county, just try to look
surprised and let them tell their story. Just keep your eyes
on their hands and have a plan of escape, just in case.

l
11660 Alabama Hwy. 96

SPRUILL’S AUTO
PARTS
Millport, AL 35576
205-662-4554

ACEOA Magazine • 133

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Wildlife Control Permits
By Richard Tharp, Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

M

any citizens who call the district Wildlife and
Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) offices are concerned about wildlife they see near their homes.
“It looked like a gray dog!” the caller emphatically states
as she describes the animal that just trotted across her
backyard. “I’m worried it will attack my children and
pets!” A farmer stops by one of the district offices to
inquire about help with feral hogs destroying his corn
field. The chairman of an exclusive neighborhood association calls to complain about deer that are destroying
expensive landscaping. Canada geese on golf courses,
squirrels in attics — the list could go on and on.
The Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources’ WFF Division can provide a Wildlife Control
Permit (WCP), which is designed to allow citizens the
opportunity to control nuisance wildlife problems similar to the examples previously described. This permit is
issued to people who incur personal or property damage
or where humans or public health could be at risk. A WCP
is normally issued through a WFF district office, but in
some circumstances are issued by the nearest wildlife
biologist or conservation officer. This permit is issued
to a homeowner, landowner or, per their consent, the
landowner’s agent. The WCP is issued for a specified time
7886 and
Bullitt
Drive
to include a beginning
ending
date. These permits
Mobile,
AL
36619
must be renewed as needed after the listed expiration
date. Those who are
permitted to assist with control
251-402-0910
efforts are listed on the permit as well as the landowner
and/or agent.

JOSEPH STEVENS, JR.

The WCP often provides methods, times and dates
for control activities that are outside the parameters of
general regulations governing wildlife species in Alabama.
It is important to note, particularly in situations involving residential damage, wildlife control permits do not
supersede local ordinances governing the discharge of
firearms within city or municipal limits. Individuals who
are provided WCPs are required to report the total number of nuisance animals removed under each permit. For
those who are less inclined to a do-it-yourself approach,
the WFF Division also permits many nuisance wildlife
control businesses across the state. These vendors offer
wildlife damage control services on a fee basis.
As Alabama’s population continues to grow, much of
this expansion pushes further into previously undeveloped wildlife habitat. WFF will continue to explore effective ways to assist the citizens of Alabama with nuisance
wildlife issues.
For more information or assistance regarding
wildlife
10ad18
damage complaints in Alabama, contact the Alabama
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and
enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five
divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands,
7705 Cottage Hill Road
State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To
ALwww.outdooralabama.com.
36695
learn more about Mobile,
ADCNR visit

l

WESSON

ANIMAL CLINIC, PC
251-633-2509

ACEOA Magazine • 135

McDuff Sewer &

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Rabies
By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

W

hen I was growing up, the telltale sign that we
Dana Johnson of the USDA said the traditional barriers
were in big trouble with my mother was her
of the Alabama and Coosa rivers that kept the rabies virus
forehead. If her forehead went from relaxed to
in the southern part of the state have been breached.
what we called “slick,” it was time to bail if at all possible.
Because rabies has been almost eliminated in the
Late one afternoon, I grabbed one of those hard plasdomestic pet population, Johnson said Alabama residents
tic plugs used to practice casting
don’t really consider the threat of
out of my father’s tackle box and
the virus, which kills thousands
headed out back into an open
in other countries.
field. After one particularly high
“Rabies is a big killer of
cast in the fading light, I saw
humans in other countries,”
something fall from the sky.
Johnson said. “The reason we
I went over and discovered that
don’t have that problem in the
a bat’s echo-location system had
Unites States is because our
failed him, and he mistook the
infrastructure is so much better.
plug for an insect. I picked up
“It’s almost 100 percent fatal,
the dead bat and raced into the
but it’s almost 100 percent prekitchen to show my mother.
ventable. The main way you
Uh-oh, slick forehead. “Get
can get that virus is through the
that thing out of here right now.
animal’s saliva or brain tissue.
About 95 percent of rabies cases
It might have rabies!”
Of course, I was already headare caused by an animal bite or
ed out the door because of the
scratch, where the animal is salislick forehead, but I learned I was
vating and licking its paws.”
supposed to steer clear of all bats
Johnson said while incidents
and dogs foaming at the mouth.
of rabies in pet animals has
Because of an extensive
decreased, the virus has become
effort to vaccinate for rabies in
more prevalent in wild animals.
the pet population, that topic
That is one of the reasons that
doesn’t come up often these days.
he wholeheartedly endorsed the
That may be about the change
Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater
after cases of rabies in wildlife
(USFWS) Two raccoons near Foley
Fisheries (WFF) Division’s new
were confirmed as two raccoons
also tested positive recently.
guidelines for wildlife rehabilitarecently tested positive in Foley.
tors, especially when it comes to
More infections were confirmed in north Alabama in
the rabies vector species.
three raccoons, a dog, a fox and a bat in Jackson County
One incident highlights the reason he believes that
near Huntsville.
none of the rabies vector species (raccoons, skunks,
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started
opossums, foxes, coyotes, bats) should be handled by
bait drops via helicopter and light airplanes with vaccinaanyone other than a licensed rehabilitator with a rabies
tion packets in north Alabama to try to stop the spread
vector permit.
continued on 141
of rabies in the wildlife populations.
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RABIES – continued
“Some kit coons had been picked up out of someHudson said the rehabbers must comply with the
one’s attic in Baldwin County and been given to people
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association guidelines
to raise, which is illegal in Alabama,” Johnson said. “One
that ensure the humane treatment and proper care for
of those kit coons made it to Walker County. It started
animals, which include minimum caging requirements
acting abnormally, and they sent it to be tested. It came
and standards, as well as general standards for care,
sanitation and euthanasia when required.
back positive, and 24 people had to get exposure shots
“Any time you are interacting with a wild animal,
that cost between $1,600 and $2,500.”
The problem, according to Johnson, is that rabies vecpeople need to realize these animals are not vaccinated
tor animals can carry the disease and
not develop symptoms.
“Animals can carry the virus in their
bodies for years,” he said. “Once it
starts getting into their brain, the animals will show symptoms. That’s the
thing with people wanting pet raccoons.
They (health officials) are not going to
give you pre-exposure shots, but that
virus could be in that animal’s body.
Out of the middle of nowhere, the virus
migrates to the brain and the animal
starts shedding virus. That’s the issue
right there of having that animal. We
have trapped raccoons that looked perfectly normal that came back positive.
There is a period of time when that
animal is shedding virus but is acting
perfectly normal.
(USFWS) A coyote in Covington County is the latest
“That’s why this issue was raised
wild animal to test positive for rabies.
about the rehabilitators.”
Last year, WFF officials changed the guidelines for
against diseases,” she said. “Even if these wild animals
wildlife rehabilitators that restricted the permits to those
have been vaccinated (through the baiting program), it
who meet certain criteria. The number of rehabilitators
is not always effective on wild species.
permitted to handle the rabies vector species was limited
“So any time there are wild animals around children,
to one per district (5) in the state.
the elderly or anybody with a debilitated immune system,
Marianne Hudson, Rehabilitator Coordinator for the
it’s never a good idea.”
WFF’s Wildlife Section, said the rehabilitator program
Possession of wildlife without a permit is a violation of
guidelines are in the best interest of the general public
Alabama law that makes it unlawful to possess wildlife
and the wildlife.
under provisions of regulation 220-2-.26(6).
“We want our wildlife rehabilitators to be aware of
Kevin Dodd, WFF’s Chief of Enforcement, said the
the needs of wildlife, but also the fact they can transregulation has been in effect for quite some time.
mit diseases to humans and domestic animals,” Hudson
“At one time, we were issuing permits for people to
said. “A quality wildlife rehabilitator is well-versed in the
keep wildlife, but we were constantly having to deal with
behavior of a healthy animal. Therefore, they are able to
issues of wildlife getting out or people just getting tired of
the animals and releasing them,” Dodd said. “We realized
detect disease and any unusual behavior of any animal
continued on 143
under their care.”
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RABIES – continued
this was a liability to allow such activity, and we stopped
“People should not have wildlife as pets, plain and simissuing permits in the early 2000s.
ple,” Sykes said. “We see it every year where somebody
“We’ve held the line and think it’s the right thing to do.
had a pet deer or a pet raccoon or a pet squirrel that they
We stand by that decision, and we’re going to maintain
obtained illegally and suddenly the thing goes berserk.”
that approach. It’s not a good idea to keep wildlife in
As for the stricter guidelines for wildlife rehabilitators,
captivity. It denies them their natural instincts. It’s not
Sykes said there were too many people who were claiming
fair to the wildlife. And it can be dangerous to humans.”
to be rehabbers but, in reality, just wanted to keep a deer,
One incident last year
squirrel or raccoon as a pet.
highlights the danger factor.
“We had quite a few
J.R. Dunsmore of Marshall
people who were rehabbing
County was attacked by his
rabies vector species, which
illegally held “pet” buck.
we did not think was approDunsmore lost the sight in
priate,” he said. “For public
one eye and spend a signifisafety and proper care for
cant period of time recoverthe wildlife resources, we
ing from serious injuries.
wanted to make sure the
Dodd said he realizes
rehabbers were qualified
some people have good
to handle the rabies vector species. We wanted to
intentions when they pick
make sure they understood
up a baby squirrel that
the risk and understood the
has fallen out of a nest or
pick up a fawn that seems
proper ways to rehab.
to have been abandoned
“A wildlife rehabilitator is
(which is seldom the case).
not a person who just wants
“People will find a baby
to keep a wild animal as
squirrel or fawn on the side
a pet. A wildlife rehabber
of the road, and they think
(USFWS) Several animals in Jackson County have tested
is doing a job. They evaluthey’re doing a good thing
positive for rabies, including bats and raccoons.
ate an animal. If it can be
by rescuing it,” he said.
rehabbed, it’s released back
“But most people don’t understand that fawn deer are
into the wild very close to the location where it was taken.
often left alone, that mother squirrels will retrieve the
If it can’t be rehabbed, it’s euthanized.
baby squirrels.”
“Rabies is spreading in wild animals every year. The
When WFF receives a complaint about wild animals
USDA is fighting it right now. This is a serious issue.”
being illegally held in captivity, the Enforcement Officers
When it comes to confiscating wild animals after
are required to confiscate the animals. Dodd said most
receiving a complaint, Sykes said WFF is caught between
of the time the officers will issue a warning, but that is
the proverbial rock and hard place.
not always the case.
“If we find someone in violation, we have to do our
jobs,” he said. “We’re not the bad guys. We’re not the
“Those who are defiant or refuse to cooperate, unfortunately we have to ticket those folks,” he said. “First
ones breaking the law. Look at it this way, if we get
and foremost in these wildlife situations, public safety is
a report that someone has a pet raccoon and we don’t do
anything about it and a kid gets bitten or a dog gets bitten,
going to be the No. 1 priority. Beyond that, we’re going
people want to know why we didn’t do anything.
to protect the wildlife resource.”
WFF Director Chuck Sykes said that although the
“It’s a no-win situation for us. We don’t like having to
regulation regarding wildlife and pets predates his term
do it, but it’s our job.”
l
as director, he is in complete agreement.
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Coosa County
Landowners Meeting
By Joel D. Glover, Conservation Enforcement Officer-Supervisor-Wildlife Option

T

he vast forested acres of Coosa County set the stage
for numerous properties worthy of TREASURE
Forest certification. However, forested property
isn’t enough to warrant the recognition. Landowners must
be good stewards of the property and must manage for
multiple uses. The objectives of the TREASURE program
include timber, wildlife, recreation, aesthetics and education. Fortunately many landowners in the county manage
well and have been certified as TREASURE Forest landowners.
For many years the Coosa County Forestry Planning
Committee (CCFPC) has hosted a banquet for all Coosa
County TREASURE Forest landowners and other invited
guests. Each year a speaker is selected to provide a presentation for the group. This year we had the honor
of having Alabama State Forester, Greg Pate, as our
speaker. Mr. Pate gave a talk about the Alabama Forestry
Commission (AFC) and its value to the landowners in the

state. He stated the members of the AFC serve as the advisors and protectors of forest land owners. The foresters
of the AFC are available to give advice on proper land
management. While they do not arrange timber sales they
can advise landowners concerning timber management.
They often answer questions as to whether someone
should clear cut or thin or plant back with loblolly or
longleaf. While a consultation with an AFC forester is
free of charge, it can be extremely valuable for someone
not familiar with timber management.
The foresters and rangers of the AFC also act as
protectors for the landowners in that they extinguish
wild fires and notify landowners when dangers such as
southern pine beetles threaten timber. Furthermore the
AFC is normally closely involved with county forestry
planning committees that provide educational events for
both adults and youth.
continued on 147

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COOSA COUNTY LANDOWNERS MEETING– continued
The landowner meeting is an
opportunity for landowners to
meet their neighbors, receive an
educational program and hopefully develop friendships that
will lead to mentoring opportunities. Although the members of
the CCFPC work hard to inform
and assist landowners, a lot of
information is transferred from
landowner to landowner. When
someone’s neighbor says I tried
this and it worked well for me,
their neighbor is likely to give
it a try. Through the mentoring
of landowners and the efforts
of the CCFPC members, Coosa
County has certified more TREASURE Forests than any
other county in the state. A highlight of the meeting is the
recognition of new TREASURE Forest landowners. This
year “Oakwood Farm” belonging to the Robert Henderson
Family and the “Mooney and Sons” TREASURE Forest
were recognized.
The meeting was sponsored by the Alabama
Conservation Enforcement Officers Association (ACEOA).
The ACEOA is made up of enforcement officers from

across the state whose duties include assisting landowners by enforcing the laws that protect our natural
resources. ACEOA realizes that private landowners own
the vast majority of the land in Alabama. Therefore helping these landowners manage their property to the best of
their ability helps not only the natural resources but also
everyone who enjoys those resources. The CCFPC extends
our sincere thanks to ACEOA for supporting worthwhile
events such as this.
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GOSSETT CORPORATION

SPRUILL’S AUTO

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Coosa County
Landowner Tour
By Joel D. Glover, Chairman, Coosa County Forestry Planning Committee

O

ne thing is always true, if you own property there
is always some maintenance that needs to be performed. Some of these maintenance items were
the topics on a recent landowner tour in Coosa County.
50 landowners attended the tour on the McConnell
Family TREASURE Forest in Rockford. At the first stop
Forestry Consultant Douglass McConnell explained the
benefits of timely timber thinning and prescribed burning.
I followed Doug explaining how the open forest canopy
created by thinning allows valuable forest understory

AFC Forest Ranger Rick Porch speaks on road maintenance.

He explained how a water bar must be high enough to
turn the water out of the road but low enough to allow
a vehicle to pass over it. He displayed several examples of
various sized gravel that can be used to stabilize a woods
road and also discussed grass species that can be utilized
on roadways.
Alabama Forestry Commission Forester Brian Smith
discussed Best Management Practices for retaining
continued on 151

Forest Consultant Dr. Douglass McConnell speaks to
the group concerning thinned stand of longleaf pine.

plants to thrive. In addition the prescribed fire also aids
in the germination of many valuable wildlife food plants.
The longleaf pine is a fire dependent species which can
be burned at 2 years of age if there are sufficient fuels.
The talk concluded with the advice to always consult
a registered forester prior to thinning and a certified burn
manager before undertaking any burning.
Alabama Forestry Commission Ranger Ricky Porch discussed necessary road maintenance including turn outs
and water bars. He explained it is imperative that water
drains off of roads for them to function as they should.

AFC Forester Brian Smith talks about SMZ’s.
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COOSA COUNTY LANDOWNER TOUR– continued

NRCS District Conservationist Alex Johnson
talks about boundary lines.

Next to speak was Alex Johnson the Natural Resource
Conservation Service District Conservationist for Coosa
and Tallapoosa Counties. Alex spoke on the importance
of a well-defined boundary line. While a boundary line
sounds like a simple thing and is, there are several components to consider. First and foremost the boundary line
must be in the proper place. A good survey is a must. In
addition boundaries should be marked with a highly visible good quality paint that contrasts with the surroundings. Posting a boundary with signs is also a good idea.
Every Conservation Officer has dealt with a property line
dispute that is exacerbated by the lack of a well-defined
boundary. Alex explained it is difficult for landowners
to perform almost any type of property improvement if
the landlines are vague. Whether attempting to harvest

Streamside Management Zones (SMZ) in forested area.
SMZ’s are important from several standpoints. They serve
to preserve water quality thereby protecting the many
species that reside there. The trees and ground cover
left undisturbed next to a stream provide a filter that
often keeps any harmful runoff from reaching the stream.
Another benefit of an SMZ is the shade it provides which
regulates temperatures which benefits streamside plants.
In addition an SMZ often serves as habitat for upland species. Brian explained the size of an SMZ should change
with regard to the terrain in the area. Each participant
was provided with a Best Management Practices for forestry handbook.
Boundary line.

timber, create a wildlife opening or attempting to keep
trespassers off of your property, a good recognizable
boundary is a must.
The folks loaded back on the trailers and we headed
toward the home place however we stopped along the
way for a little tree measurement education. Doug had
picked out a large loblolly and we had the attendees give
their best estimate as to the diameter at breast height
(dbh) and distance in feet to the first live limb. The tree
had a dbh of 26” and was 53’ to the first live limb. While
there was a large range in the guestimates, some folks
were very close. TREASURE Forest Landowner Jerry
Brown was the closest with a guess of 26” dbh and 50’
Group viewing large tree.

continued on 153
ACEOA Magazine • 151

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COOSA COUNTY LANDOWNER TOUR– continued

Big tree used to guess dbh and height.
Eating lunch after the tour.

Eating lunch after the tour.

to the first live limb. Jerry was followed closely by Fletcher
Scott and TREASURE Forest Landowner Ms. Ronnie Zak.
The day concluded with a delicious meal prepared
and served by our hosts Douglass McConnell and Sara
Baldwin and sponsored by the Alabama Conservation
Enforcement Officers Association (ACEOA). The ACEOA
realizes the value of working with landowners. Private
landowners own the vast majority of the wildlife habitat in
Alabama. The Coosa County Forestry Planning Committee
appreciates the support of the ACEOA. Working together
we can insure a beautiful Alabama for future generations.

l

Eating lunch after the tour.
ACEOA Magazine • 153

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Outdoors With Friends
By Greg Ricks

T

his year’s December 12th & 13th Disabled and
Disadvantage Hunt held in Troy, Alabama was
a tremendous success. The biggest harvest we
had of the three years that the Brotherhoo of Southside
Babtist Church has been hosting this event. 35 Doe, six
Bucks, three Hogs and a Coyote was the final count at
the completion of the event on Saturday December 13,
2014. We had 34 participants in the hunt some traveled
as far as North Carolina to come. We had a great time of
fellowship as well. Steve Chapman author and songwriter
was our entertainment and guest speaker for the Friday
night’s event. Everyone received an autographed copy of
Steve’s book, A Look at Life From a Deer Stand.

The weather was great this year with cool temperatures and dry weather enabling us to get hunters in
and out without hardships. Billie Little took the biggest
Buck winning the shoulder mount donated to us by Russ
Harris Taxidermy. The Local landowners came through
again this year, with providing locations and guides to
help facilitate this year’s Hunts. We served four meals
to everyone and provided lodging in our Sunday school
rooms for those who were unable to get rooms elsewhere.
ACEOA sponsorship makes this possible financially for us
to do this every year. Feeding and entertaining this many
hunters, guides and landowners is quite costly and we
thank ACEOA for coming alongside us to minister to the
disabled individuals spiritually as well as recreational.
We will strive to do this again next year because of you.
Thank You ACEOA!
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OUTDOORS WITH FRIENDS– continued

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OUTDOORS WITH FRIENDS– continued

ACEOA Magazine • 159

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OUTDOORS WITH FRIENDS– continued

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OUTDOORS WITH FRIENDS– continued

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OUTDOORS WITH FRIENDS– continued

ACEOA Magazine • 165

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Squirrels and
Squirrel Damage

S

By Ericha Nix, Certified Wildlife Biologist,
Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

quirrels are one of the most recognizable wildlife
species in Alabama as they are found in almost
every backyard and property across the state.
Squirrels are mostly enjoyed, except when they cause
property damage. Nearly everyone is familiar with the
gray squirrel, but there are two additional species of
squirrels found in Alabama, the fox squirrel and the flying squirrel.

Weighing up to 2 pounds, the Fox squirrel is Alabama’s
largest squirrel. Photo by Phyllis Sexton.

The gray squirrel is the most common one found
in Alabama. Photo by Sherry Stimpson Frost.

The Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the
most common squirrel in Alabama. Known as a tree
squirrel, it is found in deciduous forests everywhere. The
fur is usually gray with a white underbelly and a tail
that is bushy and gray. Gray squirrels are most active in
the early mornings and late afternoons, and most often
viewed in the treetops or on the ground searching for

food. Its diet consists of acorns, nuts, pine seeds, fruits,
berries, buds, flower bulbs, insects and even garden vegetables. Breeding takes place in February and again in
late summer.
The Southern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is Alabama’s
largest squirrel, weighing up to 2 pounds. Fox squirrels
are less agile than gray squirrels, mostly due to their
larger size, and are seen more frequently on the ground.
This squirrel prefers a more open and park-like habitat. The most distinctive feature of the fox squirrel is its
black coloring in the facial area, which resembles a mask.
Breeding generally takes place during the same time as
gray squirrels and leaf nests or tree cavities are used to
raise young. Their diet is quite diverse and consists of
the same items as the gray squirrel; however, fungi and
insects are also important components.
The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomya volan) is
continued on 169
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SQUIRRELS AND SQUIRREL DAMAGE– continued
Alabama’s smallest squirrel, weighing only a few ounces
as an adult. It has a flap of loose skin from the wrist to
ankle called a gliding membrane, which allows them to
“fly” from place to place. It has extremely large eyes due
to its nocturnal behaviors. The fur is soft, thick and brown
on the back while the underbelly is white. The tail is brown
and flat and used like a rudder for steering when gliding.
The diet is similar to that of the other two species of squirrel. Heavily wooded areas are preferred and abandoned
tree cavities are used as nests. It is also common to find
them nesting in bluebird boxes. Breeding occurs roughly
during the same time as the other squirrels.
Most damage to property is usually the result of the
gray squirrel. A common complaint is squirrels in an attic.
One solution is to place liberal amounts of naphthalene
flakes (mothballs) in the attic as a temporary deterrent
when squirrels are out of the attic. Reapply treatment
often. Exclusion from the attic is the best method of
control. Check for holes and openings under eaves and
where wires enter the house. Plug holes with wire mesh
when squirrels are out of the attic; otherwise, you will
trap them inside. Inspect the chimney, and if it is open,
cover and secure with wire mesh. Remove branches from
trees that allow squirrels access to the roof.
Damage caused to the buds and bark of a tree can be
more difficult to control. The tree must be completely
isolated. Place a two-foot-wide band of metal flashing at least 6 feet from the ground around the trunk of
the tree. Remove low hanging branches at least 6 feet
from the ground so that squirrels cannot jump up into
the branches.
To protect shrubs and garden bulbs, you can try various repellants on the market though this option can be
costly. Repellants need to be re-applied often, especially
here in Alabama due to the climate. Another option to
protect bulbs is to place wire mesh over the area. This
option will work great to control damage to a small
area but it is not economically feasible in a large area.
Tolerance may be your best option.
Another option to eliminate squirrels is hunting where
local regulations and game laws allow. Hunting can be
quite effective and most successful during early morning
or late afternoon when gray squirrels are most active.
Trapping can also be successful by using a simple box
trap baited with peanut butter or nuts. Place traps along

Flying squirrels often take up residence in
bluebird boxes. Photo by John Ponder III.

the paths of heavy use. Traps can be purchased from
a feed or hardware store.
Bird feeders hanging from tree limbs are easy targets
for squirrels. You can try to squirrel-proof feeders using
various styles of metal poles, but a better solution may be
changing the feeder location. You may also try hanging
the feeder from a slender wire high enough off the ground
so the squirrel cannot reach it by jumping.
Flying squirrels will readily take over bird nesting
boxes, especially those in the style of a bluebird box.
Many people enjoy watching flying squirrels as much as
birds, so this may not be a problem. However, squirrels
frequently damage the nesting box by gnawing at the
entrance hole and enlarging it. This can be prevented by
using a metal cover.
For the most part, squirrels are enjoyable to observe.
When damage occurs, it does create problems. With
a little patience and detective work, you can take care
of most squirrel issues yourself.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and
enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five
divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands,
State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To
learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

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ACEOA Magazine • 169

ACE Magazine Winter 2014

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