Spike on One Side (SOOS) Bucks Requested in Alabama

Alabama’s gun deer season opened Saturday, November 19, 2011. Hunters are encouraged to participate in a research project being conducted by the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University. The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) is cooperating with Gabe Karns, a graduate student at Auburn University, to encourage hunters to harvest and provide antlers and skull plates from bucks with a spike on one side (SOOS) for inclusion in the study. SOOS bucks have one normally formed antler on one side, and a spike, or a forked prong, on the other side.

Harvesting an SOOS buck will count toward the three buck limit. For a complete list of hunting regulations visit http://www.eregulations.com/alabama/.

White-tailed deer antler growth is the product of genetic, physical, and environmental variables. Because a single genetic code determines antler structure for both sides, slight deviations from perfect symmetry are the result of non-genetic factors such as nutritional deficiencies, drought, parasites, or other stressors. More severe antler abnormalities are usually attributed to injuries to the deer’s limbs or pedicles (the base from which the antlers grow) and damage to developing antlers in velvet. Damage to developing antlers in velvet may also abruptly halt growth and result in under-developed antler structure characterized by “acorn” antler tips.

Examining bucks that exhibit SOOS antler traits should shed light on a very contentious issue among deer hunters, “What constitutes a genetic cull buck?” SOOS bucks are almost always lumped into the genetically “inferior” group. Limited data gathered during the 2010-2011 hunting season provided results suggesting this interpretation to be incorrect; however, more data is needed to better understand the SOOS phenomenon.

Skulls should be cleaned with no hide or significant amount of tissue remaining. European-style skulls and skull plates with at least one inch of bone surrounding both pedicles in all directions are acceptable samples. After examination, samples will be returned, if needed, to the hunter.

Alabama hunters are allowed to harvest three bucks a year, one of which must have at least four points 1 inch or longer on one antler. Hunters must record the date each buck is harvested and have that information available when in the field. A harvested SOOS buck will count toward the hunter’s three-buck limit.

The research project relies heavily on private landowners and hunting clubs to collect SOOS samples. This is an opportunity for Alabama deer hunters to take a proactive role in deer research and management efforts.  Please contact Gabe Karns at grk0002@auburn.edu for information on how you can participate in the SOOS collection process.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

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Is Predator Removal Necessary in Alabama?

Predator removal is a hot topic among today’s hunters. For some, the real or perceived reduction in numbers of their favorite game species can without exception be attributed to predators. Often a variety of factors, none of which have much to do with predation, have contributed to conditions that are not conducive to sustaining a particular wildlife species in abundance. A textbook example would be nesting habitat for ground-nesting birds such as turkeys. Often, turkey enthusiasts quickly cite predators as the primary reason turkey populations don’t meet expectations on their property when the truth is that one or more key habitat features is not adequate to support desired turkey numbers.

Today, many properties have short rotation pine plantations from which prescribed fire has been excluded as their primary cover type. These forest stands characteristically have closed canopies resulting in very little vegetation at ground level to provide wildlife food and/or cover. When food supplies are not well distributed across a property, then game animals must travel farther to feed. While doing so, they are more likely to encounter and fall prey to predators. Moreover, food resources that are restricted to small and/or localized feeding areas allow predators to pattern game movements just as food plots allow hunters to do so. Lack of cover leaves game animals exposed and vulnerable to predation as they move from bedding or nesting areas to get food or water.

When used together, timber stand thinning and the application of prescribed fire greatly enhance the habitat structure present on many properties. The use of prescribed fire in pine stands stimulates the growth of native grasses, forbs and legumes. The enhanced understory vegetation produced goes a long way toward providing the well-distributed, high-quality food in conjunction with adequate cover that are so beneficial to game species.

When and if predation is a significant problem limiting wildlife populations, predator removal can be very effective if it is carried out in an intensive manner at the proper time of year. This has recently proven to be the case with white-tailed deer. Several studies have been performed that monitored fawn recruitment (the number of fawns that survive into the next year’s population) in white-tailed deer. These studies varied somewhat in their methods, but all were designed to determine recruitment of fawns into the fall population, and, if possible, to determine the factors which influence it. Results from these studies indicated that predation was the main limiting factor on fawn recruitment, and that coyotes were the predator responsible for most of the “damage.” Coyotes killed as many as 85 percent of the fawns birthed in control areas where no predator removal measures were taken. In areas where predators were removed just prior to the fawning period, fawn recruitment increased, sometimes dramatically. It is important to note these are site-specific cases and not necessarily indicative of similarly high predation rates across the entirety of Alabama or the Southeast.

Predators will never be eradicated from Southeastern habitats. They are far too adaptable. Some even increase their reproduction when their populations are reduced if existing habitat is suitable for survival. Predator removal can be effective, however, if game populations are below carrying capacity; if predators are determined to be the limiting factor; if predator populations are reduced by at least 70 percent; and if predator removal is accomplished immediately prior to the fawning or nesting period. Even so, predator removal should generally be viewed as a short-term solution until significant habitat deficiencies can be corrected. For more information on predator removal, contact the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife Section.

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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Get a Jump on Deer Season with Outdoor Alabama Live

With bow season underway and gun season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to talk about white-tail deer biology and management, which is the next topic on Outdoor Alabama Live, a live webcast series hosted by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). The show will air Tuesday, November 8, at 6:30 p.m. CT. To watch this hour-long interactive presentation visit the show website, www.outdooralabama.com/Webcast/, at the time of the webcast.

During the November 8 webcast, WFF biologists Bill Gray and Chris Cook will provide information about the most popular game animal in the state including reproductive studies, harvest and data collection strategies, deer biology, where to hunt and food plot basics. Viewer questions will also be answered. Due to time constraints not all questions will be answered on-air.

To have your deer-related question answered on the show email it to ask.dcnr@dcnr.alabama.gov or text it to (205) 259-6941. You may also submit your question directly through the Outdoor Alabama Live website. Questions can be submitted anytime prior to and during the webcast. When submitting a question please include your name and where you live.

Can’t watch during the show? No problem, all episodes of Outdoor Alabama Live will be archived on the webcast page and the ADCNR YouTube channel within a few days of the initial airtime.

From prized game animal to rose-eating urban nuisance, white-tailed deer are some of the most recognized wildlife in Alabama. In the early 1900s, only about 2,000 deer existed in the state. After decades of restocking and management efforts, Alabama’s deer population grew to an estimated 1.75 million animals in 2000. These highly adaptable animals can thrive in various types of habitat. For this reason, they are found in virtually every part of the state.

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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Prattville, Alabama to Hold Fishing Event for Youth on Saturday, Oct. 29

Prattville Leisure Services will host a fishing event for kids age 14 and younger on Saturday, October 29. A limited number of free tickets for the 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. fishing sessions will be available for pick up at the Doster Community Center, 424 South Northington St., Prattville, Ala., prior to the event. The fishing event will take place at Pratt Pond in Pratt Park.

Kids must have a free ticket in order to fish. Tickets may be limited in order to ensure an enjoyable fishing experience for the participants. Any remaining tickets will be available on the day of the event.

On the day of the event, the kids will be able to keep up to four catfish. Anglers should bring a hat and sunglasses to protect their eyes. Anglers must bring their own bait; worms and chicken livers are popular baits for catfish, as is commercially available catfish bait. A cooler for the fish is also suggested. Anglers should bring a rod and reel. However, some WFF loaner rods will also be available for the parents to borrow for their child.

The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) will be providing channel catfish to the event. Channel catfish are a native fish that are easy to raise in ponds as well as being popular with anglers. WFF raises channel catfish to stock in its 23 state public fishing lakes. Any of the fish not caught by 3 p.m. on the day of the event will be available for local anglers of all ages to harvest. Fishing license requirements will apply: resident anglers age 16 through age 64 need a fishing license unless they are Autauga County residents fishing with a pole that does not have a reel.

“Fortunately we had some extra fish to donate to the event,” said Stan Cook, WFF Fisheries Section Chief. “We needed to make the best use of these fish, and this children’s fishing event is a great use for the catfish.”

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

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2012 World Championship Turkey Calling Contest and Mobile Boat Show set for Mar. 10-11 in Alabama

Show off your turkey-talking skills during the 2012 World Championship Turkey Calling Contest and Mobile Boat Show to be held at the Mobile, Ala. Convention Center March 10-11, 2012. This National Wild Turkey Federation-managed event will consist of an Open Contest, Owl Hooting Contest, Friction and Junior Divisions.

This turkey calling contest was originated by the Mobile County Wildlife and Conservation Association, which was founded in 1934, making it the oldest conservation organization in Alabama.

“The founding and growth of the World Championship Turkey Calling Contest by Mobile County Wildlife and Conservation Association many years ago here in Mobile has allowed the sport of turkey hunting to make tremendous strides, both locally and nationally,” Marl Cummings, past president and board member for the conservation association, says. “It is also the spark that started many well know names and brands on the road to fame and fortune, such as Ben Rogers Lee, Eddie Salter, Preston Pittman and many others.”

For the Open Contest, the entry fee is $250. In addition to prize money, trophies, gift cards and guns will be awarded to the first three places.

1st Place: $2,500

2nd Place: $1,500

3rd Place: $750

4th Place: $500

5th Place: $250

The entry fee for the Owl Hooting Contest is $100.

1st Place: $1000 plus gun

2nd Place: $500

3rd Place: $250

The Friction and Junior Division entry fees will be determined and prizes will be awarded.

For more information, contact Melissa Miller at 251-478-7469.

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W.L. Gore & Associates Announces Winners Of “Hunt With Heroes” Contest

Newark, DE – W.L. Gore & Associates, a leading manufacturer of advanced technology products including the GORE-TEX® brand for comfort and protection, today announced that Charles Ek of Milton, New Hampshire and Ron Warren of Montgomery, Alabama are the winners of the company’s “Hunt with Heroes” contest. The contest is part of Gore’s initiatives to support United States military personnel who are dedicated hunters.

Contest winners were selected from a pool of entries in the nationwide contest, which was a joint effort between Gore and Freedom Hunters, a program of the non-profit American Military Family, Inc. that takes active duty and wounded combat veterans on hunting excursions to relax and recuperate. Gore began providing financial support and gifts in kind to the Freedom Hunters program in 2010.

Military winner, Army Warrant Officer Ron Warren, has served one tour in Iraq and three tours in Afghanistan, where he was an explosives dog handler for the Special Operations community. He recommended for the Bronze Star w/Valor during a fire fight in Southern Afghanistan. Ron Warren currently is stationed at Fort Rucker in Alabama, where he is enrolled in Army flight school.

Civilian winner Charles “Charlie” Ek is an experienced whitetail, turkey and grouse hunter from New Hampshire. An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Ek spent years running environmental education programs for children and adults.

From October 22 – 30, 2011, the two contest winners will enjoy an all-expense paid elk hunt in the backcountry of Colorado, hosted by Capitol Peak Outfitters. Gore will supply both with a full kit of Sitka gear featuring GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Concealment, the first-ever visual concealment pattern based on animal vision as well as hunting footwear with durably waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® product technology. Contest sponsor Cabela’s will contribute a $500 gift certificate to each winner to help him prepare for the hunt. Charlie and Ron will be joined by pro guides from Capitol Peak as well as hunter, photographer and outdoor blogger, Alex Tenenbaum, who will chronicle their trip on sitkainsight.com

“We are pleased to honor these two men, who represent thousands of military members, veterans and civilians who are avid athlete-hunters,” commented David Dillon, Hunting Category Leader at Gore. “Gore is committed to preserving outdoor traditions and our nation’s hunting heritage. We are proud to bring together this soldier, outdoorsman and pro guides for a once in a lifetime experience and to provide them with gear designed to maximize their weather protection and comfort leading to their greater success in the field.”

About W.L. Gore & Associates (www.gore-tex.com)
Gore is a leading manufacturer of thousands of advanced technology products for the electronics, fabrics, industrial and medical markets. Perhaps best known for its waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio features a diverse array of innovations, including everything from guitar strings to life-saving cardiovascular devices. Gore is headquartered in Newark, Del., posts annual sales of $3 billion, and employs 9,000 associates in 30 countries worldwide. It is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings were introduced in 1984. Visit www.gore.com to learn more.

GORE, GORE-TEX, OPTIFADE and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.© 2011 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., 295 Blue Ball Rd., Elkton, Maryland, 800-431-GORE, gore-tex.com.

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Alabama Study of Supervision-Required Hunting License Holders to be Conducted

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has partnered with Responsive Management, a Virginia-based research firm, on a study examining motivations for the purchases of Supervision Required Status Hunting Licenses and the most important “next step” guidance needed for these license holders to become lifelong hunters.

Supervision Required Status Hunting License holders in Alabama may receive a telephone call from Responsive Management researchers, who will be surveying license holders over the next several weeks. The survey will be conducted entirely by telephone and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Temporary hunting license holders in several other states will be contacted as part of the research study as well.

Supervision Required Status Hunting License holders are hunters who, in lieu of passing the hunter education course, must be within hearing distance (no more than 30 feet away) from a properly licensed hunter 21 years of age or older at all times while hunting.

“We encourage Alabama hunters to participate in the study if they should be called by Responsive Management,” said Ray Metzler, Wildlife Section Assistant Chief, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. “The information collected will allow the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries to better understand the license buying trends and interests of Alabama hunters.”

Responsive Management maintains the confidentiality and anonymity of the survey respondents, and guarantees personal information will not be sold or shared with any outside party. Contact identification is only used for statistical purposes and is available in a form only identifiable to Responsive Management. Responsive Management guarantees that personnel will not access data or information unrelated to project requirements or duties, will not disclose to any other person, or allow any other person access to any information that is proprietary or confidential.

Responsive Management has been conducting textbook-quality research for natural resource and outdoor recreation organizations for 20 years, including substantial work for ADCNR. Responsive Management’s research has been used in peer-reviewed journals and presented at major natural resource and outdoor recreation conferences across the world. The firm’s research has been featured in many of the nation’s top media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, The Washington Post and USA Today.

For more information about Responsive Management visit www.responsivemanagement.com. For more information about Hunter Education in Alabama visit the hunter education section of www.outdooralabama.com. If you have any questions about the study or would like additional information, please contact Ray Metzler, Assistant Chief of Wildlife by email at ray.metzler@dcnr.alabama.gov.

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Alabama Hunters Recognized for Season’s Largest Gators

 The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) recently recognized four hunters for harvesting the largest alligators during the recent hunting season. The recognition is based on the weight and length of the harvested alligators as well as the hunting zones. A total of 250 tags were issued in three hunting zones this year and 158 were filled.

Keith Fancher of Shelby, Ala., was recognized for harvesting the largest alligator in the west central zone, which is also the largest harvested since the regulated hunts began in 2006. His 838-pound alligator was 14 feet, 2 inches long. This zone, which was just opened to alligator hunting this year, includes Dallas, Wilcox and a portion of Monroe County.

Two hunters tied for the largest alligator taken in the southeast zone. Both Jonathan Perkins of Collinsville, Ala., and Jeffery Scott Mann of Smiths, Ala., took gators that weighed 650 pounds and were 12 feet, 4 inches long. The southeast zone includes Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Russell counties.

John King of Spanish Fort, Ala., harvested a 12-foot, 7-inch alligator that weighed 593 pounds. His alligator was the largest taken in the southwest zone, which includes Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Restoration of the American alligator is a national conservation success story in which Alabama played a lead role. Unregulated alligator harvest throughout the South in the 1920s, ?30s and ?40s threatened the species with extinction. In 1938, Alabama took action and became the first state to protect them. Other states followed suit and in 1967, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service placed the American alligator on the Endangered Species List.  Two decades of protection enabled the species to rebound. By 1987, it was removed from the Endangered Species List but retained as a federally protected species.

Alabama’s alligator population has grown to the extent that they pose a nuisance in many areas. Implementing a regulated alligator hunt on a small scale is an important step toward controlling populations and better managing this unique reptile.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.OutdoorAlabama.com.

 

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Alabama’s Sam R. Murphy WMA Offers Excellent Hunting

As a wildlife professional and especially as an area biologist overseeing a wildlife management area, I am often asked questions pertaining to wildlife identification, wildlife habitats and other related topics. During February, March and April, the number one asked question is, “How is the turkey population?” During the fall, there are always a few questions concerning squirrel or rabbit populations and where they may be readily found. However, the most frequently asked question concerning any wildlife management area is, “How is the deer herd looking this year?”

White-tailed deer remains the overwhelming number one big game animal in Alabama with wildlife management areas being the most popular places for public hunting in Alabama. Most areas offer big game hunting opportunities such as deer and turkey, as well as small game hunting such as rabbit and squirrel. Regardless of the area, the majority of hunting days spent on the management areas that offer big game hunting center around white-tailed deer.

Sam R. Murphy WMA is one such area where deer hunting is king. The Sam R. Murphy WMA is composed of approximately 17,785 acres. Unlike many of Alabama’s wildlife management areas, the Sam R. Murphy WMA is operated in solely in cooperation with private landowners.

Each fall and winter, hunters from across the state of Alabama and adjoining states make their way to the corners of Marion and Lamar counties to enjoy Sam R. Murphy WMA. Over the last several years, a number of those hunters have returned home with deer meat for the table. Over the last four years, hunters have averaged harvesting more than 200 deer per year just on gun deer hunts. With archery hunting factored in, the average harvest during that same period of time is over 260 deer per year.

The number of does harvested compared to the number of bucks harvested is generally a 1-1 ratio. With hunters harvesting about the same number of does as they do bucks, the deer herd on Sam R. Murphy WMA has maintained a fairly balanced adult sex ratio. This balance provides a better age structure, which corresponds to more mature deer in the herd. A better sex ratio combined with more mature deer in the deer herd also lends itself to more active, concentrated rutting activity. On the Sam R. Murphy WMA, this activity especially is seen during mid to late December (pre-rut) and carries over into early January when actual breeding takes place.

The balanced sex ratio also corresponds to a very good reproductive rate. During a recent deer herd study conducted on the WMA, adult does averaged 1.9 fetuses per doe with the average breeding date occurring in early January. All of the does selected during the study were in healthy conditions. They had an appropriate amount of body fat and were in good physical condition for late winter and early spring. The fairly balanced buck-doe ratio, accompanied by the good reproductive average, makes for a healthy deer herd and excellent hunting opportunities come hunting season.

The Sam R. Murphy WMA also contains an abundance of natural food sources. In addition to the natural browse that’s available, approximately 40 acres of wildlife openings are planted in winter wheat, clovers or small grains. With the available food sources and the healthy sex ratio and fawn production, the deer herd on the Sam R. Murphy WMA provides one of the best public hunting opportunities in Alabama. When you begin to plan your hunting trips this fall, don’t forget about a little corner in northwest Alabama known as the Sam R. Murphy wildlife management area.

For more information, contact: Kevin Pugh, 827 Cooner Road, Jasper, AL 35503.

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 and Alabama’s WMAs visit www.outdooralabama.com.

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Registration for the South Zone Youth Dove Hunts Begins Monday Sept. 12

Online registration for the 11th Annual Youth Dove Hunts in the South Zone begins Monday September 12. South Zone counties include Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee,Covington, Dale, Escambia,Geneva, Henry,HoustonandMobile. These events are sponsored by the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) with support from many partners.

The South Zone hunts begin on October 1 and are offered at no cost to participants. However, pre-registration is necessary for all youth dove hunts. Hunt schedules and registration information is available at  www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/youth-hunts/youthdove/.

Online registration is encouraged, but interested participants without Internet access will be allowed to register by calling their WFF district office listed in the hunt schedule.  A district office employee will complete the electronic registration form for you over the phone.

To participate in the hunts, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old (or a parent) who holds a valid state hunting license and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp. Before each hunt, a short welcome session with reminders on hunting safety will be conducted. All hunters are encouraged to wear eye protection and earplugs.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, StateLands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

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