Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
WWW.ACEOA.ORG
SPRING 2011
EDITOR:
Gayle Morrow
in this issue...
Presidents Corner................................................................................................3 Notes from the Trenches......................................................................................5 2010-2011 State Officers and Directors ..............................................................7 100 Years of Service 1907-2007 ........................................................................9 Game Wardens Present Governor Riley With Conservation Badge ....................11 Game Wardens Meet With Governor Riley In His Office At The Alabama State Capitol ........................................................................13 Little River State Forest To Remain Open ..........................................................15 Wild Animals In Captivity ..................................................................................19 Outdoor Women Unlimited Holds Hunt For Youth Girls......................................23 Barbour County Wildlife Management Area Youth Hunt Another Great Day Outdoors ..........................................................................27 Decisions About Fishing ....................................................................................37 Coyotes Here To Stay ........................................................................................41 Managing Roadsides For Wildlife ......................................................................43
PUBLISHER:
Brent-Wyatt West 8436 Crossland Loop, Suite 207 Montgomery, Alabama 36117
SALES OFFICES:
Bryan Elkins, Sr. Jim Downing 8436 Crossland Loop, Suite 207 Montgomery, Alabama 36117 (334) 213-6229
ON THE COVER
CONGRATULATIONS STAN ARRINGTON AND GUIDE CLAYTON LYNN.
Buckmasters American Deer Foundation Life Hunt............................................49 The Buckmasters American Deer Foundation Life Hunt Classic 2011 ..............55 Life HuntA Hunt of a Lifetime ........................................................................57 Conservation And Natural Resources Commissioner N. Gunter Guy, Jr.............59 Kids Korner........................................................................................................63 Alabama Trapper Youth Education Workshops..................................................67 Commissioner Barnett Lawley ..........................................................................71 Owls Evoke Mixed Sentiments ..........................................................................75 Pre-Baiting Hog Traps Increases Success Rates ................................................79 The Singing River ..............................................................................................81 The Loss Of Vernon Minton................................................................................85 The Journey School ..........................................................................................89 Website Helps Identify Wildlife ..........................................................................91 Restore Coastal Alabama ..................................................................................93 Advertisers Index ............................................................................................105 Business Directory ..........................................................................................111
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 2011. All rights reserved.
ACE Magazine 1
Presidents Corner
by Chris Jaworowski-Wildlife Biologist ust as the sun broke the horizon this morning, the gobble of an Eastern Wild Turkey thundered from the bottom below the house. Since I was a young boy hunting with my father, the sound of a gobbler proclaiming his dominance from the top of an oak tree has always made me smile. I was one of the lucky kids that had the opportunity to experience the joy of the outdoors at an early age. Hunting deer, turkey, and rabbits across Alabama with my father taught me many things. I learned about conservation of natural resources and to respect the game that I was hunting. I learned about game laws and regulations and why they are important. Most of all, I learned that I enjoyed being outdoors with my father and that my future would somehow involve working with wildlife. As a Wildlife Biologist, I often have the opportunity to teach students from local schools about wildlife at various events. At these events, I am often amazed at the knowledge of wildlife that some students possess, but there are also those times when I question if some of these children ever spend
time outside. The future of wildlife and wildlife conservation depends on the education of the next generation. Some of the students and children that I have met in my 13 year career will one day be policymakers that influence the future of wildlife in this state. If we fail to educate the young about the importance of conservation and the wise use of natural resources, then the future of Alabamas wildlife species may be in jeopardy. ACEOA is dedicated to educating both young and old about the importance of wildlife conservation in Alabama. Thanks to the support we receive from businesses across the state, ACEOA is able to fund conservation oriented events across the state. Through the efforts of ACEOA members, associate members, and sponsors, ACEOA has been able to educate and entertain thousands of youth at hunting, fishing, and shooting events across the state. Please join ACEOA in assuring that the future of Alabamas wildlife is in good hands. Visit our website at ACEOA.org and become a member today.
port C.O.P.S. on a national and state level. BADF Life Hunt Classic remains in our budget. This issue of ACE Magazine features the Life Hunt in 2011. We support the Archery in the Schools program and state competition. We just worked with the Outdoor Women Unlimited at their Southern Classic event at the Southern Sportsman Lodge in Benton, Alabama. Each of these events encourages the outdoor experience, developing skills, and promoting safety. Special funds will be set aside for Mrs. Louise Grider and her Raptor Rehabilitation Center. We recently took part in a fundraiser for Iron Men Outdoor Ministries. It is amazing to see the heart these folks have and the mission they carry out on a daily basis. Be sure to read about them in this issue of ACE. Each ACEOA District Director is provided with budget funds to meet the needs within his district. ACEOA makes a habit of trying not to turn anyone away. If funds are needed for events, we try to make them available. All of these things are made possible through our corporate sponsors. If youre listed in this magazine or
you purchased an ad, you are the key to ACEOAs success. It only takes a glance through ACE Magazine to see the support we have. We deeply appreciate it. The children, ladies, and the special needs individuals who are helped by the events we sponsor appreciate you. Enjoy this unique Life Hunt Classic issue and, when finished, pass it on to a friend. Our editor has worked hard and will continue to provide our reading public with a great magazine. We encourage your suggestions. We are available at www.aceoa.org and on Facebook. Please look us up! We always look for youth hunting and fishing adventures in Kids Korner. If you would like to participate, please send us photos and stories of your kids, grandkids, relatives and friends. My email is on our website. Until next time, Ill leave you with one of my favorite sayingsIf everything is coming your way then youre probably in the wrong lane.
ACE Magazine 5
ACE Magazine
Editor Gayle Morrow
ACE Magazine 7
he Law Enforcement Section of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, more often referred to as "Game Wardens," turned 100 years old in 2007. This is the oldest enforcement division in Alabama. Our readers may wonder why we are just now celebrating three years after the fact. To be honest, it took three years to have the above pictured badge completed and funded. Giving credit where credit is due, Captain Larry Hicks (Supervisor of WFFLE, D-4), designed the badge several years ago. He never gave up on his dream - to make the badge a reality! Now, those that don't know Captain Hicks need to know that he is a retired Sgt. Major of the U.S. Marine Corp and when he gets something on his mind, he is relentless. He would not accept "NO" when it came to the 100 year commemorative badge. I never understood why the answer was ever "NO" but that is another story. To be positive about a very positive endeavor, we will not go there! Captain Hicks completed the badge in 2010 and, with the help of Commissioner Barnett Lawley, the dream became a reality. Without the persistence of Captain Hicks and the funding assistance from a very dedicated Commissioner, this very special badge recognizing 100 years of service would never have happened. To Captain Larry Hicks and Commissioner Barnett Lawleythank you for your hard work and dedication to this most worthy endeavor.
ACE Magazine 9
ame Wardens and DNCR Commissioner Barnett Lawley present Governor Riley with a special badge commemorating 100 years of Game Wardens in Alabama. Pictured from right to left are: Captain Kenneth Blalock Jr., Captain Fred Bain, Captain Larry Hicks, Governor Riley, Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley, Captain Johnny Johnson, Captain Dennis Sanford, Chief Allan Andress.
continued on 13
ACE Magazine 11
Game Wardens meet with Governor Riley in his office at the Alabama State Capitol
MONTGOMERY - Game Wardens from the Department of Conservations Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division today presented Governor Riley with a special badge that commemorates the 100 year anniversary conservation law enforcement in Alabama. The Game Warden organization was actually founded in 1907 and, thus, turned 100 in 2007. Realizing the need to recognize this milestone, Barnett Lawley, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources, commissioned the new badge for game wardens throughout the state. Game Wardens are Alabamas oldest law enforcement organization, and even after more than 100 years, they are as professional an outfit as youll find anywhere, Governor Riley said. They work everyday to enforce Alabamas conservation laws and protect our precious natural resources. I want to thank all of our game wardens for doing such a tremendous job that too often goes unrecognized.
ACE Magazine 13
he Alabama Forestry Commission and Iron Men Outdoor Ministries, Inc. have reached an agreement which ensures that the popular recreational area at Little River State Forest will remain open to the public. The two organizations, which had been involved in discussions about the future of Little River for several months, signed the agreement recently, according to State Forester Linda Casey and Iron Men Outdoor Ministries Executive Director Rick Murphy. The two-year agreement calls for Iron Men to provide volunteer labor and services to manage the recreational area in essentially the same manner as it was operated as a state park and later as a recreational area within Little River State Forest. The agreement provides that Iron Men will operate and maintain the recreational area at no cost to the state. Under the terms of the agreement, all of the proceeds from park entrance fees, fishing and camping permits and other income will go back into the recreational area for maintenance and improvement. This is one of the most exciting developments for the Forestry Commission since I joined the organization in 2007, Casey said. With a projected budget shortfall of five million dollars for fiscal year 2011 and layoffs already implemented, there was a very real possibility that we would have had to close the recreational area or drastically reduce the opportunities for the public to use the area. This agreement ensures that a facility that has been enjoyed by the public for generations will remain open for fishing, hiking, camping, and the many other activities that Little River has to offer. This is a tremendous
opportunity for us to carry out our mission of service to the public, Murphy said. We know how important the Little River recreational area is to people in southwest Alabama and throughout the state. We are extremely proud to enter this partnership with the Forestry Commission, and we look forward not just to maintaining the facility, but to making improvements that will make the area even more attractive to the public. According to the agreement, the Forestry Commission will maintain overall managerial control of the recreational area. Iron Men Outdoor Ministries will conduct day-to-day operations, including maintenance of the grounds and buildings, rental of pavilions and campsites, and other duties which had been performed by state employees. Thats one of the aspects of this agreement that makes it so beneficial to the public, Casey said. With a significant reduction in the number of Commission employees, we have to focus the assignment of our people on our core services, primarily wild land fire prevention and suppression. This agreement ensures that we will keep the Little River recreational area open to the public and at the same time allows the employees who had been working to staff the area to concentrate on the Commissions primary mission. Iron Men Outdoor Ministries is a non-profit, nondenominational organization with no paid staff members. The faith-based organization is dedicated to helping individuals and families to find fellowship through enjoyment of the outdoors. Iron Men has conducted numerous activities for special-needs children along with
continued on 17
ACE Magazine 15
retreats and other gatherings for groups ranging from horseback-riding enthusiasts to hunters. The Forestry Commissions agreement with Iron Men specifies that the area will be known as The Claude D. Kelly Recreational Area at Little River State Forest. The two-year agreement can be extended if the two organizations determine that the arrangement is beneficial to the public.
ACEOA Board members who recently attended an Iron Men Outdoor Ministries fundraising event are pictured L-R Hasty Hudson, Heath Walls, Rusty Morrow, Rick Murphy (Iron Men Outdoor Ministries) and Vance Wood.
being one of the few handicap hunting locations within the state of Alabama. The rules and regulations for this hunting privilege are controlled and monitored by the Alabama Department of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Fishing, hiking, and swimming are all offered at LRSF. These activities are available for a moderate entry fee. Boats are available for rent by the day. Paddle boats are also available by the hour. There are six pavilions that are rented out for the day, in varying dimensions to accommodate different group sizes. Horseback riding can be enjoyed on the primitive roads that cover all of Little River. While on these trails there are plenty of chances to view the ample wildlife, from deer and turkey, to rabbits and quail, or even a bobcat or fox. Many bird watchers find this a very unique area to find birds of all types. Cabin reservations can be made at the park office, as well as reservations for the pavilions. If you have your own trailer, the park provides electricity and water hookups, and if necessary there are sewage hookups. There is unlimited space for the person who likes to rough it in the wild.
ACE Magazine 17
When a fawn is discovered in the wild, it does not mean it is orphaned or abandoned. In the vast majority of instances, the mother is nearby and will return to its young. Trying to rescue a wild animal is not recommended and the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division no longer issues permits for captive wildlife to individuals.
themselves. Its just a natural tendency. When you put them in captivity, they do the same thing with humans. The only thing is humans dont have big antlers and theyre not set up to fight with a buck. Thats where the conflict comes in. And its not just bucks. Does cause problems, too. Chris Cook, WFF Wildlife Biologist who specializes in white-tailed deer, said increased contact with humans and natural hormone production make a dangerous combination. Deer in captivity tend to lose their innate fear of humans, Cook said. Then you couple that with the increase in testosterone and the natural aggressiveness that bucks have during the rut and youre going to have trouble. Weve been trying and departments all across the country to tell people that deer dont make good pets. They may be cute when theyre fawns, but its a lot better to leave them alone and let the doe come back to find them. If you pick up a fawn, youve just about signed its death warrant. Very seldom are rehabilitated deer successfully released back into the wild.
continued on 21
ACE Magazine 19
CAPTIVITY continued During most of the year in the wild, theyre tolerant of other bucks. They do establish a hierarchy in the bachelor groups. But that doesnt involve a lot of aggression. But as the rut approaches there is an increase in the amount of testosterone, and they become more aggressive and less tolerant of other animals. Like I said, theyre not afraid of humans and they treat them like any other animal they want to show dominance over. Dodd said another reason its a bad idea for individuals to keep wildlife is the special dietary needs of the animal, as well as providing a proper enclosure to house the animal to ensure neighbors or visitors arent put at risk. Lastly, its just unfair to the animal, Dodd said. Its a wild animal not meant to be kept in a cage. One fatality has been documented because of a captive deer. In February 2003 in Choctaw County, a family had a deer in captivity. The grandfather was in the pen feeding the deer when the buck attacked. The elderly man was knocked down and gored. He died from the injuries. Another incident happened in Butler County in 2003. The person holding the buck waited until the antlers dropped before releasing the deer. An elderly lady down the street went to the road to retrieve her garbage cans when the buck walked up. She reached out to pet the deer on the head, Dodd said. The buck interprets that as the natural behavior of another buck and he wants to fight. So he starts pushing on the lady and ended up rolling her up her own driveway. She was taken to the hospital. She was bruised and scratched from head to toe, but she survived. People think the danger is in the antlers, but thats not always the case. Weve had problems with does, too. If cornered or in a fighting mood, theyll do the same thing with hooves. I can tell you from personal experience that a 40-pound fawn cornered in a garage can beat the living daylights out of you with its front legs. Another incident occurred in 2004 near Chunchula, where a pet buck was released to walk around the yard. The deer turned on a family member and sent her to the hospital with puncture wounds. Dodd said when he was a Conservation Enforcement Officer in Baldwin County, a man had a spike buck in an enclosure. While he was showing a friend the deer, the spike attacked the homeowner, pinned him to the ground and punctured his femoral artery. The friend grabbed a 2-by-4 and hit the buck in the head to get the buck off his friend. They rushed the guy to the hospital, which was luckily only a mile away, he said. In the meantime, the buck came to and wandered up the street and terrorized one of the neighbors. The man had to seek refuge in a shed and the deer held him hostage until the mans wife was able to hand him a gun through the window of the shed. Weve had numerous incidents like this. They all end badly. Originally, they may think theyre doing the right thing by rescuing an orphaned fawn. But 99.9 percent of the time, they arent orphaned. Its natural behavior for them to be left alone at times. They think theyre doing something warm and fuzzy when actually theyre sealing the fate of that animal, which is life in captivity that usually ends in termination for the deer.
ACE Magazine 21
taking the traditional Hunter Education course offered by Jerry Brown and other volunteer instructors of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In addition, the girls participated in a shotgun clinic held at
Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Spots Club and concluded their skills course with an Advance Hunter Education course back in Hackneyville with Jerry Brown. The clinics and other training were not only to prepare the all girl Crew for the hunt but also give the education the girls need to continue the hunting tradition. The girls of Venture Crew 380 are also members of Outdoor Women Unlimited and are working to complete their Outdoor Bronze Award. This hunt was part of the requirements needed to receive the award.
Also, when hunting in cold weather conditions, wear warm clothes. Layer up! Never wear too many socks because it will cramp your feet and toes and they will freeze because the blood cannot circulate as well. Your hands, feet, and head are places where heat escapes your body the fastest, so make sure they are properly covered. Always bring extra clothing just in case you get cold. The sponsors and guides at the hunt were flat out AWESOME! You could tell that they actually cared about it. Longleaf Camo showed their generosity by outfitting each girl in their own hunting gear. The sponsors of the hunt were great by supplying a backpack filled with the rest of the supplies we would need for the weekend. The sponsors were very nice to help set up the hunt and let us have the experience of a lifetime. The guides were all sweethearts and they helped us every step of the way. Not to mention, Tony Chachere cooked for us every day. His food was delicious! Even though all of the things I have said are great, I still havent mentioned the greatest part yet, the hunting! Hunting is truly a fun thing to do. Even if you dont see anything, you can still enjoy the beauty that nature offers. You can see all the colors of the leaves on the
continued on 25
ACE Magazine 23
trees or watch the sunrise or sunset. You can also listen to the sounds of nature, such as birds, squirrels or water moving in a nearby creek. When you do see a deer, it is like an adrenaline rush. When you shoot it, its like the best feeling in the world. You dont pay attention to the sound of the gun when it fires or notice anything else. For a few moments, all you are focused on is the deer and you are hoping you were
successful. If it is your first deer and you are a success, you get to put their blood on your face. This hunt, I think, changed every girl, both mentally and physically. We learned to appreciate what we have and to enjoy what nature provides us. We learned how to harvest a deer and we also learned how to dress for cold weather. We appreciate all of the things they did for us and all of the love and support they provided. Everything we received was really cool and the hunt was an experience of a lifetime.
ACE Magazine 25
BARBOUR COUNTY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA YOUTH HUNT ANOTHER GREAT DAY OUTDOORS
by Ken White he forecast for the first Saturday morning in February was not sounding good the night before. Predictions of cold, with possible early sleet, was not the best of news if you were planning to attend the fourteenth annual Barbour County Wildlife Management Area Youth Hunt. Despite all these gloomy forecasts, 215 youth registered for the event as the weather cooperated and another great day in the great Alabama outdoors took place. While the number of youth may have been down, the fun was definitely not. The day actually gets started as the youth go through the registration process. Each youth is listed and placed in their respective age groupings and provided a commemorative tee shirt. The youth and accompanying adults can then visit a course consisting of eight venues this year. Travel is handled via pick-up drawn open-air hunting trailers, which visit the venues for pick-up and delivery on fifteen-minute intervals from the registration/ headquarters area. The youth and adults can select the venues they would like to attend based on their personal preferences, as this is a very relaxed atmosphere. The emphasis today is on learning about the outdoor world of hunting sports in a fun and friendly manner. Once again, the youth in attendance had a great time
at the various venues which are set-up to allow them to get a little preview of what the outdoors can provide in the way of fun, entertainment and adventure. It all begins with the BB-Gun venue. What better way to open a youth day, featuring the world of hunting sports available in southeastern Alabama, than a traditional BB-gun shooting competition? Open to all age groups, it is absolutely top-of-the-line fun when you see fifteen-yearold teenagers shooting along side a two-year old that has a shooting advisor helping hold the gun. For many of the younger ones, it is their first opportunity to fire a BB gun. For the older, it is a step back to the beginning of their interest in the great outdoors and the pure joy of just having fun. More importantly, it is also the first time many of the youth begin to hear the "Safety First" messages and receive their first firearm safety instructions. Jumping on the next available trailer the youth move to the Slingshot Venue. This is not the slingshot that grandpa and grandma grew up making and using. Back in the day, if a good branch of just the right size for wrapping the fingers around and with a fork wide enough to support two straps of inner-tube joined to a shoe
continued on 29
Mack Morris provides assistance to 7-yr. old Heather Lynn at the BB Gun Shooting Venue as Dad, Michael Lynn, observes. Michael also volunteers as a squirrel dog hunt master for the afternoon hunt sessions.
ACE Magazine 27
Charles Thompson provides a most important firearm safety talk prior to the Sporting Clay Venue shooting session.
13-yr old Daniel Beatty receives shooting instructions and advice from Charles Thompson at the Sporting Clay Venue.
Scott Moore demonstrates the use of a firebow to start a fire the oldfashioned way.
John Pritchett combines valuable navigation tips with compass reading education at the Navigation and Compass Reading Venue.
tongue could be found, you had the makings of a firstrate slingshot. Today's version of the slingshot is a hightech, light metal framed work of wonder. The surgical tubing made of space-age materials will send a ballbearing sized projectile at velocities great enough to harvest light game. Special designed pouches can be substituted so the bird hunter can get in on the action as well. At the Slingshot venue they are taught proper shooting techniques with a special emphasis on the safety aspects required for use of these sophisticated "toys" by the venue instructors. From BB-guns and slingshots it is on to the world of archery. Archery is becoming a very big sport with our youth of today. We are seeing many schools adding this sport to their physical education programs and many cities in Alabama are embracing the sport as a feature of
their Parks and Recreation departments. This is of tremendous importance in many ways as it enhances the outdoor appeal to our high-tech, computer-oriented youth. It also opens the door for youth to continue to embrace the hunting traditions of our forefathers and this is critical to the successful management of our outdoor environment in the future. The instructors at this venue once again provide proper shooting techniques and safety instruction. Next up are the two most favorite of the venues. The Sporting Clays venue proved to be so successful that two stations had to be opened many years ago. Here the youth get the opportunity to do some shotgunning while receiving instructions from highly qualified shooters. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
continued on 31
ACE Magazine 29
BARBOR COUNTY YOUTH HUNT continued Resources enforcement officers team with civilian volunteers to staff these two stations and provide excellent shooting technique instruction and tips. Of course, no one steps to the firing line prior to the group receiving a full safety instruction talk by one of the instructors present. Proper hearing and eye protection is provided and emphasis is put on the use of these important safety items when doing target practice or enjoying some competitive shooting at future times. Each youth is provided the opportunity to get a minimum of two shots at the clays. For many of the younger participants it is the first time they have had the opportunity to actually fire or even hold a shotgun. What is even more amazing is watching the success rate, as evidenced by disintegrating clays, they enjoy after receiving the hands-on instructions. Added venues to the youth hunt experience are the Wilderness Survival venue and the Navigation and Compass Reading venue. The Wilderness Survival venue is a demonstration of various survival techniques, many dating back to the days of the original native Indians. The youth were intrigued as they watched a firebow being made and then used to start a fire. Instructions were given on compass reading and map orientation for navigational purposes. The youth were challenged to follow a provided map to locate the spot, which matched the proverbial "x" shown on the map, and all met the challenge successfully. The final stop of the regular venues is the Turkey Hunting venue. This venue featured calling demonstrations and hands-on calling advice from the experienced turkey hunters manning the station. The difference in turkey hunting safety requirements is stressed as part of the program. Many of the youth are surprised to learn of the "do not wear" colors which helps to create this distinct difference from the "hunter orange" requirements of deer hunting. Each youth also has the opportunity to fire a shotgun at a turkey target and not many pass this chance by. Rabbit and squirrel hunts follow a lunch of hot dogs, chips and soda. The youth have to decide which event they want to participate in and the adults are highly encouraged to join the hunt with their youth. The squirrel hunts are live-fire events and each youth is assigned a shooting rotation number. When a squirrel is treed, the first shooter takes his/her shot and then rotates by shooting order until the squirrel is either harvested or makes a hasty retreat to the nearest hollow. All firearms and ammunition are under the control of an experienced outdoorsman and the dog handler acts as the hunt master. From all reports everyone attending these events had a great time. Some of the groups managed to
continued on 33
6-yr. old Evan Cole tries his hand at turkey calling with the helpful advice of Tim Nolin (L) and Lee DeFee (R).
Office Mike Heath assists 13-yr. old Cody Rosen at the Slingshot Venue.
ACE Magazine 31
13-yr. old Cassandra Gifford repeats as the girls division Rifle Shooting Competition champion despite some tough competition. Cassandra edged Calleigh Rinicker by one point in a double shoot-off to win.
harvest a few squirrels but everyone had a great time traversing the woods and fields in search of the wily squirrels and rabbits. Following the hunts, it was back to the headquarters area and a quick supper of hot dogs, chips and soda. The big difference at supper was the hot chocolate and coffee prepared by the Eufaula Lions Club volunteers that helped warm many up as the evening temperatures began to fall. Last year a new opportunity was offered the 12-years and older youth which proved to be extremely popular. A deer-hunting venue was added and as part of the activities a 22-cal. Rifle Shooting Competition was held. As many of the older youth were repeat Youth Hunt participants this new venue offered them an alternative to the rabbit and squirrel hunts. Leading off the competition was a general firearm safety talk, which emphasized the use of proper, shooting safety equipment. The specific aspects of the 22-cal. rifles being used for the competitive shooting were also demonstrated, as several of the participants had never shot a rifle. Each participant was assisted by an experienced outdoorsman to assure all safety aspects were maintained on the shooting line. The competition was keen as the group was divided into boy and girl divisions for the competition. Once the rabbit and squirrel hunts, as well as the rifleshooting competition, ended it was back to the headquarters area for the traditional hot dog supper and door prize giveaways. Following the National Anthem, beautifully sung by noted Eufaula singing artist, Marcia Hudson, it was time for the evening program to begin. Rodger Kott recognized the event sponsors and then made awards to the winners of the BB-gun competition. Winning the 0-5 Yrs. group was five years old Alex Bush. The 6-8 year old winner was eight year old Stan Wilson.
Cody Lynn (11 yrs.) won the 9-12 years competition and 13-yr. old Dawson Dobbs won the 13-15 years category. Each received a nice trophy to commemorate their winning scores. The winners of the 22-cal. Rifle Shooting Competition were announced. Winning the boy's prize of a really nice 22-cal. rifle with 4x32 scope was Devin Dockery of Leesburg, GA. The girls' competition was nerve jangling. Calleigh Rinicker was shooting in her first live competition and to make things a bit more interesting was the fact she had never shot a rifle before competing. Last year's winner, Cassandra Gifford, found Calleigh a tough competitor as they were tied after the first round. A shoot-off was then held to determine the winner and, once again, the score remained tied. With tension mounting and the spectators looking on with great anticipation, Cassandra edged Calleigh by one point to retain her title and claim the prize. Once the awards were announced it was time for the door prize give-away. This met with great enthusiasm as slingshots, rod and reels and numerous other outdoor prizes were distributed. As if this was not enough action for one day, it was then time for the famed Barbour County Wildlife Management Area Youth Hunt's traditional nighttime coon hunt. The sound of the hounds baying wafted across the cold nighttime woods as the youth and the accompanying adults headed into the night to seek out the treed coon. The Barbour County woods came to life with the twinkling of flashlights lighting the way as over 100 youth and accompanying adults sought out the treed coon and the hounds. Once treed and the coon harvested the fourteenth edition of the youth hunt came to an exhilarating close. The Eufaula Lions Club, Barbour County Coon
continued on 35
ACE Magazine 33
BARBOR COUNTY YOUTH HUNT continued Hunters Association as well as the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division are the hosts of this event and would like to thank the many sponsors, donors and volunteers that made this another great year of memories. Many of the wildlife conservation enforcement officers surrounding Eufaula and its district bring their valuable knowledge and expertise to this event. It is worthy to note that the Barbour County Wildlife Management Area Youth Hunt is the third largest youth hunt held annually across this great nation. In the economic environment of today, many hunt sponsors and donors have been forced to cut back in many areas, but they continue to support our youth. Without the assistance of great sponsors such as the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association the youth hunts would not be possible. Alabama is also fortunate to have a department of conservation and natural resources that recognizes the role youth play in our everyday outdoor life, as well as our future, and make available resources such as the Barbour County Wildlife Management Area for such an event locale. It takes outdoorsmen to mentor and train future out-
12-yr. old Calleigh Rinicker provided tough competition to defending champion Cassandra Gifford in the girls division of the Rifle Shooting Competition despite this being the first time she ever shot a 22-cal. rifle.
doorsmen. The Barbour County Wildlife Management Area Youth Hunt is just one great and fun way to make this happen.
ACE Magazine 35
The red snapper season will be on the agenda for the April meeting of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council in Orange Beach.
to think you could stick a thermometer in the Gulf and say now we know this is what happened, but its not that easy. There were no fish kills anybody reported, offshore anyway. It wasnt a healthy environment, but there were no obvious fish kills or impacts right away. But we dont know the long-term effects. Right where the spill occurred is a major bluefin tuna spawning area, and it occurred right at the time when they would have been spawning in that region. But we dont have the samples to tell whether they were impacted. First of all, were there fewer larvae this year, did spawning actually take place? We have none of those data. Those are the kinds of questions were still posing. Bortone does think its very positive that the Gulf seafood tested so far has come back well below contamination levels considered safe to eat. I have to say its a good sign that we dont see any buildup of oil or oil derivatives in the (fish) tissues, he said. It doesnt mean it wont happen, but so far the tests have come back clean. Things are looking up. But I suspect the assessing of this, just like the Exxon-Valdez, will go on for five, 10 more years. And I
continued on 39
ACE Magazine 37
RED SNAPPER continued think we need to consider this as a pilot study on oil spills in the Gulf and determine what we need to learn from it. Its just like a hurricane. Everybody goes out after the hurricane and starts sampling. We need to know now what we should have been sampling to make a fair evaluation. Bortone adheres to the theory that no news is good news because word of negative impacts travels much more quickly than positive. The fact were not getting hit with a lot of bad news gives me hope that maybe its better than we thought, he said. But well know better in the long term when the pollutants magnify up through the food chain and whether we see fewer spawning fish, fewer eggs and larvae. We dont know whether the food those species consume has been affected. Those are some of the questions we need answered. We should be getting a lot of good information, but its not going to be fast coming. It may take three to five years before that year class gets into the fishing community and some of those are being caught. Five years sounds like a long time, but thats about how long those fish will be fishable. So we should have a pretty good handle around that time. Because of the oil spill, the red snapper season in the Gulf mainly consisted of a weekends-only fall season, which got excellent reviews from the anglers who participated. That was a surprise, and I was glad to hear that, Bortone said of the success of the fall season. It may turn out that the side benefit is a little more of inventive management fishing on weekends and extending the season. People are on both sides of that issue, but I think there were some fairly positive comments and it may be worth looking at in the future. Weve had good success in rebuilding red snapper stocks. I think were getting close to a point to where we have eliminated overfishing and they wont be overfished. The problem that fishermen have to realize is its not like the gates are open and everybody will be able to go after them. Theyre going to have to understand that our goal is sustainability, which means caught in perpetuity. Bortone used the analogy of a snapper population that had been overfished to the point where there were only 10 fish remaining. You could catch one fish a year and thats sustainable, but thats not what were looking for, he said. We also want to optimize the population so people are getting out of it as much as possible. Thats the goal. To get to that point could be quite a while. We want to keep improving it so the fish will be larger, the bag limit will be larger and the season will be longer.
ACE Magazine 39
from dusk until dawn but are seen occasionally during the daytime. The coyote is considered to be an opportunistic forager, meaning it will feed on anything of nutritional value. It will eat everything from fruits and vegetation to small rodents, insects and larger animals. Its diet varies throughout the year depending on availability and abundance. Coyotes aren't likely to pass up a free meal and can often be seen scavenging at garbage dumps and along roadsides. Their willingness and ability to forage on a wide range of food sources enable coyotes to thrive in a variety of habitats. Coyotes are often blamed for declines in big game populations, specifically deer and turkey. While this may be true in some areas, habitat quality and game populations generally determine coyote populations. Healthy ecosystems that support exceptional game populations will also contain numerous coyotes. When ecosystems become overpopulated with certain wildlife species, coyotes can be beneficial by keeping their numbers in check. The coyote is viewed by some as a nuisance species that is a potential threat to people and domestic animals. Coyotes typically avoid people, but there are some isolated instances where coyotes have attacked people and domestic animals. Most attacks by coyotes take place in suburban or urban areas where they live in close proximity to humans. These attacks are normally committed by coyotes that are starving, injured, diseased or
threatened. Coyote removal may be the only solution at this point. Large scale coyote control is too expensive and time consuming to be feasible. Removal techniques such as trapping and shooting have little effect on their populations because other coyotes will reoccupy their territory. Mother Nature has provided coyotes with the ability to increase populations by reproducing more often and increasing total number of pups per litter. We must learn to live with coyotes, because their adaptability, elusiveness, and efficiency combine to make them impossible to eradicate. For more information contact Stewart Abrams, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, P.O. Box 27, Hollins, AL 35082. 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.outdoor alabama.com.
ACE Magazine 41
45 feet wide or wider and several hundred feet long are ideal, but strips as narrow as 15 feet wide and as short as 100 feet long can be managed to provide quality habitat. It may be necessary to control non-native pasture grasses, such as bahia, Bermuda, or fescue, with approved herbicides prior to implementing other management practices. Without proper control, these grasses can prevent the desired native grasses and weeds from becoming established. If the desired plant communities are not present or are not present in sufficient quantities in the managed roadsides, planting native grasses and forbs is an option. Seeds of native forbs, such as common ragweed, partridge pea, and Florida beggarweed, and numerous native grasses, such as big and little bluestem, Eastern gamagrass, and switchgrass, are available from several commercial vendors. Seed costs often are expensive, but this should be a one-time expense if the plants become established and the roadsides are properly managed. Numerous methods are available to maintain the roadside vegetation in an early successional stage of development. Disking, burning, mowing, and selective herbicides can be used alone or in combination to achieve the desired results. The method, timing, and frequency of treatment will dictate the types of native plants that come back after treatment. For example, fall disking tends to promote hard-seeded forbs and legumes, whereas spring disking promotes annual grasses. Annually treated areas will be dominated by annual grasses, while areas treated on a longer rotation (e.g., three to five years) will have a more diverse mixture of annual and perennial plants. Treatments should be alternated on a 1- to 5-year rotation to achieve a mixture of the desired grass/herbaceous plant communities. Treat one-fourth to one-third of an established roadside system each year in convenient segments. A segment, for example, may be one side of a road, with another segment located on the opposite side of the road. Treat an adjacent segment the following year. This regime will perpetually maintain
continued on 45
ACE Magazine 43
MANAGING ROADSIDES continued different stages of plant succession and types of plants that are beneficial to many wildlife species. Without this rotational management, managed roadsides can quickly lose much of their value for wildlife. Early successional habitat is a key component often missing from properties managed for wildlife. Opportunities to establish and maintain the forbs and grasses associated with this type of habitat are not easily found or available. Utilizing roadsides for this purpose creates a tremendous amount of habitat diversity, which can transform an ordinary property into a wildlife haven. 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.
ACE Magazine 45
ACE Magazine 49
ACEOA President Chris Jaworowski and Stan Arrington celebrate a great hunt!
Wounded Warriors SFC Gary Everett and CW4 John G. Lightsey, Jr.
SFC Gary Everett, Rusty Morrow, and CW4 John G. Lightsey, Jr.
ACE Magazine 51
ACE Magazine 53
see the excitement of these two guys was truly priceless. Buckmasters American Deer Foundation deserves a big pat on the back for including these guys in the Life Hunt. This hunt is so humbling. Tears and hugs are commonplace. To witness the joy that this special group of hunters share in this three day hunt brings you back to earth and adjusts your priorities. These hunters put aside all of their illnesses and pain and give us a glimpse of what true heroes look like. Their strengths are far greater than anything I could imagine. I witnessed the joy of a very special young hunter named Todd Heckert from Addieville, Illinois. Todd is 24 years old. He hunted from a special chair that allows him to breathe with a special breathing machine. He uses a special camera apparatus to shoot from his chair. His dad operates a joystick and when the deer is lined up, Todd blows through a straw to pull the trigger. This year he harvested a buck of a lifetime. I was so happy to witness such a special event in Todds life. He is a perfect example of one who focuses on possibilities rather than disabilities. The stories involved in this hunt are never ending and, like I said, so very humbling. Sometimes you think you have problems. Be involved in a life hunt and discover how insignificant your own problems can become. Stan Arrington is able to hunt from his chair. His spinal injury allows him to shoulder his rifle without any apparatus; and, believe me, he is very accurate. He harvested two very nice bucks and contributed to the Sedgefield Plantation Deer Management Program by harvesting
two does. Stan doesnt let his disability slow him down. He, like the other hunters, inspired all of us throughout the life hunt. A very special thanks goes to Jimmy Hinton and the Hinton family for allowing us to utilize the very beautiful Sedgefield Plantation for this special event. We appreciate all of the guides and volunteers for all that they do to make this event so outstanding. We want to give a big thanks to Jackie Bushman, David Sullivan, and the Buckmaster crew for allowing ACEOA to play a small part in the BADF Life Hunt. We hope we can be a part of this hunt for many years to come. Last, but not least, thank you to our corporate sponsorship that makes our participation in such events possible. Without your support, funding would not be possible. Give yourself a big pat on the back and know you are making good things happen.
ACE Magazine 55
Stan Arrington.
ACE Magazine 57
or N. Gunter Guy Jr., his appointment as Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources completes his reconnection with Alabamas great outdoors. Having grown up on the family farm between Pintlala and Letohatchee, Guy cherished the rural life that allowed him to enjoy natures bounty. I grew up helping with cattle, fixing fences and driving tractors, Guy said. My dad had me driving a tractor when I was 7 years old, which, looking back on it was a great life experience. Ive got two girls and theyve been driving the tractor since they were about 12 years old. And when we werent working on the farm, my dad and I were fishing or hunting, whatever the case may be. Guy said he enjoyed the social aspect that accompanied small-game hunting and recommends it highly for anyone who wants to introduce someone to the outdoors. When I started to learn how to use a gun, my dad always stressed safety, he said. Back then we did a lot of dove hunting, squirrel hunting and a lot of quail hunting. Id say squirrel hunting may have been the most fun. Of course, I did more shaking vines than anything else. Deer werent hardly even in our area of the woods back then. Turkeys started coming along about the time I went to high school. There were bream, bass and catfish in the Guy propertys four ponds, which continue to provide fishing opportunities for family and friends to this day. Somewhere between the time he graduated from Lanier High School in Montgomery, received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and then his law degree from Samford Universitys Cumberland School of Law, Guy said life and a law practice kept him away from the outdoors more than he would have preferred. It was his commitment to his father, who had been disabled by a back injury and subsequent surgery that brought him back to the country where he was reared. We were living in Montgomery and my dad was in a wheelchair, Guy said. I was down there every weekend, and I needed to help him. I talked to my wife (Patsy) and
Conservation Commissioner N. Gunter Guy Jr. holds one of the reasons his wife, Patsy, purportedly agreed to marry him ponds on the family farm filled with big bass.
asked if dad gave us five acres would you move down there? Of course, shes a great person and she said, Sure. As things worked, when I moved back down there, I fell back in love with the things I loved as a kid. You know, when you go off to college and youre young, sometimes you dont necessarily lose your roots, but you move to different things. I was more about law school and then got married and started having children. When we moved back to the farm, my wife fell in love with it, too. She loves to fish. She tells people the reason she married me was because we had four fish ponds. When his father died and left him the farm with his
continued on 60
ACE Magazine 59
COMMISSIONER GUNTER continued watching the hawks, the bobcats, he said. What I tell my wife, its a good day just getting to see all those things that you cannot see unless youre sitting in a deer stand. In the morning, you get to see everything come to life. You get to see turkeys fight or deer standing up on their hind legs. People just dont get to see that. And birds, you dont really pay attention to the redbirds or hawks in your everyday life unless youre in a deer stand or turkey hunting. If you love the outdoors you love all those things. Before his appointment, Guy admits his familiarity with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) was somewhat limited to Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Like many people, Guy really didnt realize DCNR also included State Lands, State Parks or even Marine Police. That didnt mean he wasnt familiar with State Parks, he just didnt realize it fell under the DCNR umbrella. We have beautiful parks, Guy said. When I was with the Young Lawyers, we used to meet in Montgomery. I said, Hey, why dont we start meeting at state parks so people dont have to travel so far. We went to Cheaha, Joe Wheeler, Desoto and Gulf State Park before Ivan. We need to get people to think about our parks more. We need those revenues to help State Parks, help the state. If we create revenue, we create jobs. You know, Gov. (Robert) Bentley said he would not take a salary until Alabama was back at full employment, and I want to get him back on the payroll. Guy said at various times he has been involved with the Alabama Wildlife Federation, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited. He was also very heavily involved with the Alabama Governors One-Shot Turkey Hunt, serving as a landowner who hosted one of the guests. The people I hosted on my property still call me and tell me what a great experience it was, Guy said. I know the reason we had to quit that was because the economy was bad. One of my goals here will be to get that up and running again, because everybody enjoyed it. I think it had a benefit to the State of Alabama, bringing in folks for business development. We just need to make sure the timing is right. I do think it will happen again. Guy said hes traveled to several other states to hunt and enjoys seeing how other states manage their wildlife. He thinks Alabamas great advantage in comparison is the length of the hunting seasons. I think Alabama has a lot to offer, he said. With deer hunting, people want big bucks with big racks. Alabama isnt necessarily known for that, although we do have good quality. And the management that Alabama deer hunters are buying into is helping to create bigger bucks. The thing is our deer season ends after everybody elses,
continued on 61
Another Guy passion is turkey hunting, and guest Dennis Terry shows off a big gobbler the hunting partners managed to outwit during the Alabama Governors One-Shot Turkey Hunt.
older sisters blessing, Guy knew the cattle business was hard work and he couldnt devote the time that business required. Instead, he decided to transform the farm into a haven for wildlife. I like turkey hunting, but deer hunting is my passion, he said. Im fortunate enough to be able to hunt the family farm. Its got two creeks on it and some high property, but there was a lot of open pasture land. He enrolled some land into Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and planted different plots with hardwoods, longleaf pines and loblolly pines. Thats my project, Guy said. It may create an income source for my kids, and Im doing what I like doing. Thats my relief from work. I go down there and get on my tractor and plant corn and soybeans for the deer and turkey. I fix roads and bush-hog. Its kind of a passion. And its been neat what has developed. My wife calls it tractor time. Theres nothing better that getting on my tractor and doing something with the land. I love it. Guy also loves his time in the hunting woods, as well - not necessarily for the game harvest, but the entire experience that includes all Gods creatures. When Im sitting in the stand, Im sitting there
60 ACE Magazine
COMMISSIONER GUNTER continued and we should take advantage of that to bring in money from out of state. I think we do some of that already, but we really need to let these deer hunters know that when their season ends, ours is open the whole month of January. And we have nice, liberal limits because we have a lot of deer. Rebuilding the Gulf State Park Hotel and Convention Center is also very high on Guys to-do list, as well as the remediation involved with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The hotel and convention center is my priority and Gov. Bentleys priority, he said. Barnett Lawley and Gov. (Bob) Riley need to be commended for everything theyve done. We just need to keep going forward. Gov. Bentley is looking for a first-class facility that will bring folks there from Alabama and other states. We also know that the oil spill is an item that Gov. Bentley wants to resolve favorably for the state. We want to get the Gulf Coast back up and running. Guy said when he was appointed Commissioner it was with the full blessing of his wife. Shes excited about my job, he said. She said, The Good Lord has blessed us because you love that, and I know youre going to do a good job. She encouraged me to accept it if it was offered. Thats a pretty big step to close your law practice to take a job that is a political appointment, even though it looked like a job that I would love. I didnt come here with a personal agenda. Just like Gov. Bentley said, I want to be of service to the people of Alabama. I want to help this department be good stewards of our natural resources.
ACE Magazine 61
KIDS KORNER
MY BEST HUNT
by Hannah Rogers started hunting when I was nine and now Im eleven. I have killed eight deer (four does and four bucks). My ten-point was my fourth buck. I hunted the tenpoint in Eclectic. We got in the stand at 1:45 and he came out at 5:19. We had already seen a spike and sixpoint when he came out. My dad said he was an eight point because he didnt want me to get so nervous. He
Hannah Rogers.
was one hundred thirty six yards away. He ran fifty yards then he dropped in the field. I was very excited. Now, I cant wait until turkey season. Last year I killed three turkeys. This year I want to try to get five. With a dad like mine, I know I can reach my goal.
KIDS KORNER continued on 65
ACE Magazine 63
PEARSONS BUCK
by Dan Shaw earson Shaw is 10 years old and is a fourth grade student at Wetumpka Elementary School. He has loved the outdoors since a very early age. He loves hunting, fishing, and wakeboarding as well as playing baseball for our local league. Pearson harvested his first deer at the age of six and has not missed many chances to go hunting since then. We saw very few deer this season compared to years past and our patience was beginning to grow thin. The last weekend of the season was not perfect for hunting. The rain was moving in for the afternoon hunt and it was around 70 degrees. Pearson decided to give it one last try, so we went to our property on the river in Elmore County. Pearson chose the stand location since it was his turn. He chose the middle stand which we had only seen about 4 to 5 does out of that stand all year, so therefore this was not a first choice pick. We arrived at the stand around 3:30 pm and settled in for a short hunt. Not long after things began to quiet down, a few does began to make their way through the sage to the green field in front of us. We watched the doe and 2 yearlings about fifteen minutes and we noticed how the doe kept looking back into the woods. We figured that meant more deer would come out soon and sure enough within minutes we had five more doe enter the field. They fed for a short while and out of nowhere Pearson said "Dad there's a huge buck". Across the field, there was the buck we had been hunting for all year coming to the field. He had his head down and was walking at a good pace. He entered the field and Pearson could not get a shot while he was walking, so I told him to shot as soon as the buck stopped. I whistled and he stopped just long enough for Pearson to send a
round from his 7mm08, dropping the buck in its tracks. We high-fived and went crazy for a few seconds before running to claim his trophy. As a father who has spent many years hunting and has taken many trophies, this hunt is by far the most rewarding hunt ever. I will cherish this hunt forever.
ACE Magazine 65
he art of trapping and the use of trapping as a wildlife management tool has become foreign to many young people today. In an effort to correct this situation the Wildlife and Freshwaters Fisheries Division (WFF) has developed a series of youth trapper education workshops in selected locations throughout the state. The youth trapper workshop is an outreach program that gives both the students and their parents the opportunity to experience and to be educated in an outdoor skill that helped to settle this country. The pilot program began in 2007 and was initiated by the WFF Division with assistance from the Alabama Trappers and Predator Control Association (ATPCA) and USDAWildlife Services. This outreach program passes on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information concerning furbearers and furbearer management and
allows students to learn the proper techniques that include the use of trapping as a sound wildlife management tool. This past trapping season four events were held. Events were conducted in Decatur, Greensboro, Rockford and Greenville, Alabama. Each event is limited to 25 students and their parent and begins on Friday evening in the classroom. It's important for the youth to learn the history of trapping, responsibilities of trapping, ethics and biological information on fur-bearing animals. Saturday morning the youth and adults are paired with a volunteer mentor and the real work begins. The mentors begin to teach them the fine details of setting a trap line. It begins with identifying the different types of traps, what species to set them for and how to properly set them in a classroom situation. The mentors then take the groups
continued on 68
ACE Magazine 67
to the woods, fields and water and allow them to set their own trap line. Sunday begins with the running of the trapline followed by learning how to handle and prepare the fur for sale. Most students choose to their catch professionally tanned as a memento of their experiences on the trap-line. Smiles are abundant and the kids are so proud of their accomplishments! The weekend of learning is not just a class in "how-to." Mike Sievering, District III Supervising Wildlife Biologist for the Alabama Department of Conservation Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries says, "This event is about teaching the youth a dying art, getting them acquainted with the great outdoors and encouraging them to get out away from the televisions and computers and spend some quality time with their family." Trapping used to be a way of life for men and their sons and was passed down from generation to generation. Sievering himself supplemented his income during college by running a trap-line
continued on 69
68 ACE Magazine
and selling furs to support his family. The pilot program began in 2007 with one workshop and 18 students. It's grown in popularity as the word has spread throughout the state and this year 4 workshops had over 50 adults and 71 boys and girls to go through the program. "The average age is 12 but we've had students as young as 6 and as old as 22 participate," said Sievering. In 2010-2011 the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association partnered with the Alabama Trappers and Predator Control Association (ATPCA,) the Alabama Forestry Commission and Furbearers Unlimited to assist in conducting these workshops. The ATPCA and USDA-Wildlife Services provides volunteer
mentors that give freely of their time and expertise to teach these classes that remain free to the public. The youth go home with knowledge, pride and a sense of accomplishment. Most of all they go home fired up and ready to get into the great outdoors and set their own trap-line. If you are interested in attending or in volunteering to mentor at the Alabama Youth Trapper Education Workshops contact Mike Sievering in the District III Wildlife Office. Phone 205-339-5716 or email him at mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov. You can also visit the http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/ trapping/workshops.cfm and www.atpca.org for more information.
ACE Magazine 69
Lawley and former Conservation Commissioner Riley Boykin Smith enjoy the fellowship during the Alabama Governors One-Shot Turkey Hunt.
an overwhelming success that injected much-needed money into the State Parks system. The new swimming pool and store is really going to help the campground at Gulf State Park. While Lawley was Commissioner, Guntersville Lodge and Hotel was total revamped to great accolades from visitors all over the country. Lakepoint Lodge and Resort also completed a major renovation, while other parks received significant upgrades. Weve been able to get these renovations done in a first-rate manner and not the patchwork that had been done for so long, he said. Its really bringing rewards and helping the parks financially. As you know, we dont get any General Fund appropriations. We have to make our own money, which makes it more like a business than any part of state government. During Lawleys watch, the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses was upgraded from the traditional paper
continued on 72
ACE Magazine 71
COMMISSIONER LAWLEY continued licenses only available to a licensed vendor. A system was developed with Wal-Mart and Alabama Interactive to sell licenses online and electronically, which has saved the department thousands of dollars and man-hours for the vendors. Going electronic with our license sales has also been a great benefit, not only with cash flow but recordkeeping, as well, he said. Weve won two awards because of our program and there are a lot of states that want to copy it. Our Information and Education Section has also won awards and our web site, OutdoorAlabama.com, was voted the best in the nation for state conservation agencies. Lawley also pushed regulations, including the threebuck limit and rules that give landowners and leaseholders more leeway in dealing with animals that threaten wildlife and the habitat. I think the buck limit is paying huge rewards, he said. What we were trying to create was a situation where hunters self-regulate themselves. Thats working quite well. I think loosening the coyote and feral hog hunting regulations have helped. I think the coyotes have taken a toll more than we can count on the deer population. And the feral hogs can do tremendous damage to property. We added crossbows and turkey decoys, which was controversial at the time. It hasnt devastated the populations and has helped people get into the woods. If you dont damage the resource, give the hunter a choice on how he wants to hunt. When Lawley became commissioner, he soon realized changes were needed in the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board and the way it conducted business. New rules were implemented that required that any change to the current rules and regulations that fell under the boards authority must be discussed at a previous meeting before any vote could be taken. This was specifically designed to give the public more input into the process and it had been a considerable success. Having had the pleasure to serve as Chairman of the Advisory Board during the majority of Barnetts time as Commissioner, I have always been impressed with the way he maintains the balance between what is best for the resource and allowing the public access to that resource, said Dan Moultrie. He has a way of bringing the different groups together to reach a compromise that benefits the user groups but also ensures that the habitat and wildlife are not adversely affected. He truly has a talent for the job. The Archery in Schools program has been a big success that gives individuals a pathway to more outdoors activities. It has taken off and I dont think anybody in their wildest dreams would be as big as it is, Lawley said. It is not a hunting activity, but it could provide the spark
72 ACE Magazine
Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley surveys the boom deployment along the Alabama Gulf Coast as Outdoor Alabama photographer Billy Pope chronicles the preparation for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
someone needs to become a hunter. We need sportsmen. Were a state where hunting is a heritage, not just for the camaraderie and values you teach your children, its the way we manage wildlife populations. Its good table fare, too. When it comes to State Lands, Lawley considers the Forever Wild Program the most successful ever in Alabama. Forever Wild has purchased or acquired longterm leases on 221,000 acres across Alabama for public use, which includes hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and many other outdoors activities. Forever Wild is the best program in government, without question, Lawley said. Weve been able to almost double our money through matching funds. We would save money until we could buy larger tracts of land where it would be meaningful. Most of the land has been in Wildlife Management Areas, but we have been able to preserve some really pristine areas, like the Walls of Jericho, Turkey Creek in Birmingham, Perdido in Baldwin County. This preserves the habitat. Weve also done a great deal to promote non-game species through our birding trails and joining with Mobile Audubon Society to hold the Alabama Coastal Birdfest. Alabama is blessed with bird migrations and is a big attraction across the country. The State Lands Division built its crown jewel the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center at the gateway of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta while Lawley was commissioner. The center provides educational opportunities with ample space for meetings and social gatherings. 5 Rivers has been way more popular that we anticipated, Lawley said. It introduces and educates
continued on 73
COMMISSIONER LAWLEY continued everybody to our estuaries and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, what the Delta means to our coastal habitat. The center is also a great meeting facility and its located in a perfect place on the Mobile-Baldwin line. Of course, the Marine Resources Division was thrust into the national spotlight when the Deepwater Horizon oil spill affected the Alabama Coast. Marine Resources has done a fantastic job in handling all thats been involved with the oil spill, Lawley said. Fortunately, we were able to keep the oil out of Mobile Bay, thanks to the Governor and his efforts. And offshore, weve got the most extensive artificial reef program in the nation, which has allowed the red snapper to rebound with a vengeance. During the fall snapper season, people were catching limits in less than an hour. Lawley admits he had no idea the enormity of the commissioners job when Gov. Riley asked him to take the job. When I started I thought we only had 11 or 12 parks (there are 22), he said. . Because Ive been involved with conservation efforts and hunting and fishing all my life, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries is what I mainly knew about. I knew about State Lands. Its been a real learning experience. I have enjoyed it because of the people Ive met, the things Ive learned and all that Alabama has to offer. Alabama is a special place, very special. Riley Boykin Smith, who preceded Lawley as Commissioner, knows full well what the job entails and thinks Lawley has handled it with aplomb. I know from first-hand experience how extensive the job of Commissioner is, Smith said. Barnett has been through disaster after disaster and has made sure Conservation and Natural Resources has emerged in a stronger position each time. He has handled every situation admirably and has ensured the people of Alabama will enjoy our great natural resources for generations to come. Lawley said his main regret is that the Hotel and Convention Center at Gulf State Park has not been rebuilt, although several obstacles have been cleared recently. Next week Ill go back to Pell City and back into retirement, said Lawley, who will be joined in retirement by Assistant Commissioner Hobbie Sealy. Ill finally have time do a little hunting and fishing, which I havent been able to do. I thought when I took this position that hunting and fishing would be part of the job, but I was mistaken. Tim Gothard of the Alabama Wildlife Federation said Lawleys service as Commissioner has been exceptional. His passion for the outdoors combined with his passion for public service made all the difference, Gothard said. Barnett did an outstanding job bringing groups together to achieve significant goals. Three years ago he secured the support of all the hunting and fishing groups to pass legislation to increase license fees. Without that increase, our wildlife and fisheries management programs would be in serious trouble. Barnett was excellent at managing conflict as well. Hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts are opinionated and it is easy to have 10 different thought processes on a single issue. Barnett had a knack for patiently working through those issues with stakeholders and finding the common ground. He did an outstanding job with our Forever Wild program and the Aquatic Biodiversity Center is a truly unique and valuable accomplishment that Barnett brought to life. He should take great pride in knowing that his personal efforts and leadership made this a reality. Most of all, Barnett is just a great person that cares deeply about Alabamas natural resources, our hunting and angling traditions, and ensuring that his grandchildren and ours have even better outdoor opportunities available to them in the years ahead.
ACE Magazine 73
Many early naturalists believed owls to be highly destructive birds. They attributed considerable losses of poultry, especially half-grown poults, to owl depredation. Further, many believed owls to be responsible for destroying large numbers of desirable game species such as ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants, cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, gray squirrels and fox squirrels. These reports have not been supported by food habit studies conducted since the late 1800s. Research has found that poultry makes up only a very small percentage of most owls' diets. Further, game species, especially game birds, make up a relatively small proportion of owls' diets. Findings indicate that nocturnal rodents and, for some species, insects, make up the largest proportion of owls' diets. Owls will, however, take whatever prey is available, including less preferred game species and poultry, if populations of their preferred food species are very low. Which species make up the largest proportion of owls' diet in a given area varies with regard to the population levels of available prey species. In general, the higher a species population grows, the more susceptible individuals are to predation. Typically, owls will tend to focus their feeding efforts on whichever of their prey species are most readily available and susceptible. Over time, this concentrated predation will result in reduced population and reduced susceptibility in a given prey species. Fortunately for the owls, while they were focusing on one prey species, one or more other species will have been experiencing a population growth. Eventually, another prey species will become the most readily available, and owls will switch their feeding focus
continued on 77
ACE Magazine 75
OWLS continued to that species. This "switching behavior" benefits man by helping to keep prey species from becoming so numerous they become a problem. Conversely, the owls' feeding strategy benefits the prey species by helping reduce competition among the various species for limited resources. The broad range of size exhibited by different owl species and the associated differences in the size of prey they consume helps to reduce competition among owl species for food. Overall, owls' consumption of large numbers of small rodents makes them more of an asset to man than a liability. Owls and other predators can be viewed as indicators of the overall health, quality, and energy flow of the ecosystems of which they are a part. As predators, populations of owls are limited by the quantity and diversity of appropriate prey species available to them. Because of the inefficiency of energy transfer from sunlight to plants, to herbivores, to predators, owls are especially sensitive to disruptions in natural systems. Therefore, healthy populations of owls, especially of multiple species, can be assumed to indicate healthy populations of their prey species, and can, by extension, be viewed as evidence of a healthy, stable ecosystem. As superstitions fade, owls are being held in high esteem by more and more people. For scientists, their importance as indicator species for the health of naturals systems is of obvious value. For many others, the intrinsic and aesthetic values seeing and hearing owls far outweigh whatever minor negative impacts they may have. 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.
ACE Magazine 77
of the trap and set the trigger. By pre-baiting the trap, the trap shyness of the hogs is decreased and the likelihood of catching multiple hogs the first night the trap is set is increased. Adult sows and boars are intelligent and cautious. They usually are the last hogs to enter a new trap for the first time. Hog trappers who fail to pre-bait their traps usually catch juvenile hogs and fail to catch the adults. Since the adult sows drop piglets twice a year, it is very important to catch these adults for trapping to have any chance of reducing the population. The use of motion-activated trail cameras to monitor the inside of the trap while pre-baiting can also increase success rates. Check the camera every time the trap is checked during the pre-baiting period and inspect the pictures carefully. Identify specific feral hogs by color, color patterns, and size. Document the number of feral hogs in each sounder (a sounder is a family group of hogs) visiting the trap. The goal should be to remove the entire sounder. Monitoring the pictures at each trap site gives a trapper the ability to identify when all the hogs in a sounder that are entering a trap and helps determine when trapping efforts will be the most successful. Live-trapping feral hogs is the most cost effective control method for eliminating large numbers of feral hogs from a given property. By
properly pre-baiting traps and utilizing a little patience, landowners and wildlife managers can increase their trapping success rates and effectively decrease the amount of damage and competition with native game animals from hogs on their properties. Pre-baiting traps and utilizing motion activated trail cameras to identify when to set the trigger on a trap are two techniques to help anyone become a more efficient and successful trapper. For more information on trapping feral hogs contact Wildlife Biologist Chris Jaworowski at 154 Battlefield, Lowndesboro, AL 36752, or contact your local Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Office. 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.outdoor alabama.com.
ACE Magazine 79
river" or "river of the great bend." According to ethnographer James Mooney, the name cannot be analyzed, and its meaning is lost. According to Alabama historian William L. McDonald, the Cherokee Indians called the river Kallumchee, and the area we now know as the Muscle Shoals they called - Chaka tsh locko, which means "big shoal." The Chickasaw referred to the great bend of the river in Alabama as Thegalego and called the Muscle Shoals Dagunahi, meaning "a place of mussels." One of the more interesting descriptions of the shoals, however, is a legend associated with the Yuchie tribe, who in their language called the Tennessee Nunnuhsae, or "The Singing River." In historical times and before the Mussel Shoals were dammed by the TVA, the waters flowing around rocks, over low waterfalls and rushing through natural sluices could be heard many miles distant, even before the shoals were seen. Imagine the entire volume of today's river flowing through a 20mile-long shallow canyon, down a series of extensive shoals - the Elk River Shoals, Big Muscle Shoals, Little Muscle Shoals, the Bee Tree and Colbert Shoals. Over these shoals the river dropped some 140 feet. Waterfalls cascaded from the bluffs along the river into the rapids. Wading birds, waterfowl and wildlife were
continued on 83
ACE Magazine 81
THE SINGING RIVER continued everywhere. What a sight it must have been! What a sound it must have made! And, what an opportunity it afforded early peoples as a place to cross the river, fish in the shallows and exploit the freshwater mussels found among the shoals. According to the Yuchi, these flowing waters sounded to them like a woman singing. In times of low water, she sang sweetly. But when the river was raging, she sounded loud and angry. Again, according to historian McDonald, "...this, to the Indian was the spirit of a princess calling for her lover. Sometimes her song was loud and boisterous. On other occasions she sang softly. Now and then could be heard a most inaudible humming from her throat and lips. Yet, this mythical princess is always here, hidden under the mysterious waters of an ancient river as she reveals her secrets through a thousand summers..." This legend of The Singing River is well known to many people in northwest Alabama. Indeed, the Alabama Legislature voted to rename the new bridge just downriver from Wilson Dam the Singing River Bridge. This is to pay homage to the area's rich Native American heritage and Muscle Shoals' modern musical history. Whether it is fact or fabrication, the Legend of the Singing River is a beautiful story and description of the early Muscle Shoals. Today, the sounds of these shoals are gone, buried by the reservoirs of TVA's Wilson and Wheeler Dams. However, occasionally, when river waters are high and TVA is releasing waters through the shallow tailwaters below these dams, one can again hear the loud, boisterous singing princess. But in times of low water, the area behind and below the dams are mostly still or moving slowly - and silent. And sadly, we can no longer hear the princess' soft song, calling her lover. 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.
ACE Magazine 83
Vernon Minton often served as mentor and deck hand on youth fishing trips into the Gulf of Mexico off Alabamas coast, where Mintons advocacy for the artificial reef program produced an unparalleled red snapper fishery.
beyond them, Vernon had pulled over. They were total strangers, but he was walking back to help them. Thats just the kind of person he was. As members of the Gulf Council, Shipp said years of reductions in snapper seasons and bag limits were especially disconcerting to Minton, who knew from firstcontinued on 87
ACE Magazine 85
VERNON MINTON continued hand experience that the status of the red snapper stocks did not match the dire predictions of what he considered were flawed computer models. As far as conservation was concerned, Vernon was totally committed to the artificial reef program and the snapper stocks, Shipp said. It was really frustrating for him to see the failing of the science how far behind the science was and having to operate in that system. He had great respect for science, but the databases were so inadequate, which translated into shortened seasons and people being cut out of work. He had a difficult time accepting that. The work Vernon did on rearing red snapper was especially noteworthy. He worked with Auburn faculty and students and they made the breakthrough on the larval food for red snapper. Once they made that breakthrough, the mariculture of red snapper was certainly possible. At the Claude Peteet Mariculture Center in Gulf Shores, Minton was involved with many fisheries projects that included red drum, shrimp and spotted seatrout. He also found a way to get funding to build a saltwater intake and pipeline that pumped water from the Gulf to the Peteet Center for the effort to successfully spawn red snapper. Chris Blankenship, Acting Director of Marine Resources, said Mintons ability to bring people together for a common cause served as a valuable lesson. Vernon had a big impact on Marine Resources over the last 20-plus years, Blankenship said. He forged a lot of relationships with federal partners and with nongovernmental organizations that have an interest in the fisheries. I think what people will remember is that he listened to all sides of a situation. He looked at the science and tried to do what was the overall best for the fishery. I learned a lot from Vern a lot about fisheries management and a lot about dealing with the public. Steve Heath, who retired in 2009 as Chief Marine Biologist, worked with Minton for 31 years at Marine Resources and witnessed a significant shift in the way fisheries management was conducted. The flavor of marine resources and management changed over those 30 years, Heath said. When we first started, the division and department mandated what was going to happen in terms of regulations size limits, bag limits and seasons. There wasnt a lot of involvement from the public. But over the 30 years, the fishermen, both commercial and recreational, became more involved in the process. People became much more aware of how regulations and laws were created and were able to have input and express their opinions. By the time Vern became director and I became Chief Biologist, we were very much involved in what I call comanagement. We would sit down with the fishermen and discuss what we needed to do, based on our data. We would get their input from their experience. Then we would use the combination to reach the desired result. Heath said when Minton became director in 1990 he quickly became immersed in the controversy between recreational anglers and gill net fishermen. We were involved during a tremendous period of growth for marine resources in Alabama, Heath said. When he first became director it was a baptism of incredible fire. He walked right into the situation when recreation fishermen wanted to eliminate gill net fishing. He spent many long hours and days to come up with a compromise that would allow each side to share in the harvest. And he succeeded. He worked hard to ensure that the commercial sector got to share in the fishery. At the same time, he got redfish and speckled trout declared game fish during his tenure. He also did a tremendous amount to increase our artificial reef program, and he started the inshore reef program. He was instrumental in the establishment of the saltwater fishing license, which provided much needed funding for fisheries management. I think Vernons legacy was his ability to work with all the different user groups. Shipp thinks the outstanding red snapper fishery off the Alabama Coast will represent Mintons contribution to marine conservation. I think the artificial reef fishery for snapper and grouper will continue to be recognized as one of the outstanding fisheries in the United States, Shipp said. The tiny coast of Alabama produces a third of the Gulf of Mexicos red snapper. That resulted from Vernons effort to continue to put out artificial structures and do it in a way that was environmentally sound. I think that fishery will be his greatest legacy.
ACE Magazine 87
t has been another year of overwhelming and amazing support for The Journey School. And the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer Association has been a wonderful donor to support our cause. Their donation has allowed us the opportunity to continue working with some amazing children and their families. The Journey School is a unique inclusive preschool in Selma, Alabama designed to include children with special needs and typically developing children in the regular classroom. TJS has been in operation for three years and serves children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old. Our mission at The Journey School is to provide an educationally appropriate and nurturing environment where children with diverse abilities learn and play with a purpose. What is so special about our program is having typical and special needs children in the same classroom. There are so many benefits for all children to this type of learning environment. The key element, here, is that typical children serve as positive role models for our special needs students as well as benefiting from our highly specialized techniques and services. They learn leadership, compassion, and acceptance. We strive to create an environment where we meet each child's educational needs while also teaching them in a group setting. There are so many unique opportunities offered at TJS. The teachers use developmental assessments and
an award-winning curriculum to develop an educational plan which is implemented into the classroom. We have received a grant that provides us with a music, art, and physical education teacher. We also have special sessions with the Literacy Program from Therapy Dogs International. During the summer months, we offer weekly themed-camps and enrichment camps for older students. Because of the many specialized services offered at The Journey School, our program is very expensive to run and maintain. We depend on grants and donations to help manage our expenses. Each year we have planned and prepared for a big fundraiser called the Blue Jean Ball. The success of this fundraiser is crucial in continuing our mission at TJS. We have had a tremendous outpouring of community support as well as support from surrounding area organizations and businesses. This year $33,000 was raised to help continuing our development at TJS. The ACEOA gave generously towards supporting our future endeavors. We are so thankful to have their support and believe in the benefits of giving. Our past, present, and future children have already been and will be affected by the act of selfless generosity and compassion. Thank you, ACEOA!
ACE Magazine 89
31 turtles and 1 alligator) and over 300 species of fish. In addition, there is useful information on freshwater mussels and snails, freshwater jellyfish, and crayfish. Almost all have at the minimum a picture to use for identification. Most pages also include the scientific name, description, distribution, habitat type, feeding habits, life history and ecology. The website is still a work in progress and information and updates are being added on a continual basis, so keep checking back if you don't find what you are looking for. We are fortunate to live in a state that is blessed with such a tremendous amount of natural diversity. Wildlife viewing is a relaxing experience that provides a reconnection to nature and can be a fun and inexpensive activity for the entire family to enjoy together. Spend some time outdoors this summer; you never know what you might see! 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.
ACE Magazine 91
Dan Everson of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hands off one of the 10pound sacks of oyster shells to Judy Haner of The Nature Conservancy during the 100-1000 Restore Coastal Alabama event held recently on the western shore of Mobile Bay just north of the mouth of Dog River. About 16,000 bags of oyster shells were used to construct a reef across a mud flat, which will start a regeneration of improved coastal habitat in both bottom structure and aquatic vegetation.
the restoration of 1,000 acres of shoreline habitat. The Alabama Coastal Foundation, Mobile Baykeeper, The Nature Conservancy and The Ocean Foundation formed a coalition in 2010 to try to mitigate the environmental impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, as well as reverse years of shoreline habitat damage from pollution, storms, erosion and human interaction. The recent effort at Helen Wood Park on Mobile Bay just north of Dog River utilized 10-pound sacks of oyster shells to build a quarter-mile boundary along a mud flat that was slowly expanding into the shoreline. Funding from the Alabama Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service paid for the initial effort that placed 16,000 sacks of shells across the mud flat. Other organizations involved in the effort were: Coastal Conservation Association of Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. Mobile Baykeepers Casi Callaway, who was in the middle of the action during the two-day initial event, said she was ecstatic with the response of the public to the initial project. We couldnt have asked for anything better, Callaway said. We had 545 volunteers from as far away as California. To see people so excited and so motivated to do a really nasty and hard job was just inspiring. This is the first step. Funding is the question, of course. But we believe for $90 million we can put 100 miles of oyster reefs and shoreline protection measures and plant and promote 1,000 acres of marsh and sea grass in five years. The BP oil disaster was the biggest environmental disaster to happen in this country, and it requires an answer that big. It requires a response that big. And planning and building 100 miles of oyster reefs thats the kind of answer we need to do. The 100-1000 program is an effort to put a master plan together that will bring all the environmental organizations together for a common effort, Callaway said. Weve been incrementally losing habitat, she said.
continued on 95
ACE Magazine 93
RESTORE COASTAL ALABAMA continued Weve been losing reefs, shorelines and boatloads of wetlands and marsh and sea grass. Weve got all these wonderful organizations that independently are doing a quarter-mile or halfmile or 100 acres or 10 acres of grass planting or whatever. Weve all been doing these little projects that are amazing, but theyre small. What we need to do is unify, get everyone talking to each other and figure out how to put our money, our efforts and our energy together to do something big. Judy Haner, Marine Program Director with The Nature Conservancy, said their organization had already started work in the area and the oyster reef building fit nicely into their plans. It worked out really perfectly for us to get a large group of people out here A lone volunteer makes her way back across the mud flat at the end of the first days effort. in a high visibility area and get everybody involved, Haner said. those nooks and crannies where oyster spat will settle. Were putting oyster reef barriers and breakwaters in Other bivalves will move in. A whole ecosystem is going place to mimic old oyster reefs that were once here to to get started because youve provided that hard protect the shoreline and allow the marsh to regrow in structure. The small fish start moving in because of the areas where it has eroded. In addition, we have some structure and the big fish follow. Fishing opportunities marsh grasses on site. We want to protect those, but they here are going to be tremendous in a few years. will thrive in the lee between the oyster reefs and the Chris Olberhoster, The Nature Conservancys shoreline. So were excited about that. Alabama State Director, said he was amazed at the Were planting oysters for shoreline protection and response for such a task that left everyone speckled, if habitat improvement. The habitat improvement will not coated, in mud. affect the finfish and shellfish that live in and around the We had fantastic turnout, a fantastic show of support bay. It will be great nursery habitat. The complex of the from the local community and folks from all over the oyster reef with the sea grass and marsh is just United States, Olberhoster said. People from as far spectacular for that purpose for productivity. away as Indiana, Massachusetts and California came by Dan Everson of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services the dozens to help with this oyster reef and other living Daphne office said the funding provided by the service shoreline projects. It shows how much people care about came through the Ecological Services Offices aptly the Gulf, especially in light of what has happened over named Coastal Program. the last nine months. We work closely with other agencies in south This segment is the start and this is as much funding Alabama, as well as NGOs (non-governmental as is available right now through the contributions of organizations) and other organizations that deal with private donors, organizations and public agencies. After conservation issues, Everson said. It was very that, we hope to get some Clean Water Act or restitution exciting for us to be able to provide some money to get money from the Deepwater Horizon event so we can this going. reinvest it back into the Gulf of Mexico for this kind of Just about any fish or shellfish species that inhabit work. That what its going to take to move the needle and the bay or Gulf near here will benefit from this. When you do this at a scale where its going to make a difference in look at the historical numbers of fish that came out of water quality and habitat restoration. This is something Mobile Bay, it was just tremendous. That was because, at thats never been done on this scale. one time, there was a lot of structure. It was threedimensional. You didnt really see these expansive mud flats. These oyster reefs are going to provide that habitat,
ACE Magazine 95
PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
PAID
PERMIT #77 MONTGOMERY, AL