Would-be hunter in NW Alabama

[Eric Krewson]

Freedom hills is 30K acres and is vastly under hunted, lots of scouting is must. it is so vast that I have never seen another hunter in the woods when I hunted my favorite places around the **** Dog cemetery. Of course, getting a deer out can be a problem if you are way off the paved roads. They do open the normally locked gates on the days of gun hunts. The rut is in late January on this area.

Strange, the censor bleeped the normal word for Raccoon.

The cemetery actually exists, a dog has to be a night champion to be buried there, just walking into the place gives you a warm just feeling knowing how much these dogs were loved. They hold a yearly celebration at this cemetery that has become a big deal for raccoon hunters all over the country.

Old Troop was the first dog buried there, 87 years ago.

 

[Trigger]

There's a bit to it..

Any questions as you go just shoot a post.

There are youtubes now.. that's nice..
Like you can youtube field dressing. Etc..

When you shoot.. more or less is tail up or tail down. Tail up you missed for sure you missed that. Tail down check good..

 

[GBG]

Hey all,

I’m new to hunting, and to Alabama, and am hoping to get some advice . . .

Lots of great advice above but I'll add a few words of caution. I've hunted small game, predators and hogs in what is now the Mulberry Fork WMA for 40+ years. In fact, my paternal family has lived there since the mid 1800s.

I will not even drive through that WMA on "modern gun deer days" because of weekend warriors from B'ham, Tuscaloosa, Jasper and other nearby (sub)urban areas. Some don't hesitate to blast away with their $$$$ scoped super-magnums at a twitching leaf 1/4 mile in the distance. Also be sure of your location at all times and Stay Off All Hunting Club Properties in or near the WMA. Members are highly territorial.

I've hunted the WMA in and around Bankhead National Forrest and never had any problems. I can't speak for WMAs in other parts of AL but the south Walker and north Tuscaloosa County area is "unique". Get a long time local resident to hunt with you there for a few seasons before going alone.

One last thing: there are coyote packs in and around Mulberry that have consumed an entire 100 Lb pig in a single night. I've had several come real close when walking out after dark and one pack even surrounded our campfire when we dozed off. The dozen glowing eyes didn't leave until my partner pumped a round into his 12 gauge.

 

[smokepolehall]

Hey all,

I set a goal for myself to take a deer this coming season (next year) with my .54 Hawken. I’m new to hunting, and to Alabama, and am hoping to get some advice from this knowledgeable community as to how to go about finding land to hunt and tips for stalking whitetail with a muzzleloader.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

My friend you/we are in luck for this coming year Tick Toter season in Bama. I am moving from Conway, Mo. starting the last week of Dec. I am going to be staying at the Payne Lake campground in my Skoolie. I am going to find a place to rent in Bibb or Hale county. I have a new 14'x4' boat & trailer & a trolling motor. The Talladega National Forest surrounds the campground. Lots of turkeys & tree rats & wild hogs. We can team up to hunt. I am retired so I can go 7 days a week. Welcome

 

[Sebaney]

Lots of great advice above but I'll add a few words of caution. I've hunted small game, predators and hogs in what is now the Mulberry Fork WMA for 40+ years. In fact, my paternal family has lived there since the mid 1800s.

I will not even drive through that WMA on "modern gun deer days" because of weekend warriors from B'ham, Tuscaloosa, Jasper and other nearby (sub)urban areas. Some don't hesitate to blast away with their $$$$ scoped super-magnums at a twitching leaf 1/4 mile in the distance. Also be sure of your location at all times and Stay Off All Hunting Club Properties in or near the WMA. Members are highly territorial.

I've hunted the WMA in and around Bankhead National Forrest and never had any problems. I can't speak for WMAs in other parts of AL but the south Walker and north Tuscaloosa County area is "unique". Get a long time local resident to hunt with you there for a few seasons before going alone.

One last thing: there are coyote packs in and around Mulberry that have consumed an entire 100 Lb pig in a single night. I've had several come real close when walking out after dark and one pack even surrounded our campfire when we dozed off. The dozen glowing eyes didn't leave until my partner pumped a round into his 12 gauge.

I sure appreciate the info. Yeah, a year back my son was walking our dog through the neighborhood at night, and he was stalked by a coyote. It kept getting closer, until my son finally had to kick it in the snout before it ran off.