aceoa mag spring 2014

FINAL PDF BLUELINE PROOF

Official Publication of the ACEOA

ACEOA Magazine • 1

ACE Magazine is the official publication of the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer Association. Purchase of advertising space does not entitle the advertisers to any privileges or favors from members. ACE Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by any contributor. This magazine is created and produced by Brent‑Wyatt West. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.

EDITOR: Gayle Morrow

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

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

WWW.ACEOA.ORG SPRING 2014

ON THE COVER

ACEOA’s Charles Kilgore was among the 11 physically challenged hunters that

participated in the Buckmasters American Deer Foundation 2014 Life Hunt Classic.

in this issue...2014 State Officers and Directors �� 3

President’s Column �� 5

From the Trenches �� 7

Brrr! Buckmasters Hunters Weather Cold For Life Classic �� 9

Life Hunt Photos �� 15

BADF Life Hunt 2014 �� 25

NWTF Conservation Officer Appreciation �� 27

Limestone County Hunter Education �� 31

Habitat Diversity and Wildlife �� 37

A Tribute to Mike Pollard �� 39

That Special Turkey �� 45

How Gun and Ammunition Sales Affect State Game and Fish Agencies �� 47

Outdoors With Friends �� 51

Kid’s Korner �� 57

Henry County Youth Dove Hunt �� 59

The Game Check Program �� 61

CAB Considers February Deer Season, Doe Bag Limit �� 65

2014 GEICO Bassmaster Classic �� 71

The Oaks Youth Hunt A Huge Success �� 77

Treestand Maintenance Could Save Your Life �� 91

Hope For Warriors �� 95

Wild Animals in Captivity �� 97

Advertisers Index �� 172

Business Directory �� 181



2014 – 2016 ACEOA State OfficersExecutive Director

Rusty Morrow (Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Enforcement Retired)

2014 ACEOA State OfficersHeath Walls – President • Vance Wood – Vice President • Chris Lewis – Secretary/Treasurer

Chris Jaworowski – Past President

DISTRICT IErnie Stephens – Director • Wendell Fulks – Associate Director

Blount, ColBert, Cullman, Fayette, Franklin, lamar, lauderdale, lawrenCe, limestone, madison, marion, morgan, walker, winston

DISTRICT IIScott Kellenberger – Director • Jerry Fincher – Associate Director • Joel Glover – Associate Director

Calhoun, ChamBers, Cherokee, Clay, CleBurne, Coosa, dekalB, etowah, JaCkson, marshall, randolph, st. Clair, talladega, tallapoosa

DISTRICT IIIGrady Myers – Director • Cliff Robinson – Associate Director

autauga, BiBB, Chilton, dallas, greene, hale, JeFFerson, lowndes, perry, piCkens, shelBy, sumter, tusCaloosa

DISTRICT IVTim Ward – Director • Patrick Norris – Associate Director • Rick Smith – Associate Director

BarBour, BulloCk, CoFFee, Covington, Crenshaw, dale, elmore, geneva, henry, houston, lee, maCon, montgomery, pike, russell

DISTRICT VDon Reaves – Director • Joe Little – Associate Director • Bo Willis – Associate Director

Baldwin, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Washington, Wilcox

ACE MagazineGayle Morrow – Editor

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



President’s ColumnBy Heath Walls

I would like to personally thank everyone that has supported our Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers. Whether you have supported our officers

by becoming a member, associate member, or by buying ads in ACE Magazine your support is greatly appreciated.

Also, due to support from the public our “Forever Wild” program will continue to be funded. There have already be new acquisitions to add to the lands available to the public. Our State Lands Officers and Wild Life Biologist Officers were busy marking boundaries and preparing roads and maps to these properties to make them acces-sible to the public before this past deer season. I know the new section of the Yates Lake West tract was a welcome addition and well used by the public.

Our Marine Resources Division was busy in October working the additional snapper season that was allowed in the Gulf. They continue to work with the National Marine Fisheries Service to allow us as much time as possible to snapper fish off the Alabama Coast. Due to the artificial reef program that Marine Resources regulates the portion of the Gulf of Mexico South of Alabama has an abun-dance of snapper.

Our Marine Police Officers are getting ready for warmer weather and increased boating activ-ity. They have been busy this winter assisting Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Officers with work details throughout deer and duck season. They have also recently received training to assist the new Alabama Law Enforcement Agency so they can insure public safety on and off the water.

State Parks will celebrate their 75th anniver-sary this year. In eight of our 22 state parks there will be a 75th Anniversary Diamond Treasure Geocaching Challenge. You can check out the details at www.outdooralabama.com. Also if you haven’t been to Gulf State Park lately the new con-ference center is now open and the park has added zip lines in addition to the normal hiking, fishing, beach access, and other activities available.

Wild Life and Freshwater Fisheries Officers are current-ly wrapping up investigations from deer season, working small game hunting and squeezing in training sessions before turkey season starts. Our officers also conduct investigations on hunting accidents, and unfortunately the number of accidents were up this year. We urge everyone to keep safety in mind as their first priority during any hunting or outdoor activity. Our Hunter Safety Course is now available completely online, but traditional classes are still available for a more hands on experience.

The weather is still fluctuating from warm to cold, a typical Alabama Spring. But, the crappie are biting and turkey season is almost here. Remember to record your turkey on your harvest record and we encourage everyone to use our voluntary Game Check system. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable spring. l



From the TrenchesBy Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director

H opefully by the time you get this Spring issue of ACE Magazine the winter weather will be gone. I’ve had enough. I’m ready for some good spring

weather. I’m ready for Turkey Season.We are excited to have Lt. Heath Walls as our new State

President. He has served as Vice-President for several years and has been an asset to this Association. He will succeed Chris Jaworowski who controlled the helm for four years. Chris will remain on the board as past president. Chris Lewis will remain as Secretary/Treasurer. Chris maintains our database and does a great job.

Vance Wood will take over the responsibilities of Vice-President. Vance has served as a director in District 5 and District 4. He will be assisting the three new directors (Tim Ward, Patrick Norris and Rick Smith) in district 4. All other District Directors stayed in office after the elections. These Officers will serve two year terms. Our board is established and they are ready to take on the challenges.

To put it lightly we have been busy in the Legislature this ses-sion. We did not accomplish our goal but we gave it our best effort. We are a Pro-Active association and we will continue to fight for Conservation Enforcement Officers. It may not always be popular but it will always be what the majority wants. We remain their voice.

Our 2014 Budget, has been approved and signed off on by the board. We will continue to support national orga-nizations like Buckmasters American Deer Foundation, C.O.P S and Outdoor Women Unlimited. We have gotten on board with Hope for Warriors and will sponsor the fish-ing initiative program. This is a wounded warrior named

Gary Everett that takes other wounded warriors fishing on the tournament trail. This is a great program and we are proud to be on board. His boat and truck will display the ACEOA logo. If you are interested in being a part of this program you can go to hopeforthewarriors.org and click on outdoor adventures and specify fishing initiatives.

We will continue sponsoring local events in each district. We now have 53 events in the budget totaling over $26,000. This does not mean we won’t add more dur-ing the year. We always do. We stick to the policy that no one is turned away if it meets our mis-sion statement. ACEOA requires very little for a grant, only that we get to feature the event in the magazine. You write an editorial about the event and provide at least five digital pictures of the event and its participants.

Our readers may wonder how we can do all that. Well look at all the ads in this magazine. Those people do it. They are the ones that allow us to do the things we do. They are our life line. I can only tell you again thank you. Your support has been unwaver-

ing and I hope we make you proud.Please enjoy this special Life Hunt Issue. This is one

of our most important events of the year. When finished, pass it on to a friend. I hope you enjoy your spring. I know I will. The turkeys are “GOBBLING.”

I will leave you with this quote.

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. ~ Maori Proverb

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Brrr! Buckmasters Hunters Weather Cold For Life Classic

By David Rainer, photos by David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

W ith the coldest tem-peratures in decades forecast for the three-

day hunt, participants in the Buckmasters Life Classic Hunt never wavered. They had all faced much tougher situations than the 9-degree temperatures.

The 11 hunters that came to Sedgefields Plantation in west central Alabama were dealing with obstacles that ranged from traumatic brain injury to lympho-ma to IED (improvised explosive device) injuries, so a little cold weather wasn’t going to hamper this opportunity to hunt white-tailed deer on some of the best hunting land in the Southeast.

Four of those participants were from Alabama and only one did not bag a deer during the outing, although he had a fleet-ing chance on the first afternoon.

Charles Kilgore of Opelika, who suffered a traumatic brain injury when a dropped firearm discharged and struck him, saw a couple of shooters that first afternoon, but the deer didn’t present a good shot and so Kilgore passed.

Kilgore, who was sponsored for the hunt by the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association, lost most function in his left arm and some of the func-tion in his left leg after a stroke occurred after the injury. But that didn’t stop his education or hunting. When suf-

ficiently recovered, he went back to Auburn University to finish his doctorate in biology.

“It took me two years to get back into the woods,” Kilgore said. “When Chris Jaworowski (Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries wildlife biologist) asked me if I wanted to come to Buckmasters, I said, ‘Let’s go.’ I use a Caldwell Deadshot Fieldpod to hold the rifle, but I have to use my right arm for everything, so it’s kind of hard to make a quick shot. On the first hunt, we saw about 20 deer, mostly does and three pretty nice bucks. We just couldn’t get a shot.”

Ozark native Stephen Ayhens, a disabled Marine who par-ticipated in a fishing event with A HERO Foundation near Montgomery in 2011, managed to get into a friendly contest with fellow disabled soldier Bobby Dove of Florida, who served in the U.S. Army.

“It’s the Marines versus the Army,” Ayhens said. “I think the Marines are winning. I got a nine-point and Bobby got an eight-point, so I think I win.”

Ayhens has been able to hunt deer around Brundidge and Quantico (Va.) and duck hunt in Maryland since an IED took both his legs in Afghanistan.

continued on 11

Stephen Ayhens of Ozark, who was wounded in Afghanistan, and Buckmasters founder Jackie Bushman show off the nine-point buck Ayhens

took on the opening afternoon of the Buckmasters Life Classic Hunt at Sedgefields Plantation.


BRRR! BUCKMASTERS HUNTERS WEATHER COLD FOR LIFE CLASSIC – continued


“This is outstanding,” Ayhens said of the Buckmasters hunt. “This is a great way to get outdoors again.”

Ayhens showed up for the hunt with his new-to-him “tank” chair, a wheelchair equipped with tracks that help those who are wheelchair-bound or have other disabilities to get through certain terrain and into the hunting woods.

“Another Marine, Jeremiah Arbogast, had this and couldn’t use it because of his spinal injury,” said Ayhens, who has maintained a mischievous sense of humor through his recovery. “It would jar him around too much. They found this one in pretty bad condition, so Hope for the Warriors and a couple of other groups came together to fix it up and make it bigger. And it’s a lot more power-ful. This is the first time I’ve been able to use it. I’m still getting used to it, but I like running over peoples’ toes.”

On Ayhens’ hunt, it didn’t take long for the action to start that first afternoon. No more than 10 minutes after getting settled in the shooting house, deer started showing up.

“We had a doe, fawn and small buck come in right away,” he said. “They ate around and then left. Then the nine-point came in with a small party, two does and a small buck. The nine-point came in the field at about 300 meters. He came a little closer to 216 meters, and that’s where I shot him.”

Ayhens didn’t need any adaptive equipment to shoot, other than his prosthetic legs, shorter versions called “stubbies.” He made the shot with a Ruger .280.

“I just stood up, rested the gun on the shooting house ledge and fired,” he said. “I hit it a little far back, but we got him anyway. I felt good when I squeezed the trigger. He ran about 25 yards behind some foliage. Then we saw him stagger and fall.”

Ayhens wasn’t the only Alabama hunter to bag a deer. Rhett Bailey, who was invited by Atlanta Braves star reliever Craig Kimbrell, shot an eight-point, while Taylor Lee Robinson of Thorsby took a nine-pointer during the event, which also featured a return visit from New York

Yankees’ reliever David Robertson.David Sullivan, Director of Life Hunts and Disabled

Services for Buckmasters’ American Deer Foundation, said many of the hunters at the Life Hunts require sig-nificant adaptive devices to be able to participate.

“We were able to purchase two mechanicals rigs where the hunters can totally control the firearm with a joystick and a sip and puff tube,” Sullivan said. “Plus, those rigs have video devices on the scopes, so they don’t have to get down and get the right eye relief on the scope. That’s one of the things the American Deer Foundation does is provide this equipment through our sponsors like Wildgame Innovations. Travis Peercy (Island, Ky.) used a tripod with a military-type mount that we get from a guy in Texas. Travis is unsteady and used that to take his 11-point on the first afternoon. He was all smiles.

“We’ve had people who are paralyzed on respirators that we’ve taken hunting. If they put their mind to it, we can make it happen.”

Sullivan said the largest hurdle for those with dis-abilities and illnesses remains access to hunting property. He even designed a trailer that will help with that access problem. He named it the Quincey Assault Vehicle after his late stepson, David Christopher Quincey, who was

continued on 13

David Sullivan of Buckmasters’ American Deer Foundation developed a new trailer, the Quincey Assault Vehicle, to help transport those with disabilities to hunting locations.


BRRR! BUCKMASTERS HUNTERS WEATHER COLD FOR LIFE CLASSIC – continued


killed in a training accident in the U.S. Army as he was preparing to be deployed to Pakistan.

“I designed a trailer that took me a couple of years to build,” Sullivan said. “I started out with one thing, but we ended up tearing it apart and starting again. It’s now got ATV tires with torsion axles. It’s a real smooth ride and we can roll a wheelchair into it and tie it down. We’ve got toolboxes to hold the equipment. There’s room for people to sit back there with them to keep them safe. This really helps with access, especially in muddy areas. We had another volunteer who built another one for us.”

Sullivan said the Hinton family, which has hosted the Life Hunt Classic for more than a decade, makes it a lot easier to hold a hunt for those with disabilities.

“Getting out and hunting is the main goal, period,” Sullivan said. “Having a place like this to come is icing on the cake. It’s the experience, camaraderie and some of the best hunting in Alabama and the Southeast. We couldn’t do it without the Hintons and all the volunteers.”

Jackie Bushman, Buckmasters CEO and founder, said the Buckmasters Classic has been in existence for 23 years in one form or another.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been that long,” Bushman said. “To have so many different kids here and our soldiers here and to watch their dreams come true, I never get tired of this. This is my favorite three days of the year. We couldn’t do it without the Buckmasters members nationwide. And we’re trying to take more. Thanks to our sponsors, like big Bill Busbice, his wife and fam-ily, Nationwide Insurance this year and the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association, we can put on another great event. We’ve got a lot of nice folks

and great volunteers that make this happen, as well as the Hinton family.

“Fortunately, we got ahead of the game on the first day and got seven deer. That way we didn’t have to try to get seven deer on the last day, like we did last year. It’s always fun to be here and see the smiles on the hunters’ and their families’ faces. It’s just priceless.” l

Ayhens also received his new-to-him “tank” chair at Buckmasters. The all-terrain chair gives Ayhens

much more access to the hunting woods.



Life Hunt Photos

ACEOA


LIFE HUNT PHOTOS – continued




BADF Life Hunt 2014By Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director

I think if you asked for the coldest three days in January to have the Life

Hunt Classic, you would have gotten your wish. I was really concerned that the kids and adults would not be able to stand these conditions. They really fooled me.

The opening afternoon they managed to harvest seven exceptional bucks. Weather was not a factor for the next two days. David Sullivan and all the BADF volunteers were totally prepared. They had blind heat-ers, hand and foot warmers and even sleeping bags for all the hunters.

This is ACEOA’s second year as being a corporate sponsor of the BADF Life Hunt Classic. We consider this our major event of the year. Having been involved with the hunt for nearly ten years and Buckmasters since the early 80’s, I have a very deep respect for their programs especially the ones developed to assist the physically challenged and the wounded warriors.

Jackie Bushman has been an innovator in the industry and provided opportunities for the special needs hunter like no other.

You have heard me say in my past Life hunt editorials that this is a very humbling event. It makes you realize that your little 65-year-old issues are very small. This group of about 10 or 12 hunters come to this hunt with life threatening diseases and physical challenges and the strength of Iron Men competitors. They just want to hunt. That’s what this hunt provides for them.

The Hinton family of Dallas county opens their beau-tiful Sedgefields Plantation to these hunters and the opportunity is unbelievable. It is definitely the hunt of a lifetime. I would like to personally thank Jimmy Hinton, all the Hinton family and the dedicated guides that show

up weeks ahead to make preparations for these spe-cial hunters. A special thank you also goes out to all the Buckmasters volunteers that cook and provide all the meals for the three day hunt. David Sullivan does a great job and certainly deserves some praise.

ACEOA sponsored Charles Kilgore of Opelika this year. Charles was injured in an accident when a handgun accidently discharged. The

bullet struck him in the head, leaving him paralyzed on his left side. He was not able to harvest a deer but he had some opportunities. He was a real trooper and braved the cold weather every morning and afternoon.

Stephen Ayhens (Marines) and Bobby Dove (Army) were the wounded warriors that were invited to hunt by Buckmasters. They both harvested nice bucks. They are true heroes and it is humbling to just to be in their presence. I certainly appreciate their sacrifice.

David Robertson of the New York Yankees and Craig Kimbrell of the Atlanta Braves returned to the hunt this year. They brought Yankee and Braves memorabilia for all the hunters. They take time out of their busy schedules to come to this hunt and we appreciate them doing it. They are really nice, down to earth guys that share the passion of hunting.

“Big Bill” Busbice with Wildgame Innovations was not able to make the hunt this year but remained the major corporate sponsor. We really missed you Big Bill.

ACEOA being a part of The Life Hunt Classic is made possible by our Corporate Sponsors. You are our life line and we appreciate your continuous support. Please enjoy this special issue and know your support has made our involvement possible. We will be back in 2015 because of you. l



NWTF Conservation Officer Appreciation

By Joel D. Glover, Conservation Enforcement Officer-Supervisor, Wildlife Section

F or many years the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has sponsored a law

enforcement officer of the year recognition program. Alabama has been well represented with both state and national winners. All state NWTF officers of the year are invited to an officer’s luncheon at the NWTF convention. It has been my privilege to attend this luncheon for the past three years. This year the program was sponsored in part by the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer Association (ACEOA).

Bob Eriksen, Regional Wildlife Biologist for the NWTF, opened the meeting by thanking the ACEOA for helping make the program possible.

The luncheon is a great oppor-tunity for officers from across the

country to meet one another and to hear presentations from members of various departments. This year Lt. Jim Kirkland, Alabama NWTF Officer of the Year, Deborah Dixon, Darin Clifton, last year’s National NWTF Officer of the Year, officers from 17 other states and I enjoyed presentations from Officers from Georgia, Tennessee and Arkansas.

Georgia DNR Ranger 1st Class David Webb delivered a compre-hensive overview of a recent under-cover operation entitled, “Operation Something Bruin.” Officers from Georgia, North Carolina, U.S Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Park Service took part in the two year-long operation in Georgia and North Carolina. The operation focused on the poaching

continued on 29Officer Deborah Dixon, Alabama

NWTF Officer of the Year.


NWTF CONSERVATION OFFICER APPRECIATION – continued


of Black Bears and the commercialization of black bear parts including paws, claws and gallbladders. The offi-cers were able to infiltrate the poaching network which had connections across the country. The investigation was extensive with the officers making over 1,000 audio recordings and 115 videos. 249 charges were brought against 34 defendants. Violations included hunting in closed season, unlawful baiting, over the limit and tagging violations and violations of the Lacey Act.

Mike Stockdale, TWRA Forensics Analyst, provided a review of his work using DNA to prosecute wildlife viola-tions. Stockdale has worked in wildlife forensics for many years and explained the procedures he has perfected which have helped to secure convictions in cases nationwide. Wildlife DNA evidence is analyzed similarly to human DNA. He did caution not to believe what you see happen in minutes on CSI!

Lastly the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission gave a presentation out-lining the details of a rescue attempt that claimed the life of Arkansas Game Warden Joel Campora. Campora perished attempting to save people from flood-waters. End of Watch 5-31-13. The trib-

ute to Officer Campora contained a thought provoking quote from J. R. Miller; “What a man IS, survives him. The only thing the mourners carry back from the tomb and refuses to be buried is character.” Following the presentation, Campora’s wife addressed the group and reminded us to cherish each moment with family since none of us know when the end will come.

I very much appreciate ACEOA helping to sponsor this event. l

(L-R) Alabama Conservation Commissioner Gunter Guy, Officer Deborah Dixon, Lt. Jim Kirkland, and Director Chuck Sykes of Alabama WFF.

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Limestone County Hunter Education

By Mickey Bauer

T he Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association (ACEOA) recently provided funding to the Limestone County Hunter Education Program.

On September 28, 2013, funds were used to provide participants in the course with a meal prepared by four

continued on 33

Archery practice.Proper gun handling instruction.

Steve Pepper, conservation officer, with instructors and student from the course.


LIMESTONE COUNTY HUNTER EDUCATION – continued


star chef, Chris Ryberg. Ryberg is also one of several volunteer instructors involved with this program.

The meal was prepared and served at the Elkmont Rural Village Clubhouse as part of the final day of the course which included classroom instruction, field train-ing, and final exam.

The Hunter Education Program is a statewide program designed to instruct students in safe and proper hunt-ing techniques. Participants must be at least 10-years-old and must have completed the course by age 16 in order to purchase an Alabama State Hunting License.

continued on 35

Steve Pepper, conservation officer, with some of the Limestone County Hunter Education instructors.

Practicing trail safety. Orienteering with Brad Wales.


LIMESTONE COUNTY HUNTER EDUCATION – continued


Anyone born before 1977 is exempt from the required course. However, many other states have earlier exemption dates so hunters who may be inter-ested in out of state hunting trips should consider participat-ing in the class.

A typical hunter education class consists of four nights’ training by qualified instructors, followed by a compre-hensive exam. On the final day of this particular session, students participated in hands on events including: Tree stand safety, archery, orienteering, and a safety trail with hypothetical situations that may arise during a hunt.

The Limestone County Hunter Education Program is part of the Alabama Hunter’s Education Association, is offered free of charge to participants, and taught by vol-unteer instructors. l

Instructor, Stan Bates, guides one of the students in the proper techniques of tree stand safety.

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Habitat Diversity and Wildlife

By James Altiere, Regional Hunter Education Coordinator, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

A ll wildlife species have the basic habitat requirements of food, water, cover and

space. The arrangement of these requirements will directly affect both the number of wildlife spe-cies and the number of individuals inhabiting an area.

Wildlife habitat is influenced by location, climate and land use. Managers cannot affect location or climate, but they can manipu-late the land in numerous ways. Habitat diversity can be obtained by a variety of methods depending on the goals of the landowner or man-ager. A landowner may consider the protection of an old growth timber ecosystem to benefit species prefer-ring this type of habitat. Protecting old growth habitat is also benefi-cial in many instances because of the length of time it takes to replenish itself once it is removed. However, the diversity within this system can be increased by creating openings. The openings should be large enough to provide adequate edge, but not so large that they adversely affect wildlife that depends upon old growth forest. Edge is the area where two or more habitat types meet.

The changes in wildlife habitat from bare ground to mature forest are known as changes in succession. Many species of wildlife prefer habitats that are in early suc-cession, the first few years of growth from bare ground. This type of habitat is most often created by clearcuts or timber thinning. Power line rights of way may also provide this type habitat. These habitats can be maintained with

the use of prescribed fire, mowing, disking or herbicides. Utilizing those tools, early succession can be main-tained indefinitely.

There are many tools a manger can use in making land management decisions. Perhaps the most import tool is knowledge. A manager should understand the consequences of any actions before implementing a practice. Many landowners have suffered because they were not fully aware of those consequences. Be aware that anything you do on the land causes change. Some changes are minor without much impact and others have dramatic effects.

The wildlife that is on any par-ticular piece of property is directly dependent on the habitat. To increase the variety of wildlife spe-cies, wildlife managers and land-

owners should manage for maximum habitat diversity. Increasing habitat diversity will enhance the enjoyment of both consumptive and non-consumptive uses of our wildlife resources.

Additional information regarding management practic-es to benefit wildlife can be obtained at any Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Office. To locate the district office closest to you, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

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

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Prescribed burning is one way to manipulate habitat for wildlife.

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A Tribute to Mike Pollard

By Corky Pugh, Executive Director of the Hunting Heritage Foundation

I f heaven has Game Wardens, they just got an incred-ible Assistant Chief.

Mike Pollard passed away earlier this year at the age of 51. The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and his family and friends buried him in the small cemetery beside the Rocky Branch Baptist Church in rural Randolph County, Alabama.

The funeral service, held in Opelika, as well as the graveside service, were conducted in their totality by present and former employees of the Division. Whether this was by design or just hap-pened that way, it was a powerful manifestation of the strong, almost familial bond among the employees of the Division.

A very modest, low-key indi-vidual, Mike would have blushed at all the attention. He would have wanted to leave the chapel to get back into the outdoors he loved so much.

The sermon by retired Captain Don Herring offered comfort from God’s word to the family in their bereavement. Each of the classic bluegrass gospel selections performed by Fisheries Biologist Graves Lovell and retired Fisheries Chief Barry Smith captured the earthy, natural feel that Mike loved so much.

Eulogies from Sgt. Keith Mann, Sgt. Carter Hendrix, recently-retired Officer Jeff Brown, and retired Chief Allan Andress were so real that even if you had never known Mike, you came to know his exceptional character. An a cappella rendition of Amazing Grace by Sgt. Michael

East drove home the extraordinary spirituality that char-acterizes so many of the professionals who spend their lives working outdoors in God’s creation.

Chief Andress served as Mike’s supervisor through-out his career, initially as Captain in the district where Mike first came to work, and then as Chief Conservation Enforcement Officer. He characterized Mike Pollard as having, “the heart of a lion and the spirit of a warrior.” This strong but gentle persona bespoke the Mike Pollard we all knew well: manly, but mannerly; humble, but self-assured; very principled, but reasonable.

Mike Pollard was a “Game Warden’s Game Warden,” slow and patient when he needed to be but fast as lightning when the occasion arose, tactically aware and skilled but calm and measured in his approach, always display-ing grace under pressure. Having had the treasured opportunity to interact with literally hundreds of these dedicated law enforcement

officers, I can unequivocally state that there has never been a better man to put on a Game Warden’s uniform than Mike. And there is not a person in the Division who would disagree with me.

Mike grew up hunting with family and close friends. As a young man, he worked in his father’s family-owned hardware store. Like so many, his early life experiences sparked a burning interest in conservation law enforce-ment as a career.

continued on 41

Mike Pollard.


A TRIBUTE TO MIKE POLLARD – continued


When Mike was getting a degree in Criminal Justice at Auburn, he did his internship with the Division—against the advice of his professors at the University who wanted him to work with the police department.

The Game Warden in Lee County at the time was Robert Siedler, who was not at all sure about the “baby-faced boy.” The two of them were like the “Odd Couple,” as different as night and day—except for the principled part and the hard working part. The two became very close partners.

Mike worked for a period as a Lee County Deputy Sheriff, and when the opportunity became available, came to work for the then-Game & Fish Division, now Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries. His dream job as a Game Warden became a reality. And he pursued the job with an unexcelled passion.

He possessed the perfect mix of compassion and aggressive-ness. The hard-core game law violators’ worst nightmare, Mike worked collaboratively with fellow officers to arrest night hunters, road hunters, baiters, and other game hogs. Yet, he always exer-cised good judgment, common sense, and discretion in dealing with hunters and fishermen.

A rare mix of old-school Game Warden and innovative, new-age officer, Mike was on the cutting edge of new natural resources law enforcement tactics. Yet he always remained grounded in traditional conserva-tion law enforcement.

Mike pioneered the use of GPS technology in the Division. Today, GPS plays a major role in working seri-ous violations like night hunting and hunting over bait. Working hand-in-glove with the local District Attorney, Mike researched and developed the use of checkpoints as an enforcement tool on public roads in high hunting activity areas.

This strategy, carefully following legal guidelines, results in highly effective, focused law enforcement, while minimizing inconvenience to the public.

If character were rated on a scale of one to ten, Mike would have gotten a 12. He dedicated his time and effort to two priorities—his family and his work. As Don Herring put it, “Mike honored his father and mother.”

As the youngest of his brothers, Mike was still living at home when his father died. On his deathbed, his dad asked Mike to take care of his mom. He spent many years doing just that. In fact, he passed up a promotion or two that would have required moving away from his mother.

Serving a stint as supervisor at the District level, Mike relied not on rank, but on the earned respect of fellow officers. Known for his firm but fair approach, he provided

a guiding hand for rookies and seasoned officers alike.Promoted against his will to the Montgomery Office,

Mike moved up to the number two position in the Law Enforcement Section. His calm temperament, impeccable character, extensive field experience, and natural leader-ship ability helped shape and mold a model enforcement program. A team player, Mike never put self-interest ahead of the program.

The walls of Assistant Chief Mike Pollard’s office bore no elaborate displays of his extensive personal accom-plishments. The most prominent feature was a relatively small framed print of a Frances Tipton Hunter painting

continued on 43

This print of Frances Tipton Hunter’s Trouble Brewing was the most prominent feature in the office of Assistant Chief Mike Pollard.


A TRIBUTE TO MIKE POLLARD – continued


depicting a barefoot young boy catching a very small fish with a pole and line. The boy is right beside a big sign reading “FISHING FORBIDDEN.” There is a Game Warden standing in the bushes up the bank behind the boy with his forefinger and thumb on his chin as if he’s contemplat-ing what to do with the young violator.

This little print captures the ever-present challenge that Game Wardens face—sorting out the wide variety of people they encounter in a day’s work and using common

sense in how they respond. Mike Pollard was a master at this difficult task. Doing it well is the mark of a real Game Warden. l

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

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That Special TurkeyBy Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director

T hose of you that have been on board with ACEOA for a while know I love to turkey hunt. Spring is my season. You also learned from past articles

that I have never professed to be very good at it. Like many other hunters I tend to get beat up by one turkey. I know better but I still do it. Call it “stupidity” or call it the “challenge.”

Last season was no dif-ferent. This giant long beard stayed deep in my swamp all season. He made no effort to go with the hens to the edges. He would gobble a few times in the tree and shut up. Well, you would figure he had hens; so he didn’t need to gobble on the ground. The strange thing is he didn’t have any hens when I was able to get a glimpse of him.

I never gave up and he would always lure me in with his thunder tree gobble. The stupidity part is I would leave other turkeys to go to him. This cat and mouse game went on till late in the season. One morning I left the house at my normal 4:30 a.m. and it was raining like the dick-ens. Since I have to travel 21 miles, I figured I could drive out of it. When I got to where I park it was raining even harder. I put my truck seat in recline and decided to just sit there and wait it out.

After a while it started getting light and it wasn’t any better. I continued to nap. It was the lack of rain on my windshield that woke me. I stepped out of the truck to stretch my legs, check the skies and decide if it was worth the effort to head into the swamp. The silence was

broken with the gobble of a turkey. I recognized it and I knew it was him.

I grabbed my vest, shot gun and only a few neces-sities and headed down the hill to the creek. That was my only cover and it wasn’t much. He was close. I went less than 100 yards using every bit of cover I could mus-

ter. I looked across the field and saw a white head on the edge. He must have seen me. That wasn’t bad enough; it started pouring down raining again. I mean monsoon rain. I covered what calls I could in my vest and relied entirely on my mouth call. Could I call him back? Probably not.

A hen started answering me to my left and she was really upset. The madder she got the more I hammered her. Eventually I located her coming down the creek looking for me. Behind her was a jake, a two-year-old and the big boy in full strut. The rain never slacked up. The big gobbler finally got in range and I hammered him. The hen sold him out, as they often do. He was wet but I knew he was abnormally heavy. He had a rope 12-inch

beard and dagger one and three eights inch spurs. When dried out he weighed 25-1/2 pounds.

Maybe he was just waiting for a rainy day to leave the swamp. Maybe he knew I wouldn’t harass him in the rain. Maybe he took me for a fair weather hunter. It was none of these. It’s just turkey hunting. It’s the reason I keep getting up and going … Days like that rainy day.

l



How Gun and Ammunition Sales Affect State Game

and Fish AgenciesBy Jeff L. Makemson, Certified Wildlife Biologist,

Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

T hroughout the United States, most state game and fish agencies, including the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF), receive

no moneys from their state’s general fund budget. Funding for these agencies is based on a “user pay” concept, with the majority of funds used to support and enhance state conservation and education efforts coming from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.

States also receive a significant amount of annual fund-ing through an excise tax placed on certain merchandise used in hunting and fishing. Guns, ammunition, bows and arrows are items on which the excise tax is collected. In recent years, gun and ammunition sales have dramatically increased, as more Americans are purchasing firearms and ammunition. Gun and ammunition manufacturers throughout the country have hired additional personnel, added additional manufacturing shifts, and are building addition-al facilities, but still can’t keep up with the demand for some firearms and ammunition. This dramatic increase in demand and sales has led to an increase in annual funding allocated to state game and fish agencies.

The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, usually called the Pittman-Robertson Act after its sponsors, Senator Key

Pittman of Nevada and Representative Absalom Willis Robertson of Virginia, creates an 11 percent excise tax placed on firearms, ammunition, and bows and arrows. The tax already existed in 1937, but conservationists from all over the U.S., faced with dwindling wildlife and fisheries populations, pressured Congress to earmark that money for state game and fish agencies. Those funds opened the door for the modern era of wildlife conservation.

Each year millions of dollars are dedicated to wildlife and fish restoration and enhancement projects across the country. Since the implementation of the act, more

than $13 billion have been col-lected, distributed, and matched with funds from state agencies. Projects focus on wildlife and fish management, species and habitat restoration, land acquisi-tion, habitat protection, scien-tific research, wildlife population monitoring, hunter and aquatic education, public shooting ranges, and access for hunting, fishing and boating.

The moneys collected from the excise taxes go to the U.S. Department of the Interior and are distributed to states based on a formula that takes into account the number of hunting license sold in the state and the size of the state. State wildlife agencies must apply for the

continued on 49


HOW GUN AND AMMUNITION SALES AFFECT STATE GAME AND FISH AGENCIES – continued


money and provide 25 percent of their own matching funds. The majority of these matching funds come from hunting and fishing license sales.

A 2011 national survey of Hunting Fishing and Wildlife Associated Recreation conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service documented a significant resurgence in the number of people embracing America’s great out-doors. Hunting participation has increased by 9 percent, while fishing participation has increased by 11 percent. Nearly 38 percent of Americans participated in wildlife related recreation, an increase of 2.6 million participants from the 2006 Survey.

Because of the Pittman-Robertson Act visionaries, the booming economy in firearm and ammunition sales, and the increase in participants, states currently have a tem-porary increase in funding available to support wildlife

and fisheries conservation efforts. As the belt tightens on state general fund budgets, it is nice to be able to celebrate the wisdom of those who recognized our responsibility to conserve and restore our greatest natural resources and devised a way to pay for it for future generations to enjoy. For more information, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website (www.fws.gov) or the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ site (www.outdooralabama.com).

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

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T he Southside Baptist Brotherhood Ministry held its 2nd Annual Outdoors with Friends Hunting Weekend on December 13th and 14th 2013 with

33 hunters. Participants from Tennessee, Florida and our local area came to Hunt. There was a Friday afternoon hunt as well as Saturday morning and Saturday after-noon. Our mission is to share the message and love of

Christ to the Disabled, also to the Disadvantaged Child who has no Christian influence in their Lives. We do this by annually sponsoring hunting and fishing weekends. This year’s hunt was a great success with 19 Doe, 1 Buck, 4 Hogs, and 2 Coyotes harvested. Sheldan Sanders of Troy took the free shoulder mount for the biggest buck taken.

continued on 53


OUTDOORS WITH FRIENDS – continued


It was heartwarming to see the relationships devel-oping between the guides and the hunters. Our church opened its Sunday school rooms for overnight lodging for those who could not afford to get a room. The hunters were given “hunters orange” hats and vest with inspi-rational scriptures embroidered on them as well as our Logo. Three meals were served; testimonials from some of the participants on their time with us spoke, along with an inspirational message Friday night.

Local landowners and Hunting clubs provide us with locations to take hunters after that it is just a matter of logistics preparing who will go with whom. Any Landowner or Club within 30 minutes of Troy who would like to volunteer their land for the event next year can contact Greg Ricks (334) 465-5542 Southside Baptist Church Brotherhood Director.

We want to thank the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Associtiation for their Donations because if it was not for groups and men like you we would not be able to do such life rewarding and meaning-ful events in our community. l

photos continued on 55


OUTDOORS WITH FRIENDS – continued


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Kid’s KornerBy Gayle Morrow

Sasha Jaworowski harvested her first turkey on March 9th during a statewide youth turkey hunt on private land in Dallas County. Her dad, Chris, shared great photos from the special day. Congratulations, Sasha!

The Jaworowski girls ~ Jasmine and Sasha celebrating Sasha’s first turkey.

Chris Jaworowski and daughter Sasha with her first turkey.

Sasha Jaworowski’s first turkey ~ 9-1/2” beard and 1” spurs.



Henry County Youth Dove Hunt

By CEO Larry Doster

T he Henry County youth dove hunt was held on September 21, 2013 near Haleburg, Alabama. Even though the weather forecast was possible rain and

thunderstorms, about 55 youth hunters along with their adult sponsors attended the event that included skeet shooting, rod and reel casting, baseball throwing, boiled peanuts, hot dogs and snacks prior to the dove hunt.

Again this year, Mrs. Charlotte Doster hosted the hunt on her property and Mr. Harnidge Elliott planted the field for the hunt. Skeet shooting was provided by J.D. Sadler and Mr. Elbert Bristow was in charge of the other activities.

After a safety talk by CEO Larry Doster, all youth hunt-ers received a door prize purchased with funds provided by ACEOA. l

Travis Culbreth and Sayed Yusuf.Doyle and Sawyer McKenzie.Justin Reynolds and his son Bradley,

with shotgun shells provided by ACEOA.

Cole Phillips and his dad, Craig Phillips. Rached and Rashad Yusef.



The Game Check ProgramBy David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

N ow that the 2013-2014 white-tailed deer sea-son is a wrap, Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Director Chuck Sykes has some

impressions of the season, which featured a few changes and plenty of cold weather.

Regarding the three main changes, Sykes figures it was much ado about nothing.

“I think people got worked up for no reason,” Sykes said. “The February deer season — we’re going to kill all our mature deer — that didn’t happen. For the area defini-tion change — people are going to be getting tickets right and left, and officers are going to have a monumental task of enforcing it — that didn’t happen either. Game Check — we don’t have service, and it’s going to be such a hassle — both untrue.”

For the first time, hunters in south-west Alabama were granted a change in deer season that swapped 10 days of deer hunting in December for hunting the first 10 days of February.

“The February deer season was met with overwhelming positive feed-back,” Sykes said. “People in south-west Alabama were allowed to hunt into February, when the majority of the rut occurs. Do I think it made a significant impact on the number of deer killed — no. But it provided an opportunity. That’s what the hunters wanted. As a department, we took the hunters’ requests and combined them with scientifically collected data and made the right management decision, which is the way it should be. Decisions shouldn’t just be based on wants. They should be based on science. In this case, the wants of the hunters matched up with the science that we conducted, so it was a no-brainer.”

The Game Check program, which

was voluntary this past season, resulted in a little more than 20,000 reports of deer harvested. As with any new program, there were a couple of small bugs to work out. For example, some people with older lifetime licenses had trouble reporting their harvests. Sykes suggests that anyone with a lifetime license that is more than 10-years-old should send it in for a replacement card and updated number free of charge.

“According to the estimate from our mail surveys, and again this is just an estimate, we got three- to four-per-cent compliance. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) is going to look at the data and see what information we have. We’re going to take this data and compare it to what we get from the traditional mail survey to see if we

continued on 63

Mark Kennedy of Mobile, harvested this beautiful 10-point buck late in January. Because Kennedy purchased his lifetime license more than

10-years ago, he had to go online at www.outdooralabama.com to participate in the Game Check program. Those with lifetime licenses more

than 10-years-old are urged to get a replacement card free of charge.


THE GAME CHECK PROGRAM – continued


get any kind of trend or good comparison. We hope to get more concrete information, especially on a county-by-county basis. Every county reported deer harvests.”

Sykes said it will take a little while to analyze the data with WFF preparing recommendations for the 2014-2015 seasons and bag limits, which will be presented to the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board at its first 2014 meeting on March 1 in Montgomery. That meeting will be held at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Richard Beard Building Auditorium located at 1445 Federal Dr., Montgomery, Ala., 36107.

“Being the first year (of Game Check), we’ve got to figure out what we’ve got,” he said.

The new regulation states: “as it applies to the hunt-ing of deer and feral swine, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that any bait or feed … located beyond 100 yards from the hunter and not within the line of sight of the hunter is not a lure, attraction or enticement to, on or over the area which the hunter is attempting to kill or take the deer or feral swine.” This regulation does not apply to public land. Out of line of sight means obscured from view by natural vegetation or naturally occurring terrain features

“Some people thought it would be a major problem,” Sykes said of the area definition regulation. “Honestly, our conservation enforcement officers issued about the same number of tickets as last year. We tried to make it where landowners could take advantage of trapping and continuing their supplemental feeding programs. That worked like a champ. But outlaws are going to be outlaws. So the tickets our officers were writing were for people sitting anywhere from 30 to 50 yards from the feed. And it was in plain sight.

“Law-abiding hunters took full advantage and it was an overwhelming success. And I talked to a bunch of hunters who decided not to take advantage of it. This was just another opportunity to assist in their land management.”

WFF recently posted the results of its deer reproductive study online (http://outdooralabama.com/images/file/All Data Pooled by Site.pdf) for the public to view.

“Everybody can now look at it online and give us their opinion,” Sykes said. “Again, we’re basing the Department’s recommendation on facts. Facts are pretty clear-cut that the February season is supported and also can be expanded. For me as a biologist working in

Alabama my whole career, it confirmed everything we anticipated. Scientifically, we can justify that February deer season. But that’s not the lone issue. We’ve got to look at what landowners want. We’ve got to consider small-game hunters and lengths of seasons. There are a lot of factors we’ll have to look at before we can ulti-mately make a decision. We’re basing our recommenda-tions on scientific fact, but we’ve got to consider a bunch of other factors before we make our final decisions.

“We will make our recommendations to the Commissioner (N. Gunter Guy Jr.) and advisory board on March 1, and we’ll see what they think about it.”

Sykes said, and it was my experience as well, that a good number of what most people consider trophy deer were taken during the most recent season.

“Overall, I think the three-buck limit has proven valu-able,” Sykes said. “We did see quite a few nice deer killed. We had really good deer killed on the WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas). It’s not just private land that is see-ing the benefits; it’s public land as well. The thing is, if you want to kill a big deer, you can’t kill him when he’s a yearling. People are learning to pass those younger deer up and beginning to reap the benefits.”

One condition that may have contributed to the harvest of those “trophy” deer was the cold weather, although the wet weather may have affected the deer hunters.

“In my opinion, deer are going to rut when they’re going to rut,” Sykes said. “If it’s 80 degrees, they’re going to do it at night. If it’s 40 degrees, you’re going to see more of the activity during the day.

“It was the coldest winter I can remember. We had a bunch of good days to hunt. But, on the other hand, it rained just about every weekend, so people like me, who have to hunt on the weekends, didn’t have good weather to hunt in. It was good that we had cold weather, but for working guys it may not have worked out.”

Sykes appreciates those who participated in Game Check this past season and encourages everyone with a Smartphone to download the Outdoor Alabama app.

“I killed deer in five counties and it took me less than a minute per deer to register my deer through my phone,” Sykes said. “In most instances, I did it in the tree or in the stand before I ever got down. The biggest issue I had was I had to remember my lifetime license number. That’s what took the most time.” l



CAB Considers February Deer Season, Doe Bag Limit

By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

T he expansion of the February deer sea-son to cover most of Alabama south of Montgomery and a reduction in the daily

bag limit for antlerless deer statewide were among the recommendations presented by the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division to the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board (CAB) for the 2014-2015 hunt-ing seasons.

In the first meeting of 2014, CAB members meeting in Montgomery heard a presentation from WFF Director Chuck Sykes that included the reasons the Division recommends that north and south zones be created for deer season in the state. The south zone (see maps) deer season would include 10 days of hunting in February, which is the same season that portions of southwest Alabama had during the 2013-2014 season.

Sykes said the decision to expand the February deer season shift, which swaps 10 days of hunting in December for 10 days in February, was based on the deer reproductive study that has been conducted since 1995.

“We really stepped (the reproductive study) up last year and approximately 500 does were sampled in 2013,” Sykes said. “From all indica-tions, the (February deer) season was a success in southwest Alabama.”

WFF staff concentrated their efforts for the reproductive study in the areas south of Montgomery to determine if a February season shift was scientifically justified.

“Our challenge to the staff was to sample every county south of Highway 80, two spots per county,” Sykes said. “The summary of the data is convincing that south of Highway 80, with about 1,000 samples since 1995, the

average conception date is January 28. North of Highway 80, with about 1,300 samples, the average conception date is January 11. Once you get over to the Chattahoochee (River) Valley, the sample is smaller at about 300 animals, and the average conception date is December 30.

continued on 67


CAB CONSIDERS FEBRUARY DEER SEASON, DOE BAG LIMIT – continued


“Unlike any area in the country, we have quite a varia-tion from county to county and region to region as to the average rut time in the state,” said Sykes, who said the boundary for the proposed south zone for deer is the best that could be drawn using large roads or river systems.

“Keep in mind that we’re not going to be able to do this with 100-percent accu-racy,” he said. “We’re looking for a clear-cut boundary so our officers know where the line is and hunters know where the line is. We’re not going to be able to make every-body happy, but we’re trying to do the best we can.”

Dog deer hunters in attendance were happy to hear that the 10 days of dog deer hunting that were not in the 2013-2014 sea-son have been restored in the recommenda-tions for the 2014-2015 season.

The proposed deer seasons for the south zone are: archery, Oct. 25 through Feb. 10; antlered bucks by stalk or dog hunting, Nov. 22–Nov. 30 and Dec. 11–Jan. 25; antlered bucks by stalk hunting only, Jan. 26–Feb. 10; unantlered deer on privately owned or leased land, Nov. 22–Nov. 30 and Dec. 11–Feb. 10; unantlered deer on open permit–public land, Dec. 15–Jan. 1; and the special muzzloader season, Nov. 17–21.

The north zone deer seasons are: archery, Oct. 15–Jan. 31; antlered bucks by stalk or dog hunting, Nov. 22–Jan. 15; antlered bucks by stalk hunting only, Jan. 16–Jan. 31; unantlered deer on privately owned or leased land, Nov. 22–Jan. 31. Unantlered deer on open permit–public land and special muzzle-loader dates are the same as the south zone.

The reduction of the antlerless bag limit from two does per day to one doe per day statewide was in response to hunter requests and WFF biologists who felt the concerns were valid.

“Last year we did that in north Alabama,” Sykes said. “We had no complaints from that. It went off without a hitch. This is just an attempt to respond to the desires of the hunting public that’s been talking to our biologists and staff. I’ve been traveling throughout the state and had

the same thing brought to my attention. The hunters feel like the doe numbers are not where they need to be, and we need to start by reducing the antlerless bag limit.”

Sykes said landowners who feel they need to harvest more than one doe per day can sign up for the Deer

Management Assistance Program (DMAP), which will survey the property and determine the number of antler-less tags to issue. Under the DMAP program, landowners can harvest up to three antlerless deer per day.

In other WFF recommendations, all of Morgan County will be opened for turkey season; the number of deer

continued on 69


CAB CONSIDERS FEBRUARY DEER SEASON, DOE BAG LIMIT – continued


allowed to be harvested on National Forest Lands will be reduced to one per day; the prohibition on silenced firearms will be removed to allow for federally permitted silencers to be used; the bag limit for bobwhite quail will be reduced from 12 to 8; and trapping for raccoons and opossums by special permit will be allowed. The quail limit will not apply to licensed preserves.

“A special season permit will be available for landown-ers to trap raccoons and possums for wildlife manage-ment purposes,” Sykes said. “It will be issued in a manner similar to the wild hog permits we have now.”

Fall turkey hunters will again have 20 days to hunt in the recommendations for the 2014-2015 season.

Sykes also talked about the turkey population in Alabama, which has seen a decline in turkey recruitment in the last few years. He said the estimate of 500,000 wild turkeys in Alabama was based on observational data collected prior to 2006.

“Hunters across the state, just like the deer hunters, have been expressing concerns that turkey numbers are lower than what they have been,” he said. “In an attempt to look at that, our concerns were validated by the 2013 brood survey, which showed our recruitment rate was the lowest we’ve had in the past 24 years.

“With that being said, our Division has formed a tur-key committee that is working with Auburn University to explore methods to measure turkey productivity and abundance in Alabama. We are also participating in a multi-state research project because that decline is not just in Alabama; it is throughout the Southeast.”

Concerning wildlife rehabilitation permits, Sykes said after meeting with wildlife rehabilitators in the state a new policy was developed for rabies-vector species. One wildlife rehabilitation facility will be licensed in each of the five WFF districts in the state.

“We have a dedicated employee on staff who is a rehab owner herself,” Sykes said. “She will be working with the Division and rehab facilities throughout the state to set up standard practices and procedures where it can be moni-tored. The new policy will require the rehabilitators to adhere to the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association caging and confinement standards and also require pre-exposure shots to handle rabies-vector species.”

In other recommendations, Chris Blankenship, Director of the Marine Resources Division, had two proposals. One was that the vermilion snapper bag limit be set at 10 per person per day to match federal regulations.

The other recommendation had to do with the harvest of red snapper. The proposed regulation would require the reporting of red snapper catches by the charter indus-try and the recreational anglers in the state.

Blankenship said the angler survey done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal agency, has been a point of contention for many years.

“The way (the survey) is managed by the federal gov-ernment is inaccurate,” Blankenship said. “That is the largest topic of conversation of fishermen in Alabama. We’re working diligently to improve the management of red snapper and take over more of the management of red snapper because we believe we can do a better job here in the state.”

Blankenship said the federal survey has produced absurd swings in estimates of harvest from 400,000 pounds to last year’s four million pounds.

“The landings each year don’t fluctuate that much,” he said. “So it is imperative for us to know what is being landed in Alabama. With that, it may help us take over more of the management from the federal government.” l



2014 GEICO Bassmaster Classic

By David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

A fter the second day of the 2014 GEICO Bassmaster Classic, Springville’s Randy Howell and I were in the back of the media center in the Birmingham-

Jefferson Convention Complex, pondering the possibilities of the third and final day of the Classic.

One of the top bass-fishing lakes in the nation, Lake Guntersville had proven ornery during the three-day event after a deluge in the Tennessee River valley dumped tons of fresh, muddy water into the reservoir that traverses some 75 miles in northeast Alabama.

Each day of the competition, the top 50-plus bass fisher-men in the world had to adjust to the changing conditions.

Howell didn’t quite get the adjustment nailed on the second day, but came in with a five-fish limit at 18 pounds, 3 ounces. Howell said coming into the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” that he would have to catch at least 20 pounds a day to be in the running.

That less-than-stellar bag put him in 11th place, 9 pounds behind leader Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla. Howell trailed Guntersville expert Randall Tharp by 8 pounds, 15 ounces. Tharp, who lived in nearby Gardendale, Ala., for 18 years before moving to Port St. Joe, Fla., last July, said, “Day in and day out, Guntersville is the best bass lake in the nation.”

Ever the optimist, Howell said, “I don’t like to be in the lead. There’s too much pressure and too many people following you around. I like being back a little so people won’t pay attention to me. This is Guntersville. Anybody can catch a big bag at any time.”

Howell is a devout Christian who works as much as possible with King’s Home, which has facilities in north Alabama to care for youth, women and single mothers who are at risk. Howell had made arrangements with BASS before the Classic to have a special seating area

for the youth from King’s Home to “Howl for Howell.”

“Some of these kids have been so abused, they can’t even communicate,” Howell said. “They can’t even look you in the face.”

Yet, they were able to cheer for their hero on the Classic stage each day, even though the tournament, to that point, hadn’t been his best.

Oh, but for one more chance.As Howell headed out on the final day of the

Classic last Sunday, he said a feeling of calm came over him and directed him to change his best-laid plans.

“My buddy, Adam Rogers, was with me and my wife, Robin, on the way out,” Howell said. “We prayed before I went out, and they told me not to second-guess my gut, to listen to that still, small voice. I took off running and

continued on 73

Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer interviews Springville’s Randy Howell after Howell claimed the 2014 Bassmaster Classic

title on Lake Guntersville. Howell’s family, (left to right) wife Robin and sons Oakley and Laker joined the celebration.

PHOTO BY BASS/GARY TRAMONTINA


2014 GEICO BASSMASTER CLASSIC – continued


there were people going to meet me at the Mill Creek Bridge. I was going to start there because I’d caught a lot of fish there. About a mile after take-off, I just had this overwhelming feeling. This voice in my head says, ‘Do you want to be good, or do you want to be great?’ I turned right and started going back to Spring Creek. When I did, I had this rush of peace come over me. I just felt it was going to happen.”

Instead of concentrating solely on the bridge structure, Howell focused on the rip-rap that lined the roadway near the bridge.

Throwing a red Rapala crankbait, he started catching fish on almost every cast. As the action continued, bass fishing fans started to line the roadway, cheering him on. Before long, he had a limit weighing more than 20 pounds in the livewell. But he knew he’d have to do better. He changed to a deeper-diving Livingston crankbait and managed to cull several fish. Knowing that anyone could catch a big bag, like BASS Nation angler Paul Mueller did (32-3) on Saturday, Howell continued his effort to improve his catch.

“I had a feeling and went to the back of the creek and caught a 6-pounder and I only won by a pound,” Howell said. “That’s probably what made the difference.”

Normally, BASS brings in the anglers with large catches

late in the weigh-in. Not this time. Howell weighed in early. When BASS Tournament Director Trip Weldon announced 29 pounds, 2 ounces (67-8 total), the home-town crowd went wild.

“That was the best day of fishing I’ve ever had in my life,” Howell said. “That’s the heaviest bag I’ve ever weighed in.”

Now Howell had to sweat it out, fighting back tears as the remainder of the top anglers weighed their fish.

First came Mueller, a fishing guide from Connecticut who had established a single-day Classic record with his 32-3 catch on Saturday. Despite being one of the bigger limits of the week, Mueller’s Sunday catch of 24-11 couldn’t knock Howell out of the leader’s chair.

When Tharp couldn’t break 20 pounds, it was time for Evers to weigh in. He needed 20-3 to overtake Howell. When Weldon read out “18 pounds, 5 ounces,” the crowd erupted as Howell hoisted his hands to the sky.

“Who would have ever thought that I would win in front of the King’s Home crowd,” Howell said later, direct-ing his comments to his supporters. “Who would have ever thought y’all would come to the Classic and I would win. Now you’ve got to come to every Classic.”

Howell also shared another source of inspiration for the Classic. He said he and his family, Robin and sons

Laker and Oakley, were coming home from church last November when he asked his sons what they had learned. The younger son, Oakley, had filled out a prayer request card.

“On it he had writ-ten, ‘My Dad to win the Classic,’” the elder Howell said. “I taped that to my bathroom mirror in our house and looked at it every day.

“God is so awesome that his timing was this day. I can’t believe I won the Bassmaster Classic.”

Another Alabama angler continued on 75Howell caught the majority of his fish on the final day along rip-rap at the Spring Creek bridge.



2014 GEICO BASSMASTER CLASSIC – continued


who put in an impressive performance was Jordan Lee, who was representing Auburn through the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series. After a struggle on the first day with a catch of 13-7, Lee rebounded with catches of 24-0 and 24-10 to finish in sixth place, the highest ever in the Classic for a college angler.

The Vinemont resident fig-ured out the fish had moved to the primrose grass in the shal-low water in Seibold Branch. He started punching grass mats with a creature bait, and his fortunes quickly turned around.

“When I caught the five- and four-pounders on back-to-back flips, I knew that was the deal,” Lee said. “I went back and did the same thing (Sunday) and caught another 24-pound bag. I wish I had figured that out the first day. I might have won this tournament.

“But I’m tickled to death to be here. This is what I’ve always dreamed about – being on that stage. It was special for me. I felt like I could win it. I just didn’t have a good first day. To bounce back like I did, I’m the happiest kid in the world.”

Although some had predicted the Classic total weight record of 69-11, set by Kevin VanDam in New Orleans

in 2011, would be broken at Guntersville, BASS’s Weldon said nobody expected the anglers would have to deal with the muddy water from the thunderstorms.

“Some of them struggled,” Weldon said. “But they made the adjustments. With the warm-up and the current, the perfect storm came together for them to catch the big bags. Guntersville is an incredible lake. It amazes me with the traffic and pressure it gets to produce like it does. Hats off to Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries for what they do managing the lake and the anglers for taking care of this resource.”

Damon Abernethy, Supervisor of Fisheries Development with Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, said Guntersville is indeed a special lake.

“Guntersville has had real steady grass coverage of 25 to 28 percent, which is right in the ideal range, and the bass popu-lation has flourished,” Abernethy said. “It’s a huge lake to begin with at nearly 70,000 acres. What makes Guntersville unique

is that about 80 percent of that is good fish habitat. You can be a mile offshore and still be in 6 feet of water with grass and great habitat. Most lakes are not like that.” l

Auburn’s Jordan Lee became the highest-finishing college angler in the

Classic with a sixth-place finish.


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The Oaks Youth Hunt A Huge Success

T he Oaks Hunting Club in Boligee enjoyed their ninth annual Youth Hunt on the 16th. Seventeen young hunters from The Big Oak Ranch were their guests

on a day of shooting sports, trapping seminars, and great food. The Big Oak Ranch, formerly John Croyle’s Big Oak Ranch, is a home for young boys and girls that otherwise would not have guidance we all need as youngsters. We can all be proud to have The Ranch in Alabama and we at The Oaks are certainly proud to be associated with them.

Our local enforcement officers, Steve Naish and Frank McMillan, worked with the kids, training them in shoot-ing sports with .22 riles. Tommy Atkins, an enforcement officer from Elmore County was in charge of the skeet range. Watching Tommy work with them on how to handle a 20-gauge shotgun while lining up on the clay targets was a treat. He has infinite patience and the skills needed to get them to the point of connecting on most of their shots. Mike Sievering, Wildlife Biologists Supervisor

for this area, had traps, pelts, and knowledge that all the kids could take away. Most of them had never been exposed to trapping or the tools needed, and maybe one or two of ‘em will take it up.

The youngsters were much younger this year than The Ranch has brought in the past. The average prior age was 13, and this year it is 10, so we had challenges the hunting guides had to work with. However, The Ranch does an outstanding job of training and showing the kids what to expect on a trip to the woods.

After a very tasty lunch of BBQ, cooked by Jack McGee, all the kids received their gifts of orange hats, t-shirts, scent killer, and other items that they could use hunt-ing and around school. Every one of them thanked us profusely and exhibited smiles that went on for miles! I sincerely hope all of you get an opportunity like this some day!

As the afternoon went on, calls began to come in from the hunting guides, telling me about their young hunters shooting a deer. We awarded prizes for first deer, first buck, and biggest deer! Winner of the first two categories was Michael, who killed a buck right off the bat! A really nice buck killed by Isaiah, the same kid who had such a great time last year, was the biggest buck. We had

continued on 79

Storm Troopers from Star Wars, make sure the shooters can hit their target.

A young lady tells Santa “exactly” what she wants for Christmas.


THE OAKS YOUTH HUNT A HUGE SUCCESS – continued


seven deer killed overall and a few misses. One kid that just saw a deer told his guide that he had the best time he’s ever had, and is convinced he’ll be a hunter for life.

Each year we attempt to do a little something different to make the day even more memorable, and this time was no exception. Two Storm Troopers from the Star Wars Movies and Santa Claus made appearances for all the kids to enjoy. Attached are pics of them and one of the ladies that seemed to enjoy telling Santa what she wanted for Christmas!

Putting on an event such as this requires a lot of work,

and money, as usual, is the necessary tool. I’d like to list the folks that made this possible:

• Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association

• Greene County Farmer’s Federation

• Ann Payne

• Edgars

• Piggly Wiggly

• Truman’s BBQ, Eutaw

• Greene County Independent

• Simmon’s Sporting Goods

• Academy Sports and Outdoors

• New Beginnings Church in Adamsville

• Walter Resources, Coke Division

In addition to those listed above, we had huge support from several local residents. They either took one of the youngsters to their property to hunt, cooked barbecue for us, or donated money. If those folks are reading this, please know that you are appreciated more than I could ever say!

We’re already making plans for next year, and we would love to see even more or our Eutaw and Greene County friends come down and participate. Believe me, the adults get more of a blessing out of this day than the youngsters do! l




Isaiah’s StoryBy Chris Greer

F or the seventh year in a row, I’ve been blessed by the opportunity to spend time in God’s woods with a young boy from The Big Oak Ranch. There

is absolutely no way to describe the feeling of joy when one of these kids says “thank you for a great day!” Are you kidding? I say “thank you” to them and their house parents for allowing me to spend time with them.

Again this year, I took Isaiah who now weighs all of 85 pounds, hunting at The Oaks 9th Annual Youth Hunt. The folks at The Oaks are a dedicated group of men and women who sincerely feel there is more to a hunting club than climbing a tree and waiting on a deer to walk by. They constantly work to put back some of the blessings they receive from God and nature.

When The Oaks manager, Wayne Harrell, asked Isaiah if he wanted to hunt with the same guide as the 2012 hunt, he answered with a resounding “YES!” I was prob-

ably as excited as he was to have him back. After making a lot of noise setting up, opening the windows on the shooting house, and getting everything ready to hunt,

we both remembered all the adversity we had last year. We had coughed, sneezed, and just generally felt bad at that time. After saying a prayer to ask God to help us feel better, the coughing stopped. Isaiah shot the first buck he had ever seen on last year’s hunt.

Less than 20 minutes after finally getting ready, a really nice 7-point buck stepped into the field, and he waited for a good shot. We found

his buck dead less than 20 yards from the edge of the field and Isaiah had another deer to his credit. One of the prizes awarded to the hunters at the Youth Hunt is for the biggest deer, and of course Isaiah won it, a $50.00 gift card to Academy Sports and Outdoors. He gave me a huge hug and thanked me constantly, even waving and smiling as they drove away to return to The Big Oak Ranch! l

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Treestand Maintenance Could Save Your Life

By Chris Nix, Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

E ach year, thousands of hunters climb trees in excess of 20 feet and hunt from platforms that they might not have inspected prior to the hunting sea-

son. These hunters are subject to injury or death due to simple neglect of their equipment. Hunters should include a thorough treestand maintenance program immediately after the hunting season before storing the stand as well as just before the next season. With such a variety of stands on the market and many people using homemade stands, the complexity of maintenance will vary greatly.

Ladder StandsMost all ladder stands are left in the woods throughout

the off-season. The majority of these stands are con-structed of wood and subject to rot. Another concern is that they are attached to a growing tree, which causes them to detach from the tree as it grows. All nails or screws should be checked for rusting and security, and

signs of damage or rot to the wood should be closely inspected. The platform base and supports should be examined for rot, movement, insecure fittings and dete-rioration. Some ladder stands are made of metal. Inspect these for rust spots and cracks to the welds. If rust is found, sand it off and repaint. Cracks in the welds are sometimes difficult to see, so look for cracks or flaking of the paint in these areas. Inspect and tighten all nuts and bolts as they can loosen over time. Also, inspect all straps and cables for security.

Lock-on StandsAs with any other metal stand, closely inspect all welds.

At times, it can be hard to see small cracks, so inspect the paint for cracks. Rust spots can also be an issue over time, requiring sanding and repainting any visible areas. Inspect and tighten all nuts and bolts as they can loosen

continued on 93


TREESTAND MAINTENANCE COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE – continued


over time. Look closely at all pins, swivels, and hooks to ensure that they are not rusted. Closely inspect all ropes, straps and cables. Damage from weather and animals can cause these to fray over time. Check to ensure that all ratchets are working and locking properly before attach-ing to the tree. Any material used for seating should be inspected for weathering and replaced if needed.

Climbing Sticks and StepsClimbing sticks and steps are generally used to access

lock-on stands. Climbing sticks should be checked for stress cracks around the welds. These are usually attached to the tree with ratchet straps. Check straps for fraying and make sure all ratchets are working and locking properly.

Steps are typically made to screw into the tree; how-ever, some are designed with straps in places where screws are prohibited. Screws on the steps should be checked for buildup of sap and wear around the threads. Over time, the depth of the threads can decrease to the point the step does not function properly and becomes dangerous to use. If the step pivots, check all pins at pivot points. These pins can rust or bend over time. If bent, consider discarding and replacing the step. For strap-on steps, inspect all straps for fraying or dry rot.

Climbing Stands

As with any other metal stand, closely inspect the stand as previously described. Inspect all frame areas for bending or warping. Look closely at all pins, swivels, and hooks to ensure that they are not rusted. Closely inspect all ropes, straps and cables. Note: Any replacement parts used should be factory replacements. Contact the manufacturer for suggestions if parts are unavailable.

Deer hunters do very few things on a regular basis that are more dangerous than hunting from a treestand. A rou-tine maintenance program and the use of proper safety equipment can ensure a safe hunting season. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

For more information, contact Chris Nix, Wildlife Biologist, 30571 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527. You may call the District V Office at 251-626-5474 or email at [email protected].

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

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Hope For WarriorsBy Gary Everett, Warrior Fishing

www.hopeforthewarriors.org

REST

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February 19, 2014 Dear Friend of Hope For The Warriors®: Thank you for your interest in supporting the Hope For The Warriors® Outdoor Adventures Program. We are pleased by your consideration to donate to the Fishing Initiative. The Fishing Initiative through Hope For The Warriors® has been created by a wounded service member with the goal to provide fishing opportunities to other veterans throughout the country. Gary Everett, an Combat Wounded Veteran, is a professional fisherman who competes across the country. His therapeutic view of fishing has inspired him to invite wounded service members to join him during his competitions to help them enjoy the therapeutic benefits of fishing. Donations are graciously accepted via check or online at http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/category/240163/donate-‐now. Please be sure to specify that your donation will be going to the Fishing Initiative. To learn more about how your support will improve the lives of military families, please visit www.hopeforthewarriors.org. Through our website, you can also connect to our social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, read our blog, and subscribe to the newsletter. We appreciate your dedication to the many Hope For The Warriors® programs designed to directly assist those who continuously sacrifice so much. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly at [email protected]. Sincerely, Cristian Nuñez Military & Veterans Program Manager Hope For The Warriors®



Wild Animals in CaptivityBy David Rainer, photo by David Rainer,

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

A cknowledging that the correct action is not always the popular choice when wild animals are involved, Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater

Fisheries (WFF) officials say the division will always give public safety immediate precedence.

The case in point is the recent incident that involved “pet” deer located on Dauphin Island. WFF officers removed the deer, both does, from the island. Many on the island who considered the illegally transported deer as “pets” were outraged.

Fact is, the officers had no other choice because the behavior of wild animals is unpredictable and poses a safety risk to humans.

“First and foremost, and really the bottom line, is it’s a wild animal. Period,” said Chuck Sykes, WFF Director. “It’s not a dog. It’s not a cat. It’s a wild animal. You hear about it every day that somebody has had a dog that all of a sudden bites somebody. That’s a domesticated animal that’s unpredictable.

“Yeah, they’re cute, fuzzy and cuddly when they’re little, but it’s a wild animal. You may think that specific animal wouldn’t hurt anybody, but you can’t know that for a fact.”

Sykes said his work at the Auburn University white-tailed deer research facility gave him specific insight into the unpredictability of the white-tailed deer.

“I worked at Auburn’s deer research facility for a year-and-a-half when I was in school,” he said. “I was there three or four or times a week with those deer. Every once in a while, one would just go berserk. You never know what’s going to happen with a wild animal, and when you get complacent around it, that’s when somebody can get hurt. Even if the animal doesn’t intend to do you bodily harm, something could startle it — a horn going off, a car door slamming, a dog barking. Its flight instinct could hurt somebody unintentionally.”

As J.R. Dunsmore of Marshall County found out recent-ly, deer behavior can change drastically. The captive buck

he had held illegally in a pen went from licking his arm to trying to kill him in a three-week span. Dunsmore lost the sight in his right eye and suffered seri-ous injuries from the attack (go to www.outdooralabama.com/Dunsmore13 to see the entire Dunsmore story).

“During breeding season, the bucks get a shot of testosterone, and every-thing becomes an enemy,” Sykes said. “In summer and early fall, the bucks are bachelored up and together. All the boys are hanging out, and everybody is friendly, and everybody is happy. When the weather gets cold, that tes-tosterone increases as breeding season is coming in. Then nobody is a buddy. Everybody fights.

“If they’re used to a human as their continued on 99

Not only do captive or “pet” antlered bucks pose a threat to humans, does and fawns can cause injuries with flailing hooves and impact in a flight situation.


WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY – continued


buddy during the summer, they don’t care that you were their best friend then. It’s ‘all about me’ when rutting season comes about. They defend their territory and assert their dominance. Period.”

Sykes said that in the blink of an eye that so-called pet can revert to its innate nature, which also provides the animal with the tools to survive.

“They can turn on you and you never see it coming,” he said. “And it’s not just bucks that do it. I’m tired of hearing that if it doesn’t have antlers, it can’t hurt you. One of the worst beatings I ever took was from a 40-pound doe fawn in the research facility. When you’re handling wild animals you can get hurt. Does will stand up on their hind legs and flail at your with their front hooves. Not only can they cut you, they pack a pretty good punch.”

The two does in the recent incident were brought to Dauphin Island by an island resident. The deer roamed the island and became habituated to humans. When the deer were reported to WFF officials in Montgomery, the animals were confiscated. Transporting live wild animals in Alabama is against the law.

“It is a public safety issue,” Sykes said. “As important as that, it’s an illegal activity. This was a no-win situation for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Somebody created a problem that we had to act on. You either remove the animals and you’re looked at as being cruel and heartless, or you don’t do anything and turn a blind eye to the law. As soon as someone or somebody’s pet had been injured, they would have blamed us for not enforcing the law.

“Legally, we did what was right.”Kevin Dodd, WFF Chief of the Enforcement Section,

said there is a consensus among conservation and animal rights groups that wild animals should never become “pets.” He said groups like ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Humane Society of the U.S., PAWS (Performing Animal Welfare Society) and the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association give a list of reasons against making pets of wild animals.

“All of these groups say the same thing,” Dodd said. “Animals can transmit diseases. It’s unfair the animal. It’s a risk to public safety and on and on. We’re all on the same page. If you can get all these diverse groups to recommend against having wild animals as pets, it must be the right thing to do.

“The thing about the deer on Dauphin Island is they

had lost all flight tendencies. That’s where the public safety issue comes in. It’s the same with alligators when you feed them. They don’t avoid humans like they nor-mally do. With deer, at some point, they’re likely to raise up and paw somebody with their hooves. They can be lethal with those hooves.”

Dodd said an investigation into the deer on Dauphin Island prompted the action taken by WFF officers.

“Especially with Dauphin Island being a tourist des-tination, when it was brought to our attention that the deer were licking the faces of babies and toddlers were feeding them, we were not willing to assume the liability that tomorrow, six months or a year from now, that the deer might hurt somebody,” Dodd said. “We felt removal from the island was the best option. We will do that again if this situation comes up in the future.

“It’s a public safety issue. It was brought to our atten-tion by some concerned Dauphin Island residents. With the evidence we had, we deemed it a public safety issue and acted accordingly.”

Good intentions aside, Dodd wants to emphasize that when someone “rescues” a deer for whatever reason that it usually is a death sentence for that animal.

“If people would just call us if they find a deer on the side of the road or whatever, we will deal with it,” Dodd said. “It may not be what they want to hear, but it’s the right thing to do. People don’t realize that we have very few options when it comes to captive or so-called pet deer. Most of the time our only option is the animal or animals must be euthanized.”

Sykes said only those entities that are licensed as zoos, game breeders or wildlife rehabilitators can legally keep wild animals in captivity. The wildlife rehabilitators also must follow specific protocols when rehabilitated animals are released back into the wild.

Sykes said that despite the backlash, WFF officials had no choice but to remove the animals from Dauphin Island.

“The biggest thing is that we did our job, no matter how unpopular it was,” Sykes said. “Doing the right thing is not always the popular thing to do. But taking a wild animal and reducing it to a pet was the wrong thing to do, and we had to do our job.

“To quote (Russian writer Leo Tolstoy), ‘Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it.’”

l


aceoa mag spring 2014

Documents

district director

badf life hunt

life hunt photos

life classic

aceoaaceoa magazine

henry county youth dove

crossland loop

chris banks jim downing