Alabama Black Belt Adventures released a new advertisement to promote the region’s premiere hunting and fishing opportunities — as well as the area’s world class golf courses.
Pam Swanner, Executive Director of Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, delved into what all the region offers.
“There are more than 11 million acres of forested land in Alabama’s Black Belt region,” said Swanner. “The dark rich soil for which this region is known for nourishes the habitat that supports an abundance of wildlife such as whitetail deer, wild turkey, quail, and small game. Our many rivers, lakes and streams provides fisheries teeming with notable species such as bass, crappie and catfish.”
Swanner said that the Black Belt is home to several state parks, national wildlife refuges, and also a national forest.
“There are 8 state parks, 5 wildlife management areas (WMAs), 2 national wildlife refuges, and one national forest found throughout our 23 county footprint in the Black Belt region. There are more than 50 outfitters that offer full-service guided hunts, fishing trips, lodging, meals and game/fish preparation for the trip home.”
The Black Belt offers outdoor recreational opportunities throughout most of the year.
“The region’s diversity of landscape and variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation can be enjoyed almost year round,” Swanner stated. “There are both consumptive and non-consumptive options: hunting, fishing, birding, canoeing/kayaking, whitewater rafting, zip lining, camping and biking.”
She also said that visiting the area will allow those interested to experience its culture.
“Along the scenic back roads visitors can immerse themselves in the history and cultural fabric of our region, find talented artists and crafters, indulge in unique food and drinks made by the locals and stay in one-of-a-kind lodging facilities.”
“The memorable experiences are endless.”
Governor Kay Ivey has previously spoken about the importance of outdoor recreation within the Black Belt.
RELATED: Alabama’s Black Belt offers prime hunting opportunities
“Here in Alabama, hunting and fishing has a $3 billion, that’s with a B, economic impact and supports more than 25,000 jobs,” she said. “In the Black Belt alone, it produces more than $1.4 billion in economic impact and pumps in a whopping $28 million to the state’s education budget. Y’all, that’s big.”
Alabama Black Belt Adventures (ABBA) began operations in the summer of 2009 and was founded by Thomas Harris, a member of the National Board of Directors for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. ABBA is a non-profit dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the 23 counties of the Black Belt Region.
The majority of Alabama’s recognized trophy bucks are from The Black Belt Region.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
