The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is inviting hunters across the state to take part in its 14th annual Big Gobbler Photo Contest during the 2026 spring turkey season.

According to the association, the contest highlights Alabama’s Black Belt region — a 23-county area long known for its strong turkey populations, hunting traditions, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Hunters who harvest a gobbler within the region are eligible to submit a photo for a chance to win a prize package that includes a $100 gift card, hunting gear, and a copy of Black Belt Bounty, along with a Buckmasters prize pack for the first-place winner.

“This is the 14th year for our Big Gobbler Contest, and it’s a wonderful way to further educate the public on all the natural resources found in Alabama’s 23-county Black Belt,” said ALBBAA director Pam Swanner. “Hunters flock to the Black Belt from all over the country to access our abundant hunting opportunities while also enjoying our area’s unique natural scenery, historical sites and local food and entertainment.”

The winning photo will be determined by online voting, which runs through May 10 at 11:59 p.m. Participants may vote once per day using an email address and IP address.

To ensure fairness, contest rules limit entries to one per participant and exclude winners from the previous two years. All contest decisions made by ALBBAA officials are final.

Submitted photos must also meet guidelines promoting ethical hunting and wildlife stewardship. Entries may be disqualified if they depict unethical behavior, violate Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regulations, or show unfair voting practices.

“It’s always rewarding to see the photos entered into the Big Gobbler Photo Contest every year,” Swanner said. “We know we have amazing turkey hunting available here in the Black Belt and what makes it truly special is seeing photos of young hunters bagging their first gobbler or father-and-son or mother-and-daughter hunting together. Those memories will surely last a lifetime.”

ALBBAA encourages participants to comply with all state hunting regulations, including obtaining a valid license through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Black Belt region includes Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox counties.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].