Two brothers from Smith Station are making statewide news after winning this year’s Alabama Black Belt Adventures Big Gobbler Photo Contest. Logan Warrick, 14, and Declan Warrick, 12, were announced as the winners of the competition after their photo drew over 1,000 votes, roughly twice as much as second place. “Our contest attracts entries every […]

Billions of cicadas have emerged across the southeastern United States this spring in a natural phenomenon often referred to as a “super brood.” The brood, known as the “Great Southern Brood” or Brood XIX, appears once every 13 years when soil temperatures reach approximately 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The insects function above ground for six to […]

Alabama’s wetlands and diverse ecosystems serve as a haven for a wide variety of waterfowl, encompassing diving ducks, puddle ducks, and tree ducks and geese among others. Understanding some of the distinct characteristics of waterfowl enhances the experience of both hunting and birdwatching in the state. Hunting waterfowl is a pastime enjoyed by a huge […]

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey joined in the celebration of Safe Boating Week at the Academy Sports + Outdoors store in Montgomery earlier this week as Academy donated $5,000 worth of life jackets to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). “I am pleased to join you and our Conservation Enforcement Officers (CEOs) as […]

A well-known ecotourism expert has released a new report concluding that Alabama’s 23-county Black Belt region has everything needed to become a premier ecotourism destination. Ecotourism, which is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that protects nature and sustains the well-being of local people”, is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism […]

As Memorial Day approaches, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announced the state is taking part in National Safe Boating Week to promote responsible and cautious behavior during the unofficial start of the summer boating season. The organization also elaborated on two new pieces of legislation that will help promote boater safety in the state. “The […]

A project to restore the Eastern indigo snake to Alabama is one step closer to its goal with the release of 40 indigos in the Conecuh National Forest last weekend. The reintroduction project aims to establish a viable population of this threatened species within its historic range along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Representatives from the Alabama […]

As part of the SEC Softball Tournament last week at Auburn University, eight female Conservation Enforcement Officers (CEOs) from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources were honored during the tournament and with a shopping trip by Academy Sports + Outdoors at its Auburn location. Cody Reid, Academy’s Regional Marketing Specialist for Alabama, east […]

If you’re looking for a free day of fishing in Alabama, the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has some news that might interest you. The agency has recently announced that it has designated June 8 as this year’s Free Fishing Day in Alabama. During the day, most public waters, including both freshwater […]

A dish prepared with one of the tasty fish species that can be reeled in from Alabama’s beautiful beaches was crowned champion of the 9th annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off at The Wharf in Orange Beach this week. Chef Kyle Ogden of Odette Restaurant in Florence, Ala., prepared his “Spring Tide” dish with pompano as the centerpiece, […]

A recent report revealed that Alabama’s Black Belt Region had a $3.8 billion statewide economic impact for 2023. That’s a $1.9 billion increase from 2020 just a few short years ago. Additionally, tourism in the area reportedly created an estimated 45,500 jobs during the same time frame. Pam Swanner, Director of the Alabama Black Belt […]

The reconstruction of the Gulf State Park Pier reached a milestone recently when the walkway to the octagon on the end was partially completed. Lamar Pendergrass, the South Region Operations Supervisor for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) State Parks Division, said missing pilings and decking components have been replaced all the […]

The annual Exceptional Anglers event, Gone Fishin’, Not Just Wishin’, returns to Oak Mountain State Park next week, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced. The occasion is set for May 8-10 and will teach basic fishing skills to students with disabilities from the Alabaster City, Pelham City, Shelby County, and Jefferson County […]

As saltwater fishing for 2024 heads into the peak seasons, a look back at 2023 reveals another record-breaking year for those who fish Alabama’s coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico. The catch that went viral with news agencies around the world picking up the story was the giant blue marlin caught by “Best Trait,” […]

Senator Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL) has signed on as a cosponsor of the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (S.1149), or RAWA. The legislation would make funds available for the management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by state fish and wildlife agencies. “Alabama is blessed with an abundance of wildlife […]

One of the goals of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is to not only manage and conserve our abundant natural wonders but to also share Alabama’s great outdoors with everyone. The R3 Program of ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division is a significant part of outreach efforts to get Alabama’s […]

The Nature Conservancy in Alabama will hold an Earth Day dedication for its new Fenvkvcēkv (pronounced finuh-guh-jee-guh) Creek Preserve at Flagg Mountain in Coosa County on Friday, April 19 at 10:00 a.m. Flagg Mountain is the southernmost peak and start of the 2,000-mile-long Appalachian Mountain range, which is why the The Nature Conservancy calls the […]

Gulf Shore State park held a ribbon cutting ceremony for new cabins that were unveiled on Lake Shelby as part of an $8.8 million project that has gone on since 2020 and Hurricane Sally. 17 damaged structures from the storm were replaced with 20 new and more modern lakeside cabins, according to OutdoorAlabama. All 20 […]

With the goal of strengthening conservation efforts in Alabama, the Law Enforcement Section of the ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has announced that it is seeking national accreditation. The division is hoping to attain the designation through the North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation program. “By seeking NAWLEA accreditation, WFF’s Law Enforcement Section is […]

Despite some challenging weather conditions, the Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt last week was another resounding success with numerous hunters from across the nation bagging an Alabama bird. “We had hot and humid weather to start and then a line of thunderstorms came through,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and […]

Alabama is blessed with many natural wonders and diverse ecosystems that provide abundant opportunities for Alabamians and visitors alike to enjoy. A group of folks in south Alabama wants to make sure one of those amazing ecosystems receives it due recognition. Hence, the birth of the EcoWild Outdoor Expo that will be held May 10-12 […]

The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association has officially begun its 12th annual Big Gobbler Photo Contest. The competition, according to the organization, was created to teach Alabamians about the vast amount of natural resources located within the state’s Black Belt region. “As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, turkey hunters will again […]

One of the most frustrating aspects of pursuing the Eastern wild turkey in Alabama is hunting the wily birds in wide open territory, open agricultural fields or clearcuts for example. With virtually no cover to hide, hunters may have to resort to somewhat extreme measures to bag a bird in the open. I remember trying […]

Alabama anglers and fishing enthusiasts who enjoy Logan Martin Lake might notice their lakeshore a little bit cleaner, and the fish a little healthier over the coming weeks. Last Saturday, while the top 20 anglers competed on Lay Lake at Major League Fishing’s (MLF) Bass Pro Shops Redcrest 2024 Powered by Optima Lithium, the MLF […]