The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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As a young adult, I remember fishing the riverbank at Mr. MacDonald’s farm. (Yes, Old McDonald had a farm. Lol) He was an older man whose property ran along the river. I don’t remember how we first discovered this place, but it seemed to not upset him when we set up camp at his place. Many of those days he would come by and check on us and tell us a few stories about days gone by. One of his tobacco barns stood only a few yards from where we fished, and it seemed no matter what time of year it...
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will temporarily close Walker County Public Fishing Lake for a major improvement project starting Monday, September 7, 2026. The last day to fish at the lake before the project begins will be Sunday, September 6. The improvements will include upgrades to the entrance road and parking lot, restrooms, a new concession/bait shop, a new entry gate, as well as construction of...
Many deer hunters these days are focusing on mobility to be able to reach those places back in the woods where few humans venture. Instead of lugging full-size climbing stands more than a mile into the woods, those hunters are opting for a minimalistic approach, which is where saddle hunting comes in. One of my colleagues at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) had mentioned saddle stands, and I got to check out one option at last week's Buckmasters Expo at the...
What to look for in a bowrider boat Many boaters appreciate bowriders for their versatility. With open bow seating, spacious cockpits and layouts designed for everything from watersports to leisurely cruising, they appeal to a wide range of boating enthusiasts. But when you start shopping, the options can feel overwhelming. Hull designs, engine configurations, seating arrangements, premium tech packages — the choices multiply quickly. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading from an old...
The Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will host an oyster meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. at the Bayou La Batre Community and Senior Center located at 12745 Padgett Switch Road in Irvington, Alabama. The focus of the meeting will be to update the community about MRD activities related to the management of Alabama's oyster fisheries and to receive public input. During the meeting, MRD representatives...
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) was recently awarded $7.1 million in Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) funds for the project: Improving Resilience for Oysters by Linking Brood Reefs and Sink Reefs. The project aims to increase oyster abundance and restore resilience to oyster populations by increasing reef connectivity through larval transport and the construction of oyster reefs over a range of habitats and salinities. The project will create a...
With hunting season approaching, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) encourages new hunters to complete their hunter education requirement early. Demand for courses increases prior to and during hunting season, so participants interested in attending an in-person class should register as soon as possible. Alabama offers two ways to earn hunter education certification: a traditional in-person class or an approved online course. Either option satisfies Alabama's...
The only time I can remember being without a dog was during my college years. They have been a part of my life ever since I was a child. I even raised and sold pups for a few years. But even though I have always had a dog, I don’t consider myself a dog lover. The reason is that I have met a few people who truly are. To them, their dog is a close family member and is treated as such. Two of my dear friends are dog lovers. Not only have I witnessed their furry affection, but I have watched them g...
Although more dog days of late summer are still ahead, it won't be long before an abundant adventures will be available in Alabama's great outdoors. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division is providing a wealth of information and opportunities to help prepare everyone for the best experience possible once fall arrives. () Justin Grider, WFF's R3 Assistant Chief, said every program on www.outdooralabama.com/Academy...
August 14, 2026 - The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announces the temporary closure of the Barbour Wildlife Management Area (WMA) campgrounds. The temporary closure is due to the repaving of Christa Drive, one of the WMA’s entrance roads. The repaving project is anticipated to be completed in late October 2026. All other entrance roads to the Barbour WMA will open on September 1. A reopening date for t...
An in-depth guide to bowrider boats Among recreational powerboats, few designs match the versatility of the bowrider. While most boats move you from point A to point B, a bowrider does something more — it creates space for the experiences that happen in between. If you’re considering your first boat or exploring new options, understanding the bowrider’s strengths and characteristics will help you make informed decisions. This guide by Formula Boats explores what makes bowrider boats a popul...
How to choose the best fire feature for your backyard A well-designed outdoor space is about more than beautiful furniture and landscaping; it’s about creating an environment that people naturally gravitate toward. Your backyard should feel like an extension of your home, a place where every evening feels like an opportunity to unwind and relax. One of the easiest ways to elevate an outdoor space is by incorporating a fire feature. Whether you want to create a cozy patio retreat or a spacious e...
The Great Red Snapper Count, utilizing new sampling gear and methods, estimated that far more iconic red snapper are in the Gulf of America than traditional assessment methods had indicated. A team of marine scientists used the same methodology to conduct the recent Greater Amberjack Count that produced similar results. Dr. Sean Powers, Director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama (USA), headed up the study that involves a dozen research...
With catfish living in almost all of the freshwater streams, creeks, rivers and reservoirs in Alabama, the Alabama Tourism Department decided it was time to honor this ubiquitous species to officially open the Alabama Catfish Trail. At a kickoff event in Birmingham recently, speakers celebrated what the numerous catfish species mean to anglers, catfish farmers and catfish restaurants throughout the state. "Catfish truly do run deep in Alabama, not just in our waterways but through our...
Boat season is here: How to protect your boat, jet ski, and gear this summer Warm weather is here, and the boats, jet skis, and paddleboards are coming out of storage. Whether you're taking the family out on the lake, towing the kids on a tube, or finally launching that jet ski you bought over the winter, summer on the water is one of the best parts of the year. It pays to spend a few minutes making sure you're protected before you go, because the water is also where things go wrong. The most...
In the past, a fish with common in its name has been practically non-existent in Alabama's coastal waters. However, anglers are increasingly encountering the common snook along Alabama's beautiful coast, quite a distance from its traditional range in south Florida. As Alabama anglers started hooking these fish with a large mouth and long lateral line, Dr. Charlie Martin of the University of South Alabama (USA) and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) took interest and wanted to document the fish's...
Why regular maintenance is the key to extending the life of your boat engine Recreational boating has become one of the country’s most reliable leisure markets, and most owners will tell you the appeal is not hard to understand. Being on open water feels like freedom, and whatever pressure follows people through the rest of life tends to stay on shore. But the financial side of ownership is a different matter, and that reality usually comes into focus where the stakes are highest. For the t...
Steve Heap // Shutterstock Closest national parks to Montgomery Approximately 323 million people visited American national parks in 2025, a 2.7% year-over-year decrease and the first annual decline since 2020. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the...
Varina C // Shutterstock Closest national parks to Mobile Approximately 323 million people visited American national parks in 2025, a 2.7% year-over-year decrease and the first annual decline since 2020. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the...
Zack Frank // Shutterstock Closest national parks to Gadsden Approximately 323 million people visited American national parks in 2025, a 2.7% year-over-year decrease and the first annual decline since 2020. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the...
Steve Heap // Shutterstock Closest national parks to Florence Approximately 323 million people visited American national parks in 2025, a 2.7% year-over-year decrease and the first annual decline since 2020. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the...
Zack Frank // Shutterstock Closest national parks to Dothan Approximately 323 million people visited American national parks in 2025, a 2.7% year-over-year decrease and the first annual decline since 2020. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the coun...
Steve Heap // Shutterstock Closest national parks to Decatur Approximately 323 million people visited American national parks in 2025, a 2.7% year-over-year decrease and the first annual decline since 2020. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the...
Simon Dannhauer // Shutterstock Closest national parks to Daphne Approximately 323 million people visited American national parks in 2025, a 2.7% year-over-year decrease and the first annual decline since 2020. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best...
Steve Heap // Shutterstock Closest national parks to Birmingham Approximately 323 million people visited American national parks in 2025, a 2.7% year-over-year decrease and the first annual decline since 2020. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the...
