ACE Magazine - Fall/Winter 2009

8/14/2019 ACE Magazine - Fall/Winter 2009

1/70


2/70

www.aceoa.org

The ACE Magazine is the official publication of the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association.

Purchase of advertising space does not entitle the advertisers to any privileges or favors from members. The

ACE Magazinedoes not assume responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by any contributor. This

magazine is created and produced by Brent-Wyatt West. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Fall/Winter 2009

Official Publication of the ACEOA

ACE Magazine 1

in this issue...ARTICLES

EDITOR:Warren Hinson

ASSISTANT EDITOR:

Gayle Morrow

PUBLISHER:Brent-Wyatt West601 Interstate Park Drive

Montgomery, Alabama 36109

SALES OFFICES:

Bryan Elkins, Sr.

Jim Downing

601 Interstate Park Drive

Montgomery, Alabama 36109(334) 213-6229

ON THE COVER

ACEOAs Top Shooters competefor Top Gun Title.

Jim Kirkland, District II is the2009 Top Gun Champion.

Presidents Corner ...................................................................................... 3

Notes From The Trenches .........................................................................5

How Do We Know? ....................................................................................6

Dan Quincey ~ ACEOA Officer of the Year 2009 .......................................7

Blair Earns Redemption at Buckmasters Life Hunt ................................... 11

My Life Hunt Experience..........................................................................20

ACEOA Annual Scholarship Winner ........................................................24

Alabama Black Belt Adventures Launched .............................................. 27River Region Military News ......................................................................35

Noodling ~ One Mans Journey From Skeptic To Fanatic.........................39

Youth Fishing Rodeos: Making A Difference ............................................. 49

Department Honor Guard ........................................................................59

Lakepoint Resort State Park Celebrates Grand Opening ........................... 63

ACEOA Second Annual Top Gun Event ................................................... 67

Forever Wild Preserves More Unique Areas For Public Use ...................... 71

ACEOA Holds Mini Conventions Across The State ................................... 75

Hunter Education Press Release and Class Schedule ............................... 79

Barbour County WMA Youth Hunt Huge Success ..................................... 91

Feral Hog Hunters Cautioned About Swine Brucellosis ........................... 101Boy Scouts ............................................................................................ 103

Forever Wild Adds Acreage To Lowndes WMA....................................... 107

Characters, Jokes, Bells, and Lots of Grease ..........................................111

Renowned Bare Bow Hunter Has Seattle Roots.......................................119

Odds Favor Successful Waterfowl Season .............................................. 123

Alabama Marine Police Awarded Two Homeland Security Grants ........... 127

Henry County Youth Dove Hunt ............................................................. 129

Wilcox County Youth Dove Hunt 2009 ................................................... 131

Youth Dove Hunts: Right On Target ....................................................... 135

Choctaw Countys First Youth Dove Hunt Is A Hit .................................. 139

Cheaha State Park Provides Mountaintop Getaway ................................ 141Alligator Season Ends With New Record ................................................ 145

2009 Talladega County Hunter Education Event .................................... 151

Advertisers Index ................................................................................... 189

Business Directory ................................................................................. 194


3/70

ACE Magazine 3

Thanks to the ongoing support of Alabama busi-nesses, ACEOA was able to bring smiles to a lot of

young faces this summer. Across the state, ACEOAsponsored events in order to bring the youth of Alabamainto the outdoors for shooting sports, fishing, and hunting

events. The ACEOA shooting sports trailer has been agreat addition to our association giving us the ability to

offer rimfire target shooting with our .22 caliber Rugerrifles as well as skeet shooting with our 12 and 20 gauge

Remington shotguns. Recently, we also added two Hortonyouth crossbows to the trailer for even more shootingsports fun. Look out for ACEOA events in your area and

come join in the fun.After a fun filled summer, the ACEOA Elected Officers

and Board of Directors are working harder than ever torepresent Conservation Enforcement Officers from every

Division across the state. One important project we havebeen working on is the support of the newly formedADCNR Honor Guard. ACEOA has provided equipment

and supplies to support this very important project. Atthe request of the Department, ACEOA provided funding

for Honor Guard bugles, practice flags, and other equip-ment. Though we hope the Honor guard will never beneeded for one of our own, we are proud to be a part of

this very important project.ACEOA will also be continuing our support of the

Buckmasters Life Hunt this year. Every year, ACEOAsponsors a challenged or terminally ill hunter to attend

this event. This year, the ACEOA Board voted to sponsorour friend Chris Jackson to attend the 2010 Life HuntCheck out the articles, pictures, and hunting tales about

our 2009 Life hunt participant, Skylar Blair, in this issueofACE Magazine. Skylar made us all proud last year andharvested some impressive trophies to go on his wall.

For questions concerning ACEOA upcoming events or

membership, check out our website www.aceoa.orgorcontact me directly at [email protected]. l

Presidents Cornerby Chris Jaworowski, ACEOA President and Wildlife Biologist


4/70


5/70

6 ACE Magazine

How Do We Know?by Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director

This should be a very important question to our cor-porate sponsors. Let me first tell you what we doknow.

ACEOA, for several years, has chosen to sponsorC.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) on a nationallevel. We strongly believe in this program and the impor-tance of giving back for the great work they do for fallenofficer survivors. We support their fund raisers in Missourieach year as well as the Alabama Chapter of C.O.P.S.

Each year we sponsor a hunter at the BuckmastersLife Hunt. This is a Buckmasters American DeerFoundation program that caters to terminally ill or dis-

abled children and adults. If you have been involved withus for a while, you know we have sponsored three hunt-ers and will feature our 2009 hunter in this issue.

If everyone could attend this hunt and witness the joyin each of these hunters eyes, you would know we madethe right choice for you.

Brian McSorley, two years ago, wrote a great synopsis

of what the hunt meant to him. He was in the middle ofhis treatments and, because of his youth and strength,

had had his treatments doubled. We knew he was truly

tired and ill when he arrived at the Life Hunt. He did man-age to harvest a beautiful buck. According to Brian, it was

an opportunity to temporarily forget about his illness andenjoy three day of hunting. The strength and determina-tion of these folks is humbling and almost unbelievable.

Skylar Blair is featured in this issue. What a great kidWe enjoyed his hunt probably as much as he did. He wastruly an inspiration. To see his joy when he harvested hisdeer was a sensational experience.

These hunts are composed of a lot of joy and tears. Itis a display of incredible strength and determination. Aswe make these important decisions as stewards of dona

tions from our corporate sponsors, we know we haveinvested well.

What we dont know is what other opportunities areout there. Please email me and help us to locate otherworthy programs that we can support. Remember thawithout your help these programs are not possible.

Enjoy Skylars hunt. The pictures really help to capturethe story. Thanks to you, we will be sponsoring a youngman named Chris Jackson in the January 2010 LifeHunt. l


6/70

ACE Magazine 7

Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association

2009 Officer of the Year Nomination District V

Itake much pride and pleasure in nominatingConservation Enforcement Officer Daniel C. Quincey

Jr., for Officer of the Year 2009. Not only do I know andwork closely with Dan, but I also consider him a greatfriend. Dan was hired on in April 2005, by the Wildlife and

Freshwater Fisheries Enforcement Division. He wasassigned to Wilcox County, Alabama. He has since moved

his family there and has been an active role model in thecommunity. He has been able to garner respect and

friendship from the citizens and landowners through hisactions and concern for the area in which he works.

In the fall of 2005, I received an alarming and panicked

phone call from a dear friend, Becky Bailey. Becky toldme that her husband, Ken Bailey was working on huntingproperty in the Alberta Community of Wilcox County andthat she could not get in touch with him. She was wor-ried, because it was unlike Ken to not answer his cellulartelephone. I told her that I would call Dan and see if hecould check on him. I was able to get Dan on theSouthern Linc. He was off-duty. I explained the situationto Dan and gave him Beckys cell number. Dan contactedBecky and received directions to the hunting propertyHe immediately drove to Alberta from Camden in his

Dan Quincey

ACEOA Officer of the Year 2009by Rusty Morrow by Rusty Morrow, ACEOA Executive Director

If you went down the list for ACEOA criteria for Officerof the Year, it would look like it was written for DanQuincey. A key ingredient for being ACEOA Officer of

the Year is community involvement. Dan certainly excelsin this area. Wilcox County Youth Dove Hunt featured inthis issue is only one example of his total dedication tohis community and the youth. Because of this involve-ment, the community supports him 100%.

Dan goes above and beyond in his duties as a

Conservation Enforcement Officer in Wilcox County. Heis considered fair but dedicated to protecting the wildlife

resource. Violators must deal with him if they choose toviolate state laws.

Wilcox County, over the years, has been a very difficularea for a conservation officer. It is very rural and blessedwith abundance of wildlife and river resource. Many offi-cers have come and many officers have gone; but Dancalls Wilcox County his home. He is a vital part of WilcoxCounty law enforcement.

Please read Dans nomination letter by officer Vance

Wood (Director D-5). This will convince you he is theright person for the 2009 ACEOA Officer of the Year. l

continued on 9

Rusty Morrow, Trey Pose, Dan Quincey, and Vance Wood. Bo Will is, Dan Quincey, and Vance Wood.


7/70

Dan Quincey ~ aceOa Officer Of the year 2009 continued

ACE Magazine 9

personal truck. Dan was able to quickly locate the tracksto Kens Polaris Ranger and began tracking him. What

Dan came upon next was a horrible sight. Sadly, Ken hadwrecked the Ranger and was ejected from the vehicle.Dan found Kens lifeless body at the bottom of a hill.Kens neck was broken and he had sadly departed thislife far too soon. Ken was in his mid-forties. Dan con-tacted Becky and me to inform us of the news. Dan stoodby until the family arrived and gave much comfort toBecky and her son Josh. Dan and I both attended Kensfuneral and there was not enough good that could be saidabout Dan and his actions on that sad day.

In January 2006, Dan was on patrol in Wilcox Countywhen he received notification of a plane crash near PineHill. Evidently the FAA had been trying to

locate the plane for quite some time. Danwas first on scene and made his way tothe crash site, which was in a woodedarea in a ravine. Dan found the pilotto be barely alive and the passen-ger to have sadly expired. Danused his knife to cut the pilot outof the aircraft and was able tomaintain his airway, breathingand bleeding until more advancedmedical assistance arrived. Hethen assisted in the patientsmove to the ambulance up thesteep ravine. The pilot survived.Dan then returned to the aircraft andassisted with the removal of thedeceased passenger. Again, it wasanother sad day in Wilcox County.

In May 2008, while enjoying some off timeand fishing with his then twelve year old son Bert, Dancame across a mussel boat in the Alabama River. Themussel fishermans family was onboard and Dan couldtell something was terribly wrong. Dan pulled his per-sonal boat alongside and quickly observed there was amedical emergency. The mussel diver had apparently

accidentally drowned! Dan immediately called for emer-gency help to meet him at a nearby boat ramp. Hejumped into the mussel boat, where the divers wife washolding onto her husband, who was still in the water. Danwas able to get the diver in the boat and he quicklycleared the airway and began CPR without any use of aprotective barrier. Bert took the divers grandchildren,who were also on the mussel boat and got them intoDans boat. He then at Dans direction moved them awayfrom the scene and comforted them. Dan continued CPRuntil they arrived at the boat ramp where an awaitingambulance took over. It was yet another sad day in

Wilcox County. Dan was unable to resuscitate the diverdespite his valiant and selfless efforts.

That is a lot of sad, sad news. Lets move on to a mosimportant and uplifting achievement. When Dan came toWilcox County he immediately got involved with anannual youth dove hunt. This was a large hunt and asluck would have it Dan was asked to take over and headthe hunt up in 2006. Dan is wonderful with kids and fora big ol brute he sure gets soft when surrounded bythem. Dan took the opportunity to head up the annuayouth dove hunt. He expanded it, grew it and made itwell simply better than it ever had been before. Danbegan to collect monies from local businesses and indi-viduals to better support the event. He created a bank

account in which to place the monies. Dan

allocated local support for food and refreshments, all of which is gladly donated

yearly. Dan then takes the monies hehas collected and purchases doorprizes for the children. He uses themoney only within Wilcox Countysince it came from Wilcox. It isDans way of ensuring that themoney raised there stays in thecommunity. This dove hunt hastouched approximately 200 children a year since Dan took overin 2006. There is something there

for every child. Dan has handed ou$9,900 in door prizes since 2006

some of which include 11 LifetimeHunting Licenses and six Shotguns. The

kids have a great time, but I often wonder iit is not Ol Dan who has the best time of all.

I believe in this day and time; we need a hometownhero, someone who is looked upon as an example to allespecially by our youth. I have talked to many people inWilcox County since Dan has gone to work there andthey all have the highest regard and respect for him. Danendeavors to persevere in any and all circumstances. He

is willing to accept a challenge and not likely to backdown. I am proud to call him my friend and even moreproud to nominate him as Officer of the Year 2009 withthe Alabama Conservation Enforcement OfficersAssociation. Please help me bestow this award uponDaniel C. Quincey Jr. who is so very deserving and sooverdue for recognition of his efforts. He is an example toall both on and off duty. Thank you.

Sincerely,David Vance WoodACEOA Dist. V l


8/70

ACE Magazine 11

Blair Earns Redemption

at Buckmasters Life Huntby David Rainer, Outdoor Writer, Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

Skylar Blair needed redemption at the 16th annualBuckmasters Life Hunt Classic at SedgefieldPlantation in Dallas County last week.

Hed missed a nice 8-point the afternoon before. Heknew he couldnt afford another miss with kangaroocourt set for the final day of the three-day event, whichbrings about a dozen disabled hunters from across thenation to the prime hunting land owned by the Hintonfamily in west central Alabama.

Blair, like his dad (David), suffers from muscular dys-trophy. The Blairs have a form of the disorder calledCharcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a neurological dis-order that causes damage to the peripheral nerves thatcarry signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles,as well as relay sensations (i.e. pain and touch) to thebrain and spinal cord from the rest of the body.

It makes life a little harder, but you learn to live withit, said the 17-year-old Skylar, whose family hails fromHuntsville.

But hes not blaming his disease on his miss on theopening day of the hunt. I dont know what happened,Skylar said. I guess I got in a hurry (aka buck fever).

On the second morning, it was cold and blustery andSkylar and his guide, Clayton Lynn, had only seen doesand yearlings.

We were actually climbing down out of the stand,said Skylar, who was nominated for the hunt by theAlabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association.We had been rattling and we were climbing down. Welooked up and there were two bucks walking right at us.They were getting closer and closer.

Skylar climbed back into the stand got his riflereloaded.

Finally we stopped him at about 40 yards, he said. I

dont remember how Clayton stopped him. I was focusedon the shot. I wasnt going to miss again.

After the shot, the buck ran over a hill about 50 yardsaway and disappeared. Fortunately, the buck had gonedown just out of sight.

When we got down and went to him I didnt realizehow big he was, Skylar said. I walked over to him andsaid, Wow, thats a really good deer. Its going to makea nice mount. This was my first rack buck.

The elder Blair said he is not an outdoorsman andcant take any credit for his sons love of hunting.

But I do think it was genetic, David said. When he

was young and had the opportunity to watch cartoons, henever would. He was always watching The OutdoorChannel and the outdoors shows on ESPN andBuckmasters. Its always been in his blood, and I dontknow where it came from. Hes lucky that we have a lotof family members who like to hunt, so he goes withthem.

Skylar added: I hunt all the time. I hunt mainly deerbut I duck hunt sometimes and I go squirrel hunting

some. Hunting is a big part of my life.Making dreams like Skylars come true at this hun

is the main goal for Jackie Bushman, who foundedBuckmasters in his hometown of Montgomery in 1986.

Weve been doing this 16 years and I cant believe itsbeen that long since David Sullivan called me aboutdoing a show on the old TNN (The Nashville Network),said Bushman. I told David I needed help to get throughthat first hunt. After that episode aired, our phone lines just lit up, and we basically became a network for dis

Skylar Blair, 17, of Huntsville and Buckmasters founder JackieBushman show off the nice eight-point Blair bagged during

the Buckmasters Life Hunt Classic recently at SedgefieldPlantation in Dallas County.

continued on 13


9/70

Blair Earns rEdEmption at BuckmastErs lifE Hunt continued

ACE Magazine 13

abled hunters, which were real proud of. Now, I thinkweve done between 5,000 and 6,000 disabled hunts.

Were in a recession, but when you come down herenobody is having a bad day. To have the opportunity tohelp these kids and adults get their first deer or first nicebuck, its priceless.

Bushman stays busy videoing episodes of Buckmastersand the Jackie Bushman Show, but hes never too busyfor the Life Hunt Classic.

I say this every year we do 39 original shows eachyear, and if the networks said I could only do one show,this would be it, he said. It means more to me person-ally because of all the kids, parents, the Hintons and theguides who work so hard to make this happen. To see thesmiles on these kids and adults faces, it makes it all

worth it. For some of them, its their first deer. Its anhonor for us to do this.

Weve seen a lot of different disabilities in the 16years, but weve never seen one that we couldnt findadaptive equipment to make the hunt happen. Its a neatthree days, thats all I can say.

Soon after that first disabled hunt, the aforementionedDavid Sullivan became the director of Disabled HunterServices for Buckmasters American Deer Foundation,the non-profit wing of Buckmasters.

Our goal is to touch peoples lives and give themhope, Sullivan said. We hope that some will take homea trophy deer. But Ill tell you some of the best hunts

weve had, people have gone home without a deer butjust had a wonderful time.

Sullivan said he and his staff scrutinize applicationsand end up with about 50-60 viable applicants for theClassic. The ones who arent chosen for the Classic areincluded on other hunts.

The thing that amazes me is that all the volunteersseem to get more out of the hunt than the hunters do, hesaid. And weve been able to accommodate a variety odisabilities from people who were completely blind toquadriplegics who couldnt move anything from the neckdown to one young man who didnt have any limbs, andhe was able to take a deer.

Its a team effort. The Hintons do a wonderful job.They get their friends and family to help out. Weve go

our blind-building down to a science, and we pretty welknow where to put the blinds. The only things we cantcontrol are the deer and the weather, and the Good Lordalways takes care of that for us.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and NaturaResources also offers opportunities for disabled individuals who enjoy hunting, shooting and fishing.

The Alabama Hunting and Fishing Trail for People withPhysical Disabilities features 17 areas available for hunt-ing across the state, as well as 11 shooting sites and 20fishing venues. Visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/physically-disabledfor more information. l


10/70


ACE Magazine 17

My Life Hunt Experienceby Skylar Blair

Ihave always been a whitetail fanatic. Since I was aboutfive I have been watching Buckmasters, and my favor-ite episode has always been the Life Hunt. I was sur-

prised to find out that ACEOA wanted to sponsor me forthe Life Hunt. Being able to attend that hunt has alwaysbeen a dream for me.

When I arrived I couldnt believe how gracious andhospitable everyone there was. When we arrived my Dadand I met everyone, which was an experience. We thenreceived a box filled with equipment donated by the fine

sponsors of the hunt.Later, we sighted in our rifles, and then headed for the

woods. That hunt was awesome. We watched two doesfor about forty-five minutes, two monster bucks appeared

and I proceeded to miss one of them. Missing is a partof hunting.

After the hunt we ate then headed to the cozy cabinand got a couple hours of sleep. That next morning wesaw a couple of does running across the ridge in front ofus. We had rattled a little before we got too cold anddecided to leave. Before we left we looked to the left andsaw two good bucks walking straight to us. The leadbuck got to about 30 yards and I put a good shot on himhe ran about fifty yards. He was my first buck and he wasdefinitely a trophy.

After the hunt we all met up and ate and talked aboutthe mornings hunt. That afternoon we watched about

fifteen does, and a nice nine point feed in the green fieldand I harvested a monster doe. After the hunt we ate andheaded back to the cabin.

Tuesday morning we were running late but we saw several deer on the road so we knew they were moving. We

had sat there for an hour or two with no movement when small six point appeared. After he left we were getting into

position to harvest a doe when I looked to my right andthere was a monster eleven point buck. I was getting

excited but I knew I had to stay calm so when guide Claytonsaid take him I wasted no time. Unsure about my shot, thbuck ran off the f ield. We then noticed a doe stand up. Sh

was another monster doe and I made a good shot.Clayton and I went back to get a UTV and my Dad

After we loaded the doe I told my Dad about shooting aan eleven point. We then decided we needed to look forsign. Dad found the trail and when he saw the buck hehad the biggest smile I had ever seen him have. The buckhad only run ten yards in the woods. There were lots ofhigh fives! It was an amazing feeling when I got back andeveryone was excited for me.

When everyone got back we ate and had kangaroocourt. Kangaroo court is where if you had missed a deerthey cut your shirt tail off, or if you harvested your firstdeer you get your face painted with deer blood. That wasa week I will always remember. I would like to thankACEOA, Buckmasters, Mr. Hinton and his family, theguides, and everyone who had anything to do with mak-ing that week possible. l


11/70


20 ACE Magazine


12/70


ACE Magazine 2


13/70

24 ACE Magazine

ACEOA Annual Scholarship Winner

ACEOA Annual Scholarship winner Colt Fincher with

ACEOA President Chris Jaworoski and ACEOA Executive Director Rusty Morrow.


14/70

ACE Magazine 27

Alabama Black Belt

Adventures Launchedby David Rainer, Outdoor Writer, Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

The strip of prairie soil that crosses central Alabamahas long been known for its dark, fertile soil, ruraldemography and hard-working citizens struggling to

make a living.What every Alabamian who enjoys the outdoors knows

is the Black Belt is renowned as one of the premier desti-nations for hunting and outdoors activities in the nation.

In an effort to capitalize on the Black Belts naturalresources, Montgomery businessman and landowner

Thomas Harris hatched an idea to promote those assetsand spread the word throughout the world.

After almost two years of planning, that idea wasunveiled last week at Southern Sportsman Hunting Lodgein Hayneville, smack dab in the middle of the Black Belt.

Called the Alabama Black Belt Adventures, the initia-tive is tailored after the successful Robert Trent JonesGolf Trail and the Alabama Quail Trail.

The initiative currently has 22 hunting and/or fishing

camps and lodges lined up to participate in the programwith more expected to be added. The initiative not onlypromotes a wide variety of outdoors activities but alsothe many historical and cultural attractions available inthe Black Belt. The Website www.alabamablackbeladventures.com and an extensive marketing campaignare being spearheaded by Luckie & Co. of Birmingham.

The Black Belt, as you know, is rich soil, rich heritageand history, abundant wildlife and outdoor recreation,

said State Rep. John Knight of Montgomery. It is aregion of honest, hard-working Alabamians. Those arethe assets of one of Americas unique regions theAlabama Black Belt. What were talking about not onlymeans so much to the Black Belt, but so much to theState of Alabama.

Last year I was pleased to begin working with many ofour outdoor recreation and economic development lead-

continued on 31

BASS founder Ray Scott, right, chats with Buckmasters founder Jackie Bushman as Conservation Commissioner

Barnett Lawley introduces Bullock County Commission Chairman Ron Smith (front right) at the unveiling ofthe Black Belt Adventures economic initiative at Southern Sportsman Lodge at Hayneville.


15/70

AlAbAmA blAck belt Adventures lAunched continued

ACE Magazine 3

ers to develop a way to take the Black Belts abundantresources and use them to create jobs and opportunities

for our people. Alabama Black Belt Adventures will makeAlabama one of the top destination points in America tohunt, fish, hike, bike ride, bird watch, ride horses andenjoy our many other outdoors opportunities. There areso many opportunities wrapped up in this adventure. Mygoal for the initiative is simple take the God-given natu-ral resources of the Black Belt and use and promote themto help all the people of the Black Belt.

Alabama Department of Conservation and NaturalResources (ADCNR) Commissioner Barnett Lawley workedwith Rep. Knight, Economic Development Director NealWade, Harris and Tim Gothard of the Alabama WildlifeFederation to hash out the details of the initiative.

We met about a year-and-a-half ago at Thomashouse about what we could do to create economic oppor-tunity for the Black Belt and make it sustainable, Lawleysaid. We came to the realization that heavy industry,such as the automotive industry, was not going to workbecause of several reasons lack of infrastructure andlack of a workforce. What we did realize is there was noshortage of natural resources and outdoor opportunitieswithin the Black Belt. The resources are continuallyflourishing because of the soil, the black prairie soil,hence the Black Belt. Theres no other place in the worldthat has the rich nutrients that this soil continues to pro-duce every year.

Our goal is to harness the resources that are createdfrom this, promote them to boost tourism in the Black Beltthrough a marketing program that we are developing foroutdoor opportunities. In doing so, we expand job oppor-tunities. In addition to the vast hunting, fishing, hiking,biking, bird-watching, kayaking and other opportunitiesthe Black Belt naturally offers the citizens and the peopleof this country, there is really something special about thehistorical amenities offered by the Black Belt. Were talk-ing about the Southern cuisine, the historical sites through-out the Black Belt or just the friendly people locatedthroughout the region. There are many attractions other

than hunting and fishing that people can enjoy.Lawley said the ADCNR will create education programs

at the State Cattle Ranch in Hale County, a Forever Wildacquisition, and the Auburn Research Facility in Camdento help landowners and farmers improve their wildlifehabitat. Lawley also said the program would also ensurethe cultural aspects of the Black Belt are not affected.

During the effort to brand the Black Belt as a premierdestination for outdoors adventures, were going to striveto protect the heritage, the history and culture of theregion while harnessing and expanding the naturalresources that are so abundant, Lawley said. The infra-

structure to support this initiative is already here, alreadyin place. This is not something new we have to do. We

want to work with, expand existing facilities and helpcreate new ones. By marketing this area and creatingactivities by use of the natural resources is going to havean economic impact on every community in the BlackBelt. The abundance of land and natural resources in theBlack Belt is unlike any other place in the world.

State Sen. Roger Bedford of Russellville said his support of the initiative is grounded in his lifelong love of theoutdoors in Alabama.

I grew up hunting and fishing all over Alabama withmy granddad and dad, Bedford said. Now I have theprivilege of hunting with my son, now 22, all across theBlack Belt. I appreciate the values that come from being

in the outdoors with your children and instilling thosevalues in them. God gave us this land to be stewards ofit. I think Black Belt Adventures is a step in the rightdirection not only from the hunting and fishing but thefellowship and the image improvement for Alabama.

In this time of divided politics where they talk aboutred issues and blue issues, we come together today in abipartisan manner on an issue thats red, white and blueAnd Im glad to be a small part of it.

Ray Scott, founder of the Bass Anglers SportsmansSociety (BASS) and resident of the Black Belt at Pintlalasaid seizing on opportunities is what made his venturesinto bass fishing and the creation of the Whitetail Instituteso successful.

Thats exactly what were doing here, Scott saidWere taking something that is so obviously evident andputting a saddle on it. I think its going to be one of thebest doggone programs thats ever happened.

Jackie Bushman of Montgomery said he followedScotts lead when he formed the hunting organizationBuckmasters.

What we wanted to do was promote hunting, Bushmansaid of the birth of Buckmasters. It doesnt get any betterthan this. Where else can you hunt something for sevenmonths out of the year? It doesnt happen many places

Some states have only seven or eight days of hunting. Wehave it all right here. Weve got this opportunity now andwe can make it happen.

After 20 years in TV, we do 26 original shows a yearand a third of those shows are done right here in theBlack Belt. It doesnt get any better than this I was bornand raised in Alabama and I will die here. I love Alabamaand I love the outdoors. This will accentuate everythingwe do. I will promote it every chance I can.

Visit www.outdooralabama.com to learn more about the

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resourcesor to read previous columns by David Rainer. l


16/70

ACE Magazine 35

River Region Military NewsLocal Organization Donates To Troop Support Project

Recently the Alabama Conservation EnforcementOfficers Association (ACEOA) made a donation toStrength for Soldiers, a non-profit organization that

raises money for the devotional books and helps assistdeployed chaplains with items they need.

The ACEOA is a non-profit organization founded byAlabama Conservation Enforcement Officers and con-cerned citizens whose main objective is ResourceProtection through Education.

When they heard about Strength for Soldiers theyquickly acted to see what they could do to help. Whenthe ACEOA realized Audra Mickle, a Troy University

student, was raising money for Strength for Soldiers theygenerously donated $500 dollars to the cause.

ACEOAs Executive Director Rusty Morrow said, It was

an easy decision for us to make as an organization. Itsfor a good cause and its something we believe in. We areeven considering putting Strength for Soldiers in ourannual budget.

An article about Strength for Soldiers ran in theAdvertiser in March and since that time, more than$3,000 has been donated to the project, Mickle said.

To make a donation, make checks out to Strength forSoldiers and mail to: Strength for Soldiers, 209 SweeBriar Lane, Prattville, AL 36067

Mickle said donations of any size are welcome and shewill put labels inside the book covers letting the soldiers

know where and who the books came from. The dona-tions are also tax deductible, Mickle said.

l


17/70

ACE Magazine 39

Noodling ~ One Mans Journey

From Skeptic To Fanaticby Jerry L. Fincher, ACEOA Associate Director, District II, Talladega County CEOFirst Impressions

You are crazy! These were the exact words uttered

by me to Shelby County Conservation Officer BradGavins as I watched him dive under the waters of

Lay Lake, reach his hand under a concrete slab, and pulla 25 pound flathead catfish from its hiding place. Little didI know that before the month was over, I would be addicted

to this activity.My encounter with Officer Gavins, (Brad), was not the first

time that I had witnessed noodling, grabbling, or whatever nameyou may use to identify fishing by hand. On many occasions, Ihad stopped my patrol boat to observe people noodling.However, I had always pulled away with the same opinion; thisis interesting to watch, but Ill never do it. This all changed whenBrad called and invited me to join him and Lt. Cliff Robinsonon a noodling trip on Lay Lake. He told me he needed peopleto block the holes around the slab in order to prevent the fishfrom escaping. Not wanting to look like a wimp and not seeingany harm in simply blocking the holes, I said I would go.

First EncounterThe month was May, the water was cold, the slab was sur-

rounded by dense vegetation, and I was doing more than myfair share of second guessing what I was about to do. You knowthat what-am-I-doing-here feeling you get as a roller coastertops that first hill. However, after watching Brad pull several fishfrom beneath the concrete, my apprehension was slowly turningto excitement. On this trip, my job consisted of placing my feet,arms, and legs into the holes around the slab. Occasionally, thewhole slab would shake with a thud which felt as though some-one had hit it with a sledge hammer, the result of the fish

slamming its back into the concrete. Eventually, I did catch afish; however, I did it by catching it on a PVC pipe with a treblehook attached to it. I was really excited about my first catch.That is, until Brad informed me that using a treble hook wascheating and that a true sportsman wouldnt be caught deadusing anything but his hands.

On our next outing, Brad and I invited Houston and TaylorHollingsworth, friends of my son Colt, to help block holes. Weall traveled to Logan Martin Lake, an impoundment north ofLay Lake on the Coosa River. It didnt take long before Brad hadlocated a fish. Brad asked Taylor if he would like to catch thisone. Taylor looked more than a little concerned as he reached

under the concrete and placed his hand in the fishs mouthMany times a fish, especially a big one, will bite your hand andlay still until it is pulled from the slab. This one did exactly thatBrad asked Taylor if he had a good hold, and Taylor confidentlystated that he did. If youre sure, pull it out, Brad directed. AsTaylor began pulling on the fish, it began thrashing wildly. Taylormade a face that words cannot express, screamed loudly, andthrew the fish about five feet into the air. He said that it slippedMaybe it did; only God, Taylor, and the fish know for surePersonally, I have my doubts.

If At First You Dont Succeed,God May Be Telling You

SomethingThe next fish Brad located was deep, about six feet at the

end of a boat ramp. I had decided that to save face, I had totry to catch one using Brads purist techniques. After all, I wasthe game warden; I couldnt let some kid out do me. Aftertaking the deepest breath possible, I dove down, felt for thehole beneath the slab, stuck my arm in up to the shoulder, andattempted to find the fishs mouth. The fish kept moving tothe rear of the hole, and I kept running out of air. I kept swimming down and racing back to the surface to breathe.

continued on 43


18/70

NoodliNg ~ oNe MaNs JourNey continued

ACE Magazine 43

repeated this process until I was thoroughly worn out. Bradwas wearing a weight belt which helped him get down quicklyand keep him down once there. I forgot to mention that Bradcan hold his breath for an unusually long time; I, on the otherhand, can not.

I had once again returned to the surface for a much neededbreath when I felt Brad shake violently and his hand grab myleg. He had caught the fish but was running out of air. Often ittakes a while to get a fish out of a hole. The fish may haveentered through a larger opening, or, once inside, it may havefanned debris into the opening, making extraction impossiblewithout a little excavating.

In response to Brads movements, I dove down, felt the slickform of the fishs head, found its mouth, and shoved a handinside. I placed the other hand in a gill, and began pulling. Tomake matters worse, I did not have a diving mask, and the waterbeing forced up my nose had given me a throbbing headache.In addition, visibility was about two inches. Eventually, I foundmyself kicking toward the surface with a twenty-eight poundflathead in tow. Once I reached the surface, my troubles werenot over. I was in six feet of water, three inches deeper than Iam tall. My hands were being used to hold the fish, making itextremely difficult to stay afloat. The fish, on the other hand,was doing all it could to return to the bottom, and the tide was

turning in favor of the fish. Thankfully, Taylor grabbed my armand towed the whole sorry lot, fish and half-drowned officer, tothe bank. No longer a noodling virgin, after a short recoveryperiod, I was anxious to f ind another fish; adrenaline is a won-derful thing.

Before dark forced us from the lake, we had boated thirteenlarge flatheads. Even the cold trip back to the dock could notdampen my newfound enthusiasm for noodling. All the waterforced up my nose, however, resulted in a sinus infection whichtook two rounds of antibiotics to get rid of, but I had provenmyself. My wife said I had simply proven what she had alwaysknown; I was insane.

A Wild Ride

Now that I fancied myself a pro and was talking to othersabout noodling as though I had created the entire sport, thought it a good idea to go to a part of the lake where I hadnever seen anyone noodling, the river channel below LoganMartin Dam. I thought this area would surely hold some big fishI was right. One Sunday after church, Brad, my son Colt, mywife Rene, and I headed up river toward Logan Martin DamWhile working, I had located several likely looking slabs, oldbroken, and undercut. Most of these turned out to be void ofish. Eventually, we located an old slab which had several largeholes beneath it. Brad approached from the down river sideColt from the upriver side, and I came in from the deep end.Colt stuck a stick in a hole under his side of the slab and Brad

yelled loudly. Whats the matter? I asked. Brad said, A fishhit my leg, hard. The fish was trying to escape through theother side of the slab and had run headlong into Brads leg.Since then, I have had several fish run into, over, and under meOnce, while sitting in neck-deep water, a fish literally ran intomy chest. All I could do was wrap my arms around its body andhold on until Colt could grab its gills. On this occasion, howeverBrad took a deep breath and disappeared beneath the water asColt and I attempted to block the other openings. A few secondslater, Brads feet appeared above the water. They were movingback and forth, shaking so violently that he literally threw ashoe from his foot. The fast moving water caught the shoe andit went floating downstream. Not knowing if Brad was stuck andpanicking or simply fighting a big fish, I dove down and ran myhand over Brads back and down his arm. Just below his elbowI felt the unmistakable slick, rounded head of a big catfish. I puta hand in a gill and pulled. The fish weighed nearly forty poundsIt had swallowed Brads arm almost to the elbow, leaving Bradwithout the leverage needed to pull the fish from the slab.

Since these first fateful trips, which I will never forget, I nowfind myself scanning the banks as I work the river. Yes, I amalways looking for violators of Alabamas conservation law, butnow, I am also evaluating ramps and sea walls: is there a silt oa rock bottom, is it an outside or inside bend, how old is thestructure, has the ramp been maintained, is there much current

or how fast does the bank drop. All factors which affect theproductivity of a ramp.

Not For The Faint Of HeartNoodling can be dangerous. Internet sources indicate as

many as sixty-nine people in the U. S. have died while noodlingusually the result of drowning or being bitten by venomoussnakes. Other injuries listed on the internet included losingdigits to beavers, musk rats, and snapping turtles. PersonallyI am more concerned with man-made structures such as elec-

continued on 47


19/70

NoodliNg ~ oNe MaNs JourNey continued

ACE Magazine 47

trical lines and objects which could trap an arm beneath a slab.Once, in an attempt to pull a fish through a hole smaller than

its head, I pulled so hard that the fishs head became stuck.When I attempted to release it in order to surface, my glovedhand had become trapped in the fishs mouth. Luckily, the waterwas relatively shallow, allowing me, with a little help, to get myhead above water. I was eventually able to place my feet oneither side of the hole and pull the fish from beneath the slab.Caught up in my desire to catch the fish, I had almost waitedtoo long before attempting to surface, a novice mistake that Iwill not repeat.

Another novice mistake is to noodle without gloves, amistake not usually made more than once. Some fish, espe-cially blue cats, will spin or roll their bodies after they bite.This can result in the loss of skin, which is bad enough on its

own, but, worse yet, the loss of skin can create a route forbacteria from contaminated water to enter the body. My onlynoodling injury resulted from my attempt to catch a smallfish. Due to the small size of the fish, I didnt think that gloveswere necessary. I was wrong. Smaller fish will sometimes fightmore violently than their larger relatives, resulting in a bloodyhand unless it is gloved. Another good idea is to wear shoes.Old tennis shoes do an excellent job of protecting the feetfrom rough concrete.

Some noodlers use S.C.U.B.A. gear; this is not neces-sary. However, I would recommend using a diving mask;especially if you are prone to sinus infections. The one thingthat a noodler should never be without is a partner. In fact,a group of people is best, and one of the group shouldalways remain above water to watch for signs of trouble.

A Sport For The Whole FamilyNoodling is not the exclusive domain of the southern, red-

necked male. I have observed children as young as six, men asold as sixty, and women of all ages noodling and having a blast.The first time I witnessed a female noodler was during a drought.The water level was so low that she was literally lying in the mudand reaching into a pool of water beneath a slab. Undeterredby the harsh conditions, she pulled two large fish from small

pool of water; one weighed twenty-five pounds and the otherfifteen. I asked her husband, who was comfortably watchingfrom the cushioned seat of his bass boat, if she could also cook.He stated that indeed she was a fine cook. I then asked if shehad a sister. He stated that she was an only child. Some guyshave all the luck.

As I have already mentioned, noodling alone is extremelydangerous. It is also no fun. Noodling is a sport best sharedwith friends. One of my fondest noodling memories occurredwhen my son dropped a thirty pound fish. The disoriented fishran up the ramp and grounded itself. The ensuing mad dashand open field tackling by the herd of teenage boys attempting

to catch it was truly a sight to see. Instead of going alone, usually take a boat load of people. All of them do not fish; some

drive the boat while others simply enjoy the show. However, wealways have a great time. Most noodlers release the fish theycatch. However, if keeping the fish is your goal, they go greatwith hush puppies, taking several people with you gives you theoption of keeping more of them. Alabama State law currentlyprohibits the possession of more than one catfish per day over34 inches in total length.

Do It RightThe increased popularity of noodling has been accompanied

by an increase in the number of complaints from lake fronthome owners to law enforcement. While it is legal to noodle

from the public waters around privately owned boat ramps andsea walls, if the owner is present, I always ask for permission.Most of the time, the home owner does not mind and, in factwill usually ask to watch. However, I have been asked to leavea request that I always honor. To do otherwise would inviteconflict; I fish for enjoyment not trouble. Other activities toavoid are walking from ramp to ramp on the bank or getting onprivate piers. Alabama law prohibits accessing public watersthrough private property without the permission of the land-owner. In addition, watch your language, pick up your trash, becourteous to home owners and other fishermen, and always bein possession of a valid Alabama fishing license. If we all dothese things, we can continue to experience the exhilaration onoodling for generations to come.

Be Careful and Good Noodling l


20/70

ACE Magazine 49

Youth Fishing Rodeos: Making A Differenceby Ken White

When Aurora Thomas got up on a recent Saturdaymorning, he did not like what he was hearing. The

sound of rain drops hitting the roof would havebeen enough to make some folks want to just give up.

Fortunately, Aurora isnt one of those folks. Despite raincoming down pretty good in the early morning hours, he

loaded up his gear and headed down to Blue SpringsState Park. This was the scheduled day for the AnnualBlue Springs Youth Fishing Rodeo and the show would go

on. Eighty-eight youth registered for the 7th Annual BlueSprings Youth Fishing Rodeo.

The Lake Eufaula Bass Club had a fishing tournamentwhich was held along the banks of the Old Creek Town

Park in Eufaula for years. At the time, Mike Heath wasassigned to Barbour County and he kept watching thesuccess of that event through the years. It made Mike

wonder if another tournament, held in the southern partof Barbour County would work. He finally put the plan

into action seven years ago and the result is a spring daythe area youth look forward to with great anticipation. He

looked around and decided the small lake at Blue SpringsState Park would make the perfect setting for this event.With a covered pavilion that could be used on rainy days

or provide a medium of shade from the glaring sun, awork area for registration and preparing a few hundred

hot dogs was assured. That also, does not take intoaccount the fact Blue Springs has some of the coldest

spring waters in Alabama you can ever take a dip in. Thelake would be stocked with catfish to give these young

anglers a distinct learning advantage, while guaranteeingthe key ingredient, FUN, would be present.

Registration opened at 7:00 a.m. and 88 youth regis-

tered for the 7th Annual Blue Springs Youth FishingRodeo. The fishing action got going hot and heavy at

8:00 a.m. and ended as the siren sounded at 10:00 a.m.A line formed at the scales and weigh-in got underway.

Following the close of weigh-in everyone was treated to ahot dog luncheon. Dividing the youth into three agegroups allows for a fair and equitable competition range.

The overall winners are determined by heaviest stringerweight for first and second place honors in each division.

In addition to these places, the heaviest fish and smallestfish won individual awards. After everyone enjoyed a

great lunch, winners were announced in the age groupsas follows:

0-6 Yrs. age group:First Place

Tyler Morris Eufaula, AL 17 lbs. 11 ozSecond Place

Sarah Beth Scott Ariton, AL 14 lbs. 09 oz


Krista Habron Ashford, AL 17 lbs. 09 oz

Second Place Andrew Meyers Eufaula, AL 17 lbs. 03 oz


Courtney Searcy Eufaula, AL 16 lbs. 00 ozSecond Place

Chris Porter Ozark, AL 15 lbs. 06 oz

Big Fish:Isiah Meyers Eufaula, AL 5 lbs. 01 oz. Catfish

Smallest Fish:Daniel Grantham Skipperville, AL 3-ounce Bream

Following the announcement of the winners, ticketnumbers were drawn. Each youth in attendance went

home with a memento of a most enjoyable morningspent on the banks of a small lake in south Alabama

doing a little cat fishing.

This event is a success due to the volunteers that assisand the several Alabama Conservation EnforcemenOfficers that attend. It also takes the financial and produccontributions of many area and county businesses, indi-viduals and organization such as the Alabama ConservationEnforcement Officers Association to bear the costs ofsuch an event Helping to make the morning a huge suc-cess were: Mike Heath, Joe Carroll, Chris Lewis, Mike

Cox, Rob McCarter and Tim Ward of the Wildlife andFreshwater Fisheries Division. They were also assisted byStephen Hanners of the Eufaula Police Department whohandled the cooking chores. Stephen and his TheSmokin Hole Cooking Team won overall honors at theBarbour County Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild GameCook-off and will be competing for the state title later thisyear. Terry Carter, Blue Springs State Park manager, dida great job as location host for the event, assisted by MarkJernigan. Also, in attendance, was Judge Charlie Hart ofEufaula. The same teamwork that is found within the loca

continued on 51


21/70

Youth Fishing Rodeos: Making a diFFeRence continued

ACE Magazine 5

area and district law enforcement personnel is carriedover in preserving our outdoor traditions and heritage.

That is how it should be and how it really is when peoplecare enough to give something back.

Upon being told the Lake Eufaula Bass Club had

decided their youth fishing event would be retired after 35successful years, Conservation Officer Aurora Thomastook it upon himself to assure the youth of Eufaula would

continue to have some type of fishing event they couldenjoy. Aurora had assumed leadership of the Blue Springs

event as Mike Heath was transferred to Dale County threeyears ago so getting the Eufaula event was just a matter

of making all things come together. The first thingneeded was a pond which was near town and could bestocked with catfish. The event format would follow that

of Blue Springs. The right place turned out to be a privatepond which is located on Ken and Jerri Ludlams Hillside

Ranch, located within the city limits of Eufaula. Ken andJerri are known for their work with youth as part of their

successful horse ranch and they graciously offered theuse of their pond. In addition to providing boarding andriding lessons, they are part of a special group of caring

folks that work with the Personal Ponies project. Thisprogram provides special needs kids with their own real,

live 30-inch and under UK Shetland Pony.Following the same basic format and guidelines as the

Blue Springs event, the inaugural Eufaula Youth FishingRodeo was organized and held the weekend following theBlue Springs Youth Fishing Rodeo. This event got off to

a great start as 78 youth registered for this event. Manyof these young anglers had enjoyed the Lake Eufaula

Bass Clubs Young People Fishing Rodeo and were look-ing forward to their day at the lake with their family and

friends. Again, the youth were treated to a hot dog lun-cheon following the close of weigh-in and the winners

were announced following lunch. Just as at Blue Springs,each youth left with a door prize and the overall agegroup winners of the very first Eufaula Youth Fishing

Rodeo are as follows:

0-6 Yrs. age group:Shawn Thrash Eufaula, AL 16.875 lbs.

7-9 Yrs. age group:Amelia Holmes Eufaula, AL 15.00 lbs.

10-13 Yrs. age group:Cassandra Gifford Eufaula, Al 14.00 lbs.

Assisting Aurora Thomas were several volunteers fromhis fellow officers. Chris Lewis, Blake Nowling, StaceyLush, Lowell Williams and Larry Doster represented the

conservation enforcement officers with Ken Weathers

from the Fisheries Biology department also working the

event. Local outdoorsman, Jimmy Priest, oversaw thecooking chores and was assisted by Lou Dawdry whileDarrell Harris, Angie Meyers and Lamar Morris assisted

with putting the prize packages together. Once againJudge Charlie Hart was on hand to offer his support andassistance and to see first hand another well- designed

event to help keep the local and area youth on the rightpathway of life.

This event cannot happen without the support andgenerous giving of our local merchants, businesses and

caring individuals, stated Thomas. Giving back to theoutdoor world we enjoy so very much is easy when yousee the smiles on the faces of those kids when that ole

cat is in the net and being hauled to the bank. Thanks toeveryone that made it happen and thanks to all of our

supporters like the Alabama Conservation EnforcemenOfficers Association, Golden Flake, RC Cola, Flowers

Baking Company, Youngs Bigmouth Shop, J&M PlasticsSouthern Plastics and a host of other supporters toomany to name.

Do these events make a difference? Consider that theweather came into play for each of these events and this

muted attendance for Blue Springs which usually num-bers well over one hundred entrants and it was Eufaulas

first event. These youths got to enjoy traditional southernstyle cat fishing and some great interaction with ourconservation enforcement officers and caring outdoors

men. Youth were registered from sixteen surroundingtowns and three states were represented. This is a great

statement about the Alabama Department of Conservationwith its great Step Outdoors programs and sponsor-

ships, organizations such as the Alabama ConservationEnforcement Officers Association and Alabama out-

doorsmen committed to the continuation of our outdoorheritage and values. That continuation lies within thehands, and minds, of the youth of our communities as

they lead into the future. l


22/70


ACE Magazine 53

May-2009 Blue Springs State Park Youth Fishing Rodeo

General Fishing Participants Shot. Andrew Meyers with a goodun.

Mike Heath (L) and Aurora Thomas (R)getting the food line in order.

Daniel Grantham (L) and Weston Grantham (R)show off their days catch.

Chow Time. Tyler Morris; (6-Under); First Place; 17 lbs.-11 oz.

Sara Beth Scott; (6 -Under); Second Place; 14 lbs.-09 oz.


23/70


ACE Magazine 55

May-2009 Blue Springs State Park Youth Fishing Rodeo

Krista Habron; (7-9 yrs.); First Place; 17 lbs.-09 oz. Andrew Meyers; (7-9 yrs.); Second Place; 17 lbs.-05 oz.

Courtney Searcy; (10-13 yrs.); First Place; 16 lbs.-00 oz. Chris Porter; (10-13 yrs.); Second Place; 15 lbs.-06 oz.

Isiah Meyers; Biggest Fish; 5 lbs.-01 oz. Daniel Grantham; Smallest Fish; 0 lbs.- 03 oz.

Group Picture of all winners.


24/70


ACE Magazine 57

May-2009 Eufaula Youth Fishing Rodeo (Photos by Ken White)

A great crowd enjoyed the inaugural Eufaula Youth Fishing

Rodeo.Katelynn Letcher weighs in as weigh-master Chris Lewis gets

ready to call the total.

Lowell Williams, Stacey Lush, Darrell Harris and SterlingThomas get the prize packages ready. Shawn Thrash winner of the (6-under).

Amelia Holmes winner of the (7-9 yrs.). Cassandra Gifford winner of the (10-13 yrs).

Everyone is checking their ticket numbers for the door prize

giveaways.

Ken Weathers, fisheries biologist, and Judge Charlie Hart

discuss the mornings activities.


25/70

ACE Magazine 59

Department Honor Guard

T

he idea and dream of a Department sponsored

Honor Guard has become a reality. Previously, wehave relied on other agencies to provide an Honor

Guard for our officers killed in line of duty or natural

death. Through the efforts of our Commissioner, Asst.Commissioner and Directors, effective October 2009,our Department Honor Guard will be prepared to provide

this deserved and honored service.Commissioner Barnett Lawley realized the importance

of having a Department sponsored Honor Guard andapproved its creation. Assistant Commissioner Sealy,

being supportive of this idea, brought his past militaryexperience to the table during the inception of theDepartment Honor Guard. He worked closely with the

division directors and chiefs to move forward with theformation of this newly created unit. Directors, officers,

and supervisors have worked very hard making thisdream become a reality. Without the commitment of

Commissioner Lawley, Asst. Commissioner Sealy andthe Division Directors, the Department Honor Guardwould not exist. During these hard economic times the

decision to fund and support this new venture is to becommended. The Honor Guard is comprised of officers

volunteering from all Divisions of the Department ofConservation. Officers participating in the Honor Guard

have a huge responsibility and are working hard to mas-ter the required knowledge and skill for this special unit.There is a sense of pride knowing the Department of

Conservation has its own Honor Guard available to assistin showing our respect to the family upon the death of

one of our own.The ACEOA has been very supportive of the Department

Honor Guard donating automatic bugles and money tobuy the materials for building two caskets with stands for

the Honor Guards practice. Mr. Turbervilles first period

Agri-business class at Tanner High School in LimestoneCounty utilized their skills to build these caskets. Thesestudents accepted the challenge and the outcome is

exceptional. Their hard work is to be highly praised.

Director

John Thomas JenkinsStatewide CommanderLt. Ryan BennettState Coordinator

North Team

Larry Adams (Commander)AMP

Central Team

Capt. Larry Hicks (Commander)WFFLE

South Team

Capt. Scott Bannon (Commander)AMRD l

(l to r) Firing Line: Josh Hughes, Luke Lemley,

Steve Makowsky, Bryan Fisher, Joe Lindsey, Jeff Lowery,Scott Kellenberger. Back Row: Larry Adams.

Front row (l to r) Bryan Fisher, Steve Makowsky, Luke Lemley,

Center (Saluting) Larry Adams. Back row (l to r)Scot t Kellenberger, Jef f Lowery, Joe Lindsey. Practice makes per fect Central Alabama Team.


26/70

Department Honor GuarD continued

ACE Magazine 6

Tanner High School. Front row (l to r) Capt. Johnny Johnson, Jessica Peden, Jeffery Clark, Brandon Waite, Isaiah Smith,

Zack Scott, CEO Ernie Stephens. Back row (l to r) Mr. Keith Turberville (teacher), Marcus OCampo, Jeremiah Gonzalez-Olsen,DeAundra Nelson, Jeffrey Horton, Matthew Jarrett, CEO Bryan Fisher.


27/70

ACE Magazine 63

CONTACT: Randy Jinks

334-353-4125

Lakepoint Resort State Park Celebrates its Grand OpeningAfter almost two years of renovations, one of the most popular state parks in Alabama is looking better than

ever. The grand opening of the new and improved Lakepoint Resort State Park in Eufaula, Ala. has finally

arrived. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) held a ribbon cuttingceremony September 29, 2009 at the lodge entrance at 10 a.m

ADCNR Commissioner Barnett Lawley thinks the renovation was well worth the wait. Lakepoint is a gem

in the State Parks system that is important to the City of Eufaula and to the rest of the state as well because itserves as a unique destination spot for anglers, business conventions, and family functions, Lawley said. We

are proud to be able to provide such a unique and beautiful facility to visitors from across the southeast.

The showpiece of the park is the extensively renovated resort lodge and convention center. Theimprovements are immediately noticeable in the main lobby as you are greeted by a more contemporary interior

design. The transformation of the lodge extends to the new Lakeside Terrace as well, which overlooks LakeEufaula and is perfect for wedding receptions or other gatherings.

Each of the 101 lodge guestrooms have been upgraded and include exclusive photos of the Eufaula area by

local photographer Todd Adams. In addition to the lodge improvements, 10 lakeside cottages offer some of thebest accommodations in southeast Alabama. There are a total of 29 cabins in the park. Handicap-accessible

cottages are available.

A new menu and expanded dining room enrich the Lakepoint dining experience as well. The Marina Grillalso has a new outdoor patio that overlooks Lake Eufaula, and is open Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. 8:30

p.m., and Saturday, 6:30 a.m. 8:30 p.m.

For more information about Lakepoint Resort State Park accommodations and activities visit,www.alapark.com/LakePointResort/.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management

and enjoyment of Alabamas natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, StateLands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit

www.outdooralabama.com.

Lakepoint Resort State Park Celebrates Grand Opening


28/70


29/70

ACE Magazine 67

ACEOA Second Annual Top Gun Eventby Trey Pose, ACEOA Vice-President

The Southern Sportsman Lodge was once again thelocation for the ACEOA annual meeting. This yearTop Guns from all six districts met at the Lodge to

compete against each other in the Second AnnualACEOA Top Gun Event. Throughout the year District

Directors held local events allowing association membersto qualify for the annual event. The shooters present were

Ernie Stephens, Jim Kirkland, Mike Nelson, ChrisJaworoski, Danny Faught and Mike Cox. This years TopGun Event consisted of four different courses of fire with

a possible 475 points and a new Glock 23 at stake.The shooters were divided into random pairs by draw-

ing numbers and began the course by firing at a duelingtree. Each shooter was given three magazines loaded

with four rounds and a 1 minute time limit. The winnerwas decided by putting the most plates on the opponentsside in the allotted time. The winner of each round

received 15 pts toward their total score.The second course of fire was the A.P.O.S.T. qualifica-

tion course. Shooters were given no barricades and werestrictly held to the time limits with a penalty of five points

assessed for firing after the whistle. A high score of 100points was possible with two shooters, Jim Kirkland and

Danny Faught both scoring perfect targets.The third course of fire this year was a simulated

combat course. The course consisted of 14 targets and

shooters were given only 14 rounds and two minutes toclear the course. Shooters were required to make at least

one magazine change during the course and were notallowed to proceed unless the scored a hit on the target.

Shooters began at the 50 yard line and ran to the 25 yardline where they had to knock down a steel pepper pop-

per. Next shooters moved from the 25 yard line to the 15yard line to engage a plate rack consisting of 6 steeplates at the five yard line. Shooters then moved laterally

on the 15 yard line to a dueling tree also having six platesand then finally moved laterally again to knock down

another pepper popper. This course of fire proved to beone of the most difficult with no shooters finishing the

entire course.The final course of fire the shooters faced was the FB

Bulls-eye course. This course is a 30 round course with

a possible 300 points fired from the 25 and 15 yard linesAfter being required to move and shoot and shoot with

time constraints this course was really tough. Shootershad to calm down and get focused on fundamentals to

score well here.After the four courses of fire were completed the

scores were tabulated and they were pretty close. Only

one point separated 1st and 2nd place. Coming in 1stplace and winning a new Glock 23 was Jim Kirkland

from District 2. 2nd Place and new Ruger LCP went toMike Nelson from District 3 and 3rd place along with a

Cabelas gift certificate went to Danny Faught fromDistrict 5. Congratulations are in order for all the shooters

and we look forward to this event again next year.I would also like to thank Vance Wood and Scott

Kellenberger for helping put the courses of fire together

and for helping run the range during the event. Everyonestayed safe and had a great time. The Association would

also like to thank Tiger McGee for his informative presentation on firearms handling and his help in making sure

we had a safe and enjoyable event. lcontinued on 69


30/70

ACEOA SECOnd AnnuAl TOp Gun EvEnT continued

ACE Magazine 69

ChrisJaworowski,TreyPose,Jim

Kirkland,

andTopGunChampionRustyM

orrow.

SharpShooters!

YouthSharpShooters!Meeting,TopGunChallenge!


31/70

ACE Magazine 7

Forever Wild Preserves

More Unique Areas For Public Useby David Rainer, Outdoor Writer, Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

After hearing reports on two pieces of propertyadded to the Forever Wild portfolio, members ofthe Forever Wild Board voted last week to pursue

the purchase of two more properties deemed as highpriorities in its task to preserve some of Alabamasunique natural areas for public use.

The Board, meeting at Birmingham Southern College,approved the purchase of the Yates Lake West propertylocated in Elmore County. The 3,519-acre tract is less

than an hour from Montgomery on Alabama Highway229. Yates Lake, a 2,500-acre impoundmentsouth of Lake Martin on the TallapoosaRiver, offers fishing for bass, bream,crappie, as well as boating. Theproperty is rolling hills divided bycreeks and ravines with almostfive miles of frontage on thelake. There is a natural standof timber, including nativelongleaf pine and mixed hard-wood. The woodlands provideexcellent habitat for white-tailed deer and wild turkey.

Greg Lein, who overseesthe Forever Wild Program forthe Alabama Department ofConservation and NaturalResources State Lands Division,said Forever Wild purchases prop-erty for four categories of land use nature preserves, recreation areas,wildlife management areas (WMAs) andstate parks.

Every nomination is evaluated under all four catego-

ries, Lein said. Thats how we objectively decide whatthe land is most suitable for. Its not unusual for a bigproperty like the Walls of Jericho to be a nature preserve,a recreation area and a WMA. But whats unusual is whenthe state parks component makes the short list. We givethe board the short list of the top three-scoring propertiesin each of these four categories. The Yates Lake Westproperty short-listed under all four categories, and thatsnever happened before.

Lein said Yates Lake West is the right size and has theright attributes to do any of the things that Forever Wildis authorized to do. While Im not suggesting there will

be another state park built there, if we want to, the landis suitable for that, he said. What makes this special isthat Wind Creek and some of the other state parks justbarely have enough land to host the campgrounds. With(Yates Lake West), you could have a campground on theshoreline and people could bring their horses to a stableand then go into the interior and ride horse trails. Youcould have hiking trails and mountain biking trails. Itspart of what the Commissioner (Barnett Lawley) has

recently referred to as a wilderness park concept. Thiscould do that. This land is flat-out gorgeous.

Part of the magic of Forever Wild is itdoesnt have to do everything. It just

secures the property and prevents itfrom being developed. If a com-

missioner wants to put in a statepark 10 or 15 years from nowthere will be a place to do thatif they so choose.

The Board also authorizedState Lands to pursue ForestLegacy Program grant oppor-tunities to use toward thepossible purchase of the Weiestate of 1,900 acres, whichadjoins Yates Lake West. Lein

said Alabama has been grantedmore than $11 million from the

Forest Legacy Program in the pasteight years.In an extension of previous action

the Board authorized the purchase of theRed Hills Section 21 tract of 645 acres in Monroe

County, which adjoins 1,945 acres the Board voted to

purchase at the June meeting.This will create a 2,590-acre nature preserve andrecreation area that will preserve the Red Hills salamander habitat, Lein said of the state amphibian that is listedas threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS). This is another purchase in partnership withThe Nature Conservancy. We will probably develop somelight recreational activities like hiking trails and the pub-lic will be able to hunt that.

Lein said a USFWS Section 6 Habitat ConservationProgram grant will be used to purchase the property. The

continued on 73


32/70

Forever Wild Preserves More UniqUe AreAs For PUblic Use continued

ACE Magazine 73

USFWS makes money available to states for partnerprojects that will lead to the downlisting of endangered or

threatened species. If enough of the habitat of the threat-ened species is preserved, the species may be taken offthe threatened or endangered list.

Thats good for the states economy and the forestindustry that uses those type lands, Lein said. Thatsalamander habitat has limited what landowners andtimber managers could do with their properties. If we canpreserve enough of that habitat and its de-listed, thatmeans Forever Wild is not only good for preserving someof Alabamas unique habitat, it also contributes to thestates economy.

The purchases of two pieces of property authorizedby the Board were closed recently. The Big Swamp

Creek addition to the Lowndes WMA will add 1,343acres to the current 11,118 acres of the WMA for a total

of 12,501 acres.Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries does the assess-

ment on these type properties, Lein said. Their assess-ment was that it increases the WMA by about 10 percent,which is significant. And, it adds access on the south endof the WMA right there off of Highway 80. Thats alwaysa pretty significant consideration on this size property,

especially a wetland property that this WMA is. It wasbought by the U.S. Corps of Engineers primarily as miti-

gation for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.The very nature of wetlands is theyre not easy to

access. So when you can enhance public access to atract like that, it makes it especially attractive. That andthe fact it is central Alabama and the Black Belt, wherethere has been the ongoing dialogue of doing things inthe Black Belt.

Also the Old Cahaba Tract in Dallas County has beenadded to land acquired by Forever Wild, which will be upfor re-authorization in 2012. The 3,020-acre tract adjoinsthe Old Cahaba State Park and site of Alabamas statecapital in the 1820s.

This property has frontage on the Cahaba River and

it abuts the Old Cahaba State Park, Lein said. This wasanother partnership project with The Nature ConservancyThe property was nominated because of several rarespecies of prairie plants. Plus it was on the Cahaba Riverwhich is unique because of all the aquatic species thatmake a home there.

Visit www.outdooralabama.com to learn more about theAlabama Department of Conservation and NaturaResources or to read previous columns by David Rainer.l


33/70

ACE Magazine 75

ACEOA Holds Mini Conventions

Across The StateThis was a time for fun, food, family, friends, fellowship and prizes.

District

III

District

IV


34/70


35/70


36/70

Hunter education Press release and class scHedule continued

ACE Magazine 8

AUTAUGA COUNTY

November 12*

5:30pm 9:30pm

Academy Sports in Prattville

BALDWIN COUNTY

September 8*

6pm 10pm

Five Rivers on Mobile Causeway

October 13*

6pm 10pm


November 10*

6pm 10pm


December 8*

6pm 10pm


BARBOUR COUNTY

September 12 & 13

8am 4:30pm on Sat.

1pm 5pm on Sun.

Wallace College334-687-3542 Ext. 4247 to register

October 10 & 11

8am 4:30pm on Sat.

1pm 5pm on Sun.

Wallace College

334-687-3542 Ext. 4247 to register

November 2, 4, 9 & 10

6pm 9pm daily

Eufaula High School

BIBB COUNTY

September 7, 8 & 10

6pm 10pm dailyBibb County Courthouse

October 27*

6pm 10pm

US Forestry Service- Work Center

Co. Rd. 1 in Brent

November 16, 17 & 19

6pm 10pm daily

Bibb County Courthouse

BLOUNT COUNTY

August 24, 25, 27 & 28

5pm 9pm daily

Bethel Baptist Church in Snead

September 14, 15, 17 & 18

5pm 9pm daily

Plantation Wildlife Hunting Preserve

October 19, 20 & 22

5pm 9pm daily

Straight Mountain Vol. Fire Dept.

November 2, 3 & 5

5pm 9pm daily

Rickwood Caverns State Park

BULLOCK COUNTY

October 31*

11am 5pm

Great Southern Outdoors

Union Springs, AL

BUTLER COUNTY

August 24, 25 & 26

6pm 9:30pm

LBW Campus in Greenville

334-382-2133 to Register

November 7*

8am 12pm

Sherling Lake

CALHOUN COUNTY

August 24, 25 & 27

5:30pm 9:30pm daily

JSU Merrill Hall Bldg.

September 21, 22, 23 & 246pm 10pm daily

Gadsden State-Ayers Campus

November 2, 3, & 5

5:30pm 9:30pm daily

JSU Merrill Hall Bldg.

December 12*

9am 12pm

WFF District II Office

CHAMBERS COUNTY

November 7*

8am 12pm

Alfa Building-Lafayette

CHEROKEE COUNTY

November 7*

1pm 5pm

Rescue Squad Bldg-Centre

CHILTON COUNTY

October 26, 27, 29 & 315pm 8:30pm weeknights

8am 12pm on Sat.

Lecroy Career Tech Ctr. in Clanton

205-688-5039 to register

CLARKE COUNTY

October 5, 6 & 7

5pm 9pm daily

Al. Southern College-Thomasville

CLAY COUNTY

November 9, 10 & 12

5:30pm 9:30pm dailyClay County Judicial Ctr-Ashland

CLEBURNE COUNTY

November 2, 3 & 5

6pm 10pm daily

Heflin Parks & Rec Complex

COFFEE COUNTY

November 9, 10 & 12

5:30pm 9:00pm

New Brockton Farm Center


COLBERT COUNTY

August 29*

8am 12pm

Sheffield Rec Center

256-386-5615 Registration

October 10*

8am 12pm

Sheffield Rec Center


Hunter Education Class Schedule

Unless otherwise indicated all classes are for online registration at www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education.

* Indicates a field day, (Field days require completion of internet or cd-rom course.)


37/70


ACE Magazine 83

CONECUH COUNTY

August 29 & 30

8am 5pm on Sat.

1pm 5pm on Sun.

Ed Reid Tech College-Evergreen


August 30*

1pm 5pm

Ed Reid Tech College-Evergreen


COOSA COUNTY

August 29 & 30

8am 5pm Sat. & 1pm 4pm Sun.

Coosa County Courthouse

COVINGTON COUNTY

September 21, 22 & 24

5:30pm 9:00pm daily

Covington Co. Ext. Office

November 9, 10, 11 & 12

6pm 9pm daily

LBW Opp Campus334-222-5415 to Register

CRENSHAW COUNTY

August 24, 25 & 27

5:30pm 9pm daily

LBW Campus in Luverne

October 26, 27 & 29

5:30pm 9:00pm daily

LBW Campus in Luverne

CULLMAN COUNTY

August 27*5pm 9pm

Cornerstone Revival Center

November 2, 3 & 5

5pm 9pm daily

Cullman Armory

December 3*

5pm 9pm

Cullman Armory

DALE COUNTY

November 19*

5:30pm 9:30pm

Bldg 5206 Room 2-Fort Rucker

December 8*

5:30pm 9:30pm

Bldg 5206 Room 2-Fort Rucker

DALLAS COUNTY

September 10*

5:30pm 9:30pm

FOP Lodge-Selma

November 5*

5:30pm 9pm

FOP Lodge-Selma

DEKALB COUNTY

August 24, 25 & 27

5:30pm 9:30pm daily

Desoto State Park Nature Center

October 27*

5:30pm 9:30pm

Desoto State Park Nature Center

ELMORE COUNTYNovember 7*

8am 12pm

Forestry Comm. Office-Wetumpka

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

September 26 & 27


Jeff Davis Comm. College (Atmore)

No registration required

September 27*

1pm 5pm

Jeff Davis Comm. College (Atmore)


November 7 & 8


Jeff Davis Comm. College (Brewton)


November 8*

1pm 5pm

Jeff Davis Comm. College (Brewton)


ETOWAH COUNTY

September 17*

5:30-9:30pm

Academy Sports in Gadsden

October 15*

5:30-9:30pm


November 7 & 8

1pm 6pm daily

Gadsden Community College

Browder Hall-Science Lecture Room

November 19*

5:30-9:30pm


FAYETTE COUNTY

August 29*

8am 12pm

Fayette Co. Ext. Office


October 24*

8am 12pm

Fayette Co. Ext. Office205-932-8941 Registration

FRANKLIN COUNTY

August 24, 25 & 27

6pm 10pm daily

Russellville Community Center


October 5, 6 & 8

6pm 10pm daily

Russellville Community Center


GENEVA COUNTY

September 12 & 13


Geneva Middle School


November 7 & 8


Geneva Middle School






38/70


ACE Magazine 85

GREENE COUNTY (3)

October 26, 27 & 28

6pm 10pm daily

Greene County Ext. Office

HALE COUNTY (3)

November 7*

8am 12pm

Oakmulgee WMA

HENRY/HOUSTON COUNTY (6)

September 19 & 267am 12pm daily

Wallace College


October 10*

9am 1pm

Sportsmans Outfitters in Dothan

November 2, 3 & 5

5:30pm 9:30pm daily

Wallace College


November 14*

9am 1pm

Sportsmans Outfitters in Dothan

JACKSON COUNTY

November 7*

8am 12pm

Skyline Headquarters

JEFFERSON COUNTY

August 24, 25, 27 & 28

6pm 9pm daily

Gardendale First Baptist Church

August 29*9am 1pm

Old West Jefferson High School

September 19*

8am 12pm

Marks Outdoors

September 26*

9am 1pm

North Park Baptist Church

October 8*

6pm 10pm

Academy Sports-Trussville

October 24*

8am 12pm

Marks Outdoors

November 7*

9am 2pm

Irondale City Hall

November 17*

6pm 10pmAcademy Sports-Hwy 280

December 3*

6pm 10pm

Academy Sports-Hwy 280

LAMAR COUNTY

August 29*

8am 12pm

Alabama Forestry Commission

November 7*

8am 12pm

Alabama Forestry Com. Office

LAUDERDALE COUNTY

November 7*

8am 12pm

ECM East Hospital

LAWRENCE COUNTY

October 31 & November 1


Moulton Rec Center

LEE COUNTY

September 10*

6pm 10pmCooperative Ext. Office in Opelika

November 10*

6pm 10pm

Academy Sports

LIMESTONE COUNTY

October 19, 20, 26 & 27

6pm 9pm daily

Elkmont Rural Village

LOWNDES COUNTY

November 7 & 8


Army Corps of Engineers


MACON COUNTY

October 1*

6pm 10pm

Macon County Extension Office

334-358-0035 to RegisterMADISON COUNTY

September 8*

5pm 9pm

Gander Mountain

September 26*

7am 5pm

Gander Mountain

October 31 & November 1


Madison Co. Career & Tech Ctr

MARENGO COUNTY

October 3*

9am 1pm

Foscue Park-Demopolis

November 7*

9am 12pm

Foscue Park-Demopolis

MARION COUNTY

October 10*

9am 1pm

Marion Co. Ext. Office

MARSHALL COUNTY

August 29*

8am 2pm

Guntersville Middle School

October 26, 27 & 29

6pm 9:30pm daily

Guntersville Middle School





39/70


ACE Magazine 87

MOBILE COUNTY

September 10*

6pm 10pm

G & D Farm Supply

September 17*

6pm 9pm

Academy Sports in Mobile

September 26*

9am 12pm

McCoys

September 26*1:30pm 5pm

St. Elmos Feed & Seed

October 15*

6pm 9pm


November 19*

6pm 9pm


December 17*

6pm 9pm


MONROE COUNTY

October 5, 6 & 7

6pm 9pm daily

Monroe Co. Ag Center

November 16, 17 & 18

6pm 9pm daily

Monroe Co. Ag Center

MONTGOM

ACE Magazine - Fall/Winter 2009

Documents

Transcript of ACE Magazine - Fall/Winter 2009