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DOUBLE SPRINGS, AL, December 15, 2020 ---- The
Bankhead National Forest is one of the most visited national forests in
Alabama. During this time of the year, it is a special place full of
fond memories for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. To make this
hunting season even more enjoyable, the Bankhead Ranger District, has a
new, online interactive map available on the National Forests in Alabama’s
website www.fs.usda.gov/alabama to inform the
public of wildlife openings planted annually by Forest Service district
personnel.
The map is located here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsbdev3_002553 under “Helpful
Links”.
“With this new map, hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts
can easily tell where managed early successional wildlife openings are
located and what management was recently completed by Forest Service
personnel,” said Andy Scott, district ranger of the Bankhead National
Forest.
The map also depicts all wildlife openings specific to the
Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area managed by the Alabama Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources in partnership with the Forest Service.
These openings are maintained by planting and periodic mowing, and they
provide food and cover for game and non-game wildlife species.
Scott also highlighted the interactive map features and
explained that features can be turned on and off.
“For example, visitors can change the background of the map
from topographical to aerial photography, turn the Legend on and off, and
other useful tools,” said Scott.
As you prepare to hunt your national forests, we encourage
visitors to use this map and other tools to be well-prepared before you
visit and plan to practice safety using these 10 tips.
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“Know Before You Drive” – Check to see if a national
forest road is open to motor vehicles by picking up a free motor vehicle
use map from a local Forest Service office or view online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/alabama/kbyd. Remember
Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) are prohibited unless on designated ORV trails.
·
Avoid hunting and discharging a firearm within 150
yards of a residence, building, campsites, developed recreation sites,
occupied areas and trails.
·
Prepare for your hunting trip. Check weather
forecasts, always wear hunter orange, dress properly with layered clothing,
check equipment before and after each outing, tell someone about trip
details, carry a cell phone and avoid hunting alone.
·
Dogs for deer hunting is not allowed on the Bankhead
National Forest.
·
Be aware that the national forest boundaries are
marked with red paint on trees, or yellow signs with black lettering.
·
No permanent deer stands are allowed in the national
forest and the use of baiting or salt blocks is prohibited.
·
Be careful climbing in and out of deer stands. Falling
can cause serious injuries. Alabama regulations now require all hunters
using tree stands in wildlife management areas to wear a full body
harness.
·
Anyone born on or after August 1, 1977 must complete a
hunter-education course before purchasing their first hunting license. Contact
the Alabama Department of Conservation.
·
Obtain hunting rules and regulations by contacting the
Alabama Department of Conservation at 334-242-3486 or visiting their
website at http://www.eregulations.com/alabama/.
·
Contact a USDA Forest Service offices for information
about maps, hunter camps and camping permits.
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USDA is an
equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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