Turkey Hunters: Help Needed

I have signed up for this.  I wanted to share this information so if any other turkey hunters out there would like to participate they could.  You can read the article below for more information.

HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN AVID TURKEY HUNTER SURVEY

The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) is encouraging turkey hunters who hunt for at least 10 days during turkey season to participate in the Avid Turkey Hunter Survey. Hunters who participate in the survey will receive a copy of Full Fans & Sharp Spurs, the Alabama Turkey Project annual report, and be automatically entered to win a new shotgun from the Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). “Hunter participation in this survey is very important to the future of turkey hunting in Alabama,” said Steve Barnett, leader of the WFF Alabama Turkey Project. “The more hunters who participate, the better. However, we only need data from people who are hunting for at least 10 days during the season. The more days spent hunting, the more useful that information will be.” Participation in the Avid Turkey Hunter Survey provides WFF biologists valuable information on statewide and regional trends in gobbling activity, hunter effort, harvest rates, age structure and sex ratios. This knowledge ultimately helps the WFF make management decisions that link the interests of sportsmen with the wise use of the state’s turkey resource. “This survey allows hunters a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the conservation and management of turkey in Alabama,” Barnett said. To participate in the Avid Turkey Hunter Survey, contact WFF at 334-242-3469. WFF staff will provide hunters with information about how to complete the survey.  Hunters may also contact Steve Barnett or Joel Glover by email at steve.barnett@dcnr.alabama.gov and joel.glover@dcnr.alabama.gov for more information about the survey. For information about Alabama’s spring turkey hunting season, visit outdooralabama.com/spring-turkey-season. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visitwww.outdooralabama.com.

Tree Give-Away, Arbor Day

Last Friday I assisted with the Tree Give-Away in our county with the Clay County Forestry Planning Committee.  This project is made possible by the Alabama Forestry Commission that donates the trees and locally they are an integral part of our committee.  It is always fun to see the excitement as people come by and get their trees.  We had several different varieties of trees and the public always has questions about the trees.  

One Year Later

It is amazing how Mother Nature takes care of her own.  This picture was made on February 17th, one year ago.  I posted it and you can go back and read the story on a previous post (Miscellaneous Tab) but this morning, one day and one year later to the date, this is what the doe that had major injuries looks like now.  I did not know if she would survive last year due to her wound but she did.

2/17/2014

 2/18/2015

2/18/2015

BigDaddy

Today, five generations on Dewberry Lands came to an end.  My GrandDaddy (Big Daddy) past away early this morning.  It has been a sad day but it has also been a joyous day because of Jesus Christ.  I am so blessed and so undeserving but through GOD's blessings I now own the property where the old house was located that Big Daddy came to this earth, 95 years and 342 days ago.  He taught us about respecting GOD's creation and we are a better people because of him.  He left a legacy that will live on forever!

Last Day of Deer Season

I didn't have the quietest hunter, or the stillest hunter hunter in the woods the last day of deer season but I had the prettiest!  She took her hat off for the picture as we sat up in the stand.  We didn't see anything but we had fun looking through the scope at things.  She loves the outdoors! She is an "Outdoor Girl".

New Hunter

Our newest hunter in the Dewberry Family is Selah.  She has been wanting to go hunting and during their Christmas stay with us she got the opportunity.  Big brother was glad she got to go and see what it is like to hunt with Daddy and Granddaddy.  Her dad said these two don't need to go together because they find too much to talk about.  Even though they talked a little too much they still saw a doe!  Selah found a turkey feather in the chufa patch. Selah is ready to go again.  She likes the fact that her Aunt Abby likes to hunt and Selah wants to be like her.

Got The Trees Planted For This Year

GOD is so good!  He literally showers us with blessings.  These trees were planted last Friday and the sun has not been on them but it has been cloudy, rained some about every day and now they are predicting 3-5 inches tonight.  That will pack the soil around the roots and they will be better able to take the dry weather when it comes.

This green looks great in the ashes of the prescribed burn. My oldest grandson who is eight, had fun running around on this property and seeing where the trees had been planted.  We looked at where the longleaf were planted and also checked on the loblolly planting.  I don't know why it surprised me but he knew the names and identified both the longleaf and loblolly seedlings.  We talked about how fast trees grow and how one day he would walk through a beautiful, mature longleaf pine forest.  We talked about the stand of longleaf pines across the road from these that are eight years old like him and how tall they are already.  He learns so fast.  He now says he wants to be a wildlife biologist and study wolves.   

These are the hardest working people I know!  The best I have ever been able to plant in a day was 1000 seedlings and these guys plant around 3000 seedlings per day.  This is the closest thing you can get to an "instant forest".