It’s getting time again to plan the Alabama Camp out/Deer hunt. Dates this year will be December 7-9 come early stay late if you’d like. Will be located located in the Bankhead National forest. We know the area a little better now and hope to have better luck this year. More details will be posted as we have them.

Hoping I can be there again. It was dang cold in 2017!

That it was! I’d be happy with somewhat milder conditions this year!

For those interested here is last year’s thread with info about the area and our experience:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt.../2017-alabama-deer-hog-hunt#Post12164982

Me and the now 17 year old daughter will me there. I’ve been thinking about this since i drove away last year. Thos hills and hollows have haunted my thoughts all summer. Looking forward to this.

Bought a bigger heater and a bigger tent.

Looking like I can go.

Hey that’s great glad to have you!

Out of state hunting license is pretty cheap about $135 if I remember correctly.

I'll try to make it. I'll be coming back from my PA deer hunt the weekend before. Ilk try to get an extended hall pass

Cool good luck lol.

It's $136 for a 3 day license and I'm looking forward to meeting you guys!

Any of you guys coming from out of town want to pm me your address, I can send maps of the area we will be hunting. Also highly recommend the HuntStand ap. Matt had us set up last year on the ap it was very helpful. Also bring your best boots. The terrain can be a little rough especially if you make much effort to really get deep in there where the big ones supposed live.

Some lessons learned from last year:

Apparently the rut is on during our hunt however only in the southern sector the northern sector has an early rut. This isn’t uncommon in Alabama. Last year all my scouting and planning was focused on the northern sector. Huntstand is a great app where you can mark up and share all kinds of maps. I’ll be studying the southern portions more over the next month and maybe get a scout trip up there one Saturday. I’m not familiar with that part of Bankhead at all right now. Camp area will be the same as previous years Mcdougle camp. I’ll arrive Thursday morning to mid day and set up my tent and mark the area.

Guys - IF I'm welcome, it's possible that I could come -- not sure yet. I've hunted S. Al (near Andalusia) in the 80s.

On one of those hunts the temp was -10* F. (that's MINUS 10*) Wish I could remember which year. I still have my Non Res License, maybe I can find the date.
Alabama AIN'T supposed to be THAT cold.

Bankhead is closer than Anda.

The more the merrier would love to meet you!

Okay, thanks. I also would like to meet some of our bunch.

I'll 'begin' making plans but it's too far out to be certain.

That FRIGID deer hunt was Either 1/85, or 1/86




I have other N R resident licenses but they were NOT in Jan or Feb.
Whichever yr. 85 or 86, I'll never forget the COLD. I did kill deer from MID day >> on.

By Process of Elimination, I would say....



1985



Jan 22, 1985 -- WHERE we were the thermometer read -10* at 4:30 AM. ALL thermometers are NOT the same and temp varies by location.

jwall,do you snore?

Asking for a friend.

Sure you are !!




I never could stay awake to see !!




No, not loud enuff to bother anyone.


Bet You Do !

Ill give it a go this year.

Why yes I do. Loud enough that our neighbors can hear me.

The neighbors live about a quarter mile away.

By the way,I'm taking my .35 Whelen.

I plan to bring my 70 FTWT 6.5XSwede and

backup Tikka T3 Lite SS 270 Win.------> I'd use my new T 3, 7 RM but it's not needed in a National Forest.

Well this idea has stirred up my mudhole.

I don't have 1 rifle that I don't like. I've been looking thru my ammo that's loaded and ready.

I 'might' bring my 70 Swede OR

my M 98 in 284 Win OR

my Model Six 6mm Rem OR

............ OR

............

I don't have ANY vintage rifles. The Swede & 284 are the only 'classic' or older cartridges that I use. (not counting the 8 RM)

There's a lot of time between now and then.

My daughter has laid claim to hunt with my browning x bolt 270. It’s pretty famous for throwing long range lightening bolts. I may bring my vanguard S2 in 257 WM. But I’m leaning toward a 270 wsm or 300 win mag. We plan on doing some shooting and cleaning and more shooting and cleaning very soon. Getting dialed in and comfortable with our choices. Leaves are falling here it’s time to get real serious about hunting.

Not sure what I’ll be hunting with this year. Looking forward to seeing everyone and hopefully killing some deer this year!

.Matt, do you know if it will be open to both sex kills or buck only? If i remember right, last year it was buck only but no antler restriction. I am watching a couple good ones here on the home farm but I’ll try my best to save on of my 3 buck kills for December.

Outback and Matt:

I’m not familiar with that N F. Are there enuff areas where a Magnum rifle would be appropriate ?

If so I’d love to bring my new to me T3X Lite SS 7 RM. It only weighs 3 or 6 oz more than my 270.

Not really imo. There may be a few areas you could get to where I shot over 100 yards distance is possible, but by far most of the hunting is in areas with thick cover forcing short range shots. I could hunt the entire national forest with a 30-30 and low power variable scope and be happy.



I haven’t looked up the rags for this year’s heart to see if it’s buck only or not. One thing to remember is that there are actually two hunting regulations to follow ones that cover the Sipsey wilderness area and the special three day hunt that we will be there for and also the general hunting regulations for the Bankhead national forest which in conferences more land than just the Sipsey wilderness management area. It may be very likely that the management area is Buck’s only but if you’re in the national forest area outside of the management area does may be taken. I know that sounds confusing as we get closer to time I’ll post images of Maps where you can see the two distinct areas. Basically the state hosts A three day rifle hunt in the Sipsey wilderness management area this SIPC management area happens to be inside the Bankhead national forest which has a much longer and open rifle season.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd490240.pdf


https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd493196.pdf


https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5274999.jpg

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5389744.pdf

Matt

IF the area is 'infested' with feral hogs...... I'll be hunting THEM more than deer.

IF I read the maps correctly, Sipsey M A is 'infested', correct ?

It was about 5-7 years ago. Heavy trapping has been effective in greatly reducing the numbers. Last year I saw little hog sign compared to what was seen just a few years prior.

I’m focusing all my scouting on areas of the Bankhead National Forest south of 278 and west of 195. From info we got from very successful local hunters that area is where the rut will be in full swing. The northern area of the WMA and National Forest has an earlier rut.

OKAY on the hogs. Thnx

Will follow you on the maps and ideas.

I took these pix today and posted in the thread about Strange Deer This Year.
SEEMS - things may be early here this year too.






Earliest Scrape I've seen in a while. 9-6-18

Sounds like a great time. Sadly, my tent camping days are behind me now. Due to back issues and sleep apnia, I sleep in a recliner. Wish I could joing you guys. Any time 'Fire members get together, great memories are made.

g gunner -

How about an outdoor 'CHASE LOUNGE', IF you don't have to have electric Cpap?

For different events I have slept IN MY TRUCK. If you have an IN Truck - 4 Door - RECLINE the seat ?
My 'new' truck is a 2003 xxxxChevy! - STANDARD cab. They are HARD to find, I looked for MONTHS till I found what I liked. that had been taken care of, >>>>> except chevy.

Don't throw in the towel too soon.

The scope on the .35 Whelen will not focus for me and the lenses need to be cleaned on the inside. So,I'm going to bring my .375 H&H. Had this rifle for 24 years and have not killed any big game with it.

375 H&H yup that ought to do 😉

Well.....we could make this the Alabama Canon hunt.

I haven’t killed a deer with my Rem 700 8 mm RM in some years. It’s sighted in with ammo ready to go.
Hadn’t thot about bringing it......but it’d work.

I found this in addition to the USFS maps.

https://www.wilderness.net/NWPS/wildView?WID=556&tab=Maps

BTW: If you want to do some good virtual scouting, download the free version of Topofusion. It has topos and aerial imagery of the whole US. The cool feature is it also allows the topo and aerials to be viewed in 3-d. The 2 map layers I use the most are "My Topo" and "USGS Aerial Imagery". I've been using it in conjunction with Google Earth for years. Gives me something to do at lunch time in the off season...............

In addition, if you want a personalized map, you can use Topofusion to zero in on your area, go under "File", "Order Printed Map" and it takes you to My Topo to finish your design. I have waterproof maps of all my hunting areas.

This file sheds a bit of light on the weird rut in Alabama.


Alabama deer conception dates

Scroll down to the map. I have a pdf of a better map and explanation but can't figure out how to put it in this thread.

I've done a fair bit of investigation into Alabama deer and even joined a lease down there not far from the Bankhead. Alot of timber company property in that part of the world. The Bankhead is part of the Black Warrior WMA. I talked to several biologists down there and all pointed to BW as the place to shoot a nice buck. They all mentioned the deer density is fairly low. Black Warrior does have the earliest rut of any of the WMAs in the state. Now that you guys are headed down there, my interest is renewed. I'll try to get down there for scouting in November. I like the trail system in the Sipsey.

Is anyone bringing a defibrillator for the old dudes...grin

South is weird ruts for sure. I've hunted deer in GA that were in the rut around Halloween. Just across the Chattahoochee river in Alabama, they were rutting the end of January.

Bring it!

Hope so.

Yup Bankhead NF and Black Warrior WMA Have two distinct ruts, the northern section ruts early November like the original Michigan deer that were brought in to the area years ago. The southern portion has a later rut that hits early to mid December, this was learned last year by talking to a fellow that literally lives and hunts the whole season on Bankhead. He was very successful and had a few nice bucks to show including the one his daughter took while we were there. Like you said the deer density is low but there are some real monsters taken out of there each year. I’m using the app huntstand to overlay topi and satellite imagesetters along with property lines. Some private land is within the Nation Forest so the property line stuff really helps. I can mark up the map plan routes know distances and share the maps I create with a group. Extremely useful and it’s free.

Next year we will probably hunt the Freedom Hills WMA bear Florence as the deer density is much better but we know nothing about the area yet.

Contact me when you plan on scouting maybe we can get together.

Yup my family small property in south Al ruts end of January to early February thankfully they extended our season till mid February now. There were a lot of years we didn’t get to hunt the rut before they did that.

I’ll be slumming a 243 maybe a 30-30 if I can stage the one I have my eye on.

You know,you can borrow one of my rifles if you want?

Will have a new Kimber to bloody and either a 7600 or 30-30 Marlin trying to make up my mind which one I want.

Y'all PLEASE don't confuse me. Those 2 are perfect.

WELL..... how about that Kimber ? keepin something from us?

Kimber Hunter 243 will wear a fixed 6 Meopta. Should have it in two weeks.

Kind of getting horned up about this 7600 I’m looking at. Will know by the end of the weekend if I can work out a deal on it.

What is the 7600 chambered for?

You know,I could play musical scope and put a Leupold 3x on the .35 Whelen.

Or,bring a Ruger M77 .240 Wby,

Maybe a .257 Roberts or .25/06.

So many rifles I can choose from.

Thirty ought sex

Well, I ain't playing. GRIN

You're no fun.

Okay, I can play.

I'll bring my 6 oh 6 (model Six 30-06)

or

my 70 Black Shadow 300 WM

or

my 6mm Rem, Mod Six

or

Your 416 RM......... you say you don't have.















But I'm still bringing the 6.5XSwede

Damn, half the guys going have me on ignore. Been years since I hunted with chicks.

Might as well pack up my gunsafe and bring it to Alabama.

Just catching this. I'm hoping to make it again....have to do a bit of calendar checking.

Funny stuff right there. Great way to break the ice. Come on down...

I'll be hunting south of ya'll but I'll definitely ride on up for the auction.

Hey at least ride up Saturday night for the group meal and bourbon sipping. Always glad to shake hands with another fire member.

Elks, I really DO believe you when you say you DON'T have a 416 RM.
If I had a 375 Ouch n Ouch AND a 460 BEEE, I would NOT think there's much gap there.

I had a .416 RM in a Winchester M70. I sold it. Should've kept it along with a .416 Rigby I once owned after selling the Winchester.

Would not mind having one or the other right now.

By the way jwall,I tried the 270 gr Hornady RN in my .375 H&H and it look good so far. Just need to check grouping and velocity again and then it's time for rabbit hunting.

Matt, Looks like a go from my end. My lad wants to come with me. He is a very qualified hunter and an accomplished woodsman. I am going to bring my 7.62X39 Ruger American bolt rifle, and probably the old Remington 742 in .30/06. Art will has a number of 'favorite' hunting rifles, not sure what he will bring. We will set up with two different tents. I'm guessing the same campground as last year?

Great glad he can make it! Yes same camp ground as last year, hopefully about 15 degrees warmer this time.

no matter. I am bringing my tent heater again AND enough fuel. lol
I say 'lad', but he is 48 YO.

Isn’t part of the experience freezing your balls off?

The cold at night doesn’t bother me too much I can stay warm in the tent but having to layer up like that kid in A Christmas Story sucks when hunting.

The cold at night doesn’t bother me too much I can stay warm in the tent but having to layer up like that kid in A Christmas Story sucks when hunting.

“I can’t put my arms down”. Ahahaha

Yes exactly!!

I’m looking a few spots I will still hunt which helps keep ya warm but this year there are a few spots I’m considering more of a stand location type deal. Check out the map in huntstand and you’ll see what I marked up.

This is one ADvantage of being Hot Natured. I can't get COOL in Summer. I have warm clothes w/o the bulk for hunting.
I used to have problems with my fingers. Bulky gloves get in the way.
I learned to use cotton Jersey gloves --> rotate hands in pocket. REMEDY. Try it.

I am a wimp,I hate the cold. I am a tropical bird.

Had a little fall like weather in the air today. Right before dark I seen a momma with a fawn another doe and 2 bucks. I feel it in the air boys. Natures clock is ticking.

Wish I could join you fellas, always wanted to hunt N AL & MS area, but was fortunate enough to draw 2 WMA permits here in FL, along with 2 hunts planned for PA. Maybe next year. Look forward to following this thread. Something that just resonates when learning new public ground and eventually finding success. Good luck!

I’m feeling much better about our odds this year. We’ve learned stuff the last two hunts and doing more scouting this year pre hunt. Going to try and make a trip up there next month, maybe do a little squirrel hunting and walk a few areas I’ve picked.

ttt

Guys, some of you may not know but ELKS - Ken - is in hospital >>> Need Prayers.

Not going to be able to go this year due to health reasons.

Have fun and take lots of pictures!

Hey Elks !

Good see you back on line. Been hoping, praying for your recovery.


Sorry you won't be able to make it. Was looking forward to meeting you in person.

NONE of us knows about TOMORROW - for certain.

Stay in touch.

My recovery will be in full swing next week starting with the speech therapist. The PT/OT is in the works right now.

I was looking forward to meeting you and others in Alabama deer hunting and just general all round BS'ing.

ttt

JCMCUBIC/Jay, thanks for pointing his out; I’m hoping to join in on the fun. Anyone coming down or thru Chicago?

Dave

Looking forward to this.

Chicago? You’ll win the award for longest commute for sure! Glad to have you!

Not from Chicago, Central Illinois. Looking forward to joining this group for fellowship and hunting. Not ever hunting out of state this sounds exciting as much for the campfire stories as time spent in the out of doors. Trophies are not what I seek as much as memories. Thanks for being invited

Up for any folks that might be interested.

Excited to have several out of state hunters joining us this year. The terrain is about as rough as it gets in Alabama and the odds aren’t great but I can guarantee a good time. Taking votes for our campfire meal Saturday night, I like to cook at least one meal for everyone that night. Maybe Brunswick Stew?

Brunswick stew sounds DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!. I just love southern food. I guess thats why I stand hunt a lot LOL

Matt

Brunswick stew sounds good AND chili always goes down GOOD in Cold WX.

Anyone that complains GETS to cook ! ! .

Jerry

ttt

Getting a little closer to the dates.

Yes it is and my son and I are firming up plans. Looking forward to some great time spent hunting and in camp!!!! Is the hunting actually 4 days or three, info I saw was , Thurs,Fri,Sa,Su for season in Black Warrior WMA

May have a local come join y'all.Never set foot on the place,but always wanted to.Sounds like a good time to check it out,and meet some like-minded individuals

Zona A of the Black Warrior WMA will be open Dec 6-9 thousands of acres of National Forest land is open all season long. We are camping with in the WMA but the National Forest areas are very very close. Looks like we are going to have a big group this year and I’m very excited!

Not going to make it this year. Son has games on Friday 12/7 and Saturday 12/8.

Still planning on going. We should be here noonish on Friday. Same camp spot as last year, right?

Yup same place Sam. Hate you’ll miss it Jay.

Any of you fellers ready yet?

Yes ,I am working on getting ready. I hope to be in area on Wed afternoon. Looking forward to a wonderful time!!!!!!

I hope you get a beeg wone Andy57!

Thanks Ken, I think the most important thing to me is that I enjoy the time with others

I have not been on the Alabama hunt,but have been to a few 'fire rendezvous,you WILL enjoy yourself.

Very excited! Getting into planning mode now, I’ll be there Thursday morning to set up camp and do some scouting/hunting that afternoon. Closer to the dates I’ll get a list up of members names and phone numbers. Andy I live just south of Birmingham about two hours from the camp. If you run into any issues Wednesday please feel free to get ahold of me.

Thanks,I will if I need to. I am not that into camping although my son does it very well it my have to do with getting older. LOL

I’m not gonna be able to make it this year after all. I’ve recently changed positions and locations at my wonderful job
Good luck guys i will definitely be following the post and hope to see some bloody pictures.

Hate to hear that but I completely understand. The hunt will be here before we know it.

Just checked the calendar, December 7th is a new moon! I’ll take all the help I can get getting the deer moving during the day.

Extended weather forecast is looking great! Lows in the mid to low 30’s, highs in the mid 40’s. Can’t ask for better weather imo.


Let’s go ahead and start a roll call for those attending. Please copy and paste filling in your information.

Username Real name contact info

444matt Matt Pair 334-296-2784- will be there Thursday morning to set up then scout

Matt
I’d rather hunt in New Moon than Full Moon.
New Moon is dark whether it’s up in day OR night.


I have to check OFF the list to come hunt.
I’m in hospital now w/my wife who had knee REPLACED yesterday. I’ll be doing therapy w/her next week and
can not leave.

Y’all have a good time and kill a bunch.
Sorry

Jerry

Yup I’m excited about the new moon. Hate to hear you’ll miss it take care of the wife and I wish her a speedy recovery!

444matt Matt Pair 334-296-2784- will be there Thursday morning to set up then scout

andy57 Andy McClain 217-320-3183 should be there Wed afternoon to setup and scout, My 28 yo son Ben with me

Good luck fellas! I wish I could be there with you guys and tell tall tales!

Not gonna make this hunt. I'm headed to PA to hunt with my Dad tomorrow through all next week. I have 3 deer tags to fill <G>

hope all of you have a great time keep posting I mite try next year

I know Sam (Mannlicher) and his son Art are coming as well as Mark (HugaJackass) and his friend Randy,

So looking like 7 folks at this point.

I’m starting to pack this weekend, looks like a little rain on Friday and Saturday is possible.

The lad has had some serious issues pop up at one of his businesses. I just don’t feel up to doing the trip on my own. Sadly, we won’t be able to join y’all. A big disappointment for me, but reality take precedence over fun.
At least I can hunt his land, and that is only 8 miles from my house. 😬

Going to miss ya Sam but I completely understand, hope you fill your freezer soon!

Looks to be a small group.Starting to pack things up today!!!!!!

Today the day?

Hey Matt

How about an update on the hunt.

I haven’t seen it if you already made one.

Jerry

Rainy,My son and I hunted Thursday,great day just saw no deer. Rained Friday morning and forecast was for lots of rain so we packed up and came back to Illinois. Maybe better luck next year

Andy, thnx for your response.

Sorry about the inclement Wx. It happens and we have no controls to adjust it.
I’ve been tending to my wife after knee surgery plus our Wx hasn’t been favorable either.
I’ve mostly missed hunting now for 3 weeks.

I do have 3 days immediately after Christmas. Maybe nothing will screw that up.

Jerry

Weather happens,What I really had was 4 full days with my youngest son making memories, and meeting Matt. Those are the things life is made of. Good luck on your three days after Christmas Jerry!

Sorry for the late reply. Between car trouble sick kids and bad weather I’ve had a rough start to my season. Got camp set up Thursday morning and hunted Thursday afternoon, some turkey and fresh coyote sign but no deer. Was a pleasure meeting Andy and his son Thursday night. It rained all Thursday night and steady into Friday with 2 more inches of rain predicted for the following 48hrs. We made the decision to pack up and close camp just not interested in those conditions. Hopefully next year will be better but thankful to meet more fire members especially from so far away,

Man that rough when that rain settles in. Hoping my next hunt between Christmas and New Year in AL will be in good weather. I have pulled the plug a few times there myself.

Hated to hear about all that rain, but it does ease the pain of missing the hunt with y’all. Will be in Miami with the missus the rest of December. No hunting for me down here. Should be able to kill another off my son’s property after thr first though.

👍🏻

So a lot of folks ask why we keep coming back to hunt the Black Warrior WMA each year for the Bama get together. Here are a handful of bucks taken there in the last 30 days. Just a sample from a public land hunters group on Facebook. The numbers of deer aren’t great but there are some damn nice ones back there!

matt what part of alabama

North West inside the Bankhead National Forest.

thanks I mite try next year

It’s always fun, tough hunting but a great fellowship opportunity to meet fellow fire members!

Sorry that the weather sucked for y'all.

-Jake

Next year will be better.

Weather is weather,Thats hunting. It was a fun time and hope to go again next year