Alabama

Welcome to Alabama, a state many consider the heart of Dixie. Its secession from the United States in 1861 and the subsequent declaration of the state's capital of Montgomery as the capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War give it a rich and colorful history as the cradle of the Confederacy. With the guns and cannons of the war long fallen silent, Alabama entices a different kind of adventurous spirit to discover the riches it has to offer.

With more than sixty percent of its land area covered by forests, hunting in this great southern state is sure to satisfy any enthusiast.  The 30^th largest state in the nation, Alabama is composed of 52,423 square miles (137,775 km²) which is divided into sixty-seven separate counties. Of this area, about 22 million acres of Alabama is covered in forests which is roughly sixty-seven percent of the total land area of the state, which also hosts 24 state parks. As hunting has a long proud history in Alabama, many hunting events are available even for non-licensed hunters such as the youth hunt which happens before the opening of each season. In addition, there is 96 different species that are eligible to be hunted.

The climate in the state is considered to be humid subtropical, which entails humid summers and relatively cool winters. The average annual temperature is 64°F (18°C) with summers among the hottest in the nation at an average of 90°F (32°C). With the state's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico it is also prone to storms and hurricanes. On average thunderstorms occur 70 to 80 days per year.

Winters are mild, which are typical of the southern states which can range from 40°F (32°C) in Mobile County to 32°F (0°C) in Birmingham. Although snow is quite rare in the state, several places north of Montgomery county has been known to receive some from time to time with an average yearly snowfall in Birmingham of about 2 inches. Any good hunter should remember to obtain information about the local weather before they set out hunting.

Alabama is composed of diverse landscapes ranging from forest covered ridges and hills to the north and grasslands and pine forests to the south. Swamps and bayous dot the Mobile Delta region as well. 

Elevations in the state vary from sea level at Mobile Bay to over 1880 feet (550 m) in the Appalachian Mountains. The highest point in Alabama is Mount Cheaha which is 2,407 feet (734 m) above sea level. Hunters should remember to pack appropriate gear for the terrain that they choose to hunt in.

 

From alligators to white-tailed deer, Alabama has a lot to offer. Call a plantation or hunting preserve today to find the right fit for you and we’ll guarantee your dollar will go a long way in this pillar of the south. 

 

 

This article is a part of an ongoing series describing all of the 50 states from a hunter's perspective. These will be continually updated to supply readers with accurate and knowledgeable information.