David Rainer: Mobile’s EcoWild Expo celebrates Alabama’s outdoors
Alabama is blessed with many natural wonders and diverse ecosystems, providing ample opportunities for enjoyment for both Alabamians and visitors. South Alabamians want one of these incredible ecosystems to get the recognition it deserves, so the EcoWild Outdoor Expo was born, taking place May 10-12 at the Mobile Convention Center on Water Street along the […]
David Rainer: Alabama saltwater records continue to fall
As we look ahead to the 2024 saltwater fishing peak season, we can look back on 2023 and see that it was another record-breaking year for anglers in Alabama’s coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico. The catch that made headlines around the world was a massive blue marlin caught by Best Traits, a 55-foot […]
David Rainer: Gulf State Park pier repairs reach milestone
The reconstruction of the Gulf State Park Pier recently reached a major milestone with the partial completion of a walkway up to the octagonal end of the pier. Lamar Pendergrass, southern region operations supervisor for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) State Parks Division, said all of the missing pilings and decking […]
David Rainer: Odette’s Ogden crowned Alabama Seafood Cook-Off champ
A dish featuring one of the delicious fish species caught off Alabama's beautiful beaches was crowned the champion out of nine dishes.Number The annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off is being held this week at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Chef Ogden of Odette carefully plates his stuffed pompano, which won him a cooking contest. (Photo by […]
David Rainer: Advisory Board hears ADCNR update, joins ribbon-cutting ceremony
The Alabama Conservation Advisory Board (CAB) recently had a busy weekend, starting the day on May 18th with the second CAB meeting of 2024, where hunting and fishing regulations for 2024-2025 were approved, followed by a dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Oak Mountain State Park campground. Chris Blankenship, director of the Alabama Department of […]
David Rainer: R3 professionals experience Alabama’s natural resources, hospitality
Outdoor professionals from around the country gathered in Mobile and at Riverview Plaza last week to brainstorm ways to Recruit, Retain and Reinvigorate (R3) hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The 210 National R3 Symposium attendees, coming from across the U.S., New Zealand and Guam, heard reports on hunting and fishing participation numbers, youth shooting […]
David Rainer: WFF’s Weathers credits staff for Bradley Award
Receiving the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Guy Bradley Award earlier this year may put him at the top of his peers, but Michael “Matt” Weathers prefers to keep his feet firmly planted in Alabama's fertile soil. Weathers, who is the Law Enforcement Section Chief for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) […]
David Rainer: Agencies meet to work on feral swine solutions
If you've ever explored Alabama's wilderness or climbed aboard a tractor to farm, you know the devastating impact feral hogs can have on the landscape. Due to the incredible reproductive ability of these feral pigs, population control is difficult at best, and many researchers believe that complete eradication of this invasive species is not a […]
David Rainer: Conservation board celebrates successes, remembers those lost
The first meeting of the Alabama Conservation Advisory Council in 2024 was to honor accomplishments and remember those who are no longer part of the conservation community. The celebration began with recognition of two members of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Conservation (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division. Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship presented […]
David Rainer: State public fishing lakes are community staples
Alabama is rich in lakes, reservoirs, and waterways where residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, bird watching, and many other outdoor activities. However, there are some areas in the state where residents cannot or may not have access to water. Due to the lack of access to subsistence fishing, especially in rural counties, Alabama […]
