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Quail Forever Making North Alabama Home Sweet Home
Sixth Quail Forever chapter in state forms in Morgan County.

Quail Forever

Morgan, Ala. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Bobwhite quail enthusiasts in Alabama have formed the nation’s newest Quail Forever chapter. Named North Alabama Quail Forever, more than 20 hunters and conservationists created the Morgan County-based group to become an active force in reestablishing quail habitat in the region.

As a Quail Forever chapter, the North Alabama group will utilize Quail Forever’s local approach to wildlife habitat conservation. Unlike other national conservation organizations, Quail Forever gives local Quail Forever chapters the ability to decide how 100 percent of their fundraised dollars are spent. This local control gives chapters and members the ability to make things happen for wildlife in their communities, while belonging to a national organization that gives wildlife and conservation a voice in Washington, D.C.

Already, the chapter has taken the initiative of contacting local wildlife management authorities to inquire about assisting with quail habitat projects. The Bankhead National Forest has 11,000 acres slated for quail restoration work as part of its Quail Initiative Program, and the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge has 1,200 acres in a quail habitat restoration program.

“With adequate support from our chapter, state programs and local wildlife officials, we can set the foundation needed to reestablish quail in Alabama,” said Kevin Terry, president of North Alabama Quail Forever.

Although the North Alabama Quail Forever chapter is primarily focused on establishing quail populations, the habitat projects stand to benefit many other species of wildlife. Those who are interested in the environment are encouraged to join the chapter.

“We have an ‘all inclusive’ focus in terms of our members,” said Terry. “Several of our members do not hunt, but know and understand that improved habitat is advantageous for many species. Our chapter is common ground to join together conservationists from all walks of life.”

As it sustains quail habitat, North Alabama Quail Forever looks to sustain quail conservationists. “Regardless of the progress, it is only sustainable with future Quail Forever members. We have several active youth members and plan to engage them in our chapter projects; this is an integral part of our mission.”

North Alabama Quail Forever

• Chapter leaders are Kelly Meeks, treasurer, from Decatur; and Jeff Selby, habitat chair, also from Decatur.
• Chapter planning benefit clays shoot for disabled vets and physically challenged youth, as well as first annual fundraising banquet – both to be held this spring.
• The chapter’s next meeting will be Tuesday, March 2, more info TBA.
• For more information about North Alabama Quail Forever, upcoming events and to become a member, contact Kevin Terry at 256-303-2229 and kevin_terry@bellsouth.net.

Quail Forever is the quail division of Pheasants Forever. Alabama is home to six Quail Forever chapters. For more information on Quail Forever in the state, contact Elsa Gallagher, Quail Forever regional wildlife biologist, at 660-277-DOGS and egallagher@quailforever.org.

For additional information please visit www.QuailForever.org

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Alabama’s Third Community Archery Park Now Open

Alabama Community Archery Park Now Open

Outdoor Alabama

Dothan, Ala - -(AmmoLand.com)- Alabama’s third community archery park officially opened on Friday, December 4 in Dothan, Ala.

The Dothan facility joins archery parks in Athens, and Cullman, Ala., that opened in February 2008 and April 2009, respectively. A fourth park will open in Demopolis in 2010.

The range was developed through a partnership between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF), the City of Dothan, the Archery Trade Association (ATA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Students from Rehobeth High School’s agriscience program contributed to the project by building the target frames and were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

WFF Director Corky Pugh said the opening of the range is a monumental occasion for both the State of Alabama and the City of Dothan. “What we are creating is an opportunity for young people to learn life skills that will stay with them throughout their life,” Pugh said. “Archery is one of those great sports that you don’t have to be an athlete to excel in.”

Mike Piccirilli, Division of Federal Assistance Chief for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in the Southeast, praised the progress Alabama has made with the opening of its third archery range. “Alabama is a special place because it is so dedicated to archery,” Piccirilli said. “We hope this park will stimulate interest and participation in archery for years to come.”

In a continued partnership with Dothan Leisure Services, WFF will assist in the creation of school and recreational archery programs for Dothan and surrounding communities in Houston County. “We are looking forward to enhancing our programming by providing archery related activities for students and citizens of Dothan and Houston County,” said Elston Jones, Dothan Leisure Services Director.

Alabama’s archery parks are user funded at no cost to taxpayers. The parks are also made possible through the Community Archery Program (CAP), which was developed in 2005 by the ATA to grow archery and bowhunting participation nationwide.

The Dothan archery park features: eight youth targets from 5-20 yards; 11 adult range targets from 15-80 yards; and an elevated platform that simulates bowhunting situations with targets from 10-40 yards.

The Dothan archery range is open to the public during daylight hours except for Wednesday, when it is closed to the public. All participants, ages 16 to 64 must have a Hunting or Wildlife Heritage license in order to shoot. All shooters must sign in and out at the Eastgate Lodge. No broadhead points are allowed and users of the elevated platform must wear a full body harness. The park is located in Eastgate Park, 2049 Sanitary Dairy Road, Dothan, Ala., 36305.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .

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