Even though the turkey hunting here can be stressful on most visitors. It can hold great rewards for those who take the time to do their homework and actually hunt for the game bird we love so much. There are many Wildlife Management Areas in the state the hold great numbers for turkey. A favorite slate call, mouth yelper, and box call just may do the trick on one of these WMA’s. Hunting in Alabama can be tough due to the types weather we have when spring finally arrives. It may be cold one morning with birds gobbling lite to a warm morning for the next day and birds calling all mother nature around them for miles.

Bugs, snakes, and even in some areas even a hog trying to ruin a good morning’s hunt can cost you a bird from the start. Know your area when you come to Alabama for it is so easy to get lost in the deep swampy areas where a great deal of birds like to hang out in a tree at sun rise. I have hunted turkey here in Alabama ever since I killed my first bird at the age of 15. Even for the 40 year turkey veteran that has been doing it his whole life a bird here will make him want to just hang up everything and head to a fishing hole.

If hunting on public hunting grounds aren’t your thing you may want to try one of the many hunting lodges. One that comes to mind for a fantastic southern dream turkey hunt you may want to check out Westervelt Lodge. With 10,000 acres to hunt on you and a guide are bound to call up one to shoot at. Westervelt is located near Tuscaloosa, AL and treats you to a fine southern living style comfort and great southern hospitality. The turkey hunting here is some of the finest. Let’s take a look and on your next hunting trip for adventure try our great state of Alabama. But come prepared and ready to sometimes going home with empty hands.

As we traveled down Interstate 10 through Defuniak Springs, Florida to Graceville, Florida, my husband and I discussed the delicious seafood we would eat at Grady’s Restaurant before continuing on to Marianna, Florida to do a little bass fishing on the Mill Pond. It was after nine o’clock when we arrived at our hotel and due to some miscommunication with the desk clerk, we no longer had a room for the night.

We finally decided to call a place my husband had always heard fish tales of, but had never visited, Jack Wingate’s Lunker Lodge on Lake Seminole.  A friendly voice on the other end of the phone informed us that they did not have a vacancy for the night, but where we might find a hotel room and that if we would call him in the morning, he would try to find us some lodging at Wingate’s.  The next morning, I called Wayne, the friendly man on the phone from the night before, and sure enough he had us a room.

We still weren’t certain we wanted to drive another 30 minutes to the lodge, so we drove around a little and fished a few other places on the west end of Lake Seminole, but we never found the legendary bass we had heard stories of Lake Seminole producing. We were almost convinced to turn around and make the three-hour drive back home, but something kept pulling us toward Wingate’s. We decided we had nothing to lose after the escapade we had the night before, so off we went to Bainbridge, Georgia in search of some big time bass fishing.

Wingate’s Lunker Lodge was more than I had imagined. It was a true fisherman’s paradise. We were greeted outside by friendly faces and as we entered the building legendary fisherman and B.A.S.S. co-founder Jack Wingate was headed out the door with his lunch.  The only thing that could make this better would be if we could catch some big fish. As we chatted about the history of Wingate’s and the type of fishing we enjoy, Wayne suggested we go out fishing with a guide.

Wayne contacted Mike Sloan, one of the current owners of the lodge, and he agreed to take us out fishing that afternoon.  Boy did Mike put us on some fish and the scenery on the lake was incredible.  Mike told us about the May shad spawn on the lake and showed us a few of his favorite spots that were guaranteed to produce some lunker bass.

I captured photos of some huge alligators, canvas-back ducks, blue herons and bald eagles.  It was such an exciting afternoon of fishing followed up with a delicious BBQ plate from the BBQ Buffet that Wingate’s restaurant offers on Friday nights.  The next morning my husband and I headed out on the lake at sunrise and had an amazing morning of fishing of which we followed up with breakfast in the lodge.  I couldn’t believe my eyes. Every table was filled with fishermen and the air was filled with the aroma of bacon frying and tall tales of how the

” Big One “

got away. I was thoroughly entertained by the company and staff of the restaurant. We spent very little time in our cabin during our stay due to the camaraderie we found rocking in the wooden rockers on the front porch of the lodge.

Jack Wingate’s Lunker Lodge proved to be a true fisherman’s paradise and more than I could have ever dreamed of. If you are looking for a weekend getaway or even a longer stay, Wingate’s offers cabin rentals, camper hookups, some delicious food, some amazing fishing, and of course some fish tales that will really get you hook-line-and sinker. You can visit their site here at Wingate’s Lunker Lodge and tell them Shannon Lee sent ya!  Happy Fishing!

Spring time turkey season is some of the best there is. Alabama is home to some of the best turkey hunting locations in the U.S.. For years there were only few turkey hunters around and now the hunting of Alabama turkey have doubled and even tripled. Alabama has been known to have some of the most difficult turkey hunting of anywhere. The swampy bottoms of the rivers will make you think twice sometimes before entering.

Some of the best hunting lodges in the south are located with some of the very best turkey hunting around. Westerveltlodge ha been known to grow some big deer in their time but the turkey hunting here is among some of the best in the south. Westerveltlodge is located in Aliceville, AL. Another great place with true southern hospitality is Southern Sportsmans lodge located in Lowndesboro, AL. Just minuets away from the Alabama River and the Robert F. Henery lock and damn is also very great turkey hunting. Lets take a look at Westervelt on the video and see what Alabama turkey hunting is all about.

North Carolina is home to some of the best eastern whitetail deer hunting you can find. Clay McPherson has worked hard to bring great hospitality and fun times to his friends that come to join him in Ahoskie, NC at Cutawhiskie Creek Outfitters. Here you can take on the challenge of harvesting one of America’s most hunted big game animal the elusive whitetail deer. You also have the chance to hunt the Black Bear, along with waterfowl that fly high through the North Carolina swamps.

You can take advantage of bow season as early as September 12. This season will last until October 2. Then Muzzle loading firearm season starts around October 3 through October 16. Gun season continue the rest of the season from October 18 through January 1 of the new year. We all know that it can get awful cold up in the great hills and wood’s of North Carolina so the closer to that last day of season it gets the colder it may get.

Hunting North Carolina will be nothing like hunting here in South Central Alabama. The weather varies to maybe even colder temperatures and possible snow. Where here in my home state of Alabama if it happens to snow here then everything closes down almost as if it was a day for Alabama and Auburn football or even a local high school were headed to a state championship game to finish their season.

The hunting at Cutawhiskie Creek could be very good for any of the hunts that they provide. So take the time and give Clay a call and visit his web site. You can find your way to his site from hellohunting just by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on his site from Our Friends area. Remember a trip to Cutawhiskie could be a trip you may never forget.