Full Breakdown
Alabama's M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area Hosts Special Hunts for Youth and Physically Disabled
10/1/2025, 3:44:45 AM
Overview of the Hunts
The M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area (FWFTA) in Hale County, Alabama, is set to host a series of deer and duck hunts specifically designed for youth and hunters with physical disabilities. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has announced that registration for these hunts will open on October 1, 2025, and will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dates and Registration
The physically disabled hunts will take place on December 3, 10, 17, and 20, as well as January 7, 21, 24, and 28, 2026. Participants must fill out a Disabled Hunter Permit Application prior to the hunt dates. The youth hunts will occur from late November 2025 through February 2026, with specific dates for deer hunts on November 26, 29, December 3, 10, 17, and January 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28, and duck hunts on November 29, December 6, 10, 17, January 3, 17, 21, 24, 28, and February 7.
To register, interested parties can contact the ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Demopolis Office at (334) 289-8030. Youth hunters must be 15 years or younger and accompanied by an adult, while all hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and Conservation ID number before participating.
Importance of the Hunts
These hunts aim to provide accessible outdoor experiences for youth and physically disabled individuals, promoting inclusivity in hunting activities. Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner, emphasized the significance of these hunts, stating, “Youth hunts like these create great bonding experiences for families and help young hunters become responsible stewards of Alabama’s abundant natural resources.”
Reporting and Regulations
All deer harvested during the hunts must be reported through Alabama’s Game Check system within 48 hours, either via the Outdoor AL mobile app or online. The FWFTA spans 4,300 acres and is managed as a nature preserve, which includes various recreational programs and ongoing ecological restoration efforts.
Criticism & Opposition
While the ADCNR promotes these hunts as beneficial for community engagement and conservation, some critics argue that the limited availability and first-come, first-served registration may disadvantage those who cannot register immediately due to various circumstances, such as lack of internet access or mobility issues.
What's Next
As the registration period approaches, the ADCNR is expected to provide further details on the application process and any additional requirements for participants. The success of these hunts could influence future programs aimed at enhancing accessibility in outdoor recreational activities across Alabama.
