WMA Questions

I'm new to the forums and have never hunted on a WMA. I was thinking of giving it a try next year. I'm in Birmingham and was thinking of trying to go to Oakmulgee.

So, I know you have to go sign in & get a permit on the days of the gun hunts. Other than that, what else do I need to know?

Do you have to check out deer you kill at the same station where you get your permit?

Are there any regulations on scouting out of season to prepare for next?

How do you determine where you hunt that day? Basically just go find a place where there's not anyone else? What happens if you get to an area you've picked out on the map (or scouted) and someone else is already there? SOL, right?

What happens if you get set up & someone comes walking in on you? SOL again?

Are there any courtesies that aren't readily apparent that should be observed?

Sorry for all the newbie questions, just have no idea what to expect from a WMA.

First post here, but I'm interested on others opinions on this too.

On gun days, you have to sign in at the ranger station, and be issued a tag. If hunting on non gun days(bow hunting), no check in.
You need a hunting license and wma license as well as a map permit.
You do have to check out deer on gun days at the ranger station.
No scouting regs that I know of.
To determine where to hunt you need to prescout areas or go in blind and hope for the best. I suggest pre scouting and alot of it!! You need to have multiple locations scouted, If you get there and there is another vehicle go to the next plan. don't be an asshat that piles up on other hunters who are already there!
If someone comes in on you hunting, try to let em know you are there descretely and hopefully they will do the right thing and back out and go to another spot.
Be courteous by not crowding other hunters do plenty of scouting and just treat other hunters as you would want to be treated, if you find a camera or treestand LEAVE IT ALONE!!
GOOD LUCK!! WMA Hunting can be tough and frusterating, but if you can consistently kill deer in Alabama on public land you can kill em anywhere!!


this link should help.
http://outdooralabama.com/hunting/land/wildlife-areas/

Are there like designated parking areas? Or just park by the side of the nearest road & walk in?

Welcome to the site, gents. Pull up a chair, strap on your $*(#-waders and enjoy the campfire.

So, I know you have to go sign in & get a permit on the days of the gun hunts. Other than that, what else do I need to know? -- Make sure you have your state hunting license, WMA license, signed WMA map permit (where applicable) and know the WMA regulations about any antler restrictions/zones ...

Do you have to check out deer you kill at the same station where you get your permit? -- I don't believe you do but someone with more knowledge can answer this with better certainty.

Are there any regulations on scouting out of season to prepare for next? No. But double-check WMA regulations to make sure.

How do you determine where you hunt that day? Basically just go find a place where there's not anyone else? -- Yes

What happens if you get to an area you've picked out on the map (or scouted) and someone else is already there? SOL, right? -- Yes.

What happens if you get set up & someone comes walking in on you? SOL again? -- Yes. If they walk on through, eh, it's public land. If they start to put up a stand or blind, let them know you're in the area. If they stay or pitch a fit that you're there, well, you have to deal with that in your own way. Just don't leave any evidence of the body.

pull offs, dirt roads, gated roads

I'm thinking of going to Wolf Creek tomorrow, anyone got any recommendations on good spots?

What bustinbeards said.
I've only been hunting WMA's for a few years, but I will share a few things I have learned.
1. Find an area and learn it really well. Then repeat the process.
2. Have multiple places to hunt in close proximity in case your #1,#2, or #3 spots are taken.
3. Have patience. If you hunt long enough you will come across some yahoos.
4. Never leave anything you're not willing to part with.
Good luck!

Most every WMA that I have hunted the folks at the check stations are very helpful, as long as there isn't a crowd, and they aren't busy.

WMA hunting - If you see a PERFECT oak flat from the road, so has every other 100 people that has driven down that road. Don't try to hunt there. Pick a spot where no one else would hunt, buy a climber and wait for one. If you want to scout, then get yourself a bow and scout during bow days. Don't scout during rifle days.

Use other hunters as dogs to chase deer to you. Remember they are going back to camp ~10, so stay put til 11.

Because for some hunters a WMA is their only place to hunt, many of them will kill any buck they see. And if they have a doe tag (on gun hunts) she's a gonner, too. So these deer get lots of pressure on gun days and you'll hear gunshots from every direction throughout the day. You'll need to decided if you want to hunt selectively or if you'll take the brown and down approach. If you can use the topo feature on google maps to do a little study you can find the features you want to hunt ahead of time.