I am going to be spending some time in the Decatur area next Wednesday through Saturday (Dec 14th-17th) and would love to find somewhere to deer hunt, bow or gun. Anyone familiar with any good public land in that area? Also interested in how the deer activity is in that area and when chasing usually begins as I am from South Alabama and I'm sure it is different than what it is around here.

Decatur - Wheeler wildlife refuge.

Bow only.
Lots of deer, seems to be good in January for rut.

Not far is bankhead national forest and black warrior wma.

State rules apply on the national forest.

Sent pm

Thanks for the replies. Seth86, pm sent. Have either of you guys had any luck at Wheeler? I will most likely be doing a good bit of hunting in this area in the future as my fiance's parents are from Decatur so will spend a lot of time there.

I have hunted wheeler alot.

Seen alot of deer there.

Killed a few.
Great bow spot this time of the year.

n2deer have you killed any good bucks at wheeler? Do you still currently hunt at wheeler?

I would hunt wheeler right now just about to get good there.

I have not.

Doesn't mean they aren't there.

To be honest I never been great with a bow. But I used to hunt there alot. I missed alot of deer and a couple decent bucks. It was when I first started hunting.

I haven't hunted much there in several years. Maybe 5.
Not because its not good. I just don't bow hunt alot like I used to.

doesnt the wheeler rut start around mid december.

Ive been out at wheeler quite often this season and have seen alot of deer.. havent taken any as i have been hunting with my longbow and just have not had a good shot yet. The Blackwell swamp area seems to be packed with people so if you want to avoid a sat. morning crowd steer clear of here. But if your lucky there are a ton of deer through there if you can beat the crowd.

It looks like most of my hunting will be from Wednesday to Friday. Wellis00 is it usually pretty crowded during the week also? I've been looking at the Refuge map and trying to see what areas are off limits and which I may be able to get to. Not too familiar with the roads in that area.

Which area is considered the blackwell swamp area? I'm trying to find it on the map.

Blackwell is near the airport. I would look closer to the decatur area. Even on the south side of the river.

To be honest there are deer all over wheeler.

Blackwell is going to be one of the heaviest hunted areas on the refuge. You will hear it mentioned most anytime wheeler is.

I havent had problems seeing deer from most anywhere.

well sounds good. Hope they are starting to chase up there.

It's still a month and a half before you have a GOOD chance of seeing a good deer chasing a doe on Wheeler. Don't go there during that time expecting to see a whole lot of rutting activity. There are a few older does bred in December for sure, but the peak chasing is from mid to late January. Just being honest.....

My hopes are not up. Where I hunt in south AL I've grown accustomed to not seeing any bucks chasing.

Ok...wasn't trying to be a Debbie Downer or anything, just wanted to make sure you knew what to expect. If you find you some slickheads, you're liable to see a moose out there in January! Get after em!!!