I just got stationed here in the Hoover area and was hoping someone could point me in the right direction for hunting the Cahaba WMA. I don't know much about hunting Al but I had a guy tell me I could hunt there but I can't find anything online about it. Not even sure if its legal at this point. Appreciate any help as far as where I can find information or any tips/tactics for working deer out there or in the area. Thanks!

You can def hunt there. Find the search function here, and you'll find all you need to know about cahaba

Well are you talking about deer hunting? Gun or bow? Do you enjoy walking alot because atv's are not allowed. It is mostly small pines in the cahaba wma. Outdooralabama.com has some good digital maps, but the areas do not show that 90% of gates are locked and the maps are not updated. I would not suggest leaving cameras or stands in the wma.

read me

Cahaba is a very tough place to hunt. Have fun

Sell your stuff and find a new sport. Just kidding but that's about how I felt after a season at Skyline. I did have an opportunity at a buck but I saw like 2 deer all season. Saw terrific sign. I'll be back but not as much. Going to pick and choose my dates. I invested way too much time for too little a return. Public land in Alabama is tough.

Ps. Google outdooralabama and go to Conservation Dept website. Should be wma info under the hunting tab. Dunno if hunt dates are up yet but should be some info on there.

Public land is tough, but if you bow hunt you'll have a lot more chances on the WMA's. Time in the woods is all it takes, but also check out google earth and other maps. If you hit the gun hunts I'd recommend finding a spot as far way from the roads as possible. Take mental notes of where others park and you can use the others pressure to your advantage. Stick with it and you'll be able to put some meat on the table. There's a lot of public ground within an hour and a half of Bham so you have plenty of options.

Big question Bow or gun? also, crossbows count as a bow here. Don't buy a license until after August.

Good news and bad news. Bad first, public land hunting in Alabama is not easy, but is doable, especially if you are a bowhunter, who is willing to walk to a good spot and carry a climber in and out.

Good news, you've come to the right place for advice. I know nothing about it, but as a serviceman, I think you ought to look at the hunts on Redstone Arsenal. I know some people that hunt it and enjoy it and appreciate it. I know some on here can answer questions about it.

Someone on here was mentioning being able to hunt part of Ft. Rucker or engineering corps land. Did a search but couldn't find the thread.

Corps of Engineers land is great around my area but it is bowhunting only. Only requires a permit from the corps though.

Thanks for all the input gents, and I prefer a bow but I'm def not above a rifle/shotgun. I'll definitely be checking out the recommended websites.

Jawbone I looked into redstone but it's a pretty good drive. I was wanting to check out the Army base in Anniston since its a bit closer.

If you are referring to Anniston Army Depot, I know there is a contact number (hopefully someone on here will know) for their wildlife folks. They can get you all the info you need on hunting out there. From what I have heard, there are a ton of rules and regs that have to be followed. The slightest mistake can get your hunting privileges revoked out there (I've heard a few tales of people getting the boot from hunting out there). However, do not let that deter you. Some really good bucks come off that place every year. I have some family that work and hunt out there so I'll see if I can get some contact info for you if no one else on here knows right off hand.

If you live in Hoover then you are only about an hour drive from some great public hunting.Talladega N.F in Bibb and Perry co.is some great hunting.I have several on the wall and hearth that I killed off that land.You just have to scout.That simple.

CeeHawk thats the place I'm talking about. I saw some stuff online about the hunters safety course and saw some pictures of some nice deer taken out there. Hoping after the course the guys who work there can point me in the right direction.

Octoberdreamin, I'm gonna have to look into Talladega for sure. All about putting time in the woods. I'm coming from the west where we get high on the mountain and glass so this is a different game out here. Excited for the season!

Pelham range would be the area you are thinking about

That's encouraging to hear. I'm moving more away from hunting the WMA's and focusing more on the national forests. Saw deer about 50% of the time when hunting the Talladega National Forest south of Tuscaloosa. Hardly ever run into other hunters out there either. I'll certainly be out there more in my 2nd year of deer hunting.

I'd stop talking about it if you want it to stay that way lol