If you decide to try the Talladega NF Shoal Creek district (Cleburne, Calhoun, and Talladega Counties) you can hunt during the rut from pretty much right now until January depending on which county you go to. The deer density in this section is higher than Bankhead for the most part. You have to contend with the dog hunters in Talladega county but the other counties are stalk hunt only. Choccolocco and Hollins WMA are both in that district so there’s a lot of opportunity in terms of gun hunts on those places. Lots of area to hunt and if you do your homework you can get on some decent bucks. As far as trophy deer, Bankhead would be better for that but if you’re looking to fill the freezer then Talladega would be where I’d look.