Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Serious Deer Talk Forum WMA Question

If I want to hunt Scotch WMA area I have to have;
1. State hunting license
2. WMA permit
3. Map permit sheet that is signed and dated
4. Have to check into the on location check station on a daily basis, on the days I want to hunt

Is this correct??


Why do hunters have to check deer/turkeys in on some WMA areas, but not others? Upper Delta has a mandatory check in for deer/turkey, but the Mobile/Tensaw Delta does not. Anyone know why the difference? The Perdido River WMA says deer/turkey have to be checked in at the check station, but where is the check station? it is not shown on the current Map/Permit.

does the Scotch map/permit have an area biologist name and number on it? You might ask him those questions. My best guess is they either don't have the manpower to run check stations in all those areas or aren't really concerned with the numbers of game taken? Yes to 1,2,3 and I don't know on 4.

Yep, it has a name & number on it. I called. The woman on the phone could not answer the question. Someone is suppose to call me back. Waiting .... Waiting .... Waiting ......

I would try to help, but on the DCNR website if you click on Scotch WMA for a permit/map it pulls up Seven Mile Island's map/permit.

The rules on the permit/map will answer your question.

Thanks 49er. I did read the map/permit. It was clear as mud, hence my question(s). For arguments sake lets say hunters do have to check in prior to going to the woods, but what time does the check station open/close? This is not on the map/permit.
And either way, to have to have all 4 of the above mentioned items is complicated and well, silly, IMHO.
Dadgum, keep it SIMPLE and save The State some MONEY and MY TIME!!!

Tell ya something else that is funny ..... on the map/permits there are 2 disclaimers that communicate that The State and it's affiliates cannot assume responsibility for how accurate the map is or is not. BUT, meanwhile .... Hunters have to sign and date it to assume our responsibility of having read the thing.
If The State is going to make this document a part of "the legal process" for me to be able to hunt state owned land, then it should be accurate! I am surprised no one has ever challenged this.

OK, I found a link to the map/permit for Scotch.

Scotch permit/map *** click here ***

At the top, you'll find this:



[I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. I'm just trying to help you understand by sharing my opinion.]


This part means you have to pick up a permit for the day on scheduled gun hunts even if you bow hunt that day:




This means the archery permit is a season permit:



... except on scheduled gun hunts:

Hunting Dates:



This means you have to log in at the check station when you bow hunt:




This says turkeys have to be recorded before you leave. I don't see deer in that requirement:





... and I agree. All these rules are a pain.

Thanks!

5. I would think that you would need Wildlife Management Area license in addition to the State Hunting license as well.

See rule 13:

IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL:

I think that's what he meant by wma permit in No. 2 because he mentioned map/permit in No. 3.

Ok. I see what you are saying but, I was thinking he meant a permit that would be given out on like say a gun hunt (WMA permit). Then, He would need both the license and a permit. Either way hope he is covered.

on perdido and blue springs there is no daily check in for archery. if something is killed then it has to be logged in at the headquarters.(and perdido's is marked on the map). for gun hunts you must show up and give them your license and they give you a permit. at the end of the day or if you kill something you have to bring it back and pick your license back up. the only time headquarters is manned is during a gun hunt.

I got the answer. WOW! I have one word - Complicated!
Yes, a hunter has to have 1. State Hunt License 2. WMA Permit 3. Map/Permit
4. Has to check in at check station for a day permit
Wouldnt one (1) permit suffice??? The state puts alot of resources into 3 permits. The state could save time, energy and MONEY going to ONE (1) permit. But, as usual with politics and state agencies, they have a REASON for doing what they do, and that does not always make wise common sense.
This, along with a few other things that make NO sense, has made me question if I want to hunt WMA lands. Guess I will make it simple on us and go lease some land somewhere.

You can buy the WMA permit when you buy your state hunting license at a store or online, so that's not a big deal. The map/reg permit to sign and have in possession is available at the WMAs or some nearby stores and is kind of a PITA, but also good to have the regs with you. I usually get three or four to have for vests, truck, etc.

I asked years ago why we couldn't have a Lifetime WMA Permit similar to the Lifetime License. I'd probably pay a few hundred bucks for one to avoid having to remember getting one each year since I have a Lifetime License. Was told a Lifetime WMA wasn't as simple as the regular lifetime. Never understood that one.

Additionally, IMO the DCNR could institute a survey similar to HIP (for migratory birds) for any WMA permit purchase, online or at a retailer. Buy a WMA permit and you have to fill out the survey first. Seems like it could provide a little better info about who's buying permits and for what - small game, deer, archery deer, gun deer, youth, etc.

Maps/permits for WMAs can be printed from the following link at home. Click on the name of the WMA you want to print, sign it and you're good to go if you have your hunting license and WMA license. On scheduled gun hunts, you may still have to get a permit from the check in station:

WMA maps/permits to print *** click here ***


Still too much crap to have to put up with. Rules are often different from one to the other and from public/private lands for no other reason that I can see than to stick you with a ticket and ruin your hunt as well as your cooperative attitude toward the DNCR.

I understand the need for rules and regs. I LIKE rules and regs. BUT, there can be a case of OVERkill for rules and regs. THREE (3) permits to hunt ONE (1) WMA?
I found links for the map/permits, AND I stopped by the Spanish Fort office and picked them up in person. Obtaining the map/permit isnt the issue. The fact a hunter has to have THREE permits for ONE WMA is my issue.
And Restating .... the state has 2 disclaimers on their map/permits that deflect responsibility for boundry lines, BUT/YET, hunters have to have one of their INACCURATE maps so the state can hold hunters responsible. Responsibility is a 2-way-street. I am surprised a hunter in this state has not challenged the map/permit in a tresspass situation. I know I would. The state tells us that it could be inaccurate. WOW! This is an admission to being inaccurate.

OH WELL, one more thing hunters (me included) have to just shut up and suck up if we (I) want to hunt legally.
I need to stop my whining and complaining, and just enjoy life. YOLO.

Agree!! Rules should be rules should be rules. If a rule (law) is good enough for public land, it should be good enough for private, and vice versa. Rules and Regs that protect and conserve the state's natural renewable resources should be unbiased regardless of private or public.