Hunting in Barbour County Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is more than just an outdoor activity; it’s an immersion into Alabama’s rich natural heritage. I first set foot on this 28,200-acre expanse with a mix of excitement and curiosity, knowing that its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife promised a challenge worthy of any outdoorsman.
Barbour County WMA lies in southeastern Alabama and is renowned for its rolling hills, hardwood bottoms, and pine plantations. Its varied terrain offers habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, feral hogs, and small game. As a seasoned hunter, I’ve trekked across different WMAs, but something about Barbour County—perhaps its untamed beauty or the camaraderie of fellow hunters—made it feel special from the start.
I arrived at the WMA during a crisp November morning, the perfect time for deer hunting. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the pine forests and illuminating a thick morning mist that hung low in the hollows. After checking in at the kiosk and ensuring I had all necessary permits and licenses, I reviewed the map. Barbour County WMA is divided into zones, and having done my research, I had already decided on an area with a mix of hardwood bottoms and pine plantations.
Preparation is everything when hunting in a place like Barbour. The landscape’s diversity means wildlife can be anywhere, but it also demands that you’re strategic about your approach. I had scouted the area weeks prior and marked potential deer trails and feeding spots. Acorns from white oaks littered the ground in the hardwood stands, a sure sign that deer frequented the area. The pine thickets provided ample cover, making it a bedding haven for wary bucks.
My rifle of choice for this trip was a .30-06 Springfield, a reliable companion for Alabama’s deer. I also carried binoculars, a grunt call, and a doe bleat can, all essentials for enticing bucks during the rut. As I hiked to my chosen stand location, the forest came alive with sounds—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the chatter of squirrels, and the occasional call of a woodpecker. The serenity of the place was captivating, a reminder of why I loved hunting not just for the harvest but for the connection to the wild.
Settling into my stand, I became a part of the landscape, blending into the stillness. Hours passed with nothing but the occasional rustle of leaves or distant bark of a squirrel. Patience is a hunter’s greatest virtue, and in Barbour County, it’s essential. The deer here are no strangers to pressure, and their behavior reflects their survival instincts. They’re cautious, making even the slightest movement or sound potentially disastrous.
As the sun climbed higher, the forest seemed to quiet. Then, just when I was starting to think about lunch, I spotted movement. A doe stepped into the clearing, her ears swiveling as she scanned for danger. My heart raced, not because I intended to harvest her, but because I knew a buck might not be far behind. Sure enough, a few minutes later, a large-bodied buck emerged from the thicket, cautiously following the doe’s trail.
I steadied my rifle, aligning the crosshairs on the buck’s shoulder. At that moment, the world narrowed to just me, the deer, and the calmness of my breathing. When I squeezed the trigger, the crack of the rifle echoed through the woods, and the buck bolted into the brush. My heart sank momentarily until I followed the trail and found him not far from where he’d stood. It was a clean, ethical shot, and I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the harvest.
Deer hunting is just one aspect of what makes Barbour County WMA exceptional. Wild turkeys thrive here, too, making springtime hunts equally exhilarating. I’ve spent mornings crouched in camo, calling turkeys with a diaphragm call and feeling the thrill when a gobbler responds. The rolling hills and dense woods provide a perfect backdrop for turkey hunting, where stealth and strategy are paramount.
Small game hunters also have their share of opportunities. The abundance of squirrels, rabbits, and even waterfowl near the creeks and ponds means there’s never a dull season. Once, during a late winter squirrel hunt, I wandered into a grove of hardwoods where the chatter of gray squirrels filled the air. It was a simpler kind of hunt, but no less fulfilling—a chance to refine my marksmanship and enjoy the companionship of a good hunting dog.
Barbour County WMA also holds the challenge of feral hog hunting. These invasive creatures are destructive to the habitat but provide a unique and adrenaline-pumping pursuit. The first time I encountered a sounder of hogs, I was tracking deer trails near a creek bottom. Their grunting and rooting alerted me, and I switched gears, focusing on the opportunity at hand. With their keen senses and aggressive nature, hunting hogs demands respect and caution.
Of course, hunting in Barbour County isn’t without its challenges. The terrain, while beautiful, can be demanding. Steep inclines, thick underbrush, and swampy areas require physical endurance and careful planning. Weather conditions can change quickly, and navigating the WMA’s expansive acreage calls for a good GPS and map-reading skills. But these challenges are part of the allure. Every hunt here feels earned, a testament to skill, preparation, and perseverance.
Beyond the hunt, there’s a deeper connection to the land. Barbour County WMA is a place where conservation and recreation meet. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages the area with a focus on maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable wildlife populations. By hunting here, I’m contributing to that effort, helping balance populations and ensure the land remains viable for generations to come.
My experiences at Barbour County WMA have not just been about harvesting game but about stories, memories, and lessons. I’ve shared campfires with fellow hunters, swapping tales of close calls and trophy bucks. I’ve learned to read the land’s subtle signs—a broken twig, a patch of disturbed leaves—and developed a deeper appreciation for Alabama’s natural beauty.
Every trip to Barbour County WMA leaves me with a sense of fulfillment, whether I’ve harvested game or not. It’s the kind of place that calls you back, where every season brings new opportunities and challenges. As I load up my gear and head home, I’m already planning my next trip, eager to return to the rolling hills, dense woods, and the quiet, wild heart of Barbour County.