February 16, 2011
Spanning 23 counties across the Cotton State, the Black Belt region of Alabama is a sportsman's paradise.
The Alabama Black Belt consists of 23 counties spanning the entire state, with the heart of the region lying between the state's Appalachian foothills and the coastal plain. Widely known for its excellent hunting and fishing opportunities, Alabama's Black Belt also is the site of pivotal civil rights events that forever changed America. The Black Belt region is also rich in other historical and cultural destinations, ranging from elegant antebellum homes to fun-filled river festivals and fascinating museums.
BLACKER SOIL, BIGGER GAME, BETTER STORIES It starts with the soil. Thick, nutrient-rich, sticky, black soil. In a wide band stretching across the state of Alabama, the fertile earth produces some of the most lush vegetation and animal habitat anywhere, which means wildlife thrives here. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, quail, and dove make the Alabama Black Belt a sportsman's paradise. Not to mention the lakes and streams teeming with the kind of bass, bream, and crappie that anglers dream about.
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Some of the state's biggest bucks on record have all been taken from the Black Belt region.
DEER HUNTING Almost every Alabama deer hunting record has come out of the Black Belt region. And because the whitetail population thrives all across the south central portion of the state, the lodges in the area can put you on some big ones. The natural topography coupled with the local guides' understanding of the deer's habits mean a trip to the Alabama Black Belt has all the elements for a successful hunt. And who would know better than Jackie Bushman, founder of Buckmasters, who calls this region home.
The Black Belt region offers miles of rivers, lakes and streams for amazing fishing.
FISHING Anglers from all over the world are discovering that the fishing in the Black Belt is every bit as good as its legendary deer hunting. There are miles of rivers, famous lakes, small ponds, and flowing streams that are home to a wide variety of sports fish. B.A.S.S. founder, Ray Scott (who also calls this region home), now offers packages on his private lake that has been fished by both President Bushs, celebrities, and professional anglers. So no matter what kind of fishing you prefer, we have a camp for you.
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BIRD HUNTING If you're into bird hunting, the Black Belt has plenty. Quail, turkey, dove, and duck are all indigenous to the area and all make for an exciting hunt. But if you're having trouble deciding which one sounds the most appealing, why not do a little of each? You could do a quail hunt in the morning, take a deer stand in the afternoon, and call for ducks the next day. It's up to you.
CULTURAL AMENITIES But hunting and fishing isn't all the Black Belt has to offer. The cultural heritage is as rich as the soil and the culinary creations feature comfort as the main ingredient. Our historical amenities such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge, launch site for the infamous civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery; the Gee's Bend quilters heralded by Oprah Winfrey; Monroeville home of the world renowned To Kill a Mockingbird book author Harper Lee; and Antebellum homes make this a back roads, must-see destination.
Whether it's hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, biking or bird watching that you most enjoy, you can find a multitude of outdoor adventures in Alabama's Black Belt region. So put this on your bucket list and book your next trip with one of the more than 50 member lodges by visiting ALBBA's web site at: www.alabamablackbeltadventures.com . You'll quickly discover the only tough thing about visiting the Black Belt is deciding what to do.