Stay Safe
Preparation and safety are of utmost importance while recreating in the national forest. Please observe safety alerts and notices before your excursion to the forest. Simply knowing the current conditions, closures and alerts prepares you for a pleasurable outdoor visit, free from any surprise that could deter your fun!
We want to ensure the safety of the public while traveling on roads and using our recreation facilities. Hunters cannot hunt or discharge a firearm within 50 yards of the right-of-way of any public road or highway. The following are additional safety requirements and regulations hunters should be aware of while in the national forests:
- Avoid hunting and discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsites, developed recreation sites, occupied areas and trails.
- Off- road vehicles (ORV) are prohibited unless on designated ORV trails.
- Check state regulations regarding the use of dogs for deer hunting.
- Always tell someone when and where you will be hunting.
- Avoid hunting trips where you are alone. Be very careful and hunt in familiar places.
- Check the weather forecast before going into the woods.
- Protect yourself from hypothermia by dressing properly. Wear layered clothing.
- Always wear hunter orange to be easily seen.
- Check hunting equipment before and after each outing.
- Be aware that the national forest boundaries are marked with red paint on trees, or yellow signs with black printing.
- No permanent deer stands are allowed in the national forest.
- The use of baiting or salt blocks is prohibited.
- Be careful climbing in and out of deer stands. Falling can cause injuries. Alabama regulations now require all hunters utilizing a tree stand on wildlife management areas to wear a safety belt or harness.
- Anyone born on or after August 1, 1977 must complete a hunter-education course before purchasing their first hunting license. Contact the Department of Conservation.
- Obtain copies of hunting rules and regulations by contacting the Alabama Department of Conservation or visiting their website.
- Copies and permits can also be available at most sporting goods departments.
- Visit or call any USDA Forest Service office for information about forest visitor and motor vehicle use maps, hunter camps, and camping permits.
During the winter through spring seasons, we conduct prescribed (controlled) burns throughout the national forests. The controlled burns are used to improve natural plant and animal communities and reduce the accumulation of fuels, which may feed catastrophic wildfires. Controlled burn maps are located under the Know Before You Go on the Recreation page.
The Know Before You Go on the Recreation page gives visitors information on trail, road and site closures due to emergencies or wildfires in the area. Being informed will prepare you for any altered travel plans, any prohibited areas or methods of travel, and warnings about any closures.
Forest officers are empowered to enforce federal regulations and rules. Please take time to read and understand closure orders and motorized vehicle maps. Our travel management tips highlight designated roads and trails for motorized vehicles. Travel management tips answer questions about designated roads and trails open to motorized vehicles. Feel free to contact us with additional questions.
Our forests are natural treasures, please follow leave no trace ethics that encourage planning ahead, staying on the marked trails, placing trash in receptacles, picking up pet waste and leaving the recreational area as you found it. Additional outdoor ethics are to be careful with fire, stay away from wild animals, maintain control of your pet and be kind while sharing the trail with other visitors.
Need a Mobile Map? Get the App! Keyword - National Forests in Alabama. Category - Parks, Forests and Grasslands. Visit the NFs in AL Visitor Maps and Guides webpage for more map information.
You may view the Alabama road closures through the following Department of Transportation links.