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Choctaw NWR Special Opportunity Area: A Hunter's Haven

Explore Alabama's natural beauty at Choctaw NWR SOA: a 4,000-acre hunting paradise with limited-quota permits for quality primitive weapon deer hunts.

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The Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge Special Opportunity Area (SOA) in Gilbertown, Alabama, offers a unique hunting experience managed through a limited quota permit system. This 4,000-acre area provides dedicated hunt units for white-tailed deer and other game species, set within the diverse bottomland hardwood forests along the Alabama River.

A brief summary to Choctaw NWR Special Opportunity Area

Local tips

  • Apply for a limited quota permit well in advance through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
  • Check the specific hunting regulations for the Choctaw NWR SOA, including permitted weapons, seasons, and reporting requirements.
  • Wear appropriate hunter orange clothing during hunting seasons for safety.
  • Be aware of the potential for flooding, especially during the spring, which can impact access to certain areas of the refuge.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Gilbertown, head west on Wildlife Road. The Choctaw NWR Special Opportunity Area is located within the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge. Follow Wildlife Road to the Choctaw NWR Admin Building and Visitor Contact Station for information and access points. There are no tolls or parking fees.

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Discover more about Choctaw NWR Special Opportunity Area

The Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge Special Opportunity Area (SOA) provides a distinctive hunting experience within the larger Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge. This 4,000-acre area is a cooperative venture between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), designed to increase recreational hunting opportunities on USFWS-owned National Wildlife Refuges. The SOA is characterized by its bottomland hardwood forest along the Alabama River, offering a diverse habitat for various game species. The area is divided into clearly defined hunt units, typically 300-400 acres each, delineated with signage on the ground. Access to these units is controlled through a limited quota permit system, ensuring a high-quality hunting experience with reduced pressure on wildlife. The primary focus of the Choctaw NWR SOA is primitive weapons deer hunts. However, hunters may also encounter and take incidental species such as coyote, beaver, nutria, opossum, raccoon, and feral hog, provided they use weapons legal for the specific hunt. All hunters must adhere to state hunting regulations, including bag limits and reporting requirements. Beyond hunting, the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, wildlife observation, and photography. Visitors can explore the refuge's diverse habitats, which include lakes, sloughs, creeks, bottomland hardwoods, and croplands. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, wild turkeys, alligators, and numerous bird species.

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