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The  Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association Big Gobbler Photo contest is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Hunting season is underway and ends on Sunday, May 8. 

Hunters can register at https://alabamablackbeltadventures.org/biggobblercontest/. The winner will be selected through online voting.

The contest winner will receive a limited edition, Birdseye maple pot call with matching striker paired by renown champion turkey caller Preston Pittman.

Both are numbered and signed by NWTF Hall of Fame inductees Ron Jolly and Preston Pittman.

The prize package also includes a signed copy of “Memories of Spring” by Ron Jolly and award-winning wildlife photographer Tes Randle Jolly and a $300 gift certificate sponsored by Jonathan Goode of Southeastern Land Group.

Participants are limited to only one entry and must complete an online form with the necessary information, including person or persons in the photo and the county where the gobbler was harvested. Visitors to the contest webpage may vote once a day, entry and IP address.

Only photos of turkeys taken in the Black Belt during the 2022 season are eligible. Previous winners of the Big Gobbler Photo Contest from recent years are not eligible.

“Spring has sprung and that means hunters will be in the woods all over the Black Belt for Alabama’s turkey season,” ALBBAA Executive Director Pam Swanner said. “Our 23-county region is the perfect place to visit and experience the thrill of pursuing the  largest game bird in North America while enjoying the natural beauty of the Black Belt’s bottomlands. While hunters are here, there are so many local establishments for delicious food, drinks and fellowship. Turkey season is the perfect time to visit.”

Swanner reminds hunter of the rules for turkey hunting.

Hunters should be aware the maximum bag limit for wild turkey has been reduced from five to four birds this year. Each bird harvest must be immediately recorded within 48 hours to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). Decoys are also prohibited during the first 10 days of the season.

Hunters are also reminded to comply with all game laws, including purchasing a valid hunting license and game-checking their harvested bird.

The Black Belt Region includes the following counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.