Sipsey Camping During Hunts

[Haveuseen1]

Just curious on this.  During the gun deer hunts or possibly the upcoming feral pig hunt that will occur in the Sipsey, are you still allowed to backpack and camp there? 

Thanks,

CB

[Joshua Szulecki]

The Forest Service website is down at the moment, but when it comes up you can get the full rule.

My understanding from what I read recently on their site was that during gun hunting season, non-campsite camping is prohibited. I didn't see any prohibitions relating to the feral pig hunt.

[Haveuseen1]

The entire Sipsey wilderness is in Zone A of the Black Warrior WMA.  Therefore the Hog hunt is in the sipsey.

[Joshua Szulecki]

The website is back up, but all messed up.

Here is what is says:
"Camping is allowed during hunting season in the Bankhead National Forest. However, hunters must camp in designated hunter’s camps and do not require camping permits. Non-hunters may camp in the general forest and wilderness but must obtain a permit from the Bankhead Ranger District Office.  Primitive camping permits are required from November 15 to January 31 annually."
- http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/a...ests/bankhead/index.shtml

[Suz]

I've never seen them but signs of them -  Fresh rooted earth - still moist,  dried rooted areas,  foot prints, etc.  Maybe I've smelled them ( or something gamey), but have yet to see them.  One of the guys mapping canyons last summer came across some and caught a glimpse before they heard him.  They are very good at avoiding people.  Last year there were 400 + hunters, and in the open hunt on the pigs, they caught 20.  So its rare to sight them, and that is okay with me!

Suz

[lawnmowwer]

 I have been hiking/packing in Sipsey for years and I have seen lots over signs of them, but have not seen a pig yet.

[Haveuseen1]

Well, I have seen a tremendous amount of sign all over the sipsey.  Well I guess to be truthful if you are in the bottoms, draws, or low ridges there is a ton of pig sign.  On the tops I have not seen any.  I have also never seen a hog in the sipsey.  I have no idea if they stay in one area or just roam around.  One would think that if they stay in one area then more people would see them.

Thanks for the help.  Maybe I will see one tomorrow.

[toph]

I've seen sign of them in all areas of the Sipsey and Bankhead but have only actually seen one once real early in the morning on the south side of the Sipsey River where 209 crosses.  It was pretty good size and snooping around another group's tent while they still slept.  I took some pictures but the light was terrible due to the early hour so they didn't turn out well.  I have heard that there is a pretty good population of them in the Thompson area.

[Nalgene Ninja]

So do you need to rig a "pig bag" to keep the porkers outta my food?

[Lostsheep]

No, a pig bag isn't necessary, but it may not hurt either. I've kept mine away from the tent some and it's been fine many times over.

I too have only seen their signs and not them.