Featured WMA: West Jefferson
S ometime things are better less un-said. For those who have already discovered the West Jefferson PHA, featuring this tract of public hunting land and the adjoining great fish-ing at Holt Lake is a frightful revelation. Located primarily in Jefferson County and extending into northeastern Tuscaloosa County, this disjoined property covers well in excess of 42,678 acres of great hunting for deer, small game and wild turkey. Much of the West Jefferson is formerly strip-mined land, especially between the communities of Oak Grove and John. Min-ing by U.S. Steel occurred here decades ago. Now known as USX Corporation, the world renowned makers of steel still retain the deed to the property. However, be that as it may, it does not really matter to hunt-ers. The company long ago turned over the long term management of the land to the Alabama DWFF. Thanks to the stewardship of this state agency, the West Jefferson PHA now teams with great hunting. West Jefferson is divided into two portions, Zones A and B. The latter is all the property south of County Road 36. Because this PHA is open to public hunting and being within a short drive of three significant population centers, it draws a lot of hunter interest dur-ing deer and turkey hunting seasons. Only w e s t j e f f e r s o n w m a www.42outdoors.com