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Thank you for your interest in HAMILTON HILLS LODGE. We at HAMILTON HILLS feel that through the years we have developed an outstanding whitetail deer herd, and can offer some of the finest hunting in the Southeast. HAMILTON HILLS LODGE is located in Alabama's fertile Prairie soil region in Dallas and Wilcox Counties, 55 miles southwest of Montgomery, 25 miles east of Camden, and 30 miles south of Selma. Camden and Selma have airfields suitable for small private planes, and Montgomery is serviced by commercial airlines. Transportation to and from airports can be arranged for an extra fee.
Hamilton Hills is a family owned cattle ranch with wooded hills, valleys, and creekbottoms. Prior to 1986 this property was hunted by family and friends only. 1986 was the first year the it was open to the public.
Whitetail deer numbers in this section of the State first became shootable around 1970. Beginning in the mid 70's we have strictly managed our deer herd: From 1976-86 we maintained a doe harvest to keep the population at optimum levels and to keep the buck: doe ratio in balance. In 1986 we enrolled in the Alabama Department of Conservation Game and Fish Division's "Co-operative Deer Management Program". Under this program our biologist determines how many doe tags we need to fill each season. This limited number of doe tags can be filled anytime during the regular antlered buck season. Alabama law allows the harvest of 3 bucks per season. Most hunting lodges in Alabama have additional restrictions on bucks you are allowed to harvest such as 8 point or better and spread outside the ears. We have what we call the "Hamilton Hills Slot Limit". Under the "Hamilton Hills Slot Limit" our hunters are allowed to harvest 3, 4, and 5 point bucks, mature(31/2 year and older) bucks, and of course does. You are not allowed to shoot spikes and 21/2 year old 6, 7, and 8 point bucks. University research has shown in Alabama spike bucks are almost always immature (1 1/2 year old). The "Hamilton Hills Slot Limit" protects these immmature (1 1/2 year old) spike bucks along with the 21/2 year old 6, 7, and 8 point(super) bucks. We allow these superior 21/2 year old bucks to reach 31/2(and many make 41/2 and 51/2) before they are killed and they breed does along the way passing their superior genetics on to the next generation. How do you determine what 21/2 year old 6, 7, and 8 point bucks look like? When you arrive for your hunt we show you examples of racks from 21/2 year old 6, 7, and 8 point bucks along with 31/2 and older bucks. The differences are obvious as the 21/2's have smaller bases and over all much less mass than the older deer. And of course the 21/2's have smaller bodies (120-150 lbs.) as compared to 31/2 and older bucks(150-200+lbs.). We do not charge fines for mistakes. If a spike or a 21/2 year old 6, 7, or 8 point is killed by mistake, we keep the antlers and the meat as a penalty; however, again we do not charge a fine.
There are many aspects, other than just management of herd numbers, that come under the overall heading of management at Hamilton Hills. We plant cereal grains for winter forage and nutrition and perennial clovers, excellent year round forage high in protein especially important in antler development during the spring and summer months. These forages along with our pastureland, free choice mineral supplement, and thinning and burning of timberland, give us: (1) increased herd numbers (through increased carrying capacity), (2) increased body weights, and (3) increased antler development.
If you are seriously considering Southeastern whitetail deer hunting, we think you should seriously consider HAMILTON HILLS LODGE. We feel the condition of our deer herd, hunting facilities, guide experience, and individual attention will enhance your chances of having a hunting experience that will not soon be forgotten.
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There are many aspects, other than just management of herd numbers, that come under the overall heading of management at Hamilton Hills. We plant cereal grains for winter forage and nutrition and perennial clovers, excellent year round forage high in protein especially important in antler development during the spring and summer months. These forages along with our pastureland, free choice mineral supplement, and thinning and burning of timberland, give us: (1) increased herd numbers (through increased carrying capacity), (2) increased body weights, and (3) increased antler development.