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This column is written special for the Demopolis Times by Jerry Smyly.

It’s March in Alabama, be prepared for anything, weather wise. Warm weather and heavy rains, tornadoes, sub-freezing low temperatures all are possible. With spring and winter battling it out, this is definitely a month of wild weather and temperature swings. Heck, the blizzard of 93 was in March!

As I write this the rivers are beginning to slowly fall, however low temperatures are expected to be in the 20 degree range the next few nights. Also, more strong storms are possible by the weekend. With this volatility it is often difficult for anything to get in a good routine. Turkeys that were gobbling just last week may now be worried about staying warm; and fish that were swimming around in peoples yards may now find themselves following the falling waters back into channels of receding waterways. I guess the point I’m trying to make is this: The month of March can be difficult on the outdoorsman. Weather patterns change and so will the patterns of one’s quarry. One must be nimble enough to try and account for rapidly changing conditions when afield and be able to adjust accordingly.

Despite the changing conditions, I have in fact observed gobblers strutting with hens in fields. This likely will not change as we head deeper in March. Breeding or at least the earliest rituals of it are beginning to take place now. Hopefully the turkeys will still be vocal and willing to somewhat cooperate once season comes in on the 16th of this month.

While conditions for fishing have been tough, many folks have chosen to focus their efforts in catching the old reliable Mr. Whiskers, limb lining and jugging in some of the many backwaters have continued to prove effective despite the abundance of flood waters. If you have yet to hit the water take time to do the proper maintenance and checkups on your boat and trailer before heading to the water, it’ll save you a headache later.

Good luck and see you outside!

(This column originally appeared in the Wednesday, March 6 issue of the Demopolis Times.)