During winter, spring, and early summer, it is possible to canoe/kayak from Parker Lake to Kimbell Lake and other smaller lakes. In late summer and fall and during periods of drought, this may not be possible. The maze of interconnected lakes can be tricky to navigate. A compass or GPS is recommended for those who want to explore the more remote areas reachable from this site.
Parker Lake offers an excellent wildlife area for birding, wildlife watching and hunting. Located in Clark County between Thomasville and Coffeeville, the Scotch Wildlife Management Area encompasses 18,207 acres. Deer, feral hog, turkey, dove, squirrel, quail, rabbit, raccoon, and fox are hunted in season. For more information about this beautiful wild area, contact manager John W. Reid, 790 Fire tower Road, Coffeeville, AL 36524; call 251-626-5474. Permits are required for all hunting and trapping. Gun deer permits are issued daily from the management area headquarters. No dog deer permits are issued after 7:00 a.m. If applying for a permit by mail, include current hunting license numbers and a self addressed stamped envelope.
Birding around the Parker Lake boat ramp can be productive, but a canoe or kayak is needed to fully enjoy this site. Paddling slowly through the twilight of the dense tupelo and bald cypress forest that lines the margins of the lake in spring and summer provides close-up views of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Northern Parulas, and Prothonotary Warblers.
