Located on Choccolocco Mountain, one of the highest ridges in Alabama, Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding region and many opportunities for white-tailed deer hunters. Deer are common in this setting. Hardwood forests along mountain ridges contain species typical of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north. Slopes and lower elevations are covered by longleaf pine and hardwoods commonly associated with the Coastal Plain. The refuge was established on the former Fort McClellan military installation in 2003 to protect and manage longleaf pine forests. Portions of the 9,000-acre refuge remain closed because of environmental contaminants. The refuge was opened to hunters in 2005. All hunts are in accordance with Alabama state seasons and regulations.