Many species of game may be pursued in Alabama Hunting Season, including quail, turkey, deer, and even alligator. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the exact restrictions and schedules in the county and region in which you want to hunt.
In this page, you’ll find information about complete games available in the state of Alabama, including when they are and how to prepare for them, along with dates and information on the various licenses and regulations that apply.
Important AL Game Resources
AL Hunting Seasons 2023-24
Deer Season
Note: For complete Deer season details you may refer to the Latest AL Deer Season.
General Deer
| Method | Hunting Start Dates | Hunting End Dates | Deer Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A | |||
| Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting | 14-Oct | 10-Feb | Either Sex |
| Special Youth Gun | 10-Nov | 13-Nov | |
| Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle | 13-Nov | 17-Nov | |
| Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | 18-Nov | 10-Feb | |
| 18-Nov | 15-Jan | ||
| 9-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 9-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 18-Nov | 8-Dec | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| 1-Jan | 10-Feb | ||
| 18-Nov | 8-Dec | ||
| 1-Jan | 15-Jan | ||
| Zone B | |||
| Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting | 14-Oct | 24-Oct | Antlered Bucks Only |
| 25-Oct | 10-Feb | Either Sex | |
| Special Youth Gun | 10-Nov | 13-Nov | |
| Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle | 13-Nov | 17-Nov | |
| Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | 18-Nov | 10-Feb | |
| 9-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 18-Nov | 15-Jan | ||
| 9-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 18-Nov | 8-Dec | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| 1-Jan | 10-Feb | ||
| 18-Nov | 8-Dec | ||
| 1-Jan | 15-Jan | ||
| Zone C | |||
| Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting | 14-Oct | 10-Feb | Either Sex |
| Special Youth Gun | 10-Nov | 13-Nov | |
| Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle | 13-Nov | 17-Nov | |
| Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | 18-Nov | 26-Nov | |
| 16-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 18-Nov | 26-Nov | ||
| 16-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 27-Nov | 15-Dec | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| 1-Jan | 10-Feb | ||
| 27-Nov | 15-Dec | ||
| 1-Jan | 15-Jan | ||
| Zone D | |||
| Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting | 16-Jan | 27-Jan | Antlered Bucks Only |
| 30-Sep | 15-Jan | Either Sex | |
| Special Youth Gun | 27-Oct | 30-Oct | |
| Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle | 30-Oct | 3-Nov | |
| Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | 18-Nov | 26-Nov | |
| 16-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 18-Nov | 26-Nov | ||
| 16-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 4-Nov | 17-Nov | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| 27-Nov | 15-Dec | ||
| 1-Jan | 27-Jan | ||
| 4-Nov | 17-Nov | ||
| 27-Nov | 15-Dec | ||
| Zone E | |||
| Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting | 16-Jan | 27-Jan | Antlered Bucks Only |
| 30-Sep | 15-Jan | Either Sex | |
| Special Youth Gun | 27-Oct | 30-Oct | |
| Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle | 30-Oct | 3-Nov | |
| Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | 4-Nov | 15-Jan | |
| 4-Nov | 1-Jan | ||
| 16-Jan | 27-Jan | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| 1-Jan | 15-Jan |
Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone
| CMZ Zones | Hunting Start Dates | Hunting End Dates | Deer Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting | 14-Oct | 10-Feb | Either Sex |
| Special Youth Gun | 10-Nov | 13-Nov | |
| Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle | 13-Nov | 17-Nov | |
| Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | 18-Nov | 10-Feb | |
| 9-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 18-Nov | 15-Jan | ||
| 9-Dec | 31-Dec | ||
| 18-Nov | 8-Dec | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| 1-Jan | 10-Feb | ||
| 18-Nov | 8-Dec | ||
| 1-Jan | 15-Jan |
Zone Map
Turkey
| Zones | Start Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 25-Mar - 8-May | Decoys allowed April 4 - May 8 |
| Zone 2 | 1-Apr - 8-May | Decoys allowed April 11 - May 8 |
| Zone 3 | 18-Nov - 26-Nov | No decoys allowed |
| Zone 3 | 9-Dec - 31-Dec | |
| Zone 3 | 25-Mar - 8-May | Decoys allowed April 4 - May 8 |
| MA and U.S. Forest Service Ranger Districts | 8-Apr - 8-May | Daylight - 1 p.m. |
| Remainder of National Forests Districts and WMAs That Allow Turkey Hunting | 1-Apr - 8-May | Daylight - 1 p.m. |
| Special Youth Hunt | Saturday & Sunday the week prior to the opening of spring season. | Decoys allowed |
| Special Disabled Hunt | One day prior to all regular season opening days. | Participants must meet medical requirements of regulation 220-2-.109(2)(d). Decoys allowed |
Note: For a comprehensive guide on the Turkey season you may read the Latest article on Alabama Turkey Season.
Alligator
| Location | Starting Dates | End Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Management Area | From Official Sunset Time on the 2nd Thursday in August | Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the 2nd Thursday in August |
| Coastal Management Area | From Official Sunset Time on the 2nd Thursday in August | Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the 2nd Thursday in August |
| Southeast Management Area | From Official Sunset Time on the 2nd Saturday in August | Official Sunrise Time on the 1st Monday of September |
| West Central Management Area | From Official Sunset Time on the 2nd Thursday in August | Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the 2nd Thursday in August |
| Lake Eufaula Management Area | From Official Sunset Time on the Friday preceding the 3rd Saturday in August | Official Sunrise Time on the Monday immediately following the 1st Sunday in October |
Note;
- Only with a Special Permit.
- Permission from the appropriate authorities is needed in order to go alligator hunting. Only legal residents of Alabama are permitted to apply for an alligator permit, and registration is necessary online. Dates may vary greatly from one region to another. Except for Lake Eufaula, internet hunting takes place only between the hours of sunset and sunrise. Opening night’s sunset through closing morning’s dawn applies to all times and dates.
Frog
| Bullfrog and Pig Frog | No Closed Season | 20 frogs |
Furbearers
Find below the possibilities for furbearers in Alabama:
Bobcat
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Coyote
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Bear
| No Open Season |
Mountain Lion
| No Open Season |
Feral Swine
| Feral Swine (Daylight Hours Only) | No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
| Feral Swine – Special Nighttime Season on Privately Owned and Leased Lands Only; Dogs Only | 11-May - 31-Aug | |
| Feral Swine – Special Nighttime Season on Privately Owned and Leased Lands Only | Begins at 12:00 am on the day after the last day of gun deer season in that zone. Ends 30 minutes prior to sunrise on the opening day of archery deer season in that zone. |
Fox
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Squirrel
| 9-Sep - 3-Mar | 8 a day in limit | 8 in possession |
Rabbit
| 9-Sep | 3-Mar | Limit of 8 per day | 8 in possession |
Raccoon
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit | Private Owned and Leased Lands: No Bag Limit Open Permit- Public Land: 5 Per Party |
Opossum
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Mink
| 28-Oct - Feb-29 | Trapping Only |
Muskrat
| 28-Oct - Feb-29 | Trapping Only |
Otter
| 28-Oct - Feb-29 | Trapping Only |
Skunk
| Striped Skunk | 28-Oct- Feb-29 | Trapping Only |
Beaver
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Nutria
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Waterfowl Season
The dates for the regular waterfowl season are scheduled for November 18, 2023, through February 3, 2024. The permitted weapons and ammunition, bag restrictions, and shooting hours all apply throughout this season. In addition, there are unique teal seasons that run from September 9 to September 24 and have a daily maximum of five bags. The dates of the special waterfowl hunting days for children, active military, and veterans of the armed forces are November 18 and February 3. The same legal firearms and ammunition, bag restrictions, and shooting hours apply as they do during the regular waterfowl season. During this season, six bags of ducks may be aggregated every day, with different duck species having different daily limitations.
Teal
| Statewide | 9-Sep - 24-Sep | 6 a day limit |
Duck
| Statewide | 24-Nov - 25-Nov | Limit of 6 ducks a day — Mallards (4 max, 2 female max), Wood Ducks (3 max), Mottled Duck (1), Black Duck (2), Redhead (2), Pintail (1), Canvasback (2), Scaup (1) |
| Statewide | 2-Dec - 28-Jan |
Coot
| Statewide | 24-Nov - 25-Nov | Limit of 15 a day |
| Statewide | 2-Dec - 28-Jan |
Merganser
| Statewide | 24-Nov - 25-Nov | Limit of 5 a day, only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser |
| 2-Dec - 28-Jan |
Geese
| Statewide (All Geese) | 2-Sep - 1-Oct | The aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day. |
| 14-Oct - 28-Oct | ||
| 24-Nov - 25-Nov | ||
| 2-Dec - 28-Jan |
Special youth, active military, and military veterans waterfowl hunting days.
| Statewide | 18-Nov - 18-Nov | Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as in regular waterfowl season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119. Note: Federal guidelines were not final. See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. |
| 3-Feb - 3-Feb |
Note:
With a permission that only allows a certain number. Applications must be submitted online at www.outdooralabama.com. Anyone over the age of sixteen (16) who resides in the country or who has a valid lifetime hunting license may apply.
There is a maximum of three individuals allowed per permit.
The pursuing area will be from the northern terminus of Interstate 20 to its junction with Interstate 65, from the eastern terminus of I-65 to its interchange with Interstate 22, and from the northern terminus of Interstate 22 to the Mississippi state boundary. (Excludes the remaining portion of the state)
To shoot, wait until after sunrise or after dusk.
Ducks may be shot with any firearm or ammunition that is authorized in your state.
Dove, duck, coot, goose, brant, swan, woodcock, rail, snipe, sandhill crane, band-tailed pigeon, and gallinule requires participation in the Harvest Information Program.
Sandhill Crane
| 2-Dec - 7-Jan | Bag Limit of 3 |
| 15-Jan - 30-Jan |
Birds Season
With a combined size of more than 700,000 acres, the state’s wildlife management areas provide a wealth of chances for birdwatchers. There are some bird species that are visible throughout particular seasons, such woodcock and bobwhite quail. Initiatives like the Alabama Quail Trail and other conservation efforts, which promote the preservation and enjoyment of species like bobwhite quail, further add to Alabama’s appeal to bird aficionados.
Quail
| Bobwhite Quail | 4-Nov - Feb-29 | Limit of 8 a day | 8 in possession |
Groundhog
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Grouse
| Ruffed Grouse | No Open Season |
Woodcock
| 15-Dec - 28-Jan | Limit of 3 a day |
Snipe
| 11-Nov | 25-Feb | 8 a day bag limit |
Starlings
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Crows
| No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Sparrow
| House Sparrows | No Closed Season | No Bag Limit |
Rail
| King Rail, Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora | 9-Sep - 24-Sep | 15 a day |
| 25-Nov - 17-Jan |
Gallinule
| 9-Sep - 24-Sep | 15 a day bag Limit |
| 25-Nov - 17-Jan |
Dove
Find the dove hunt dates as below:
North Zone – All counties except those listed in South Zone
| North Zone | 2-Sep - 2-Sep | Afternoon shooting only (12:00 noon - Sunset) |
| 3-Sep - 22-Oct | All day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset) | |
| 18-Nov - 26-Nov | ||
| 16-Dec - 14-Jan |
South Zone – Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile counties
| South Zone | 9-Sep - 9-Sep | Afternoon shooting only (12:00 noon - Sunset) |
| 10-Sep - 29-Oct | All day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset) | |
| 18-Nov - 26-Nov | ||
| 16-Dec - 14-Jan |
Youth Dove Hunt
| AL Youth Dove Hunting | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Youth Dove Hunts |
| Program Organizer | Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) |
| Organizer Division | Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) |
| Program Objective | Provide youth dove hunt opportunities in the fall to introduce young people to the outdoors |
| Registration Date | Opens at 8 a.m. on August 21, 2023 |
| Hunt Start Date | First youth dove hunts of the season begin on September 2, 2023 |
| Registration Requirement | Online registration is required |
| Hunt Cost | Free |
| Participant Age | Youth hunters must be 15 years or younger |
| Adult Accompaniment Requirement | Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old or a parent |
| Adult Requirements | The accompanying adult must have a valid state hunting license, a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp, and a Conservation ID number |
| Hunt Location | Held in open fields |
| Safety Measures | Short welcome session with hunting safety reminders before each hunt |
| Safety Gear | All hunters encouraged to wear eye and ear protection |
| Official Program Website | www.outdooralabama.com/youth-hunting/youth-dove-hunts |
| Promoting Organization | Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF), Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) |
| Official Website of Promoting Organization | www.outdooralabama.com |
AL Trapping Season 2023-2024
| Bobcat | 28-Oct - Feb-29 | No Bag Limit |
| Fox | 28-Oct - Feb-29 | |
| Mink | 28-Oct - Feb-29 | |
| Muskrat | 28-Oct - Feb-29 | |
| Otter | 28-Oct - Feb-29 | |
| Striped Skunk | 28-Oct - Feb-29 | |
| Beaver | No Closed Season | |
| Coyote | ||
| Nutria | ||
| Feral Swine | ||
| Raccoon | ||
| Opossum |
Alabama is home to a wide range of wildlife because to its huge public hunting land of over 1.3 million acres and its relatively relaxed shooting seasons and bag limits. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, mourning doves, bobwhite quail, feral pigs, ducks, rabbits, and squirrels are just few of the animals available to hunters.
Hunting 101 Workshop
| Alabama Hunting 101 Workshop | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Alabama’s Adult Mentored Hunting (AMH) program |
| Program Objective | Teach hunting skills to individuals with little to no hunting experience |
| Workshop Name | Hunting 101 workshop |
| Workshop Content | • Learning hunting basics • Firearm safety and handling • Where to hunt • Equipment needed |
| Workshop Location | Various Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout Alabama |
| Small Game Hunting | After the course, participants are invited to go small game hunting on the WMA with knowledgeable guides. |
| Registration Fee | $20 per workshop |
| First Workshop Date for 2023-2024 Season | 16-Sep-23 |
| Eligibility | Participants must be at least 19 years old and possess a valid driver’s license |
| AMH Hunt Eligibility | Attending Hunting 101 is required to become eligible for a three-day AMH hunt for deer |
| Notification for AMH Hunt | Workshop attendees will be notified by email if selected for an AMH hunt |
| Additional Workshop Dates for 2023-2024 Season | • September 23 at Swan Creek WMA near Decatur • September 30 at the Upper Delta WMA near Mobile |
| Official Program Website | www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/adult-mentored-hunting-program |
| Contact Person and Quote | Hunting 101 is for anyone interested in hunting." WFF Conservation Enforcement Officer and AMH/Assistant R3 Coordinator Brandon Holloway |
| Promoting Organization | Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) |
| Official Website of Promoting Organization | www.outdooralabama.com |
AL Hunting License Cost
Resident Licenses
| License Type (Resident) | Cost |
|---|---|
| State: All Game* (Hunting License) | $30.25 |
| State: Small Game* (Hunting License) | $20.05 |
| Annual (Bait Privilege License) | $16.35 |
| Annual (Nighttime Feral Swine and Coyote Hunting License) | $15.90 |
| Annual All Game (totally disabled-Physically Disabled Hunting License) | $6.70 |
| State: All Game (50% Physically Disabled Military Veteran's Appreciation Hunting License) | $15.65 |
| State: All Game (100% Physically Disabled Military Veteran's Appreciation Hunting License) | $3.30 |
| State: All Game (Physically Disabled Military Veteran's Appreciation 3-Day Hunting Event License) | $152.55 |
| Annual (Game Check H.E.L.P. Number) | N/C |
| Annual (Wildlife Heritage License) | $12.40 |
| State (Duck Stamps) | $11.00 |
| Federal | $28.00 |
| Annual (Wildlife Management Area License) | $20.05 |
| Annual (Fur Catchers License) | $24.60 |
| 7-Day (Commercial Fowl Hunting Preserve License) | $10.00 |
Note: Licenses for resident hunters are valid from September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2023. (unless otherwise indicated)
Nonresident Licenses
| License type (Nonresident) | Cost |
|---|---|
| All Game: Annual (Hunting License) | $350.15 |
| All Game: 10-Day Trip (buyer is born on or after August 1, 1977. ) | $216.20 |
| All Game:3-Day Trip | $152.55 |
| Small Game: Annual | $114.25 |
| Small Game:10-Day Trip | $69.60 |
| Small Game:3-Day Trip | $50.45 |
| Annual (Bait Privilege License) | $55.70 |
| Annual | $54.15 |
| State: All Game (Nighttime Feral Swine And Coyote Hunting License) | $152.55 |
| Annual (Game Check H.E.L.P. Number) | N/C |
| State (Duck Stamps) | $11.00 |
| Federal | $28.00 |
| Annual (Wildlife Management Area License) | $20.05 |
| Annual (Fur Catchers License) | Varies |
| 7-Day (Commercial Fowl Hunting Preserve License) | $10.00 |
Note: Nonresident Licenses are valid from September 1, 2022, until August 31, 2023.
Dates Source: outdooralabama.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hunt in Alabama?
The cost of hunting license varies on category and residence. Residents pay $32.55 for an all-game license, while non-residents pay $332.25. Small game permits cost $21.55 for locals and $121.05 for non-residents. Military veterans and handicapped hunters get special permits. Beyond license fees, Alabama outdoor pursuit costs depend on the type of hunt and outfitter. For instance, a three-day early season deer rifle hunt costs $1,850, but late season/rut, black powder, and family specials cost different amounts. Game packages usually exclude permits but include food, lodging, and transportation.
Can you hunt in Alabama without a license?
Under specific exemption allows state residents and their immediate family to hunt on private land without a license. Both landowners and non-residents need game licenses. Hunters on private property must follow extra rules regardless of place of residence. Remember that this exemption only applies to hunting licenses, not other recreational permits.
How long is deer season in Alabama?
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources runs Archery Season from October 14, 2023, to February 10, 2024, changing per zone, allowing either sexes to hunt. Zones A and D and E have Special Youth Gun Seasons on November 10-13, 2023, and October 27-30, 2023, for either sex hunt. Special Muzzleloader Season is November 13-17, 2023, in Zone A and October 30–November 3, 2023, in Zones D and E. Only stalk hunting is allowed, no dogs. Gun Deer Season runs from November 18, 2023, to February 10, 2024, with zone-specific dates and buck or sex designations. November 18, 2023, to January 15, 2024, is Gun Dog Deer Season.
Can you hunt at night in Alabama?
The Alabama Code Section 9-11-251 prohibits hunting at night for some species, such as deer, to reduce the risks of pursuing injured animals at night. Using lights or other techniques to capture or kill deer at night is illegal. Feral swine and coyote pursuing at night is exempt. A $15 license (or $51 for non-residents) allows residents to shoot wild pigs and coyotes at night. This license enables hunters to employ night vision or thermal optics and attach lights to rifles to manage these species during their more active nighttime times.
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