Many species of game may be pursued in Alabama, including quail, turkey, deer, and even alligator. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the exact restrictions and hunting seasons in the county and region in which you want to hunt. Additionally, licenses and permits may be purchased and kills reported online in Alabama.
In this article, you’ll find information about Alabama’s hunting seasons, including when they are and how to prepare for them, along with dates and information on the various licenses and regulations that apply. To discover more about hunting in Alabama, keep on reading!
Alabama Hunting Season
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 in Alabama.
Deer Seasons & Limits
| Alabama Deer Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Bow and Arrow – Stalk Hunting) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Sunday, January 15, 2023 | Zones D and E. Either sex. |
| Deer (Bow and Arrow – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Friday, February 10, 2023 | Zones A, B, and C. Either sex. |
| Deer (Bow and Arrow – Stalk Hunting) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Monday, October 24, 2022 | Zone B. Antlered Bucks Only. |
| Deer (Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle) | Monday, October 31, 2022 | Friday, November 04, 2022 | Zones D and E. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased lands and USFS stalk hunting only (No Dogs). |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Zone E where allowed. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Friday, December 16, 2022 | Zones D and E where allowed. Antlered Bucks Only. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | Zone D where allowed. Antlered Bucks Only. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Sunday, January 15, 2023 | Zone E. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Friday, December 16, 2022 | Zones D and E. Antlered Buck Only. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | Zone D. Antlered Bucks Only. On privately owned or leased land only. |
| Deer (Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle) | Monday, November 14, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | Zones A, B, and C. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased land and USFS stalk hunting only (No Dogs). |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, January 15, 2023 | Zones A and B where allowed. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased land only. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Friday, December 09, 2022 | Zones A and B. Antlered Bucks Only. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Zones C and D. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Friday, December 16, 2022 | Zone C. Antlered Bucks Only. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Friday, December 16, 2022 | Zone C where allowed. Antlered Bucks Only. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Friday, February 10, 2023 | Zones A and B. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Zones C and D where allowed. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Friday, December 09, 2022 | Zones A and B where allowed. Antlered Bucks Only. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Monday, November 28, 2022 | Friday, December 16, 2022 | Zones C and D where allowed. Antlered Bucks Only. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Monday, November 28, 2022 | Friday, December 16, 2022 | Zones C and D. Antlered Bucks Only. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Zones A and B where allowed. Either sex. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Zones A and B. Either Sex. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Saturday, December 17, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Zones C, D, and E where allowed. Either Sex. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, December 17, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Zones C and D. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Saturday, December 17, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Zones C and D where allowed. Either Sex. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Saturday, December 17, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Zones C, D, and E. Either Sex. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Monday, January 02, 2023 | Sunday, January 15, 2023 | Zones A, B, and C. Antlered Bucks Only. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Monday, January 02, 2023 | Sunday, January 15, 2023 | Zone C where allowed. Antlered Bucks Only. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Monday, January 02, 2023 | Friday, February 10, 2023 | Zone C. Antlered Bucks Only. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Monday, January 02, 2023 | Friday, January 27, 2023 | Zone D. Antlered Bucks Only. On privately owned or leased land only. |
| Deer (Gun – Dog hunting) | Monday, January 02, 2023 | Sunday, January 15, 2023 | Zones A, B, and C where allowed. Antlered Bucks Only. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Monday, January 02, 2023 | Friday, January 27, 2023 | Zones D and E. Antlered Bucks Only. On open permit-public land. |
| Deer (Gun – Stalk hunting) | Monday, January 16, 2023 | Friday, January 27, 2023 | Zone E. Antlered Bucks Only. On privately owned or leased lands only. |
| Deer (Bow and Arrow – Stalk Hunting) | Monday, January 16, 2023 | Friday, January 27, 2023 | Zones D and E. Antlered Bucks Only. |
Note: For complete Deer season details you may read the Latest AL Deer Season article.
Alabama Alligator Hunting Seasons.
| Alabama Alligator Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alligator (West & Southwest-Part 1) | Thursday, August 11, 2022 | Sunday, August 14, 2022 | By special permit only. West Central Zone, Coastal Zone, and Southwest Zone. |
| Alligator (Southest) | Saturday, August 13, 2022 | Monday, September 05, 2022 | By special permit only. Southeast Zone. |
| Alligator (West & Southwest - Part 2) | Thursday, August 18, 2022 | Sunday, August 21, 2022 | By special permit only. West Central Zone, Coastal Zone, and Southwest Zone. |
| Alligator (Lake Eufaula) | Friday, August 19, 2022 | Monday, October 03, 2022 | By special permit only. Lake Eufaula Zone. |
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.
Coyote Season
| Alabama Coyote Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote – Hunting | Saturday, January 01, 2022 | Sunday, December 31, 2023 | There is no bag limit. During daylight only. No closed season. |
| Feral Swine & Coyote Special Nighttime Season (Dogs only) | Monday, May 16, 2022 | Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | There is no restriction on the number of bags. is subject to nocturnal hunting. Only dogs; no weapons permitted. |
| Feral Swine and Coyote Nighttime Special Season | Saturday, February 11, 2023 | Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | Only lands that are privately owned or leased. There is no restriction on the number of bags. Must possess a current yearly resident or nonresident license for midnight coyote and feral swine hunting. |
Bobcat Season
| Alabama Bobcat Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat (Hunting) | Saturday, January 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division requires tagging of bobcat within 14 days of capture. |
Dove Season
| Alabama Dove Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dove (North Zone-1) | Saturday, September 03, 2022 | Saturday, September 03, 2022 | Northern Zone. The daily bag limit is 15. 12:00 p.m. to sunset (Afternoon Shooting Only). |
| Dove (North Zone-2) | Sunday, September 04, 2022 | Sunday, October 23, 2022 | Northern Zone. The daily bag limit is 15. till sunset, an hour and a half before sunrise (All Day). |
| Dove (South Zone-1) | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Southern Zone. 12:00 p.m. to sunset (Afternoon Shooting Only). The daily bag limit is 15. Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Houston, and Mobile counties. |
| Dove (South Zone-2) | Sunday, September 11, 2022 | Sunday, October 30, 2022 | Southern Zone. The daily bag limit is 15. till sunset, an hour and a half before sunrise (All Day). |
| Dove (South Zone-3) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Southern Zone. The daily bag limit is 15. till sunset, an hour and a half before sunrise (All Day). |
| Dove (North Zone-3) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Southern Zone. The daily bag limit is 15. till sunset, an hour and a half before sunrise (All Day). |
| Dove (South Zone-4) | Saturday, December 17, 2022 | Sunday, January 15, 2023 | Southern Zone. The daily bag limit is 15. till sunset, an hour and a half before sunrise (All Day). |
| Dove (North Zone-4) | Saturday, December 17, 2022 | Sunday, January 15, 2023 | Southern Zone. The daily bag limit is 15. till sunset, an hour and a half before sunrise (All Day). |
For latest details read the article on Alabama Dove season
Duck Season
| Alabama Duck Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck (Special Teal Season) | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Sunday, September 25, 2022 | • There is a bag limit 6 a day. |
| Duck (Clapper Rail, King RAIL, Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule) | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Sunday, September 25, 2022 | • There is a bag limit 15 a day. |
| Duck, Coot and Merganser | Friday, November 25, 2022 | Saturday, November 26, 2022 | • 6 ducks a day, which may include: • No more than 4 Mallards (no more than 2 of which may be female) • 3 Wood Ducks • 1 Mottled Duck • 2 Black Duck • 2 Redhead • 1 Pintail • 2 Canvasback • 1 Scaup • 15 Coot a day • 5 Merganser a day, only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser. |
| Duck (Clapper Rail, King RAIL, Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule) | Saturday, November 26, 2022 | Wednesday, January 18, 2023 | • There is a bag limit 15 a day. |
| Duck, Coot and Merganser | Friday, December 02, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | • 6 ducks a day, which may include: • No more than 4 Mallards (no more than 2 of which may be female) • 3 Wood Ducks • 1 Mottled Duck • 2 Black Duck • 2 Redhead • 1 Pintail • 2 Canvasback • 1 Scaup • 15 Coot a day • 5 Merganser a day, only 2 of which may be a Hooded Merganser. |
Fox Season
| Alabama Fox Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox (Hunting) | Saturday, January 01, 2022 | Sunday, December 31, 2023 | There is no Bag Limit and no Closed Season. May be hunted daytime and nighttime hours. |
Goose Season
| Alabama Quail Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobwhite Quail | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | A bag limit 8 per day, 8 in possession. Closed on the Bankhead National Forest. |
Rabbit Season
| Alabama Rabbit Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Sunday, March 05, 2023 | A bag limit of 8 per day and 8 in possession. |
Turkey Season
| Alabama Turkey Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Zone-3 – Fall) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | there is a daily limit of 1 gobbler and during the combined spring and fall season 4 gobbler bag limit. No decoys the first ten days. |
| Turkey (Zone-3, Late season) | Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | there is a daily limit of 1 gobbler and during the combined spring and fall season 4 gobbler bag limit. No decoys the first ten days. |
| Turkey (Zone-3 – Spring) | Saturday, March 25, 2023 | Monday, May 08, 2023 | there is a daily limit of 1 gobbler and during the combined spring and fall season 4 gobbler bag limit. No decoys the first ten days. |
| Turkey (Zone-1) | Saturday, March 25, 2023 | Monday, May 08, 2023 | there is a daily limit of 1 gobbler and during the combined spring and fall season 4 gobbler bag limit. No decoys the first ten days. |
| Turkey (Zone-2 – Spring) | Saturday, April 01, 2023 | Monday, May 08, 2023 | there is a daily limit of 1 gobbler and during the combined spring and fall season 4 gobbler bag limit. No decoys the first ten days. |
Note: For a comprehensive guide on the Turkey season you may read the Latest article on Alabama Turkey Season.
Quail
| Alabama Quail Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobwhite Quail | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | A bag limit 8 per day, 8 in possession. Closed on the Bankhead National Forest. |
Sandhill Crane Season
| Alabama Sandhill Crane Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Sunday, January 08, 2023 | only with a quota-restricted licence. Application required online at www.outdooralabama.com. To apply, a person must be a resident or possess a lifetime hunting license and be at least sixteen (16) years old. 3 people maximum per permission. |
| Sandhill Crane | Monday, January 16, 2023 | Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | only with a quota-restricted licence. Application required online at www.outdooralabama.com. To apply, a person must be a resident or possess a lifetime hunting license and be at least sixteen (16) years old. 3 people maximum per permission. |
Waterfowl Seasons
| Alabama Waterfowl Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Youth, Veteran, & Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | You are allowed to hunt ducks. (duck, coot, & merganser) & Geese. No Rail, Gallinule, or Sandhill Crane (sandhill is permit only). |
| Special Youth, Veteran, & Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days | Saturday, February 04, 2023 | Saturday, February 04, 2023 | You are allowed to hunt ducks. (duck, coot, & merganser) & Geese. No Rail, Gallinule, or Sandhill Crane (sandhill is permit only). |
| Clapper Rail, King RAIL, Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Sunday, September 25, 2022 | 15 a day |
| Clapper Rail, King RAIL, Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule | Saturday, November 26, 2022 | Wednesday, January 18, 2023 | 15 a day |
| Special Teal Season | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Sunday, September 25, 2022 | 6 a day |
| Duck, Coot and Merganser | Friday, November 25, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | - |
| Duck | - | - | 6 ducks a day, including no more than 4 Mallards (no more than 2 of which may be female), 3 Wood Ducks, 1 Mottled Duck, 2 Black Duck, 2 Redhead, 1 Pintail, 2 Canvasback, and 1 Scaup. |
| Coot | - | - | 15 a day |
| Merganser | - | - | 5 a day, only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser |
| Geese | Saturday, September 03, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | - |
| Dark Geese (Canada, White-Fronted, Brant) | - | - | The aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day |
| Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross's) | - | - | The aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day |
| Sandhill Crane | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | 3 per person per permit |
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 hunting 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 hunting requires participation in the Harvest Information Program.
Squirrel Season
| Alabama Squirrel Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | Sunday, March 05, 2023 | A bag limit of 8 . Restriction: Bankhead National Forest closed for fox squirrels |
Raccoon Season
No off-season.
• Can be hunted at any time of day or night.
• No bag restriction on privately owned and leased lands.
• Open Permit- Public Land: 5 Per Party.
• During the spring turkey season, dogs may not be run on open-permit areas during the day or after 3:00 am.
Opossum Season
• There is no off-season.
• Can be hunted at any time of day or night.
• There is no bag limit
• During the spring turkey season, dogs may not be run on open-permit areas during the day or after 3:00 am.
Otter, Striped Skunk, Muskrat, and Mink Season
Mink, Muskrat, Striped Skunk, and Otter.
• February 28 – October 29.
Note: Only TRAPPING is allowed to take the species mentioned above.
Beaver, Nutria, and Groundhog Seasons
No off-season.
• There is no bag restriction; only during daylight hours.
Woodcock Season
| Species | Season | Limit | Shooting window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodcock | December 16 - January 29 | 3 per day | Half an hour before dawn to half an hour after sunset |
Note: Subject to the Federal Register.
Snipe Season
| Species | Season | Limit | Shooting window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snipe | November 12 - February 26 | 8 per day | Half an hour before sunrise till dusk |
Seasons of the house sparrow, crow, and starling
| Species | Season | Limit | Shooting window |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Sparrow | No off-season | No bag limit | Daytime hours only |
| Crow | No off-season | No bag limit | Daytime hours only |
| Starling | No off-season | No bag limit | Daytime hours only |
King Rail, Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, and Gallinule seasons
• Beginning on October 10 and ending on October 25.
• From October 26 through January 18, roughly.
Note:
Please keep in mind that the federal regulations referenced here were not final at the time of publishing. Waterfowl Hunting in Alabama can provide you with additional details.
• A daily maximum limit of 15
• The best time to go out shooting is between 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after dusk.
Bullfrog and Pig Frog Season
- No off-season.
- Possibility of being hunted either at night or during the day.
- A limit of 20 frogs between 12pm and 12am the next day.
Opossum, Raccoon, Coyote, Nutria, and Feral Swine.
•There is no off-season.
If you want to catch unwanted furbearers outside of the regular trapping season, you’ll need to get permission from your local district office.
Any bobcat or otter captured by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division must be tagged no later than 14 days following capture. Tagging may also be outsourced to a taxidermist, who will need 14 days from the time they receive the animal and the completed tagging paperwork to finish the process.
Season of Trapping.
- Fox, Muskrat, Muskrat, Otter, Bobcat, and Striped Skunk.
- February 28 – October 29.
License
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 Hunting Licenses are valid from September 1, 2022, until August 31, 2023.
Hunting Regulations
- Prohibited Access within 50 Yards of Public Road: Hunting or discharging a centerfire rifle, shotgun with slugs, or shot larger than number four, or muzzle-loading rifle within fifty yards of any public road, highway, or railroad is forbidden. For public safety, guns with 40mm or larger calibers are banned, but deer hunters will suffer.
- Hunter Education: Except for APOST-certified law enforcement professionals, active duty U.S. Military personnel, and Alabama residents who are active members of the AL National Guard, all license buyers 16 or older born after August 1, 1977, must pass an approved hunter education course. In-person classes are free, while online courses are expensive. Any 10-year-old born after August 1, 1977, must take a hunter education course. Hunters who require an adult licensed to hunt may get a “Supervision Required” license. Visit www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/hunter-education-alabama for more.
- Hunting Defined: Hunting includes tracking, shooting, killing, catching, trapping, and helping others do so.
- Authorization & Permission: Hunting, trapping, catching, harming, killing, or destroying wild wildlife on another person’s property without consent is illegal.
- Hunting Property: Privately owned and leased land is not accessible to the public, whereas open permit-public land comprises public hunting grounds on government territory and private land made on a case-by-case basis, whether for a fee or not.
- Permissible Hunting Hours: Game birds and animals like deer have daylight-only open seasons (30 minutes before official dawn to 30 minutes after official sunset). Game hunting is limited to daylight hours unless otherwise stated. Migrating game birds and ducks may be shot at certain periods.
- Hunting Orange: Except for foxes, raccoons, and opossums during legal nighttime hours or turkeys or migratory birds, all hunters must wear an outer garment above the waist with at least 144 square inches of hunter orange during open gun deer season, including youth and muzzleloader seasons. Only hunter-orange jerseys, clothing, and headgear are allowed—illegal camouflage orange. Hunting from high stands, enclosed box stands, or enclosed vehicles are allowed. Hunters must wear hunter orange while going over 20 feet from an operating enclosed vehicle to an exempt stand.
- Game Species: Alabama has several legal game species. Bear, beaver, coyote, deer, fox, opossum, eastern cottontail rabbit, swamp rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, nutria, mountain lion (cougar), red wolf, groundhog, bobcat, feral swine (wild hog), and alligator. Protected Species explains endangered species and how to assist them.
- Gamebirds: Alabama gamebirds include: Bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, The sandhill crane, common snipe, woodcock, mourning dove, gallinule, merganser, sand duck, sand goose, brant, clapper rail, king rail, Virginia rail, white-winged dove, sora, coot, and woodcock migrate.
- Endangered Species: Nongame species regulation 222-2-.92 safeguards several creatures, including birds (except for the house sparrow, crow, collared dove, starling, and blackbird, save the rusty variety).
- Furbearers: Alabama furbearers include beavers, foxes, minks, muskrats, nutria, opossums, otters, raccoons, striped skunks, coyotes, and feral pigs.
- Archery specs: Hunting bows must have at least 30 pounds of peak tension for longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows, and 85 pounds for crossbows. Arrow and bolt broadheads require a 7/8-inch cutting diameter. Visible light-emitting bow attachments need a permit.
- Running Dogs: Dogs may hunt deer in counties where it’s legal between October 1 and firearms deer season. Only licensed squirrel and rabbit hunters may employ dogs off-season (without guns).
- Sale of Game Birds & Game Animals: Except for legally acquired deer hides, hooves, and squirrel skins, hides, and tails, it is illegal to sell game birds or animals in Alabama. Game and fur-bearing animals are exempt. Sell gloves, shoes, garments, jewelry, tanned deer skins, and other completed items.
- Bringing Live Deer or Elk Into Alabama May Be Prohibited: Alabama bans the importation of Cervidae (deer) to avoid spreading diseases that may wipe out the state’s deer population. Violators may get $5,000. Transferring live deer requires Division approval. Deer and elk bodies from other states must be deboned and the skull plate cleaned of the spinal cord and brain before being brought in.
- Report Bands: Biologists require migratory patterns, harvest, survival, and ecological processes to control migrating birds. To collect data, record banded bird recoveries.
- Alabama Accessible Hunting and Fishing Trail: Alabama has public hunting, fishing, and shooting sites.
- Protected Areas for Wildlife: Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries manages 35 WMAs. Visit www.outdooralabama.com for hunting dates and guidelines for these locations. Hunting without permission from wildlife management authorities is unlawful.
- Special Opportunity Zones: The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, Wildlife Section manages 13 SOAs that allow lottery-only hunting on public land. Deer, turkey, alligators, and migratory birds may be hunted here. Always carry a valid hunting license and SOA authorization while hunting.
- Disabled-only hunting areas: Alabama’s accessible places and infrastructure allow disabled people to hunt and fish. These areas are designed for hunters with mobility issues, providing a successful and enjoyable hunt.
- Youth-Specific Hunts: Alabama offers unique youth hunting opportunities. These hunts help young hunters learn safety, responsibility, and conservation.
- Youth Dove Hunting: Alabama’s Youth Dove Hunting Program lets kids hunt doves. These hunts are great for beginning dove hunters.
- Target and Archery Ranges: Alabama has various public shooting and archery sites. These ranges let hunters and shooters practice safely.
- Always wear a full-body harness: Alabama tree stand hunters should use a full-body harness. Hunters need a full-body harness for fall protection.
- Deer Control: Alabama’s deer management policy ensures a healthy population and public hunting. This effort includes hunting regulations, population assessments, and habitat improvements.
- Forever Wild Program: Forever Wild in Alabama preserves open land for future generations. This project ensures that future generations may enjoy hunting and other outdoor activities.
- Nongame Wildlife Conservation: Alabama’s Nongame Animals Program protects and sustains nongame wildlife. This program will monitor, preserve, and research these species to prevent extinction.
Source: eregulations.com
FAQs related to Alabama Hunting Season
What are the legal hunting hours for game animals in Alabama?
During the open season, only daylight hours (defined as starting 30 minutes before the official dawn time and ending 30 minutes after the official sunset time) are legal for shooting resident game birds and game animals, including deer. Waterfowl and migratory game birds have designated hunting times.
Can I hunt without a permit on private property?
It is forbidden to hunt, trap, catch, harm, kill, or destroy any wild game on another person’s property without the written consent of the landowner or other person in authority of that property, unless you are the landowner’s guest or are accompanied by them.
Are there any limitations on bow hunting in Alabama?
Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows are all acceptable types of bows for hunting. The minimal peak tension for longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows is 30 lbs. At a typical draw length, crossbows must have a minimum peak tension of 85 lbs. Broadheads with two sharpened edges and a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inches must be attached to arrows or bolts.
What Alabama laws apply to dog-assisted hunting?
In counties or areas with an open dog deer season, deer may only be run with dogs from October 1 until the start of the gun deer season. A licensed hunter may run squirrel and rabbit during the off-season (no guns).
Is it illegal to bring live elk or deer into Alabama?
Yes, it is prohibited to import any live Cervidae animal, such as deer, elk, caribou, moose, etc. This serves as a disease defense.