Many species of game may be pursued in Alabama Hunting Seasons 2023-2024, 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 page, 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!
The schedules listed below are based on information from previous seasons and will be updated as soon as the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources makes an official statement. We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, but please be aware that changes may occur, and it is always advisable to verify the latest season details from the official sources before planning any activities.
Deer Season
General Deer Season
Zones
Method
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Deer Type
Zone A
Zone A
Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting
14-Oct-23
10-Feb-24
Either Sex
Zone A
Special Youth Gun
10-Nov-23
13-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone A
Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle
13-Nov-23
17-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone A
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
18-Nov-23
10-Feb-24
Either Sex
Zone A
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
18-Nov-23
8-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone A
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
9-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
Zone A
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
1-Jan-24
10-Feb-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone A
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
18-Nov-23
15-Jan-24
Either Sex
Zone A
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
18-Nov-23
8-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone A
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
9-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
Zone A
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
1-Jan-24
15-Jan-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone B
Zones
Method
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Deer Type
Zone B
Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting
Oct 14-24, 2023
10-Feb-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone B
Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting
25-Oct-23
10-Feb-24
Either Sex
Zone B
Special Youth Gun
10-Nov-23
13-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone B
Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle
13-Nov-23
17-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone B
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
18-Nov-23
10-Feb-24
Either Sex
Zone B
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
18-Nov-23
8-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone B
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
9-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
Zone B
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
1-Jan-24
10-Feb-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone B
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
18-Nov-23
15-Jan-24
Either Sex
Zone B
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
18-Nov-23
8-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone B
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
9-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
Zone B
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
1-Jan-24
15-Jan-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone C
Zones
Method
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Deer Type
Zone C
Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting
14-Oct-23
10-Feb-24
Either Sex
Zone C
Special Youth Gun
10-Nov-23
13-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone C
Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle
13-Nov-23
17-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone C
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
18-Nov-23
26-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone C
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
27-Nov-23
15-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone C
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
16-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
Zone C
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
1-Jan-24
10-Feb-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone C
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
18-Nov-23
26-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone C
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
27-Nov-23
15-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone C
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
16-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
Zone C
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
1-Jan-24
15-Jan-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone D
Zones
Method
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Deer Type
Zone D
Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting
30-Sep-23
15-Jan-24
Either Sex
Zone D
Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting
16-Jan-24
27-Jan-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone D
Special Youth Gun
27-Oct-23
30-Oct-23
Either Sex
Zone D
Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle
30-Oct-23
3-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone D
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
4-Nov-23
17-Nov-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone D
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
18-Nov-23
26-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone D
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
27-Nov-23
15-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone D
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
16-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
Zone D
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
1-Jan-24
27-Jan-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone D
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
4-Nov-23
17-Nov-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone D
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
18-Nov-23
26-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone D
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
27-Nov-23
15-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone D
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
16-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
Zone E
Zones
Method
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Deer Type
Zone E
Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting
30-Sep-23
15-Jan-24
Either Sex
Zone E
Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting
16-Jan-24
27-Jan-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone E
Special Youth Gun
27-Oct-23
30-Oct-23
Either Sex
Zone E
Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle
30-Oct-23
3-Nov-23
Either Sex
Zone E
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
4-Nov-23
15-Jan-24
Either Sex
Zone E
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
16-Jan-24
27-Jan-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Zone E
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
4-Nov-23
1-Jan-24
Either Sex
Zone E
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
1-Jan-24
15-Jan-24
Antlered Bucks Only
CMZ Deer Season (Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone)
Zones
Method
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Deer Type
CMZ
Bow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting
14-Oct-23
10-Feb-24
Either Sex
CMZ
Special Youth Gun
10-Nov-23
13-Nov-23
Either Sex
CMZ
Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle
13-Nov-23
17-Nov-23
Either Sex
CMZ
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
18-Nov-23
10-Feb-24
Either Sex
CMZ
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
18-Nov-23
8-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
CMZ
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
9-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
CMZ
Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting
1-Jan-24
10-Feb-24
Antlered Bucks Only
CMZ
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
18-Nov-23
15-Jan-24
Either Sex
CMZ
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
18-Nov-23
8-Dec-23
Antlered Bucks Only
CMZ
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
9-Dec-23
31-Dec-23
Either Sex
CMZ
Gun Dog Deer Hunting
1-Jan-24
15-Jan-24
Antlered Bucks Only
Note: For complete Deer season details you may read the Latest AL Deer Season article.
Alabama Alligator Hunting Seasons.
Location
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
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
By Special Permit Only
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
By Special Permit Only
Southeast Management Area
From Official Sunset Time on the 2nd Saturday in August
Official Sunrise Time on the 1st Monday of September
By Special Permit Only
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
By Special Permit Only
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
By Special Permit Only
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.
Bobcat Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Bobcat
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Coyote Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Coyote
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Bear Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bear
No Open Season
No Open Season
Mountain Lion Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Mountain Lion
No Open Season
No Open Season
Feral Swine Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
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
No Bag Limit
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.
No Bag Limit
Fox Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Fox
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Squirrel Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Squirrel
9-Sep
3-Mar
8 a day
8 in possession
Rabbit Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Rabbit
9-Sep
3-Mar
8 a day
8 in possession
Raccoon Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Raccoon
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Private Owned and Leased Lands: No Bag Limit Open Permit- Public Land: 5 Per Party
Opossum Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Opossum
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Turkey Season
Zones
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End 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
No decoys allowed
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.
N/A
Decoys allowed
Special Disabled Hunt
One day prior to all regular season opening days.
N/A
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.
Dove Season
North Zone – All counties except those listed in South Zone
Zones
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Note
North Zone
2-Sep
2-Sep
Afternoon shooting only (12:00 noon - Sunset)
North Zone
3-Sep
22-Oct
All day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
North Zone
18-Nov
26-Nov
All day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
North Zone
16-Dec
14-Jan
All day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
South Zone – Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile counties
Zones
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Note
South Zone
9-Sep
9-Sep
Afternoon shooting only (12:00 noon - Sunset)
South Zone
10-Sep
29-Oct
All day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
South Zone
18-Nov
26-Nov
All day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
South Zone
16-Dec
14-Jan
All day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
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
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)
Duck
Statewide
2-Dec
28-Jan
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)
Coot Season
Species
Location
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Coot
Statewide
24-Nov
25-Nov
15 a day
Coot
Statewide
2-Dec
28-Jan
15 a day
Merganser Season
Species
Location
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Merganser
Statewide
24-Nov
25-Nov
5 a day, only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser
Merganser
Statewide
2-Dec
28-Jan
5 a day, only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser
Geese Season
Species
Location
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
All Geese
Statewide
2-Sep
1-Oct
The aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day.
All Geese
Statewide
14-Oct
28-Oct
The aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day.
All Geese
Statewide
24-Nov
25-Nov
The aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day.
All Geese
Statewide
2-Dec
28-Jan
The aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day.
Special youth, active military, and military veterans waterfowl hunting days.
Location
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Note
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.
Statewide
3-Feb
3-Feb
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.
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.
Sandhill Crane Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Sandhill Crane Season
2-Dec
7-Jan
3
Sandhill Crane Season
15-Jan
30-Jan
3
Quail Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Bobwhite Quail
4-Nov
Feb-29
8 a day
8 in possession
Mink Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Mink
28-Oct
Feb-29
Trapping Only
Muskrat Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Muskrat
28-Oct
Feb-29
Trapping Only
Otter Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Otter
28-Oct
Feb-29
Trapping Only
Skunk Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Striped Skunk
28-Oct
Feb-29
Trapping Only
Beaver Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Beaver
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Nutria Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Nutria
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Groundhog Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Groundhog
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Grouse Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Ruffed Grouse
No Open Season
No Open Season
Woodcock Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Woodcock
15-Dec
28-Jan
3 a day
Snipe Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Snipe
11-Nov
25-Feb
8 a day
Frog Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Bullfrog and Pig Frog
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
20 frogs
Starlings Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Starlings
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Crows Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Crows
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Sparrow Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
House Sparrows
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Rail Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
King Rail, Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora
9-Sep
24-Sep
15 a day
King Rail, Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora
25-Nov
17-Jan
15 a day
Gallinule Season
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Gallinule
9-Sep
24-Sep
15 a day
Gallinule
25-Nov
17-Jan
15 a day
AL Trapping Season 2023-2024
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limit
Bobcat
28-Oct
Feb-29
No Bag Limit
Fox
28-Oct
Feb-29
No Bag Limit
Mink
28-Oct
Feb-29
No Bag Limit
Muskrat
28-Oct
Feb-29
No Bag Limit
Otter
28-Oct
Feb-29
No Bag Limit
Striped Skunk
28-Oct
Feb-29
No Bag Limit
Beaver
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Coyote
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Nutria
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Feral Swine
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Raccoon
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Opossum
No Closed Season
No Closed Season
No Bag Limit
Alabama 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
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.
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.
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
