Alabama Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 [Latest Schedule & Dates!]

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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!

Alabama Hunting Seasons
Alabama Hunting Seasons

Alabama Hunting Seasons 2023-2024

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.

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

ZonesMethodHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesDeer Type
Zone A
Zone ABow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting14-Oct-2310-Feb-24Either Sex
Zone ASpecial Youth Gun10-Nov-2313-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone ASpecial Muzzleloader & Air Rifle13-Nov-2317-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone AGun Deer-Stalk Hunting18-Nov-2310-Feb-24Either Sex
Zone AGun Deer-Stalk Hunting18-Nov-238-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone AGun Deer-Stalk Hunting9-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
Zone AGun Deer-Stalk Hunting1-Jan-2410-Feb-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone AGun Dog Deer Hunting18-Nov-2315-Jan-24Either Sex
Zone AGun Dog Deer Hunting18-Nov-238-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone AGun Dog Deer Hunting9-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
Zone AGun Dog Deer Hunting1-Jan-2415-Jan-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone B
ZonesMethodHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesDeer Type
Zone BBow and Arrow - Stalk HuntingOct 14-24, 202310-Feb-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone BBow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting25-Oct-2310-Feb-24Either Sex
Zone BSpecial Youth Gun10-Nov-2313-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone BSpecial Muzzleloader & Air Rifle13-Nov-2317-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone BGun Deer-Stalk Hunting18-Nov-2310-Feb-24Either Sex
Zone BGun Deer-Stalk Hunting18-Nov-238-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone BGun Deer-Stalk Hunting9-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
Zone BGun Deer-Stalk Hunting1-Jan-2410-Feb-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone BGun Dog Deer Hunting18-Nov-2315-Jan-24Either Sex
Zone BGun Dog Deer Hunting18-Nov-238-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone BGun Dog Deer Hunting9-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
Zone BGun Dog Deer Hunting1-Jan-2415-Jan-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone C
ZonesMethodHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesDeer Type
Zone CBow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting14-Oct-2310-Feb-24Either Sex
Zone CSpecial Youth Gun10-Nov-2313-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone CSpecial Muzzleloader & Air Rifle13-Nov-2317-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone CGun Deer-Stalk Hunting18-Nov-2326-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone CGun Deer-Stalk Hunting27-Nov-2315-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone CGun Deer-Stalk Hunting16-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
Zone CGun Deer-Stalk Hunting1-Jan-2410-Feb-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone CGun Dog Deer Hunting18-Nov-2326-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone CGun Dog Deer Hunting27-Nov-2315-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone CGun Dog Deer Hunting16-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
Zone CGun Dog Deer Hunting1-Jan-2415-Jan-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone D
ZonesMethodHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesDeer Type
Zone DBow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting30-Sep-2315-Jan-24Either Sex
Zone DBow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting16-Jan-2427-Jan-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone DSpecial Youth Gun27-Oct-2330-Oct-23Either Sex
Zone DSpecial Muzzleloader & Air Rifle30-Oct-233-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone DGun Deer-Stalk Hunting4-Nov-2317-Nov-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone DGun Deer-Stalk Hunting18-Nov-2326-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone DGun Deer-Stalk Hunting27-Nov-2315-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone DGun Deer-Stalk Hunting16-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
Zone DGun Deer-Stalk Hunting1-Jan-2427-Jan-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone DGun Dog Deer Hunting4-Nov-2317-Nov-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone DGun Dog Deer Hunting18-Nov-2326-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone DGun Dog Deer Hunting27-Nov-2315-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
Zone DGun Dog Deer Hunting16-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
Zone E
ZonesMethodHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesDeer Type
Zone EBow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting30-Sep-2315-Jan-24Either Sex
Zone EBow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting16-Jan-2427-Jan-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone ESpecial Youth Gun27-Oct-2330-Oct-23Either Sex
Zone ESpecial Muzzleloader & Air Rifle30-Oct-233-Nov-23Either Sex
Zone EGun Deer-Stalk Hunting4-Nov-2315-Jan-24Either Sex
Zone EGun Deer-Stalk Hunting16-Jan-2427-Jan-24Antlered Bucks Only
Zone EGun Dog Deer Hunting4-Nov-231-Jan-24Either Sex
Zone EGun Dog Deer Hunting1-Jan-2415-Jan-24Antlered Bucks Only

CMZ Deer Season (Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone)

ZonesMethodHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesDeer Type
CMZBow and Arrow - Stalk Hunting14-Oct-2310-Feb-24Either Sex
CMZSpecial Youth Gun10-Nov-2313-Nov-23Either Sex
CMZSpecial Muzzleloader & Air Rifle13-Nov-2317-Nov-23Either Sex
CMZGun Deer-Stalk Hunting18-Nov-2310-Feb-24Either Sex
CMZGun Deer-Stalk Hunting18-Nov-238-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
CMZGun Deer-Stalk Hunting9-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
CMZGun Deer-Stalk Hunting1-Jan-2410-Feb-24Antlered Bucks Only
CMZGun Dog Deer Hunting18-Nov-2315-Jan-24Either Sex
CMZGun Dog Deer Hunting18-Nov-238-Dec-23Antlered Bucks Only
CMZGun Dog Deer Hunting9-Dec-2331-Dec-23Either Sex
CMZGun Dog Deer Hunting1-Jan-2415-Jan-24Antlered Bucks Only

Note: For complete Deer season details you may read the Latest AL Deer Season article.

Alabama Alligator Hunting Seasons.

LocationHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Southwest Management AreaFrom Official Sunset Time on the 2nd Thursday in AugustOfficial Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the 2nd Thursday in AugustBy Special Permit Only
Coastal Management AreaFrom Official Sunset Time on the 2nd Thursday in AugustOfficial Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the 2nd Thursday in AugustBy Special Permit Only
Southeast Management AreaFrom Official Sunset Time on the 2nd Saturday in AugustOfficial Sunrise Time on the 1st Monday of SeptemberBy Special Permit Only
West Central Management AreaFrom Official Sunset Time on the 2nd Thursday in AugustOfficial Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the 2nd Thursday in AugustBy Special Permit Only
Lake Eufaula Management AreaFrom Official Sunset Time on the Friday preceding the 3rd Saturday in AugustOfficial Sunrise Time on the Monday immediately following the 1st Sunday in OctoberBy 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

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
BobcatNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Coyote Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
CoyoteNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Bear Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End Dates
BearNo Open SeasonNo Open Season

Mountain Lion Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End Dates
Mountain LionNo Open SeasonNo Open Season

Feral Swine Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Feral Swine (Daylight Hours Only)No Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit
Feral Swine – Special Nighttime Season on Privately Owned and Leased Lands Only; Dogs Only11-May31-AugNo Bag Limit
Feral Swine – Special Nighttime Season on Privately Owned and Leased Lands OnlyBegins 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

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
FoxNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Squirrel Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Squirrel9-Sep3-Mar8 a day8 in possession

Rabbit Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Rabbit9-Sep3-Mar8 a day8 in possession

Raccoon Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
RaccoonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag LimitPrivate Owned and Leased Lands: No Bag Limit Open Permit- Public Land: 5 Per Party

Opossum Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
OpossumNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Turkey Season

ZonesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesNote
Zone 125-Mar8-MayDecoys allowed April 4 - May 8
Zone 21-Apr8-MayDecoys allowed April 11 - May 8
Zone 318-Nov26-NovNo decoys allowed
Zone 39-Dec31-DecNo decoys allowed
Zone 325-Mar8-MayDecoys allowed April 4 - May 8
MA and U.S. Forest Service Ranger Districts8-Apr8-MayDaylight - 1 p.m.
Remainder of National Forests Districts and WMAs That Allow Turkey Hunting1-Apr8-MayDaylight - 1 p.m.
Special Youth HuntSaturday & Sunday the week prior to the opening of spring season.N/ADecoys allowed
Special Disabled HuntOne day prior to all regular season opening days.N/AParticipants 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

ZonesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesNote
North Zone2-Sep2-SepAfternoon shooting only (12:00 noon - Sunset)
North Zone3-Sep22-OctAll day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
North Zone18-Nov26-NovAll day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
North Zone16-Dec14-JanAll day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)

South Zone – Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile counties

ZonesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesNote
South Zone9-Sep9-SepAfternoon shooting only (12:00 noon - Sunset)
South Zone10-Sep29-OctAll day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
South Zone18-Nov26-NovAll day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)
South Zone16-Dec14-JanAll day shooting (Sunrise - Sunset)

Youth Dove Hunt

AL Youth Dove HuntingDetails
Program NameYouth Dove Hunts
Program OrganizerAlabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)
Organizer DivisionDivision of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)
Program ObjectiveProvide youth dove hunt opportunities in the fall to introduce young people to the outdoors
Registration DateOpens at 8 a.m. on August 21, 2023
Hunt Start DateFirst youth dove hunts of the season begin on September 2, 2023
Registration RequirementOnline registration is required
Hunt CostFree
Participant AgeYouth hunters must be 15 years or younger
Adult Accompaniment RequirementYouth hunters must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old or a parent
Adult RequirementsThe accompanying adult must have a valid state hunting license, a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp, and a Conservation ID number
Hunt LocationHeld in open fields
Safety MeasuresShort welcome session with hunting safety reminders before each hunt
Safety GearAll hunters encouraged to wear eye and ear protection
Official Program Websitewww.outdooralabama.com/youth-hunting/youth-dove-hunts
Promoting OrganizationDivision of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF), Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)
Official Website of Promoting Organizationwww.outdooralabama.com

Waterfowl Season

Teal Season

SpeciesLocationHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
TealStatewide9-Sep24-Sep6 a day

Duck Season

SpeciesLocationHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
DuckStatewide24-Nov25-Nov6 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)
DuckStatewide2-Dec28-Jan6 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

SpeciesLocationHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
CootStatewide24-Nov25-Nov15 a day
CootStatewide2-Dec28-Jan15 a day

Merganser Season

SpeciesLocationHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
MerganserStatewide24-Nov25-Nov5 a day, only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser
MerganserStatewide2-Dec28-Jan5 a day, only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser

Geese Season

SpeciesLocationHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
All GeeseStatewide2-Sep1-OctThe aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day.
All GeeseStatewide14-Oct28-OctThe aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day.
All GeeseStatewide24-Nov25-NovThe aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day.
All GeeseStatewide2-Dec28-JanThe aggregate bag limit shall be 5 a day.

Special youth, active military, and military veterans waterfowl hunting days.

LocationHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesNote
Statewide18-Nov18-NovSame 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.
Statewide3-Feb3-FebSame 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

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Sandhill Crane Season2-Dec7-Jan3
Sandhill Crane Season15-Jan30-Jan3

Quail Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Bobwhite Quail4-NovFeb-298 a day8 in possession

Mink Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Mink28-OctFeb-29Trapping Only

Muskrat Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Muskrat28-OctFeb-29Trapping Only

Otter Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Otter28-OctFeb-29Trapping Only

Skunk Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Striped Skunk28-OctFeb-29Trapping Only

Beaver Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
BeaverNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Nutria Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
NutriaNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Groundhog Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
GroundhogNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Grouse Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End Dates
Ruffed GrouseNo Open SeasonNo Open Season

Woodcock Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Woodcock15-Dec28-Jan3 a day

Snipe Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Snipe11-Nov25-Feb8 a day

Frog Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Bullfrog and Pig FrogNo Closed SeasonNo Closed Season20 frogs

Starlings Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
StarlingsNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Crows Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
CrowsNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Sparrow Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
House SparrowsNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Rail Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
King Rail, Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora9-Sep24-Sep15 a day
King Rail, Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora25-Nov17-Jan15 a day

Gallinule Season

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Gallinule9-Sep24-Sep15 a day
Gallinule25-Nov17-Jan15 a day

AL Trapping Season 2023-2024

SpeciesHunting Start DatesHunting End DatesBag Limit
Bobcat28-OctFeb-29No Bag Limit
Fox28-OctFeb-29No Bag Limit
Mink28-OctFeb-29No Bag Limit
Muskrat28-OctFeb-29No Bag Limit
Otter28-OctFeb-29No Bag Limit
Striped Skunk28-OctFeb-29No Bag Limit
BeaverNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit
CoyoteNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit
NutriaNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit
Feral SwineNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit
RaccoonNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit
OpossumNo Closed SeasonNo Closed SeasonNo Bag Limit

Alabama Hunting 101 Workshop

Alabama Hunting 101 WorkshopDetails
Program NameAlabama’s Adult Mentored Hunting (AMH) program
Program ObjectiveTeach hunting skills to individuals with little to no hunting experience
Workshop NameHunting 101 workshop
Workshop Content• Learning hunting basics
• Firearm safety and handling
• Where to hunt
• Equipment needed
Workshop LocationVarious Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout Alabama
Small Game HuntingAfter 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 Season16-Sep-23
EligibilityParticipants must be at least 19 years old and possess a valid driver’s license
AMH Hunt EligibilityAttending Hunting 101 is required to become eligible for a three-day AMH hunt for deer
Notification for AMH HuntWorkshop 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 Websitewww.outdooralabama.com/hunting/adult-mentored-hunting-program
Contact Person and QuoteHunting 101 is for anyone interested in hunting." WFF Conservation Enforcement Officer and AMH/Assistant R3 Coordinator Brandon Holloway
Promoting OrganizationWildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)
Official Website of Promoting Organizationwww.outdooralabama.com

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.

John Lewis

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