Alabama hunting regulations

Alabama Hunting Regulations

Alabama offers some great hunting opportunities with healthy populations of big and small game. Public land opportunities are available in WMA’s or wildlife management areas and Special Opportunity areas (SOA). Many of the Forever Wild Land Trust areas also offer public access. In addition to these areas, hunters can utilize Forest Service Lands, some Army Corps of Engineers lands and the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge.

Many hunters utilize private lease systems and access to private lands as well. Leases offer controlled environments where fewer hunters are competing for animals. Although leases and private access come with many advantages, there is a fair amount of general land for hunters.

Species of Interest and Highlights

Deer are the most sought after species with over 300,000 harvested each year. Turkey hunting is also popular with excellent opportunities throughout the state. Waterfowl hunters enjoy chasing wood ducks and upland bird shooters can chase Bob White Quail alongside mourning doves.

Adventurous hunters can pursue alligators and feral hogs. Both species have hunts as a means to reduce damage and human conflict while offering some really exciting hunts. Alligator training resources are available through the state.

Alabama Small Game Hunters

Small game is a core pursuit in the state. Squirrel and rabbit are both great species to get you out in the field. Dedicated raccoon hunters can run dogs at night and opossums are also available as a game species.

Alabama Hunting License Fees

Regs and License info are current as of 2017-2018. Feel free to shoot us an email if you see anything that requires updates.

Residents:

  • All Game – $26.60 (includes deer and turkey)
  • Small Game – $17.70 (all game except deer and turkey)
  • Physically Disabled All Game – $6.05
  • 50% physically disabled military veterans all game – $13.85
  • 100% physically disabled military veterans all game – $3.10
  • Physically disabled military veterans 3-day hunting event – $131.65
  • Wildlife heritage – $11
  • Duck Stamps – State is $11, Federal is $25
  • Wildlife Management Area License – $17.70
  • Fur Catchers License – $21.70
  • Commercial Fowl hunting preserve license – $10

Nonresidents:

  • All Game Annual – $306.25
  • All Game 10-day – $189.20
  • All Game 3-day – $133.55
  • Small Game Annual (not for deer or turkey) – $100.05
  • Small Game 10-day – $61.10
  • Small Game 3-day – $44.35

 

Alabama Hunting Regulations Info

The state is divided into zones. The season dates vary based on the zone and species with specific weapon seasons. Seasons and bag limits are updated here – http://www.outdooralabama.com/season-and-bag-limits. Here’s the general list of dates and bag limits.

Deer Seasons

Zone A :

  • Bow and Spear Season – Oct 4 – Feb 10, either sex
  • Firearm stalking on private and/or leased land – Nov 18 – Feb 10, either sex
  • Firearm on open permit public lands – Nov 18 – Feb 10 for antlered bucks only, Dec 15 – Jan 1 either sex
  • Dog deer hunts where legal – Nov 18 – Jan 15

Zone B:

  • Bow and Spear – Oct 14-23 for antlered bucks only, Oct 24 – Feb 10 for either sex
  • Firearm stalking on private or leased lands – Nov 18 – Feb 10, either sex
  • Firearm on open permit public lands – Nov 18 – Feb 10 for antlered bucks only, Dec 15 – Jan 1 for either sex
  • Dog hunts – Nov 18 – Jan 15, either sex

Zone C:

  • Bow and Spear – Oct 14 – Feb 10, either sex
  • Firearms on private or leased land – Nov 18 – Feb 10 for antlered bucks only, Nov 18-26 either sex and Dec 22 – Jan 1.
  • Firearm on open permit public lands – Nov 18 – Feb 10 for antlered bucks only, Dec 22 – Jan 1 either sex
  • Dog hunts – Nov 18 – Jan 6 for antlered bucks, Nov 18-26 and Dec 22 – Jan 1 for either sex

All Zones

  • Special muzzleloader and air rifle – Nov 13-17

Turkey Seasons

Zone 1: March 15 – April 30

Zone 2: March 31 – April 30

Zone 3: April 21 – April 25

Zone 4:

  • November 18 – 30 Fall Season
  • December 16 – January 1 Fall Season
  • March 15 – April 30 Spring Season

Zone 5: No Season

Bob White Quail Season:

November 4 – February 28, 8 per day and 8 in posession

Small Game Seasons and Limits:

  • Rabbit – Sept 16 – March 4, 8 per day and 8 in possession
  • Squirrel – Same as rabbit
  • Raccoon – No closed season (don’t run dogs after 3 am in spring turkey areas)
  • Opossum – Same as raccoon

Alligator – Special permit required

Other species of interest – bobcat, coyote, feral swine, fox, nutria, groundhog, beaver, sparrows, crows, starlings, snipe, woodcock, pig frog, bull frog