Hunting Seasons in Alabama 2023 – 2024

Hunting Seasons in Alabama

Alabama is a paradise for hunters. With over 1.3 million acres of public hunting land, the state offers one of the most liberal seasons and bag limits in the nation. 

From white-tailed deer to wild turkey, mourning doves to bobwhite quail, feral hogs to waterfowl, and even alligators, Alabama is rich in natural diversity and offers hunters the opportunity to hunt many species.

In this article, we will take a look at the hunting season in Alabama in detail.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Hunting Landscape in Alabama:

Alabama offers a diverse and abundant hunting experience, with a wide range of species available for hunters. 

The state provides more than 1.3 million acres of public hunting land, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Here are some key hunting locations and opportunities in Alabama:

Where to Hunt in Alabama?

Alabama is a heaven for hunters, and undoubtedly an excellent destination to experience hunting for different animals. Wondering where to get started with hunting in Alabama?

Here are a few places to hunt in Alabama:

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs):

The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries oversees 35 WMAs across Alabama, totaling 721,000 acres. 

These areas vary in size, providing ample space for hunters. WMAs offer a variety of game species for hunting.

Special Opportunity Areas (SOAs):

SOAs are smaller areas designed for limited quota hunting, allowing for reduced pressure and enhanced hunting quality. 

Hunters can enjoy a more exclusive experience in these specially designated zones.

Physically Disabled Hunting Areas:

Alabama’s Hunting and Fishing Trail for People with Physical Disabilities includes 20 Physically Disabled Hunting Areas, catering to individuals with specific needs and ensuring accessibility for all.

Forever Wild Land Trust:

Land acquired through the Forever Wild Land Trust is open to public hunting, offering hunters additional opportunities to explore and pursue game in a natural environment.

U.S. Forest Service Lands:

The U.S. Forest Service manages extensive forested areas open to public hunting outside the Alabama WMA system. These lands provide a picturesque backdrop for hunting activities.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lands:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits public hunting on various tracts of land along rivers in Alabama.

Hunters can access these areas for a unique hunting experience.

Wheeler Wildlife Refuge:

Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, located in north Alabama, is a prominent hunting destination. It offers hunters numerous opportunities to engage in hunting activities amidst scenic surroundings.

What to hunt in Alabama:

Alabama offers a diverse range of game animals for hunting enthusiasts to pursue. 

Here’s a look at some of the popular game species in the state:

White-tailed Deer:

White-tailed deer are the most sought-after game animal in Alabama, attracting around 180,000 hunters annually. The state boasts a significant deer hunting tradition, with millions of man-days dedicated to this pursuit each year.

Eastern Wild Turkey:

Eastern wild turkeys rank as the second most popular game animal in Alabama. These elusive birds provide an exciting challenge for hunters, adding to the state’s vibrant hunting culture.

Bobwhite Quail:

Quail hunting in Alabama often occurs on commercial quail hunting preserves. While their natural habitat has decreased, quail hunting remains a cherished pastime for enthusiasts.

Mourning Dove:

Mourning doves mark the beginning of the fall hunting season in Alabama. These agile birds are a popular choice for hunters, offering a dynamic and fast-paced hunting experience.

Feral Hogs:

Feral hog populations have proliferated across all 67 counties in Alabama over the past few decades. These invasive species provide hunters with opportunities for hog hunting throughout the state.

Sandhill Crane:

Sandhill cranes are recognized as a game species in several central U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and Mexico. Alabama joins these regions in allowing sandhill crane hunting, providing a unique hunting experience.

When Does the Hunting Season Begin in Alabama?

Here are the details for hunting season dates in Alabama:

Deer Hunting Season

The deer hunting season in Alabama is divided into different zones and methods. For Zone A, the bow and arrow stalk hunting season starts on October 14th and ends on February 10th. The special youth gun season is from November 10th to 13th. 

The gun deer-stalk hunting season runs from November 18th to February 10th, with specific dates for either sex or antlered bucks only. The gun dog deer hunting season is from November 18th to January 15th, again with specific dates for either sex or antlered bucks only.

For Zone B, the bow and arrow stalk hunting season for antlered bucks only starts on October 14th and ends on October 24th. From October 25th to February 10th, the season is open for either sex. 

The special youth gun season and the special muzzleloader & air rifle season are the same as Zone A. The gun deer-stalk hunting season runs from November 18th to February 10th, with specific dates for either sex or antlered bucks only.

AnimalHunting Season
Deer (Zone A)Bow and Arrow Stalk: October 14 – February 10, Special Youth Gun: November 10 – 13, Gun Deer-Stalk: November 18 – February 10, Gun Dog Deer: November 18 – January 15
Deer (Zone B)Bow and Arrow Stalk (Antlered Bucks Only): October 14 – October 24, Bow and Arrow Stalk (Either Sex): October 25 – February 10, Special Youth Gun: November 10 – 13, Gun Deer-Stalk: November 18 – February 10

Turkey Hunting Season

The turkey hunting season in Alabama is also divided into different zones and methods. The specific dates for each zone and method will be updated by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

ZoneSeasonDatesDecoys Allowed
Zone 1SpringMarch 25 – May 8April 4 – May 8
Zone 2SpringApril 1 – May 8April 11 – May 8
Zone 3FallNovember 19 – 27No
Zone 3WinterDecember 10 – January 1, 2023No
Zone 3SpringMarch 25 – May 8April 4 – May 8

Special Hunts:

  • Special Youth Hunt: Saturday & Sunday the week prior to the opening of the spring season. Decoys are 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 are allowed.

Dove Hunting Season:

The dove hunting season in Alabama typically starts on the first Saturday of September and lasts until the end of January. The daily bag limit is 15 doves per day.

AnimalHunting Season
DoveFirst Saturday of September – End of January

Squirrel Hunting Season:

The squirrel hunting season in Alabama usually runs from September 10 to March 5.

AnimalHunting Season
SquirrelSeptember 10 – March 5

Alligator Hunting Season:

Hunting Seasons in Alabama

The alligator hunting season in Alabama is by special permit only. The season dates are from the second Thursday in August until the Sunday immediately following the second Thursday in August, and from the third Thursday in August until the Sunday immediately following the third Thursday in August.

AnimalHunting Season
AlligatorSecond Thursday in August – Sunday following second Thursday in August,  and from the third Thursday in August – Sunday following third Thursday in August

Sandhill Crane Hunting Season:

The sandhill crane hunting season in Alabama typically runs from December 2 to January 7, and again from January 15 to January 30.

AnimalHunting Season
Sandhill CraneDecember 2 – January 7, and  January 15 – January 30

Bobcat Hunting Season:

In Alabama, there is no closed season for bobcats, meaning they can be hunted year-round during daylight hours.

AnimalHunting Season
BobcatYear-round during daylight hours

Coyote Hunting Season:

Similar to bobcats, coyotes can also be hunted year-round during daylight hours in Alabama. 

There is also a special nighttime season that begins at 12:00 am on the day after the last day of gun deer season in that zone.

AnimalHunting Season
CoyoteYear-round during daylight hours,  and special nighttime season starting at 12:00 am on the day after the last day of gun deer season in that zone

Feral Swine Hunting Season:

Feral swine can be hunted year-round during daylight hours in Alabama. 

There are also two special nighttime seasons: one from May 11 to August 31 (dogs only, no firearms allowed), and another that begins at 12:00 am on the day after the last day of gun deer season in that zone.

AnimalHunting Season
Feral SwineYear-round during daylight hours,  special nighttime seasons apply as per specific dates and regulations

Fox Hunting Season:

Foxes can be hunted year-round in Alabama with no bag limit. Hunting hours are day and night, but nighttime hunting is with dogs only.

AnimalHunting Season
FoxYear-round, day and night, with dogs only

Rabbit Hunting Season:

The rabbit hunting season in Alabama typically runs from September 9 to March 3.

AnimalHunting Season
RabbitSeptember 9 – March 3

Bobwhite Quail Hunting Season:

The bobwhite quail hunting season in Alabama typically runs from November 4 to February 29.

AnimalHunting Season
Bobwhite QuailNovember 4 – February 29

Hunting Rules in Alabama:

Hunting Seasons in Alabama

Hunting in Alabama is governed by a set of rules and regulations to ensure the conservation of wildlife and the safety of hunters. Here are some key points:

Legal Methods of Hunting

In Alabama, there are specific legal methods for hunting, which vary depending on the species and season. These methods are designed to ensure fair chase and ethical hunting practices.

They include the use of firearms, archery equipment, and trapping devices, among others. It’s important to check the specific regulations for each species and season.

License Requirements:

To hunt white-tailed deer in Alabama, both residents and non-residents must possess the following:

  • All Game Hunting License (unless exempt)
  • Harvest Record (paper form or on the app)
  • Wildlife Management License and map permit if hunting on a Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Hunters are required to report harvested deer within 48 hours through Game Check, contributing to responsible hunting practices and wildlife management.

Hunting Near a Dwelling

There are regulations about hunting near dwellings to ensure the safety of residents. Generally, it is prohibited to hunt within a certain distance of occupied buildings or structures without the permission of the owner or occupant. 

This is to prevent accidents and conflicts between hunters and residents.

Prohibited Animal Regulation

Certain animals are protected and cannot be hunted. These include endangered species and certain birds and mammals. 

Hunting these animals is illegal and can result in severe penalties.

Nongame Species Regulation

There are specific rules for the protection of non-game species, including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. 

These species are protected because of their ecological importance and the role they play in maintaining biodiversity.

Major Changes for 2023-2024

For the 2023-2024 season, there have been some significant changes. The Deer Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone (CMZ) High-Risk Zone has been expanded to include all of Lauderdale County. 

The nighttime season dates for Coyote & Feral Swine now end on the opening day of the archery deer season.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management

New regulations have been introduced for the management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). 

These include mandatory CWD sampling of hunter-harvested deer on specified days within the CMZ, restrictions on the transport of whole deer or deer body parts outside of the CMZ unless completely deboned, and a ban on baiting or supplemental feeding of wildlife in the CMZ.

Public Hunting Areas in Alabama

Alabama, a southern U.S. state, is a haven for hunters with its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. The state is home to numerous public hunting areas that are managed to increase hunting opportunities.

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: 

Situated along the Tennessee River near Decatur, Alabama, this expansive 35,000-acre refuge provides diverse hunting opportunities for enthusiasts.

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: 

Managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, this reserve is a significant part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Estuarine Research Reserve System.

Wildlife Management Areas:

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Alabama are designated tracts of land established for the conservation and management of natural resources, including wildlife and aquatic life, within the state. 

These lands are managed by the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

While the land is not typically state-owned, it is private land leased for public use. These leases are often held by large timber, oil and gas, coal, or infrastructure companies. Public uses of WMAs vary from area to area but commonly include activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, and camping.

Here are some notable WMAs in Alabama:

Autauga Community Hunting Area: 

This area spans 6,700 acres in Autauga County. It offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game. The area is primarily pine forest with some hardwood bottoms.

Barbour County WMA:

This WMA covers 18,924 acres in Barbour and Bullock Counties. It provides hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, quail, and small game. The area is a mix of pine and hardwood forests, fields, and water bodies.

Black Warrior WMA: 

This WMA is spread across 98,000 acres in Lawrence and Winston counties. It offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game. 

The area is primarily forested with a mix of pine and hardwoods.

Blue Springs WMA: 

This WMA encompasses 23,370 acres in Covington County. 

It provides hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game. The area is primarily forested with a mix of pine and hardwoods.

Cahaba River WMA: 

This WMA covers 41,500 acres in Bibb and Shelby counties near West Blocton. 

It offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game. The area is a mix of pine and hardwood forests, fields, and water bodies.

Guns and Equipment for Hunting in Alabama

Hunting in Alabama is a popular tradition, in the state with its rich diversity of wildlife species available for hunting. however, it’s important to be aware of the legal methods and equipment allowed for hunting in the state.

Legal methods of hunting

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has outlined the legal methods of hunting in Alabama.  it is unlawful to use any method or possess any weapon or ammunition contrary to these regulations while hunting.

For instance, it is unlawful to hunt with a bow or gun that has a light source attached that is capable of casting a beam of light forward of said bow or gun. 

However, exceptions are made for laser-type range finders with computational capabilities on bows, and for persons possessing a current nighttime feral swine and coyote license, hunting those species during dates of the established special nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting season.

Legally blind hunters may use laser sighting devices to take the game, subject to all other regulations. It is also unlawful to possess any equipment that uses electronics to increase the ability to see in the dark (night vision equipment) while hunting any species of wildlife, both protected or unprotected species.

Specific Equipment for Deer Hunting:

When hunting white-tailed deer, the most popular game animal in Alabama, hunters can use rifles using centerfire, and mushrooming ammunition. 

Pre-charged pneumatic air-powered guns, .30 caliber or larger, are also permitted. 

Pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch and 2 sharpened edges are also allowed.

Rifles:

Rifles using centerfire, mushrooming ammunition are legal for hunting in Alabama. This ammunition type expands upon impact, creating a larger wound channel, which enhances the likelihood of a swift and humane kill.

Air-Powered Guns:

Pre-charged pneumatic air-powered guns of .30 caliber or larger are permitted. These guns utilize compressed air to propel the projectile and are powerful enough for hunting larger game.

Shotguns:

Shotguns of 10 gauge or smaller, equipped with buckshot, slugs, or single round ball, are allowed. 

The choice of ammunition depends on the targeted game; buckshot and slugs are suitable for larger game, while smaller shot sizes are used for birds and small game.

Muzzleloaders and Black Powder Handguns:

Muzzleloaders and Black Powder Handguns of .40 caliber or larger are allowed during the special muzzleloader season.

These firearms are loaded from the muzzle and utilize black powder as a propellant.

Bows and Crossbows:

Longbows, compound bows, or crossbows are legal for hunting in Alabama. These options can be used for various games and provide a challenging hunting experience.

Pre-charged Pneumatic Arrow Shooting Rifles:

Pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles, employing arrows with a broadhead featuring a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch and 2 sharpened edges, are also permitted. 

These firearms use compressed air to launch arrows, offering a unique blend of firearm and archery hunting experience.

Hunting Limits in Alabama:

Here are the specific regulations for hunting seasons and bag limits in Alabama as per the official website of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Antlered Bucks: 

Three per hunter during all combined seasons, one per day. One of the three must have at least 4 antler points 1 inch or longer on one antler (except for Barbour County). 

A point is defined as an antler projection of at least one inch in length from base to tip.

Unantlered Deer: 

During the Unantlered Deer Gun, Special Muzzleloader, Bow and Arrow and Special Youth (under 16) Seasons, one unantlered deer may be taken per day in addition to one antlered buck per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What species can be hunted during the hunting seasons in Alabama? 

In Alabama, hunters have the opportunity to hunt many species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, mourning doves, bobwhite quail, feral hogs, waterfowl, rabbits, squirrel, and many other species.

When does the general deer hunting season start and end in Alabama? 

The general deer hunting season in Alabama varies by zone and method. For example, in Zone A, bow and arrow stalk hunting starts on October 14, 2023, and ends on February 10, 2024.

Where can I find specific hunting season and bag limit information for Alabama? 

Species-specific hunting season and bag limit information for Alabama is provided on the official website of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

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