Hunting Seasons & Licensing · AL
Alabama Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonAlabama offers one of the longest deer seasons in the country, running from mid-October through mid-February in many zones. The state has approximately 450,000 deer hunters and a white-tailed deer population exceeding 1.75 million. Alabama is divided into multiple hunting zones with different season dates and bag limits. The state is also a premier destination for wild turkey hunting, consistently ranking among the top states for turkey harvest.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Oct 15 – Feb 10, 2026 | 1 buck daily / 3 bucks per season | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Gun | Nov 22 – Feb 10, 2026 | 1 buck daily / 3 bucks per season | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Nov 10 – Nov 21, 2025 | 1 buck daily | Muzzleloader only |
| Feral Hog | Year-round | No closed season | No limit | Any legal firearm, bow, trapping |
White-tailed Deer (Archery): Antler restrictions: 3 antler points on one side in most zones
White-tailed Deer (Gun): Season dates vary by zone — check zone map
Feral Hog (Year-round): No license required on private land with landowner consent
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Mar 15 – Apr 30, 2026 | 5 gobblers per spring season (1 per day) | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Nov 22 – Jan 31, 2026 | 1 turkey either sex daily / 5 per season | Shotgun, bow, rifle |
Wild Turkey (Spring): Generous bag limit — Alabama is a top turkey state
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Bobwhite Quail | General | Nov 8 – Mar 8, 2026 | 8 daily | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep 6 – Oct 12 & Nov 22 – Nov 30 & Dec 13 – Jan 31, 2026 | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Mourning Dove (General): Split season — check specific zone dates
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Nov through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Mississippi Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Oct 11 – Mar 8, 2026 | 8 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Squirrel | General | Oct 11 – Feb 28, 2026 | 8 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident All Game Hunting License | $26.30 | — |
| Non-Resident All Game License | $321.45 | — |
| Resident Small Game License | $16.15 | — |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Trip License | $81.15 | — |
| Youth (under 16) | Free | Hunter education required |
| Senior (65+) | $10.10 | — |
| Wildlife Heritage License (resident) | $41.55 | Includes all game + management area access |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Alabama hunting licenses are available over the counter. No drawing system is required for deer or turkey. Special quota hunts on Wildlife Management Areas require a drawing through the Outdoor Alabama Draw Hunts system. There is no preference point system. Alligator harvest permits are limited and issued by lottery.
Harvest Reporting
Alabama requires mandatory Game Check reporting for all deer, turkey, and other select species. Reporting must be completed before moving the animal from the harvest site through the Outdoor Alabama app, online, or by phone. Each harvest receives a confirmation number. Failure to report is a violation.
Alabama Wildlife Resources
- Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Operation Game Watch: 1-800-272-4263
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.