Alabama Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

Looking to hunt in Alabama this year? Whether you're a resident or visitor, it's important to familiarize yourself with the hunting seasons and licensing requirements in the state.

In this blog post, we will provide an overview of what you need to know to have a successful hunt in Alabama. We'll also discuss some of the different types of licenses available, so you can choose the right one for your needs.

Hunting In Alabama

Alabama is known as the "Heart of Dixie," but it's also known as one of the best states for hunting. The state has more than 24 million acres of public land open to hunters, including more than 11 million acres of wildlife management areas.

Alabama has a rich history with deer hunting. In fact, Alabama was once home to the largest whitetail deer population east of the Mississippi River. According to Alabama Fish & Game, whitetail deer have been hunted in Alabama since 1699 when British colonists first arrived on the coast near Mobile Bay.

Today there are more than 1 million whitetail deer in Alabama and over 500,000 hunters participate annually in deer hunting activities.

Alabama Deer Seasons

Archery or Spear	Oct. 15-Feb. 10**
Firearms	Nov. 20-Feb. 10**
Dog Hunting, Where Allowed	Nov. 6-Jan. 1**
Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle	Nov. 1-Nov. 5 and Nov. 15-19

**Specific season dates vary by zone and antler/antlerless deer

Alabama allows hand-thrown spears to also be used for deer hunting. Many of Alabama’s counties have restrictions on deer hunting with dogs. For more information, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.

Alabama Wild Turkey Seasons

Fall (No Decoys Permitted)	Nov. 20-28** and Dec. 11-Jan. 1
Spring (Decoys Permitted)	March 25-May 8**
Special Youth Hunt	Saturday and Sunday before spring season opens
Special Disabled Hunt	One day before regular season opening day**

**Season dates vary by zone

Bag limits and specific hunting dates may vary by county. For more information on limits and the mandatory Game Check and Harvest Record, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.

Alabama Alligator Seasons

By Special Permit Only

Sunset Aug. 12-Sunrise Oct. 4**

**Season dates vary by zone

Alligator hunts are special permit only. Registration for an alligator permit can be completed online, and only Alabama residents are able to receive a permit. Dates vary greatly by region. All hunting is nighttime (sunset to sunrise) online except for Lake Eufaula All dates are from sunset of opening day until sunrise of closing day.

Alabama Small Game Seasons

Bobwhite Quail	Nov. 6-Feb. 28
Rabbit, Squirrel	Sept. 11-March 6
Raccoon	Open season
Opossum	Open season
Feral Swine	Special nighttime season, May 1-Aug. 31; Open season, daylight hours only
Starlings, Crows, English Sparrows	Open season
Bobcat, Coyote, Fox	Open season, daylight hours only
Bullfrog and Pig Frog	Open season
Beaver, Nutria, Groundhog	Open season

How To Get A Hunting License In Alabama?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Alabama hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website or an Alabama–approved agent.

License Expiration

Hunting licenses expire on Aug. 31 of each year. Alabama residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy an Alabama Hunting License

Visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
Call 1-888-848-6887.
Visit an approved license agent or a probate office.

**Season dates vary by zone

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Alabama hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. Baiting is not allowed in the state, and firearms used to hunt are regulated by game type. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website for precise information.