Alabama Hunting Dates and Licenses: Your 2025-2026 Resource
Hello, those who love the outdoors! This guide is your best option for the 2025–2026 hunting seasons in Alabama, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out. We’ll go over everything you need to know, including important dates, species, licensing, and locations for managing wildlife. Alabama has a lot of different things to do in its beautiful landscapes. There are around 1.3 million acres of public hunting ground and some of the most relaxed rules in the U.S. Let’s get started and help you plan your next trip! 🦌🌲
📅 Quick Reference Points
- Deer: Archery starts as early as October 15, 2025, and runs through February 10, 2026, depending on the zone and method .
- Turkey: Spring seasons are popular, with dates typically in March and April.
- Small Game & Birds: Mourning dove season often kicks off in September, while quail, squirrel, and rabbit have extended windows .
- Waterfowl: Duck and goose seasons align with federal frameworks, primarily in the Tennessee River Valley and Mobile-Tensaw Delta .
- Youth Opportunities: Special weekends are available for young hunters, like the Youth Gun deer hunt in November .
- Licenses: Required for residents 16–64 and all non-residents; exemptions include landowners and seniors 65+ .
🦌 Big Game Overview
| Species | Season Type | Dates (2025–2026) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-Tailed Deer | Archery | Oct 15, 2025 – Feb 10, 2026 (Zone A) | Either sex in most zones. Antlered male deer must possess a minimum of four points (1+ inch) on one antler in most areas . |
| Firearms (Gun) | Nov 22, 2025 – Feb 10, 2026 (Private Land, Zone A) | Either sex on private land; restrictions apply on public land. | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 17–21, 2025 (Zone A) | Special season for muzzleloaders and air rifles. | |
| Youth Season | Nov 14–17, 2025 | Either sex deer hunting for youth under 16. | |
| Black Bear | No Open Season | N/A | Bears are protected with no current hunting season . |
| Feral Swine | Year-Round | No closed season | No bag limits; nighttime hunting license required . |
Note: Alabama is divided into multiple zones (A, B, C, D, E, and CWD Management Zone), each with slightly different dates and rules. Always verify the zone for your hunting area .
🦃 Turkey Dates
| Season Type | Dates | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Turkey | Typically Mar–Apr (2026 dates TBA) | Only gobblers allowed; shotgun, archery, or muzzleloader. |
| Fall Turkey | Varies by zone | Limited areas; check specific WMA regulations. |
| Youth Season | Usually late Feb or early Mar | Special weekend for hunters under 16. |
Turkey hunting is a cherished tradition in Alabama, with the eastern wild turkey being the second most popular game animal .
🦝 Furbearer Opportunities
| Species | Season | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-Round | No restrictions on bag limits; a midnight hunting license is needed . |
| Bobcat, Fox, Raccoon, Opossum | Generally Oct–Feb | Check specific dates for trapping and hunting; some require fur catcher license . |
| Nutria, Beaver | Year-Round in many areas | Often considered nuisance species; minimal restrictions. |
Furbearers may be hunted or caught; however, it is essential to consult current rules for specific dates and licensing requirements.
🐦 Small Game Section
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sep–Oct (North Zone); Oct–Nov (South Zone) | 15 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov 4 – Feb 28 | 8 |
| Squirrel | Oct–Mar | 8 |
| Rabbit | Oct–Feb | 5 |
| Raccoon, Opossum | Oct–Feb | No limit |
Small game hunting is a fantastic way to introduce newcomers to the sport and enjoy time with family and friends .
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl seasons adhere to federal regulations and are often divided into zones:
| Species | Season Framework | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Nov–Jan | Zones: Tennessee Valley, South Zone, and North Zone; bag limits vary by species. |
| Geese | Nov–Feb | Includes Canada, snow, and white-fronted geese. |
| Teal | Sep (16 days) | Early season for blue-winged and green-winged teal. |
| Wood Duck | Oct–Jan | Common in backwaters throughout the state . |
Licenses: All duck hunters aged 16 and older are required to possess an Alabama Duck Stamp ($12.35) and a Federal Duck Stamp ($30).
🐗 Other Available Game
| Species | Season | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alligator | Aug (by tag only) | Random selection process; primarily in S. Alabama . |
| Sandhill Crane | Dec–Jan (limited zone) | Only in north Alabama; requires permit . |
| Crow | Oct–Feb | No bag limits; often overlooked but legal game. |
| Frog | Year-Round | Bullfrog and pig frog; gigging or bow allowed. |
🗺️ Map & Zones
Alabama is divided into several hunting zones (A, B, C, D, E, and CWD Management Zone) to manage wildlife effectively. These zones help regulate deer populations and disease control, such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) . Always check the official zone map before heading out, as regulations differ on public and private land. For a detailed map, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
Public Land Tips: Alabama offers over 35 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for public hunting. Each WMA may have specific rules and permit requirements, so review the latest guidelines .
🎟️ License & Permit Details
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Key Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Game Hunting | $34.35 | $399.50 (annual) | Residents 65+, landowners, and youth under 16 . |
| Small Game Hunting | $22.75 | $130.25 (annual) | Same exemptions as above. |
| Wildlife Management Area | $22.75 | $22.75 | Required for hunting big game or waterfowl on WMAs . |
| Duck Stamp (State) | $12.35 | $12.35 | Required for waterfowl hunters 16+ . |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.00 | $30.00 | Required for waterfowl hunters 16+ . |
| Bait Privilege License | $18.45 | $63.40 | Required for hunting deer or feral swine over bait . |
| Nighttime Feral Swine/Coyote | $18.00 | $61.65 | Required for hunting at night . |
Additional Info:
- Hunter Education: Required for anyone born after August 1, 1977, unless using a “Supervision Required” license .
- Landowners: Resident landowners and their immediate family (spouse, children, parents, siblings) can hunt on their property without a license, provided they are Alabama residents .
❓ Alabama Hunting Quick FAQ
- Do I need a license to hunt on my own land?
Yes, but only if you are a non-resident. Resident landowners and their immediate family (who are also residents) are exempt from license requirements . - Can I hunt deer with a crossbow?
Yes! Crossbows are legal during archery season and must have a minimum draw weight of 85 pounds . - Are there any hunting seasons open year-round?
Feral hogs and coyotes can be hunted year-round with no bag limits, though a nighttime license is required for after-dark hunting . - What is the bag limit for deer?
Hunters can take three antlered bucks per season, with one of the three requiring at least four antler points (1 inch or longer) on one side. Unantlered deer limits vary by zone . - Is hunter orange required?
Yes, during gun deer seasons, hunters must wear at least 144 square inches of hunter orange above the waist, except when hunting from an elevated stand . - Can I use bait for hunting?
Yes, but you must purchase a bait privilege license in addition to your hunting license . - Where can I find public hunting land?
Alabama has over 35 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Check the official Outdoor Alabama website for maps and regulations .
🔗 List of Related Guides
- Alaska Hunting Seasons – Plan your next adventure in the Last Frontier!
- Official Alabama Hunting & Fishing Digest – The ultimate resource for detailed regulations.
- Hunter Education Courses – Get certified online or in-person.
Conclusion
Alabama’s hunting seasons for 2025–2026 include a diverse array of options, including white-tailed deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl. The Heart of Dixie, characterized by varied public areas and accommodating hunting restrictions, is an exceptional location. Ensure to verify dates and restrictions with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, since policies may be subject to alteration. Obtain your licenses promptly, engage in ethical hunting practices, and, most crucially, prioritize safety while appreciating the natural environment!🐾🎟️