Alabama hunting season varies from county to county and from game to game in the United States. Understanding the Alabama hunting season dates and regulations and choosing the right hunting gear will be crucial for a successful hunt.
Here is the Alabama hunting season summary for your reference! It would help if you prepared yourself adequately before you go hunting.
What Can You Hunt In Alabama?
If you are ready to embark on an exciting adventure in the great outdoors, look no further than Alabama. Here, you’ll find over 1.3 million acres of public hunting land just waiting to be explored!
With some of the most generous hunting seasons and bag limits in the country, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hunt a variety of species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, doves, bobwhite quail, alligator, waterfowl, rabbits, squirrels, coyote, Raccoon, opossum and many more.
Alabama provides a wide variety of hunting opportunities in its diverse terrain, allowing you to enjoy tracking and capturing your prey in this exciting and wonderful state.
When Does Hunting Season Start In Alabama?
In Alabama, the start dates for hunting seasons vary depending on the type of animal and the specific area. Most Alabama Hunting seasons typically start in early September and end in early February of the following year.
Get ready for an exciting season in Alabama! This new hunting calendar offers a variety of opportunities to pursue your favorite game. Here we will break down the hunting schedules for different wildlife in detail.
Alabama Deer Season
Depending on the zone and whether the deer has antlers or not, the season dates vary in five hunting zones in Alabama. Here is the details:
| Zones | Seasons | Dates | Limits |
| Zone A, B | Archery Stalk Hunting | October 15, 2024 – February 10, 2025 | Either Sex |
| Special Youth GAun | November 15-18 | Either Sex | |
| Special Muzzleloader And Air Rifle | November 18-22 | Either Sex. No dogs | |
| Gun Stalk Hunting (Private Or Leased Land) | November 23, 2024- February 10, 2025 | Either Sex | |
| Gun Stalk Hunting (Open Permit-Public Land) | November 23 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14 – January 5, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 6 – February 10, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Gun Deer Dog Hunting(Private Or Leased Land) | November 23, 2024 – January 15, 2025 | Either Sex | |
| Gun Deer Dog Hunting(Open Permit-Public Land) | November 23 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14 – Jan 5, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 6 – 15, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only |
| Zones | Seasons | Dates | Limits |
| Zone C | Archery Stalk Hunting | October 15, 2024 – February 10, 2025 | Either Sex |
| Special Youth GAun | November 15-18, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| Special Muzzleloader And Air Rifle | November 18-22, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| Gun Stalk Hunting (Private Or Leased Land) | November 23 – December 1, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| December 2-13 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| October 4, 2024 – February 1, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 2 – February 10, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Gun Stalk Hunting (Open Permit-Public Land) | November 23 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 2 – February 10, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Gun Deer Dog Hunting (Private Or Leased Land) | November 23 – December 1, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| December 2-13 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| December 14, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 2-15, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Gun Deer Dog Hunting(Open Permit-Public Land) | November 23 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 2-15, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only |
| Zones | Seasons | Dates | Limits |
| Zone D | Archery Stalk Hunting | October 1 – January 15, 2025 | Either Sex |
| January 16-27, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Special Youth GAun | November 1-4, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| Special Muzzleloader And Air Rifle | November 4-8, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| Gun Stalk Hunting (Private Or Leased Land) | November 9-22, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| November 23 – December 1, 2024 | Either Sex | ||
| December 2-13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| December 14, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 2-27, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Gun Stalk Hunting (Open Permit-Public Land) | November 9 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 2- 27, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Gun Deer Dog Hunting (Private Or Leased Land) | November 9 – 22, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| November 23 – December 1, 2024 | Either Sex | ||
| December 2-13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| December 14 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| Gun Deer Dog Hunting(Open Permit-Public Land) | November 9 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex |
| Zones | Seasons | Dates | Limits |
| Zone E | Archery Stalk Hunting | October 1 – 15, 2024 | Either Sex |
| January 16-27, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Special Youth GAun | November 1-4, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| Special Muzzleloader And Air Rifle | November 4-8, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| Gun Stalk Hunting (Private Or Leased Land) | November 9 – January 15, 2025 | Either Sex | |
| January 16-27, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Gun Stalk Hunting (Open Permit-Public Land) | November 9 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 2-27, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Gun Deer Dog Hunting(Private Or Leased Land) | November 9, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex | |
| Gun Deer Dog Hunting(Open Permit-Public Land) | November 9 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14 – January 1, 2025 | Either Sex |
| Zones | Seasons | Dates | Limits |
| Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ) | Archery Stalk Hunting | October 15, 2024 – February 10, 2025 | Either Sex |
| Special Youth Gun | November 15-18, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle | November 18-22, 2024 | Either Sex | |
| Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting(Privately Owned or Leased Land Only) | November 23, 2024 – February 10, 2025 | Either Sex | |
| Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting(Open Permit Public Land) | November 23 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14, 2024 – January 5, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 6 – February 10, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only | ||
| Gun Deer-Dog Deer Hunting(On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only) | November 23, 2024 – January 15, 2025 | Either Sex | |
| Gun Deer-Dog Deer Hunting(Open Permit Public Lands Where Allowed) | November 23 – December 13, 2024 | Antlered Bucks Only | |
| December 14, 2024 – January 5, 2025 | Either Sex | ||
| January 6-15, 2025 | Antlered Bucks Only |
*Legal Firearms & Ammunition for Hunting Deer:
- Rifles: Centerfire rifles using mushrooming ammunition.
- Air Guns: Pre-charged pneumatic air-powered guns, .30 caliber or larger.
- Arrow Shooting Rifles: Pre-charged pneumatic rifles using arrows equipped with broadheads (minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch with 2 sharpened edges).
- Shotguns: 10 gauge or smaller using buckshot, slugs, or single round ball.
- Muzzleloaders: Black powder handguns .40 caliber or larger.
- Bows: Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows that comply with regulation 220-2-.03.
- Handguns: Centerfire handguns or pistols using mushrooming ammunition.
Note: Hunting with fully automatic firearms is prohibited.
Go hunting with Kalkal Hunting Blinds. Stay concealed and focused
Alabama Turkey Season
| Zones | Seasons | Dates | Limits |
| Zone 1 | Special Youth Hunt | March 22-23 | One gobbler per day, four gobbles in total for all seasons No more than two gobblers from any one unit No more than one gobbler during the first 10 days of each season |
| Special Disable Hunt | Mar-25 | ||
| Spring Hunt | March 25 – May 8 | ||
| Zone 2 | Special Youth Hunt | March 29-30 | |
| Special Disable Hunt | Mar-25 | ||
| Spring Hunt | April 1 – May 8 | ||
| Zone 3 | Special Youth Hunt | March 22-23 | |
| Special Disable Hunt | Mar-25 | ||
| Spring Hunt | March 25 – May 8 | ||
| Remainder Of National Forests Districts | Special Youth Hunt | 29-Mar | |
| Special Disable Hunt | 31-Mar | ||
| Spring Hunt | April 1 – May 8 |
Zone 1: Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Bullock, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Cleburne, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Crenshaw, Cullman (except north of Lewis Smith Lake and north of Cullman County Road 437 and west of Interstate 65), Dale, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Etowah, Fayette, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Marion, Marshall, Mobile, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, St. Clair, Shelby, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Washington, and Wilcox.
Zone 2: Colbert, Cullman (north of Lewis Smith Lake and north of Cullman County Road 437 and west of Interstate 65), Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, and Winston.
Zone 3: Clarke, Clay, Covington, Monroe, Randolph, and Talladega.
Remainder Of National Forests Districts: Talladega Ranger District, Shoal Creek Ranger District, Oakmulgee Ranger District, Tuskegee Ranger District and Conecuh Ranger District) and REMAINDER OF WMAs.
Legal Firearms & Ammunition for Hunting Turkey:
- Shotguns: 10 gauge or smaller using standard No. 2 shot or smaller.
- Bows: Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows that comply with regulation 220-2-.03.
- Rifles and Combinations: Possession of rifles, shotgun/rifle combinations (drilling), or buckshot and slugs is allowed when stalking both deer and turkey, provided that no one shoots or attempts to shoot turkey with a rifle or shotgun using buckshot or slugs.
- Arrow Shooting Rifles: Pre-charged pneumatic rifles using arrows equipped with broadheads (minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch with 2 sharpened edges).
📅 To check more turkey seasons in other states in the US, please read this: Spring Turkey Seasons Dates&Limits By States
Alabama Alligator Season
Before diving into the hunting seasons and limits of the alligator season in Alabama, let’s first check what are some new changes for the year 2024-2025:
- Expanded the Southwest, West Central, and Lake Eufaula Alligator Management Areas.
- Modified hunting dates and hours for all Alligator Management Areas, except Southeast.
- Changed alligator size and bag limits; introduced a new bonus management harvest permit and allowed nonresidents to apply for a harvest permit.
| Zones | Dates | Bag Limits | Possession Tag Limits |
| Southwest Management Area | August 8-11, August 15-18 | 1 alligator each person | 100 in total |
| Coastal Management Area | August 8 -11, August 15 – 18 | 50 in total | |
| Southeast Management Area | August 10 – September 2 | 40 in total | |
| West Central Management Area | August 8 -11, August 15 – 18 | 50 in total | |
| Lake Eufaula Management Area | August 17 – October 6 | 20 in total |
Hunting Hours:
- Southwest, Coastal, Southeast, and West Central Zones – Official Sunset until Official Sunrise.
- Lake Eufaula Zone – Daytime and Nighttime Hours.
Alabama Waterfowl Seasons
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit |
| Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, and Gallinule | September 14 – September 29 November 29 – January 21 |
15 a day |
| Special Teal Season | September 14 – September 29 | 6 a day |
| Duck, Coot, and Merganser | November 29 – December 1 December 6 – January 31 |
6 ducks a day 15 coot a day 5 mergansers a day |
| Geese | September 7 – October 6 October 19 – November 2 November 29 – December 1 December 6 – January 31 |
5 a day |
| Sandhill Crane | November 29 – January 5 January 13 – January 26 |
3 in total |
Alabama Small Game Season
- Bobwhite Quail: November 2, 2024 – February 18, 2025 (Limit 8 a Day)
- Rabbits and squirrels: September 14, 2024 – March 3, 2025 (Limit 8 a Day)
- Raccoon: No closed season (5 per hunter, no limits on private land)
- Opossum: No closed season (No bag limits)
- Starlings, Crows, and House Sparrows: No closed season (No Bag Limit)
- Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine, and Fox: No closed season; Daylight hours only (No Bag Limit)
- Bullfrog and Pig Frog: No closed season (Limit 20 frogs)
- Beaver, Nutria, and Groundhog: No closed season (No Bag Limit)
- Woodcock: December 7-8; December 14 – January 25, 2025 (Limit 3 a Day)
- Snipe: November 9– February 25, 2024 (Limit 8 a Day)
- Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, And Gallinule: September 9 – September 24, November 25 – January 17, 2024 (Limit 15 a Day)
- Federal Swine: May 10 – August 31, 2025 (No Bag Limits, private land only)
Alabama Trapping Season
For Bobcat, Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk: October 26, 2024 – February 28, 2025.
For Beaver, Coyote, Nutria, Feral Swine, Raccoon, and Opossum: No Closed Season!
*Please note that a permit may be obtained through your local district office for the trapping of nuisance furbearers outside the specified trapping season dates.
With these hunting season details in hand, you’re well-prepared to make the most of your time in the great outdoors during the Alabama hunting season.
Alabama Hunting Licenses
Alabama hunting licenses are valid from September 1 through August 31 of each year. To acquire a hunting license, residents must possess a current driver’s license or non-driver’s ID issued by Alabama.
If you do not have these documents, you can still prove your residency by going in person to the Montgomery Office of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries, Marine Resource Offices, License Commissioners, or Probate Offices in the area.
You can purchase a hunting license more conveniently by using the online sales system or by going in person to any License Agent. It’s crucial to remember that Alabama citizens are the only ones eligible for the lifetime license option, which offers a permanent commitment to the pursuit of hunting activities.
The following is the table of hunting license fees for residents and non-residents who want to hunt in Alabama. Fees may change each year:
| Licenses | Resident | Non-Resident |
| All Game | $32.55 | Annual – $377.25 10-Day Trip – $232.90 3-Day Trip- $164.30 |
| Small Game | $21.55 | Annual – $123.05 10-Day Trip – $74.95 3-Day Trip- $54.30 |
| Baiting Privilege | $17.55 | $59.95 |
| Nighttime Feral Swine & Coyote Hunting License | $17.10 | $58.30 |
| Commercial Fowl Hunting Preserve 7-Day Trip | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Duck Stamps | State – $11.75 Federal – $28.00 |
/ |
| Wildlife Heritage License | $13.30 | / |
| Wildlife Management Area License | $21.55 | $21.55 |
| Optional Senior Lifetime Hunting | $35.00 | / |
| Lifetime Hunting | Prices vary | / |
Alabama Hunting Regulations
- There are specific legal hunter orange requirements to follow. All hunters must wear a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange or a full-sized hunter orange hat.
- Only hunter orange, commonly called blaze orange is legal. Various shades of red as well as camo orange are not legal.
- Alabama offers liberal seasons and bag limits for various species, and hunters need to follow the specific season dates, hunting hours and bag limits.
- Hunter education is mandatory for license buyers aged 16 or older, with in-person and online options available.
- It is illegal to hunt, trap, capture, injure, kill, or destroy any wild game on someone else’s land. A written permission from the landowner is required.
- It is important to comply with Alabama hunting regulations for specific arms, ammunition, and equipment.
For more details on the Alabama hunting seasons and regulations, please see the official Alabama hunting season 2024-2025 schedule pdf.
Why Is Hunting Season Regulated?
There are many reasons why the hunting season is regulated, all of which contribute to wildlife preservation and environmental health.
Firstly, regulation of hunting seasons is essential for maintaining healthy and sustainable wildlife populations. Hunters could potentially cause extinctions by overhunting species without regulations.
The regulation of hunting also ensures that humane and environmentally friendly hunting practices are followed. The proper setting of hunting seasons will enable wildlife to be protected from over-hunting and exploitation. A balance is also achieved between the needs of hunters and the environment.
Additionally, the regulation of hunting seasons protects both hunters as well as the game that they hunt as well. Setting specific hunting dates can prevent conflicts between hunters and other animals. Be sure to review the specific regulations for your area and always practice safe and responsible hunting.
Sum Up
Depending on the animal and the season, hunting regulations, bag limits, and special hunting seasons differ in most states. For more details on how to obtain a license, harvest records, permits, and regulations relating to Alabama hunting, you can visit the official website for more detailed information.
Preparation is a very important part of the hunting process before you’re able to leave. Knowing the hunting season is important for any hunter to plan their hunting trips, purchase necessary hunting equipment, and obtain required licenses and permits.
Without this information, you may miss out on your preferred hunting dates or locations or risk violating hunting laws and regulations. Therefore, it is crucial to stay informed about any changes that may occur. Follow up with our article for the newest updates!
✨You May Also Like:
- Maine Hunting Seasons
- Texas Hunting Seasons
- Arkansas Hunting Season
- Mississippi Deer Season
- Louisiana Hunting Season
- Oklahoma Hunting Season
- Georgia Dove Season
- North Carolina Deer Season
- California Hunting Seasons
- Kentucky Deer Season
- Michigan Turkey Season
- Mass Hunting Seasons
- Wisconsin Deer Hunting Seasons
- Hunting Season for 50 States
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9 comments on “Alabama Hunting Season 2025 Schedule, Licenses&Rules”
Hills of steel
Great post! I appreciate the detailed breakdown of the 2024 hunting season dates and rules in Alabama. It’s super helpful to have everything organized in one place. Looking forward to an exciting season ahead!
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Great overview of the hunting season dates and rules for 2024! I appreciate the detailed breakdown, especially the tips for staying compliant with regulations. Looking forward to the upcoming season!
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Alabama’s hunting season is such an exciting time for outdoor enthusiasts! It’s a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the thrill of the chase. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just starting out, this season offers plenty of opportunities. Check out the latest updates on hunting regulations and tips to make the most of your trip!
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Great overview of the hunting season dates and rules for 2024! I appreciate the detailed breakdown, especially the tips for staying compliant with regulations.
Stockity Corretora
Awesome guide! I see that the hunting regulations for Alabama have some updates for 2024. The mandatory reporting for harvested deer seems like a good way to track populations. Do hunters think it’s been effective in the past?
will
Thank you for this post. I like how you describe the breakdown of the 2024 hunting season dates and rules in Alabama.
YTmp3
Thank you for the detailed schedule and rules for the 2024-2025 hunting season in Alabama! It’s helpful to have all this information in one place. I’m particularly interested in the changes for deer hunting this year—any updates on that? Looking forward to a great season!
Lynn
Hi there. The specifics for 2025 deer season are to-be-decided and updated later this year. We will make sure to share any new information as soon as it becomes available. Stay tuned!
ok win login
Great overview of the Alabama hunting season for 2024-2025! I appreciate the detailed schedule and rules you’ve provided. It’s super helpful for planning ahead. Looking forward to another exciting season!