· hunting laws · 10 min read

Alabama Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Alabama boasts a thriving hunting culture, attracting enthusiasts from all corners of the state. 

The diverse Alabama hunting landscape offers opportunities to pursue game such as quail, turkey, rabbit, deer, and doves in a balanced ecosystem conducive to the sport.

To ensure fair and sustainable hunting, the state has implemented a comprehensive set of laws and regulations, primarily focusing on migratory animals.

Alabama’s commitment to hunting is underscored by the revenue it generates through this pastime. This substantial income is reinvested in the form of Wildlife Management Areas and supports the state’s rich physiographic diversity, ranging from sandy beaches in the south to rugged mountains in the north.

The naturally varied landscapes cater to a broad spectrum of hunting preferences, accommodating the diverse socio-economic and ethnic makeup of Alabama’s hunting community.

Alabama’s Hunting Rules and Regulations

Hunting, as defined by Alabama’s legislature, encompasses a wide range of activities, including shooting, trapping, capturing, and disturbing wild animals and birds. Even assisting in hunting activities is considered hunting itself.

The state has established several hunting regulations, including the following key provisions:

Distance Restrictions

Alabama prohibits hunting or discharging firearms within a minimum distance of 50 yards from public areas such as highways and roads. Specific firearms, like shotguns with more than four shots, muzzle rifles, or firearms with a .40 caliber or higher, fall under this restriction, primarily affecting deer hunting. This law aims to enhance safety across Alabama.

Hunting Permission

Hunting, capturing, or injuring game on someone else’s property without their consent is illegal in Alabama. Exceptions apply when the landowner accompanies the hunter or grants guest privileges.

Hunting Hours

Alabama regulates hunting hours, allowing lawful hunting only during daylight periods—30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Body Protection Requirements

Falling from trees is a common hunting injury in Alabama. To mitigate this risk, the state mandates full-body protection with a body harness when hunting from tree stands. Hunters must also use a pull-up rope for equipment retrieval and unload their firearms while raising them. The use of removable tree stands is encouraged, with permanent stands requiring landowner permission.

Alabama Hunting License, Permits, and Tags

Prior to obtaining an Alabama hunting license, completing a state-approved hunter education course is mandatory. Exceptions apply to law enforcement agents, military personnel residing in the state, and Alabama National Guard members.

Required Hunter Education

Alabama hunter education is compulsory for those born on or after August 1, 1977. The minimum age for course enrollment is 10 years, although a hunting license cannot be obtained until the age of 16. Early completion of the hunter education course is advisable.

Hunter Education Exceptions

The Alabama Wildlife Heritage Act of 2007 offers an alternative to the hunter education course. This option allows license buyers to hunt under the supervision of a mentor. However, those who prefer independent hunting must complete the required course. Supervised hunting requires adherence to voice commands and staying within 30 feet of the supervisor, who must be at least 21 years old.

Alabama Hunter Education Course Options

Hunters can enroll in an Alabama hunter education course through physical or online classes. Physical classes are free, while online courses involve a provider’s fee. Successful completion of either class qualifies hunters for an Alabama hunting license. Physical classes provide hands-on training and cover topics like hunting regulations, survival skills, and firearm safety. Online classes offer educational videos, interactive games, and comprehensive instruction.

Physical Hunter Education Course

The physical course requires a minimum of 8 hours of instruction and includes topics such as hunting regulations, survival skills, muzzleloading, game care, wildlife identification, and safe firearm handling. The State Wildlife and Freshwater Fishery Division provides instructors, and the course is open to those aged 10 and older.

Hunters with disabilities can contact the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fishery for accommodations.

Online Hunter Education Course

The online course provides educational hunting videos, interactive games, and comprehensive instruction, allowing hunters to learn at their own pace. It covers essential information and skills for responsible and safe hunting.

Types of Alabama Hunting Licenses

Alabama issues three main types of hunting licenses:

  • Hunting Recreational License for Residents
  • Hunting Recreational License for Non-Residents
  • Hunting Commercial License

Hunting Recreational License for Residents

Residents can obtain various types of licenses, permits, and tags, including All Game License, Small Game License, Hunter’s Exception License Privilege, DNR Registration Privilege, Baiting Privilege, Commercial Fowl Hunting Permit, Duck Stamps (both federal and state), Wildlife Heritage License, Wildlife Management Area License, Lifetime Hunting Licenses, Senior Lifetime Hunting Licenses, and specialized permits for disabled and military veterans.

Hunting Recreational License for Non-Residents

Non-residents interested in hunting in Alabama can obtain licenses, permits, and tags such as All States Annual License (excluding Louisiana and Mississippi), All States Freshwater Fishing License (excluding Florida & Georgia), Non-Resident College Students License, Hunter’s Exempt License, DCNR Registration Privilege, Disabled Military Veterans Appreciation License, Commercial Fowl Hunting Preserve License, Duck Stamps, and Harvest Information Program permits.

Hunting Commercial License

This category covers licenses, permits, and tags for commercial hunting activities, including Commercial Freshwater Fishing Licenses, Fur Catcher Licenses for both residents and non-residents, Falconry Permits, and Field Trials Permits.

Alabama Fishing License, Permits, and Tags

Alabama offers three basic types of fishing licenses, under which various permits, tags, and licenses are categorized:

  • Freshwater Fishing Recreational Licenses for Residents
  • Freshwater Fishing Recreational Licenses for Non-Residents
  • Freshwater Fishing Commercial Licenses

Freshwater Fishing Recreational License for Residents

Residents with proof of residency in Alabama can obtain licenses, permits, and tags, including Freshwater Fishing License, Optional 65+ Freshwater Fishing License, Freshwater Public Fishing Lakes Daily License, Wildlife Heritage License, Spearfishing License, Wire Basket License, Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License, and specialized licenses for disabled and military veterans.

Freshwater Fishing Recreational Licenses for Non-Residents

Non-residents interested in fishing in Alabama can obtain licenses, permits, and tags such as All States Annual License (excluding Louisiana and Mississippi), All States Freshwater Fishing License (excluding Florida & Georgia), Non-Resident College Students License, Freshwater Public Fishing Lakes License, Annual License, Daily License, Spearfishing License, and Wire Basket License.

Freshwater Fishing Commercial Licenses

This category covers licenses, permits, and tags for commercial fishing activities, including Commercial Freshwater Fishing Licenses for both residents and non-residents, Nongame Freshwater Fish Dealer Licenses (retail and wholesale), Minnow and/or Live Fish Dealer Licenses for non-residents, and Stocking Public Water Permits.

Alabama Hunting Seasons 2020/21

Alabama offers diverse hunting opportunities with varying seasons for different game species. Hunting seasons are county-specific, and bag limits are in place to ensure responsible hunting. The Alabama Department for Conservation and Natural Resources oversees the hunting season schedule.

The 2020/21 hunting season in Alabama includes:

Deer Season

  • Archery and Spear Period (October 15 to February 10)
  • Firearms (November 21 to February 10)
  • Deer Dog Hunting (when permitted) (November 7 to January 1)
  • Muzzleloader and Rifle Deer Hunting (November 2-6 and November 16-20)

Seasons may vary across the state’s five zones, with counties imposing additional restrictions for spear and dog deer hunting.

Turkey Season

  • Fall Hunting (November 21-29 and December 12 to January 1)
  • Spring Hunting (March 20 to May 2)
  • Youth Turkey Hunting (the weekend before spring season)
  • Disabled Turkey Hunting (a day before spring season)

Dates may vary across the state’s five zones, with different regulations for bag limits in various counties.

Alligator Season

Alligator hunting in Alabama is by special permit only, taking place from sunset on August 8 to sunrise on October 5. Season dates may vary across the state’s zones. Residents can apply for permits online, and hunting typically occurs at night, with the exception of Lake Eufaula.

Note: Non-residents are not eligible for alligator hunting permits.

Small Game Seasons

  • Hunting seasons for small game in Alabama’s 2020/21 season include Quail Hunting (November 7 to February 28), Rabbit and Squirrel Hunting (September 12 to March 7), and open seasons for Raccoon, Opossum, Bullfrog, Pig, Frog, Starlings, Crows, and English Sparrows (various periods).
  • Swine hunting is allowed from May 1 to August 31, with open seasons for specified game.

Season dates and regulations may vary by zone and county, with prohibitions on baiting and specific game hunting.

Alabama’s Abundant Wildlife Game and Fish

Alabama offers a rich diversity of wildlife for hunters, providing opportunities to hunt a wide range of species year-round.

Some of the state’s most popular game includes:

Alabama Deer Hunting

Deer, particularly white-tailed deer, are the most common game in Alabama. With over 170,000 deer hunters harvesting over 300,000 deer annually, deer hunting plays a significant role in the state’s economy.

Alabama Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting is the second most popular game in Alabama, offering hunters more than a month of hunting each year.

Alabama Duck Hunting

Duck and waterfowl hunting are popular activities, with around 30,000 hunters participating during duck season. The Mobile Tensaw Delta and the Tennessee River are key areas for waterfowl hunting.

Alabama Quail Hunting

Quail hunting has changed significantly in the past decade, now primarily taking place on commercial quail hunting reserves due to habitat changes and farming practices.

Alabama Dove Hunting

Dove hunting is a popular activity in Alabama, with the mourning dove being the most commonly hunted species. The hunting season typically occurs in September and November, attracting both seasoned hunters and newcomers.

Alabama Rabbit and Squirrel Hunting

Rabbit and squirrel hunting are classic small game pursuits in Alabama. These species offer opportunities for hunters to test their skills in woodland environments and are usually in season from September through March.

Alabama Alligator Hunting

Alligator hunting is a unique and thrilling experience in Alabama. Hunters who secure special permits have the chance to pursue these prehistoric creatures in various water bodies across the state, including swamps, rivers, and lakes.

Alabama Quail Hunting

While quail hunting has declined in popularity over the years due to habitat changes and farming practices, it still remains a cherished activity for those who appreciate the sport. Hunters often visit commercial quail hunting reserves for this pursuit.

Alabama Small Game Hunting

Alabama offers a variety of small game hunting opportunities, including raccoon, opossum, bullfrog, pig, frog, starlings, crows, and English sparrows. These species can be hunted during specific open seasons, and regulations may vary by zone and county.

Alabama Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)

Alabama’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are essential to the state’s commitment to conservation, habitat preservation, and providing hunting opportunities. These areas are spread across the state and serve as habitats for various game species.

Some notable WMAs in Alabama include:

Hunters can explore these WMAs and access maps, regulations, and hunting seasons on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.

Alabama Hunting Resources and Organizations

Alabama provides a wealth of resources and organizations to support hunters and ensure responsible and ethical hunting practices. Some of the key entities and resources include:

Hunters in Alabama should refer to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other relevant resources to stay up-to-date on hunting regulations, safety guidelines, and season-specific information.

Conclusion

Alabama offers a diverse and vibrant hunting culture, providing hunting enthusiasts with ample opportunities to pursue various game species in a well-regulated and sustainable manner. The state’s commitment to wildlife conservation, coupled with its rich hunting traditions, makes it an attractive destination for hunters of all backgrounds.

Before embarking on a hunting adventure in Alabama, hunters should familiarize themselves with the state’s hunting regulations, obtain the necessary licenses and permits, and prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices. By doing so, they can enjoy the natural beauty and abundant wildlife that Alabama has to offer while contributing to the state’s conservation efforts.

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