Discover everything you need to know about hunting in Alabama, from regulations and public hunting areas to outfitter directories and gear recommendations.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) provides an annual Hunting & Wildlife Regulation Guide, which includes detailed information on bag limits, hunting methods, and season dates for all game species in the state.
Hunting Seasons Calendar
Plan your hunt with Alabama’s official hunting seasons calendar, which includes dates for:
- Deer: Archery, firearm, and muzzleloader seasons, as well as antlered and antlerless zones.
- Turkey: Spring and fall turkey hunting seasons.
- Small Game: Squirrel, rabbit, and quail hunting opportunities.
- Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and migratory bird seasons.
Check the full schedule in the Seasons & Bag Limits Guide.
2025 Alabama Turkey Hunting Season Dates and Regulations
Spring Turkey Season
- Zone 1:
- Special Youth Hunt: March 22-23, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Special Disabled Hunt: March 24, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Regular Season: March 25 – May 8, 2025 (Decoys Allowed April 4 – May 8)
- Zone 2:
- Special Youth Hunt: March 29-30, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Special Disabled Hunt: March 31, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Regular Season: April 1 – May 8, 2025 (Decoys Allowed April 11 – May 8)
- Zone 3:
- Special Youth Hunt: March 22-23, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Special Disabled Hunt: March 24, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Regular Season: March 25 – May 8, 2025 (Decoys Allowed April 4 – May 8)
Fall Turkey Season (Zone 3 Only)
- First Segment: November 16-24, 2025 (No Decoys Allowed)
- Second Segment: December 14-29, 2025 (No Decoys Allowed)
Bag Limits
- One gobbler per day; four gobbler bag limit during combined fall and spring seasons.
- No more than two gobblers from any one Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Community Hunting Area (CHA), or National Forest Ranger District.
- No more than one gobbler during the first 10 days of each season from each WMA, CHA, and National Forest Ranger District.
Licensing and Permits
- All hunters must possess a valid Alabama hunting license.
- Harvest reporting is mandatory through the Game Check system within 48 hours of harvest.
Additional Regulations
- Decoy usage is restricted during certain periods; refer to specific season dates above.
- Electronic calls are prohibited.
- All harvested turkeys must be tagged immediately upon harvest.
- Consult specific WMA regulations as they may have additional restrictions or requirements.
For comprehensive details and any updates, please refer to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Turkey Season page.
Public and Private Hunting Lands
Public Hunting Lands
Alabama features extensive public hunting opportunities, including:
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Over 700,000 acres of WMAs, such as *Barbour WMA*, *Black Warrior WMA*, and *Oakmulgee WMA*.
- National Forests: Hunting is allowed in designated areas of *Talladega National Forest* and *Conecuh National Forest*.
Use the Outdoor Alabama WMA Map to locate public hunting areas and access points.
Private Land Access Programs
The Special Opportunity Area (SOA) Program offers limited-entry hunting on private lands managed by ADCNR. SOA hunts require advance registration and are highly sought after.
Hunting Licenses and Permits
Alabama hunters can purchase licenses and permits through the Outdoor Alabama Licensing Portal. Available licenses include:
- Resident and non-resident hunting licenses
- All-Game and Small-Game licenses
- Bait Privilege licenses for hunting over bait
- Special licenses for SOA hunts
Outfitters and Hunting Guides
Alabama has a wide variety of licensed hunting guides and outfitters offering specialized trips for deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Ensure your guide is licensed and reputable before booking a hunt.
For more information, visit the Outdoor Alabama website.
Gear Recommendations for Alabama Hunts
Alabama’s diverse terrain, from swamps to forests, requires specific gear:
- Clothing: Lightweight camo for warm weather and insulated gear for cooler months.
- Footwear: Waterproof boots for wetland areas and snake-proof boots for regions with venomous snakes.
- Hunting Equipment: Decoys, calls, and blinds for waterfowl and turkey hunting; tree stands for deer hunting.
Conservation and Ethical Hunting
Support Alabama’s wildlife conservation by adhering to ethical hunting practices and purchasing licenses that fund habitat management programs. The state is actively involved in restoring native species and preserving game populations.
Hunting Tips for Alabama
Make the most of your Alabama hunt with these tips:
- Scout hunting areas in advance, especially public WMAs.
- Check weather and wind patterns for optimal game movement.
- Follow bag limits and other regulations to maintain sustainable populations.
Plan Your Alabama Hunt Today
With abundant game species, diverse habitats, and excellent public hunting areas, Alabama is a prime destination for hunters. Explore your options and prepare for a rewarding hunting experience!