Alabama Waterfowl Season 2025-26
Alabama waterfowl season dates start with Sep 6, 2025-Jan 31, 2026. The table below keeps every listed waterfowl row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Alabama's listed 2025-26 waterfowl season runs Sep 6, 2025-Jan 31, 2026.
Regular Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Gallinule opens Sep 13, 2025 and closes Jan 27, 2026.
Special Youth/Active Military/Military Veteran Waterfowl opens Nov 22, 2025 and closes Feb 7, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Alabama DCNR.
Waterfowl
All Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Brant, Snow, Blue, Ross's)
Regular
Season runs in multiple segments: September 6 - October 5, October 18 - November 1, November 28-29, December 5 - January 31. At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Gallinule
Regular
Season runs September 13-21 and November 28 - January 27. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Duck, Coot, Merganser
Regular
Season runs November 28-29 and December 5 - January 31. At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Teal
Special Teal Season
At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Waterfowl
Special Youth/Active Military/Military Veteran
Two special days: November 22 and February 7. Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as in regular waterfowl season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119. At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. See Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide.
Zone: Statewide
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Nearby waterfowl seasons
Alabama Waterfowl Season FAQ
When does waterfowl season open in Alabama?
September 6, 2025 is the earliest listed waterfowl opener in Alabama — regular all geese (canada, white-fronted, brant, snow, blue, ross's) runs Sep 6, 2025-Jan 31, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Alabama DCNR.
What are the 2025-26 waterfowl season dates in Alabama?
Alabama lists 5 waterfowl season windows: Regular All Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Brant, Snow, Blue, Ross's) (Sep 6, 2025-Jan 31, 2026); Regular Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Gallinule (Sep 13, 2025-Jan 27, 2026); Regular Duck, Coot, Merganser (Nov 28, 2025-Jan 31, 2026); Special Teal Season Teal (Sep 13-21, 2025); Special Youth/Active Military/Military Veteran Waterfowl (Nov 22, 2025-Feb 7, 2026). Always verify against Alabama DCNR before hunting.
Are there different waterfowl seasons in Alabama?
Yes — Alabama lists separate waterfowl seasons for Regular All Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Brant, Snow, Blue, Ross's), Regular Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Gallinule, Regular Duck, Coot, Merganser, Special Teal Season Teal, Special Youth/Active Military/Military Veteran Waterfowl. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Alabama DCNR.
Do I need a license to hunt waterfowl in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and waterfowl hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Alabama DCNR.