Hunters in Alabama have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of species, including quail, turkey, deer, and alligator. Hunting seasons in Alabama are not only different from one region of the state to the next, but individual counties may also have their own opening and closing dates, in addition to their own bag limitations.
- To obtain further information, please check out the webpage for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
- The state of Alabama now accepts online applications for hunting licenses and permits, as well as online purchases of these items.
- In addition, hunters may quickly report their harvests through a variety of mediums, including online, through the phone, or through an app on their mobile device.
Seasons for Hunting Deer in Alabama
| Archery or Spear | Oct.1-Feb.10** |
| Firearms | Nov.19-Feb.10** |
| Gun Dog Hunting, Where Allowed | Nov.5-Jan.1** |
| Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle | Oct.31-18** |
| Special Youth Gun | Nov.11-14** Oct.28-31** |
*The specific dates of each season vary according to both the antlered and antlerless status of the deer. When shooting deer, the state of Alabama permits the use of hand-thrown spears as well. The use of dogs for hunting deer is prohibited in a significant number of Alabama’s counties.
| Fall General Season | Nov.19-27** Dec.10-Jan.1** |
| Spring 2023 General Season | March 25-May 8** |
| Special Youth Hunt | Saturday and Sunday before spring season opens |
| Special Disabled Hunt | One day before regular season opening day** |
*Dates of the seasons differ from zone to zone. It is possible for bag restrictions and particular hunting dates to differ from county to county. Visit the website of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for additional information regarding the obligatory Game Check and Harvest Record as well as the limitations that are in place. Alabama Alligator Seasons
| By Special Permit Only | Sunset Aug.11-Sunrise Oct.3** |
*Dates of the seasons differ from zone to zone. Alligator hunts require a specific permit in order to take place. Only Alabama citizens are eligible to get an alligator permit, and online registration is the only method available for obtaining one of these permits.
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov.5-Feb.28 |
| Rabbit, Squirrel | Sept.10-March 5 |
| Raccoon | Open season |
| Opossum | Open season |
| Feral Swine | May 16-Aug.31 Feb.11-Nov.1 |
| Starlings, Crows, English Sparrows | Open season |
| Bobcat, Coyote, Fox | Open season, daylight hours only |
| Bullfrog and Pig Frog | Open season |
| Beaver, Nutria, Groundhog | Open season |
*Dates of the seasons differ from zone to zone. There are differences in Alabama’s bag limits, special seasons, and other hunting rules for different animals and different hunting seasons. In this state, hunting using bait is illegal, and the kind of guns that can be used depend on the target species.
When can you deer hunt in Alabama?
Limits and Seasons for Hunting Deer
| Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bow and Arrow-Stalk Hunting | October 15, 2022 – February 10, 2023 | |
| Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | January 16-27, 2023 | |
| On Open Permit Public Land | November 5 – December 16, 2022 | |
| December 17, 2022 – January 1, 2023 |
What county in Alabama has the biggest bucks?
Jackson is located in Jackson County, which is known for having some of the most successful large buck hunting in the northeastern region of Alabama. The location is located in the Appalachian Mountains’ foothills, which creates a harsh and steep landscape that also contains a large quantity of excellent habitat.