Alabama is a hunter’s dream with its range of landscapes and plentiful wildlife. The state’s exciting landscape ranges from its northern rolling hills to its southern fertile plains. Both novices and veteran outdoorsmen will find the experience thrilling. But wait! Before packing your equipment, you need to know Alabama’s game rules, permits, and top spots. This all-inclusive guide will give you the necessary knowledge for a lawful, successful outdoor trip in Alabama during 2025.

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What months are hunting season in Alabama

Alabama offers various game opportunities depending on the location you’re in. Here’s a breakdown:

Alabama Hunting Overview

Deer Hunting

Archery
Zone A: Oct 15, 2025 – Feb 10, 2026 (Either sex)
Zone B: Oct 15-24, 2025 (Antlered only), then Oct 25 – Feb 10, 2026 (Either sex)
Zone C: Oct 15, 2025 – Feb 10, 2026 (Either sex)
Zone D: Oct 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 (Either sex), then Jan 16-27, 2026 (Antlered only)
Zone E: Oct 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 (Either sex), then Jan 16-27, 2026 (Antlered only)
Firearms (Private/Leased Land)
Zones A & B: Nov 22, 2025 – Feb 10, 2026 (Either sex)
Zone C:
- Nov 22-30, 2025 (Either sex)
- Dec 1-12, 2025 (Antlered only)
- Dec 13, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 (Either sex)
- Jan 2 – Feb 10, 2026 (Antlered only)
Muzzleloader & Air Rifle
Zones A, B, C: Nov 17-21, 2025
Zones D, E: Nov 3-7, 2025
Youth Hunts (Under 16)
Zones A, B, C: Nov 14-17, 2025
Zone D: Oct 31 – Nov 3, 2025
Zone E: Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2025

Turkey Hunting

Spring Season
Zone 1:
- Youth: Mar 21-22, 2026
- Disabled: Mar 24, 2026
- Regular: Mar 25 – May 8, 2026 (Decoys allowed Apr 4 onward)
Zone 2:
- Youth: Mar 28-29, 2026
- Disabled: Mar 31, 2026
- Regular: Apr 1 – May 8, 2026 (Decoys allowed Apr 11 onward)
Zone 3:
- Youth: Mar 21-22, 2026
- Disabled: Mar 24, 2026
- Regular: Mar 25 – May 8, 2026 (Decoys allowed Apr 4 onward)
Fall Season (Zone 3 Only)
Nov 15-23, 2025
Dec 13-28, 2025 (No decoys)

Furbearers

Bobcat, Fox, Skunk: Oct 25, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
Mink, Muskrat, Otter: Trapping only (same dates)
No Closed Season: Coyote, Beaver, Nutria, Feral Swine, Raccoon, Opossum

Upland Birds & Small Game

Dove
North Zone:
- Sep 6, 2025
- Sep 7 – Oct 18, 2025
- Nov 22-30, 2025
- Dec 13, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026
South Zone:
- Sep 13, 2025
- Sep 14 – Oct 26, 2025
- Nov 22-30, 2025
- Dec 13, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026
Quail: Nov 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 (8 daily)
Squirrel & Rabbit: Sep 13, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026 (8 daily)
Woodcock: Dec 13-14, 2025 & Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 (3 daily)

Waterfowl & Migratory Birds

Teal: Sep 13-21, 2025 (6 daily)
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers:
Nov 28-29, 2025
Dec 5, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 (6 daily)
Geese:
Sep 6 – Oct 5, 2025
Oct 18 – Nov 1, 2025
Nov 28-29, 2025
Dec 5, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 (5 daily)
Youth/Military/Veteran Days: Nov 22, 2025 & Feb 8, 2026
Sandhill Crane (Quota Permit Required)
Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Jan 12-26, 2026

Other Species

Alligator: Permit-only (June 2025 registration)
Bear & Mountain Lion: No open season
Ruffed Grouse: No open season

Demystifying Alabama’s Hunting Laws

Hunter Education: Alabama mandates hunter education for all first-time hunters born after August 1, 1977. You can fulfill this requirement by taking a certified course offered by the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division https://www.outdooralabama.com/.
Licensing: A valid license is mandatory for everyone above the age of 16 hunting in Alabama. Resident and non-resident licenses are available, with varying costs depending on the type of license and your residency status.
Bag Limits: Alabama establishes specific bag limits for each game species. These limits dictate the number of animals you can legally harvest per day or season. Always double-check the official regulations for the specific game you’re targeting.
Harvest Reporting: Hunters are required to report their harvest electronically through the WFF’s Game Check system within 48 hours of kill. This vital process helps wildlife biologists monitor populations and ensure sustainable game practices.

Pro Tip: Download the Alabama outdoor Digest, available online or at local probate offices, for detailed information on hunting laws, regulations, and bag limits.

How much does it cost to get a hunting license in Alabama

License/Permit	Residents	Non-Residents
State Hunting License	$32.55	$100.00
All Game Lifetime	$625.00	N/A
Small Game Lifetime	$425.00	N/A
Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Permit	$20.00 (varies by WMA)	$40.00 (varies by WMA)
Turkey Tag	$10.00	$20.00
Deer Tag	$10.00 (varies by zone)	$20.00 (varies by zone)
WMA Specific Permits (e.g., Elk Quota Hunt)	Varies	Varies

Remember: These are base prices. Additional fees may apply depending on specific licenses or permits.

Important Note: Always purchase your licenses and permits from authorized vendors, such as the WFF website, license agents, or county probate offices.

Where to Hunt in Alabama: Top Locations for Different Game

Alabama boasts a diverse landscape, offering a variety of habitats for various game species. Here’s a glimpse into some of the top hunting locations by game:

White-tailed Deer

William B. Bankhead National Forest: Encompassing over 166,000 acres, this sprawling forest offers excellent opportunities for deers, particularly during the bow season.
Talladega National Forest: With a mix of hardwood forests and open fields, Talladega provides diverse game opportunities for deer throughout the schedule.
White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA): This 10,000-acre WMA in Butler County is renowned for its healthy deer population and offers excellent public hunting opportunities.

Wild Turkey

Walter B. Jones National Forest: Located in south Alabama, this forest features longleaf pine forests and bottomland hardwoods, creating ideal habitat for wild turkeys.
Tuskegee National Forest: This national forest provides a mix of habitats for turkeys, with opportunities for both spring and fall seasons.
Coosa Pines WMA: This 150,000-acre WMA in Talladega County is a prime destination for turkeys, with a good mix of open fields and woodlands.

Waterfowl

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge near Decatur offers excellent waterfowl opportunities, with habitats ranging from open water to bottomland hardwood forests.
Mobile-Tensaw Delta: This vast delta system provides diverse waterfowl opportunities, with habitats like tidal marshes, swamps, and open water.
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge: Located on the Alabama-Georgia border, this refuge offers excellent waterfowl hunting for ducks, geese, and other migratory birds.

Small Game

State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Alabama has over 1.3 million acres of WMAs that provide excellent opportunities for small game like rabbits, squirrels, and quail. Popular WMAs for small game include Choccolocco WMA, Oakmulgee WMA, and Talladega WMA.
Private Lands: With permission from the landowner, hunting on private lands can be productive for small game, especially in areas with diverse agricultural fields and woodlots.

Bobwhite Quail

Sedgefield Wildlife Management Area (WMA): This 60,000-acre WMA in Talladega County is a haven for bobwhite quail, with plenty of managed fields and pine forests.
Lowndes WMA: Located in central Alabama, this WMA offers excellent opportunities for quails, with a focus on habitat restoration to benefit quail populations.
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge provides pockets of suitable habitat for bobwhite quail alongside other small game opportunities.

Feral Hogs

Feral hogs are abundant throughout Alabama and can be hunted year-round. Public Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) often provide good opportunities for hog hunting, as they tend to concentrate in these areas. Here are a few examples:

Dauphin Island WMA: This barrier island offers opportunities for feral hogs alongside other game species.
Tuskegee National Forest: With its dense understory and abundant food sources, Tuskegee National Forest can be a productive spot for feral hogs.
Clay County WMA: This WMA offers a mix of habitats suitable for feral hogs, with opportunities for both still and dog hunting.

Pro Tip: Utilize the WMA Finder tool on the WFF website https://www.outdooralabama.com/ to locate WMAs near you and explore their specific hunting opportunities.

Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

Alabama’s Hunting Landscape: Updated Seasons and Highlights for 2025-2026