The Guide to Alabama Hunting Seasons 2024

HuntWise has the information hunters need for a successful season (or several) this year! We’ve compiled a guide to Alabama hunting for 2023-2024. Plus, with our app, you’ll be able to find private and public land and mark it to find the game you’re after. 

Let’s get you out in the field! Here’s what Alabama hunters need to know. 

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Alabama?

If you live for whitetail season, Alabama is the place to hunt. The state offers liberal bag limits for deer so you can bring home more meat each season. 

However, if deer isn’t your game of choice, Alabama offers much, much more for those ready to get outdoors this season. Hunters have plenty of opportunities to hunt alligator, turkey, wild hogs, and smaller game like rabbits, mourning doves, squirrels, and bobwhite quail. 

If you like to hunt year-round, there are plenty of options for open seasons and lots of game!

Where Should I Hunt?

Alabama's terrain varies greatly. While you may not find much game to hunt on the sandy beaches, the state also has valleys, mountains, and pinewood forests—home to many legal-to-hunt wild animals. 

At one extreme, the state is home to parts of the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains. You can also work your way into lowlands and swamps, where you will likely find alligators. 

Remember: no matter which parts of Alabama you hunt, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas. When it’s time for deer or waterfowl season, you’ve already planned where to go for a successful day in the field. 

When Can I Hunt?

Before packing your gear and getting up early, make sure it’s the right time to hunt the game you're after! While season start and end dates remain relatively consistent from year to year, always check with state regulators to make sure you don’t miss opening day. 

You’ll also want to check your zones for deer season, as open and close dates vary by Zones A-E. Alabama turkey season dates vary for Zones 1-3.

Important Alabama Hunting Changes to Note

For 2023-2024, hunters should note some changes for Alabama hunting. The state expanded the deer CMZ (chronic wasting disease management) high-risk zone to include all of Lauderdale County. You’ll also want to take note of caliber changes for groundhogs, bobcats, foxes, and a few other species. 

For more details about season specifics and changes in Alabama, eRegulations provides excellent reference information for hunters. 

Alligator

Alligator hunting requires a special permit. Dates and hunting hours vary by zone. If you receive an alligator tag, you can harvest one alligator. 

Bear and Mountain Lion

No open seasons

Deer Season

• Archery Stalk Hunting:  Dates vary by zone from October 14- February 10
• Special Youth Gun: Dates vary by zone from October 27 – November 13
• Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle: Dates vary by zone from October 30 – November 17
• Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting: Dates vary by private vs. public land from November 4 – January 27
• Gun Deer-Dog Deer Hunting (Where Allowed): Dates vary by private vs. public land from November 4 – January 27

Turkey Seasons

• Zone 1: March 25 – May 8 (Decoy use allowed April 4 – May 8)
• Zone 2: April 1 – May 8 (Decoy permitted use April 11 – May 8)
• Zone 3: April 1 – May 8 (Decoy permitted use April 11 – May 8)
  • November 18 – 26 (No decoys
  • December 9 – 31 (No decoys)
  • March 25 – May 8 (Decoy use allowed April 4 – May 8)

Waterfowl Seasons

Alabama offers special youth, active military, and veteran waterfowl hunting days. If you fall into these categories, check the latest updates from Outdoor Alabama (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) for the dates that apply to you. 

• Special Teal Season: September 9 – 24
• Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, and Gallinule:  September 9 – 24 and November 25 – January 17
• Duck, Coot, and Merganser: November 24 – 25 and December 2 – January 28
• Geese: September – October 1, October 14 – 28, November 24 – 25, and December 2 – January 28
• Sandhill Crane: December 2 – January 7 and January 15 – 30

Dove Season

When hunting dove in Alabama, pay close attention to the zones, split seasons, and shooting hours. Generally, shooting can begin one-half hour before sunrise and continue through sunset, but these can vary based on open dates. 

• North Zone: Dates and shooting hours vary from September 2 through January 14. 
• South Zone: Dates and shooting hours vary from September 9 through January 14.

Bobwhite Quail

• November 4 – February 29

Trapping Seasons

Trapping for coyote, beaver, nutria, feral swine, opossum, and raccoon has no closed season in Alabama. 

• Bobcat, Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Otter & Striped Skunk:  October 28 – February 29

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

Alabama hunting licenses are fairly simple. Residents and non-residents can purchase a state license that covers all game (including deer and turkey) for the season. 

• For residents, the annual license is $32.55. 
• The annual license for non-residents is $377.25. Non-residents can also purchase licenses at a lower cost that cover shorter timeframes, like 10 days or 3 days. 

Hunters must also purchase additional licenses for hunting variations, like bait privilege or nighttime coyote and feral hog hunting.  

What Are the Bag Limits?

How many alligators or deer can you bring home this season? To comply with Alabama hunting regulations, make sure you know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

For more details on bag limits and to confirm the most updated details, visit Outdoor Alabama’s Seasons and Bag Limits page. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

Alabama requires a hunter safety certification for all hunters born on or after August 1, 1977, before you can get your license. Even if it’s not required for you based on that date range, it can be a smart thing to do to help you stay safe when hunting game in Alabama! 

You’ll also want to pack the right gear for your hunt. From clothing to optics, decoys, and more, HuntWise users save 10-50% on gear from our app partners. Use this member benefit to equip yourself in the field and tag out. 

HuntWise Helps You Tag Out for Alabama Hunting Seasons

We’ve covered a lot of details for Alabama hunters, and we hope it helps you plan a successful hunt (or several) this season. 

If you’re anything like our team, we’re sure you’re counting down the days until you can get out in the field. As you plan your hunt, download the HuntWise app. You’ll find up-to-date information for hunting in Alabama, including license information, state regulations, and open season dates.

You’ll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically to gain an advantage over other hunters. Use our WindCast feature to plan around the ideal wind direction based on where you mark your blinds. Compare stands, choose your entry route, and more with our wind forecasting information. 

Download the app and start your free trial now! You’ll have an edge over other hunters when the season opens.