2026 Hunting Season in Alabama

1. Game Species in Alabama

Alabama offers a diverse range of game species for hunting. Major species include:

• White-tailed Deer
• Eastern Wild Turkey
• Feral Hogs (Wild Pigs)
• Waterfowl (ducks, geese)
• Small Game (squirrels, rabbits, quail)
• Predators & Furbearers (coyotes, bobcats, foxes)
• Migratory Birds (doves, woodcocks, crows)

More details: Hunting in Alabama

2. What is the hunting season 2026 in Alabama?

In Alabama, the 2026 hunting year is split between the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season (Winter) and the beginning of the 2026–2027 season (Fall). Alabama is famous for having one of the longest deer seasons in the country, often extending into February.

Below are the confirmed dates for the major 2026 hunting seasons.

1. White-Tailed Deer (Winter 2026)
The dates depend on whether you are on private or public land and which of the five Zones (A, B, C, D, or E) you are hunting in.

Zones A, B, & C:

Archery & Gun (Stalk): Ends February 10, 2026.

Gun (Dog Hunting): Generally ends January 15, 2026.

Zones D & E:

Archery & Gun (Stalk): Ends January 27, 2026.

Gun (Dog Hunting): Ends January 1, 2026.

2. Wild Turkey (Spring 2026)
Alabama has a staggered start for Spring Turkey based on your specific Zone.

Zone 1 & 3: March 25 – May 8, 2026.

Zone 2: April 1 – May 8, 2026.

WMA & National Forest Districts: Most open April 8 – May 8, 2026.

Special Youth Hunt: Usually held the weekend prior to the zone opening (e.g., March 21–22 for Zone 1).

3. Waterfowl & Small Game (Winter 2026)
Ducks, Coots, & Mergansers: Season split ends January 31, 2026.

Geese: Final season segment ends January 31, 2026.

Squirrel & Rabbit: Runs through March 1, 2026.

Quail: Runs through February 28, 2026.

2026–2027 Fall Season Outlook

While official 2026–2027 dates are typically finalized in late spring, Alabama follows a consistent pattern for the fall start:

Dove: Usually opens mid-September.

Squirrel & Rabbit: Usually opens mid-September.

Archery (Deer): Usually starts October 1 (Zones D/E) or October 15 (Zones A/B/C).

Gun (Deer): Historically opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving (November 21, 2026).

3. Hunting Seasons & Zones 2025

Hunting seasons vary by species and region. Below is a summary of key seasons. Please refer to the official Hunting Season Calendar for the full list.

🔄 What’s New in 2025?

• New season dates for turkeys and updated zone lines.
• Some WMAs now require online draw permits through the Outdoor AL app.

3. Hunting Licenses, Fees, and Requirements

All Alabama hunters aged 16–64 must have a valid hunting license. Residents and non-residents can choose from daily, annual, or lifetime options.

Full license details: License Types & Costs

🔁 Reciprocity or Substitutes?

• Hunter Education Certificate: Mandatory for those born after Aug 1, 1977. Can substitute for supervised hunting.
• Apprentice License: Lets new hunters hunt for one year without hunter ed (must hunt with licensed adult).

Learn more: Apprentice License

4. Hunting Regulations & 2025 Changes

Alabama’s hunting regulations are updated annually. Here are key highlights:

Key Regulations:

• Hunter Orange Requirement: Mandatory for deer and hog gun hunters.
• Bag Limits: Vary by species. Example: 3 gobblers per spring turkey season.
• Night Hunting: Allowed for feral hogs and coyotes with a special night permit.
• Baiting: Only legal with the Bait Privilege License and in approved areas.

2025 Updates:

• Zone adjustments for turkey and deer.
• New SOA draw hunts and youth hunt opportunities.
• Increased enforcement of Game Check reporting compliance.

Full legal digest: Hunting and Trapping Digest (PDF)

5. Hunter Education for Beginners

Alabama offers comprehensive hunter education programs for both youth and adult beginners. These courses are required for any individual born on or after August 1, 1977, unless they are hunting under the direct supervision of a licensed adult hunter.

Education Options:

• In-person Traditional Course (8–10 hours, includes hands-on training)
• Online Only Course (self-paced, available for adults aged 16+)
• Internet + Field Day Option (complete the course online, then attend a field day to finish)

Where to Access:

• Alabama-approved courses are listed on the Hunter Education page.
• Online providers include:
  • Hunter-Ed.com
  • Kalkomey
  • NRA Hunter Education

These courses cover firearm safety, wildlife identification, hunting ethics, and laws.

Youth Hunting Events & Mentored Programs:

The state also supports mentored youth hunts, where beginners are paired with experienced hunters. These are great for learning in the field. Learn more at the Special Youth Hunting Events page.

6. Hunting Reminders, Reporting, and Public Lands

Harvest Reporting

• Mandatory Game Check: Hunters must report any harvest of white-tailed deer or turkey within 48 hours using the Game Check system.
• Options for reporting:
  • Outdoor AL app
  • Online via Game Check Portal
  • Call 1-800-888-7690

Public Hunting Lands

Alabama has over 35 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) open to public hunting, plus Special Opportunity Areas (SOAs) and Forever Wild lands.

• You must have a WMA permit and follow each WMA's specific season and bag limits.
• Use this map to locate areas: Public Hunting Lands Map

General Hunting Regulations

• Hunter Orange: Required when hunting deer or feral hogs during gun season.
• Bag Limits: Vary by species – e.g., 3 gobblers per spring season for turkeys.
• Baiting: Only legal with a purchased Bait Privilege License and only for deer and feral swine.
• Night Hunting: Allowed for feral hogs and coyotes with the appropriate nighttime permit.

More detailed rules are outlined in the Alabama Hunting and Trapping Digest.

⚠️ Disclaimer

All information is based on publicly available data from the official Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website: Outdoor Alabama. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official regulations and announcements.