🏹 Alabama Latest Game Season Guide for 2025 – Dates, Tags & Wildlife Zones
Welcome to your complete resource for the 2025 Alabama hunting season! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsperson or just starting your hunting journey, the Heart of Dixie offers some of the most abundant wildlife and generous bag limits in the country. With over 1.3 million acres of public hunting lands, Alabama provides exceptional opportunities for pursuing everything from whitetail deer and wild turkey to small game and waterfowl.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the latest hunting dates, zones, licenses, and regulations to make your season successful. We’ve organized all the essential information to help you plan your outings effectively across Alabama’s diverse hunting grounds.
Alabama Hunting Season Quick Reference Table
| Species | Season Dates | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Oct 15, 2024 – Feb 10, 2025 | Bow and Arrow |
| Deer (Gun) – Private Land | Nov 23, 2024 – Feb 10, 2025 | Firearm |
| Deer (Gun) – Public Land | Nov 23 – Dec 13, 2024 | Firearm |
| Turkey (Zone 1) | Mar 25 – May 8, 2025 | Various |
| Turkey (Zone 2) | Apr 1 – May 8, 2025 | Various |
| Squirrel | Sep 14, 2024 – Mar 2, 2025 | Various |
| Rabbit | Sep 14, 2024 – Mar 2, 2025 | Various |
| Quail | Nov 2, 2024 – Feb 28, 2025 | Various |
| Duck | Nov 29 – Dec 1 & Dec 6, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025 | Shotgun |
| Goose | Sep 7 – Oct 6, 2024 & Nov 29 – Dec 1 & Dec 6, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025 | Shotgun |
Big Game Hunting in Alabama
🦌 Deer Season
Alabama’s deer hunting is divided into different zones (A-E) with varying season dates. Here’s what you need to know:
Archery Season (Statewide)
- October 15, 2024 – February 10, 2025 (Either Sex)
Gun Deer Stalk Hunting
- Private Land: November 23, 2024 – February 10, 2025
- Public Land: November 23 – December 13, 2024 (Either Sex)
- Special Youth Gun: November 15-18, 2024 (Either Sex)
- Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle: November 18-22, 2024 (Either Sex)
Bag Limit: Three antlered bucks per hunter during all combined seasons (one per day). One of the three must have at least 4 antler points 1 inch or longer on one antler (except for Barbour County).
Alabama divides deer hunting into different zones, with special exceptions for dog deer hunting in certain counties. Dog deer hunting is prohibited except by special permit in counties like Baldwin, Chambers, parts of Choctaw, and several others. Be sure to check the official deer zone map before planning your hunt.
🦃 Turkey Season
Turkey hunting in Alabama is managed across three different zones:
Zone 1 (includes counties like Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, and many others)
- Special Youth Hunt: March 22-23, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Special Disabled Hunt: March 24, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Spring Season: March 25 – May 8, 2025 (Decoys Allowed April 4 – May 8)
Zone 2 (includes Colbert, parts of Cullman, Franklin, and others)
- Special Youth Hunt: March 29-30, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Special Disabled Hunt: March 31, 2025 (Decoys Allowed)
- Spring Season: April 1 – May 8, 2025 (Decoys Allowed April 11 – May 8)
Zone 3 (includes Clarke, Clay, Covington, Monroe, Randolph, and Talladega)
- Fall Season: November 16-24, 2024 (NO Decoys Allowed)
- Fall Season: December 14-29, 2024 (NO Decoys Allowed)
- Spring Season: Same as Zone 1
Bag Limit: One gobbler per day; four gobbler bag limit during combined fall and spring seasons. No more than two gobblers from any one Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Community Hunting Area (CHA), or National Forest Ranger District.
Small Game Hunting
🐿️ Squirrel & Rabbit
Both squirrel and rabbit seasons run concurrently in Alabama:
- Season: September 14, 2024 – March 2, 2025
- Bag Limit: 8 per day for squirrels, 8 per day for rabbits
- Fox Squirrel: Closed during February in some areas
🦅 Bobwhite Quail
- Season: November 2, 2024 – February 28, 2025
- Bag Limit: 8 per day
- Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
🦊 Furbearers
Several furbearer species can be hunted in Alabama with varying seasons:
- Raccoon: No closed season
- Opossum: No closed season
- Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine, Fox: No closed season during daylight hours
Waterfowl Hunting
🦆 Duck, Coot, and Merganser
- Season: Split season
- November 29 – December 1, 2024
- December 6, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Bag Limit: 6 ducks per day
- Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
🦢 Goose
- Season: Multiple splits
- September 7 – October 6, 2024
- October 19 – November 2, 2024
- November 29 – December 1, 2024
- December 6, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Bag Limits: Vary by species
- Special Early Teal Season: Available in September
Other Game Species
🐦 Dove
- Season: Multiple splits starting in September
- Bag Limit: 15 per day
- Shooting Hours: 12 noon to sunset on opening day; 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset for remainder of season
🦝 Other Small Game
- Woodcock: December 7-8 and December 14, 2024 – January 25, 2025
- Snipe: November 9, 2024 – February 23, 2025
- Alligator: Special season with limited permits
🗺️ Hunting Zones and Public Lands
Alabama’s hunting landscape is divided into various zones for different game species. The state offers 44 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) covering over 721,000 acres, plus additional hunting opportunities on National Forest lands, Forever Wild lands, and Open Permit-Public Lands.
For detailed zone maps and boundaries:
Be sure to check zone-specific regulations as they may have different season dates, bag limits, and hunting methods.
🎟️ License Information
Resident Licenses
- All Game License: $33.55
- Small Game License: $22.20
- Wildlife Management Area License: $22.20 (required for hunting WMAs)
- Duck Stamps:
- State: $12.10
- Federal: $30.00
Non-Resident Licenses
- All Game License:
- Annual: $389.44
- 10-Day Trip: $240.40
- 3-Day Trip: $169.55
- Small Game License: $120.05
Special Packages
- All-Access Hunting: $85.90
- All-Access Sportsman Package: $141.85 (Hunting and fishing)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hunting license on my own property?
A resident landowner who possesses an Alabama Driver’s License or other proof of residency may hunt on their land without a hunting license. This also applies to the landowner’s immediate family if they are Alabama residents.
Can I use dogs for deer hunting?
Dog deer hunting is prohibited in many counties except by special permit from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Check the specific regulations for your hunting area.
What are the antler restrictions for deer?
For the three-buck seasonal limit, one buck must have at least 4 antler points (1 inch or longer) on one antler. Exceptions apply in certain areas.
Can I hunt at night in Alabama?
Night hunting is prohibited for most species. However, raccoons, opossums, foxes, and feral hogs may be hunted at night with restrictions.
Where can I find public hunting land?
Alabama offers numerous public hunting opportunities through Wildlife Management Areas, National Forests, Forever Wild lands, and Open Permit-Public Lands. Maps and permits are available from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Related Resources
- Deer Hunting Guide
- Florida Hunting Seasons
- Georgia Hunting Seasons
- Mississippi Hunting Seasons
- Tennessee Hunting Seasons
Final Thoughts
Alabama truly offers some of the most diverse and generous hunting opportunities in the Southeast. From the extended deer season to the special youth hunts designed to introduce new generations to the sport, the state has created a welcoming environment for all sportspeople.
Before heading out, always double-check the latest regulations and zone maps on the Outdoor Alabama website, as changes can occur. Make sure you have the proper licenses and permits, understand bag limits, and are familiar with the boundaries of your hunting zone.
Remember that hunting isn’t just about the harvest—it’s about connecting with nature, practicing conservation, and passing on traditions. So grab your gear, check your tags, and enjoy Alabama’s abundant wildlife resources responsibly this hunting season! 🌲🏹🦌
