🏹 Alabama Latest Game Season Guide for 2025-2026

Get ready for the best guide to the Alabama hunting season in 2025! Alabama, also known as the Heart of Dixie, has some of the best hunting opportunities in the country, no matter how experienced you are or how new you are to the sport. The state is a great place to hunt whitetail deer, wild turkey, small game, and waterfowl because it has more than 1.3 million acres of public land and some of the highest bag limits in the country. This guide has everything you need to have a great time hunting in Alabama.

Stay ahead with this complete list of the latest season dates, hunting areas, license requirements, and rules. It’s all designed to help you confidently navigate the state’s rich and varied hunting grounds. We have made the most important information easier to find so you can focus on what matters most: a safe, legal, and successful season, whether you’re hunting whitetails, waterfowl, or small game.

AL Hunting Quick Reference: Key Species Summary

Species	Season Opens	Season Closes	Primary Methods
White-tailed Deer (Bow)	October 15, 2025	February 10, 2026	Archery, Crossbow
White-tailed Deer (Gun)	November 22, 2025	February 10, 2026	Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzleloader
Wild Turkey (Spring)	March 25, 2026	May 8, 2026	Shotgun, Archery
Mourning Dove	September 6, 2025	January 18, 2026	Shotgun
Waterfowl (Ducks)	November 28, 2025	January 31, 2026	Shotgun
Bobwhite Quail	November 1, 2025	February 28, 2026	Shotgun, Dogs
Squirrel/Rabbit	September 13, 2025	March 1, 2026	Shotgun, Rifle

All Big Game: Archery & Rifle 🦌

White-tailed Deer Opportunities

Alabama’s generous deer regulations allow harvesting three antlered bucks per individual during combined periods, with one daily. Unantlered animals provide additional opportunities in most zones.

Archery Stalk Periods:

Zone A: October 15, 2025 – February 10, 2026 (Either-sex)
Zone B: October 15-24, 2025 (Antlered only), then October 25, 2025 – February 10, 2026 (Either-sex)
Zone C: October 15, 2025 – February 10, 2026 (Either-sex)
Zone D: October 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 (Either-sex), then January 16-27, 2026 (Antlered only)
Zone E: October 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 (Either-sex), then January 16-27, 2026 (Antlered only)

Firearm Stalk Periods (Private/Leased Land):

Zones A & B: November 22, 2025 – February 10, 2026 (Either-sex)
Zone C: November 22-30, 2025 (Either-sex), December 1-12, 2025 (Antlered only), December 13, 2025 – January 1, 2026 (Either-sex), January 2 – February 10, 2026 (Antlered only)

Special Muzzleloader & Air Rifle Opportunities 🎯

Private/Leased Lands: November 17-21, 2025 (Zones A, B, C) | November 3-7, 2025 (Zones D, E)

Youth Opportunities (Under 16)

Special Youth Gun Dates: November 14-17, 2025 (Zones A, B, C) | October 31 – November 3, 2025 (Zone D) | October 31 – November 2, 2025 (Zone E)

Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth 🦃

Spring Gobbler Opportunities

Alabama’s spring turkey periods provide some of the longest windows in the nation, with generous four-gobbler combined limits.

Zone 1 Spring Dates:

Youth: March 21-22, 2026 (Decoys permitted)
Disabled: March 24, 2026 (Decoys permitted)
Regular: March 25 – May 8, 2026 (Decoys permitted April 4 – May 8)

Zone 2 Spring Dates:

Youth: March 28-29, 2026 (Decoys permitted)
Disabled: March 31, 2026 (Decoys permitted)
Regular: April 1 – May 8, 2026 (Decoys permitted April 11 – May 8)

Zone 3 Spring Dates:

Youth: March 21-22, 2026 (Decoys permitted)
Disabled: March 24, 2026 (Decoys permitted)
Regular: March 25 – May 8, 2026 (Decoys permitted April 4 – May 8)

Fall Gobbler Opportunities

Zone 3 Only: November 15-23, 2025 & December 13-28, 2025 (No decoys permitted)

Furbearers 🦫

Regulated Furbearer Species

Bobcat, Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Otter & Striped Skunk: October 25, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (Trapping only for mink, muskrat, otter, striped skunk)

Year-Round Opportunities

No Closed Periods: Coyote, Beaver, Nutria, Feral Swine, Opossum, Raccoon (Some restrictions apply based on location and method)

Upland Birds 🕊️

Mourning & White-winged Dove

Alabama’s dove opportunities feature split zones with generous 15-bird daily limits.

North Zone Dates:

September 6, 2025
September 7 – October 18, 2025
November 22 – November 30, 2025
December 13 – January 18, 2026

South Zone Dates:

September 13, 2025
September 14 – October 26, 2025
November 22 – November 30, 2025
December 13 – January 18, 2026

Bobwhite Quail

Statewide: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 Daily Limit: 8 birds (8 in possession)

Upland Animals 🐿️

Small Game Opportunities

Squirrel & Rabbit:

September 13, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Daily Limits: 8 each species (8 in possession)

Woodcock:

December 13-14, 2025 & December 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Daily Limit: 3 birds

Other Small Games 🎯

Species	Season	Daily Limit	Notes
Snipe	Nov 8, 2025 – Feb 22, 2026	8 birds	Half-hour before sunrise to sunset
Raccoon	No closed period	5 on public land	No limit on private land
Opossum	No closed period	No limit	Daytime only on public land
Groundhog	No closed period	No limit	Daytime only
Starling/Crow/House Sparrow	No closed period	No limit	Daytime only
Bullfrog/Pig Frog	No closed period	20 total	Noon to noon cycle

Migratory Birds 🦆

Special Teal Opportunities

Statewide: September 13-21, 2025 Daily Limit: 6 birds

Rail Species

Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Gallinule: September 13-21, 2025 & November 28, 2025 – January 27, 2026 Daily Limit: 15 combined

Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Geese 🦢

Waterfowl Prime Time

Duck, Coot, Merganser:

November 28-29, 2025 & December 5, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Daily Limit: 6 ducks

All Geese Species:

September 6 – October 5, 2025
October 18 – November 1, 2025
November 28-29, 2025
December 5, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Daily Limit: 5 birds

Youth/Military/Veteran Special Days

November 22, 2025 & February 8, 2026

Other Waterfowls 🏞️

Sandhill Crane (Limited Quota)

First Period: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026 Second Period: January 12-26, 2026 Permit Limit: 3 birds per permit holder

Note: Special permit required through quota system

More Games 🎣

Special Opportunity Species

Alligator (Permit Only): Special registration period in June 2025, with designated zones and specific dates varying by location. One alligator per permit holder.

Bear & Mountain Lion: No open periods – protected species

Ruffed Grouse: No open period

Additional Considerations

Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ): Special regulations apply in Lauderdale County area
Dog Deer Restrictions: Many counties prohibit or restrict dog use – check specific county regulations
Wildlife Management Areas: May have additional restrictions and quota requirements
Hunter Orange: Required except for waterfowl, turkey, and dove activities

🗺️ 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

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! 🌲🏹🦌

Post Views: 150