Hunting Regulations in Alabama (2025) – Tags, Weapons, Zones & Rules

Heading out for a hunt in Alabama? Whether you’re tracking deer in the dense forests of the Black Belt or waiting for waterfowl along the Tennessee River, you need to know the rules. This guide breaks down everything you need to understand about Alabama hunting regulations for 2025, from license requirements to hunting zones and legal weapons.

You may also like to read: Alabama Hunting Season Schedule

🎟️ License & Tag Requirements in Alabama:

Who Needs a Hunting License?

• Alabama Residents: Ages 16-64 must purchase a hunting license
• Non-Residents: Anyone 16 years or older needs appropriate non-resident hunting licenses
• Landowner Exemption: Alabama residents who hunt on their own land are exempt from license requirements (must have Alabama driver’s license or proof of residency)
• All hunters, regardless of age or license requirements, must have a harvest record for deer and turkey hunting

Youth & Senior Exemptions

• Children under 16 years of age are exempt from license requirements
• Alabama residents 65 years and older are exempt from basic hunting license requirements, but may still need certain permits for specific game

Species-Specific Tags

• Deer: No physical tags required, but all deer harvests must be reported through Game Check system
• Turkey: Must be reported through Game Check system
• Alligator: Special harvest permits required through a limited quota system
• Bonus tags: Available for certain management programs and areas

Where to Buy Licenses

• Online: Through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website
• License Agents: Available at various retailers throughout the state (sporting goods stores, bait shops, etc.)
• By Phone: Call the ADCNR licensing division
• All hunting licenses expire on August 31 annually

🔫 Legal Weapons & Season Methods:

Allowed Hunting Methods

• Rifles: Centerfire rifles with mushrooming ammunition for deer and most game
• Shotguns: 10 gauge or smaller using appropriate ammunition (buckshot, slugs, or single round ball for deer)
• Muzzleloaders: .40 caliber or larger for deer
• Archery Equipment:
  • Long bows, compound bows with minimum 30 lb. draw weight
  • Crossbows with minimum 85 lb. draw weight
  • Broadheads must have minimum 7/8-inch cutting diameter with 2 sharpened edges
• Air Rifles: Pre-charged pneumatic air powered guns (.30 caliber or larger for deer)
• Handguns: Centerfire with mushrooming ammunition for deer

Restrictions by Season

• Archery Season: Only archery equipment permitted
• Muzzleloader Season: Muzzleloaders, air rifles, and archery equipment only
• Gun Deer Season: All legal weapons permitted
• Turkey Season: Shotguns (10 gauge or smaller using No. 2 shot or smaller), archery equipment, or pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles

Safety Requirements

• Blaze orange or hunter orange clothing required during gun deer season
• Hunter education certification required for hunters born after August 1, 1977
• Crossbows must be equipped with a working safety
• Fully automatic firearms are prohibited for all hunting

📍 Hunting Zones & Units in Alabama:

How Alabama is Divided

• Alabama uses a zone system (Zone A and Zone B) for deer hunting that affects season dates
• Special Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) have specific regulations
• Alligator hunting is divided into specific management areas (Southwest, West Central, Southeast, and Lake Eufaula)
• Dog deer hunting is prohibited in certain counties without special permits

Zone Boundaries

• Zone A: Covers northern portions of Alabama
• Zone B: Includes southern portions of the state
• County-specific regulations exist for dog deer hunting and stalk hunting

Special Regulations by Area

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands have separate regulations
• U.S. Forest Service lands have special dog deer hunting rules
• Forever Wild Land Trust properties have specific hunting regulations
• Wildlife Management Areas require a WMA license and follow unique season dates

📅 Season Timing & Bag Limits (Brief Overview):

Deer Season

• Typically runs from mid-October through February (varies by zone and hunting method)
• Antlered Buck Limit: Three per hunter during all combined seasons (one per day)
• Special Requirement: One of the three bucks must have at least 4 antler points (1 inch or longer) on one antler
• Doe/Antlerless Deer: Limits vary by zone and specific location

Turkey Season

• Spring season typically runs March through April
• Bag limits typically include up to 5 gobblers per season (specifics may change annually)

Migratory Bird Seasons

• Dove season divided into North and South Zones with a 15 bird daily bag limit
• Waterfowl seasons follow federal frameworks
• Special regulations exist for the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone

Small Game

• Various season dates for squirrel, rabbit, quail, and other small game
• Season typically runs from fall through late winter/early spring

🙋 FAQ Section:

Do I need a license to hunt on private land in Alabama?

Yes, unless you are the landowner and a resident of Alabama. All residents ages 16-64 and non-residents 16 and older must have appropriate licenses to hunt on private land. If you’re hunting on someone else’s land, written permission from the landowner is required in most cases.

Are crossbows legal in Alabama?

Yes, crossbows are legal for hunting in Alabama during all deer hunting seasons. They must have a minimum peak tension of 85 pounds at normal draw length and be equipped with a working safety. Broadheads must have a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch with 2 sharpened edges.

What age can you start hunting in Alabama?

There is no minimum age requirement to hunt in Alabama. However, hunters under 16 must be supervised by a licensed adult hunter. All hunters born after August 1, 1977, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.

Can non-residents hunt big game in Alabama?

Yes, non-residents can hunt big game in Alabama by purchasing the appropriate non-resident hunting licenses. This includes options for all-game hunting or specific game types. Non-residents have the same season dates and bag limits as residents but pay higher license fees.

🔗 Helpful Resources & Official Links:

• Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
• Hunting License Information
• Game Check System
• Alabama Hunting Zones Map
• Wildlife Management Areas
• License Purchase Portal

👋 Conclusion:

Alabama offers some of the most diverse and liberal hunting opportunities in the Southeast, with over 1.3 million acres of public hunting land and generous seasons and bag limits. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, understanding these regulations is essential for a legal, safe, and enjoyable hunting experience.

Remember that hunting regulations can change yearly, so always verify current information through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources before heading out. Follow all safety requirements, respect landowner rights, and practice ethical hunting to preserve Alabama’s rich hunting heritage for future generations.

Plan your hunt well in advance, check season dates for your target species and zones, and make sure you have all required licenses and permits. By staying informed and following regulations, you’ll contribute to wildlife conservation while enjoying Alabama’s abundant natural resources.