Alabama Hunting Laws and Regulations
2007-2008
**Alabama Hunting License Information
2007-2008-Click Here
HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM
All licensed hunters who hunt doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, coots, ducks,
or geese in Alabama are required by Federal law to obtain a Harvest Information
Program (HIP) permit prior to hunting. The HIP program provides improved
data collection on these species. This will allow hunting seasons for
the various species to be set in an objective and efficient manner while
maintaining healthy populations. HIP permits are free and are available
at all hunting license vendors. It takes a very short time to provide
the requested information. In exchange for completing the HIP card, you
will receive a permit to affix to your license.
50 YARD RESTRICTION FROM A PUBLIC ROAD
You may not hunt or discharge a firearm within 50 yards of the right-of-way
of any public road, highway, or railroad with a centerfire rifle, a shotgun
using slugs or shot larger than number four (4) shot or a muzzle loading
rifle .40 or larger. This law significantly impacts deer hunters. It is
illegal to take any action to harvest a deer within the 50 yard restricted
area with a weapon or shot listed above. The law was passed by the State
Legislature to address safety issues.
HUNTER EDUCATION
Successfully completing an approved hunter education course is mandatory
for all hunting license buyers born on or after August 1, 1977, except
AP0ST certified law enforcement officers employed in the state, active
duty U.S. military personnel and Alabama residents who are active members
of the U.S. National Guard. Alabama is one of 49 states which has a mandatory
hunter education program. The Alabama Hunter Education Course is a minimum
of 10 hours of instruction in addition to an examination. Course content
includes hunter responsibility, wildlife laws, wildlife management and
identification, firearms safety, archery, muzzleloading, basic survival
and first aid. Goals of the hunter education program include increasing
awareness of the importance of hunter-landowner relations, hunter behavior,
reducing accident rates and increased knowledge of basic wildlife management
concepts and wildlife laws. This course is also available on CD ROM and
the internet at www.outdooralabama.com.
HUNTING DEFINED
Hunting includes pursuing, shooting, killing, capturing and trapping wild
animals, wild fowl, wild birds, and all lesser acts, such as disturbing,
harrying or worrying, or placing, setting, drawing or using any device
used to take wild animals, wild fowl, wild birds, whether they result
in taking or not, and includes every act of assistance to any person in
taking or attempting to take wild animals, wild fowl or wild birds.
HUNTING PERMISSION REQUIREMENT
It is illegal to hunt, trap, capture, injure, kill or destroy any wild
game on another person’s land without having in possession the written
permission of the landowner or person in control of such land, unless
accompanied by the landowner or a guest of the landowner.
HUNTING LANDS
Land is divided into two categories. Private owned and leased land is
defined as that which is not open to the general public. Open permit-public
land is defined as governmentally owned land open for public hunting and/or
lands made available to the public on an individual basis whether for
a fee or not. Examples of such lands would be National Forest Lands and
lands owned by lumber or utility companies available for use by hunters
either through free permits, fee permits or no permit requirement.
**Alabama Hunting License Information
2004-2005-Click Here
LEGAL HUNTING HOURS
Legal hunting hours for game birds during open season are daylight hours
only (except hunting hours for mourning dove, See page 30. Other migratory
game birds and waterfowl are as specified for each species. Game animals
may be hunted in open season during daylight hours only, except fox and
feral swine may be hunted at night with lights and dogs only, and raccoon
and opossum may be hunted at night with dogs, lights and .22 caliber rimfire
firearm or shotgun with No. 6 or smaller shot during open season with
written permission from the landowner. Certain restrictions apply for
running dogs during spring turkey season (see individual species).
HUNTER ORANGE REQUIREMENT FOR HUNTING
All persons hunting any wildlife species (except waterfowl, turkey and
mourning dove and while hunting legally designated species during legal
nighttime hours) during dates and in areas open by regulation to gun deer
season are required to wear an outer garment above the waist with a minimum
of 144 square inches of hunter orange or either a full-size hunter orange
hat or cap. Hunters are not required to wear hunter orange when hunting
from a stand elevated twelve (12) feet or more from the ground, when hunting
in an enclosed box stand, when traveling in an enclosed vehicle, or when
traveling on foot no more than twenty (20) feet directly between an operating
enclosed vehicle and a stand where the hunter is exempt from the hunter
orange requirement. The hunter orange must be worn when traveling on foot
between an operating enclosed vehicle and exempt stand when the distance
is more than a direct distance of twenty (20) feet. A small logo and/or
printing is permitted on the front of hunter orange caps; otherwise, hunter
orange must be of solid color and visible from any angle. Only hunter
orange, commonly called blaze orange or ten-mile cloth, etc., is legal.
The various shades of red, as well as camo-orange, are not legal.
WATERFOWL HUNTING
Refer to the Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide and the Wildlife & Freshwater
Fisheries Regulation Book, as well as federal regulations, for details
on waterfowl hunting requirements and seasons. A September teal and goose
season has been scheduled. See seasons and bag limits section for information.
REPORT BANDS
To properly manage migratory birds, biologists must know migration patterns,
harvest and survival rates, and ecological processes. Reporting banded
bird recoveries will help provide the needed information. All band reports
are very important. CAll 1-800-327-BAND (2263) to report a recovery. Your
help will greatly benefit waterfowl.
GAME ANIMALS
The following are designated as game animals in Alabama: bear, beaver,
coyote, deer, fox, opossum, wild rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, nutria, mountain
lion (cougar), groundhog, bobcat, feral swine (wild hog). *SEE PROTECTED
SPECIES on page 10.
**Alabama Hunting License Information
2004-2005-Click Here
Alabama's Hunting & Fishing Trail for People with Physical Disabilities
Alabama has a statewide network of hunting, fishing, and shooting sites
for people with physical disabilities. There are no requirements to preregister
to use the fishing and shooting facilities but those using the hunting
sites (see page 10) must be approved in advance including certification
that they meet disability guidelines. Users must be properly licensed
and abide by all laws and regulations. Call (334) 242-3469 for additional
information.
GAME BIRDS
The following are designated as game birds in Alabama: resident species
— bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, wild turkey; migratory species
— wild duck, wild goose, brant, rail, sora, coot, common snipe,
woodcock, mourning dove, purple gallinule, common moorhen and merganser.
*PROTECTED SPECIES
All birds except English sparrows, crows, starlings and blackbirds are
protected by state law. Game birds and game animals may only be taken
during open season for hunting. There is no open season in Alabama for
BEAR, MOUNTAIN LION (COUGAR) AND RUFFED GROUSE. Other wildlife species
are protected by the nongame species regulation.
FURBEARING ANIMALS
The following are designated as furbearing animals in Alabama: beaver,
bobcat, spotted skunk (civet cat), fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum,
otter, raccoon, skunk and coyote.
**Alabama Hunting License Information
2004-2005-Click Here
ARCHERY EQUIPMENT USED FOR HUNTING DEER AND TURKEY
Longbows, including recurve and compound bows, legal for hunting deer
and turkey, must have minimum tension (draw weight) of 35 pounds. Maximum
allowable draw reduction (let-off) is 90 percent at full draw. Arrows
must be 20-inch minimum length and equipped with a sharpened broadhead.
Broadheads must have a minimum weight of 100 grains. The minimum cutting
diameter for any broadhead shall be 7/8 inch. Expandable broadheads shall
have a minimum 7/8-inch cutting diameter after expansion of the broadhead.
The minimum thickness for fixed blade broadheads shall be .015 inch, and
the minimum thickness for expandable broadheads shall be .025 inch.
Crossbows must have a minimum peak tension of 100 lbs. and must have a
working safety. Arrows or bolts must be a minimum of 14 inches in length.
Lighted pin sights are legal. Laser sights, attachments and light sources
to project a beam forward of the bow are illegal for hunting.
Sights on all bows with magnification or computational capabilities are prohibited.
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS
The Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division manages 34 Wildlife Management
Areas (WMAs) to provide public hunting opportunities. Consult the Management
Area Season Leaflet and the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation
Book for hunting dates and regulations governing hunting on these areas.
A valid permit must be in possession prior to carrying a firearm or bow
and arrow on any Wildlife Management Area. Before hunting, hunters are
required to have proper hunting licenses and management area permits.
In addition, WMA hunters must also possess the Management Area License. Shooting range users on WMAs are required to have a valid hunting license or the Management Area License. For locations, see map on page 43.
DESIGNATED AREAS FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED HUNTERS
Specific areas are reserved primarily for use by physically disabled hunters.
These areas are open to deer hunting on designated days during gun deer
season. To hunt these areas, hunters must possess proper hunting license,
a certificate of qualification and reserve hunting dates in advance. Application
forms and information on these designated areas are available from the
Wildlife Section, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
64 N. Union St., Suite 584, Montgomery, AL 36104, (334) 242-3469.
**Alabama Hunting License Information
2004-2005-Click Here
SPECIAL YOUTH HUNTS
Youth who have not yet reached their sixteenth birthday have the opportunity
to participate in special hunts. The special deer hunt is scheduled for
the Saturday before the opening of gun season. Each youth must be accompanied
by a non-hunting, properly-licensed adult 25 years of age or older, or
the parent of the youth, and wear hunter orange (adult must also).
The opportunity for youth to hunt turkey on several WMAs will be offered
on the Saturdays prior to the regular opening days. The same regulations
apply as for the youth deer hunt, except hunter orange does not have to
be worn while hunting turkey.
A special youth waterfowl hunt is offered statewide. The Alabama Waterfowl
Hunting Guide should be referred to for rules and regulations.
Those interested in any of these special youth hunts should contact the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division’s Wildlife Section, 334-242-3469, for more details.
YOUTH DOVE HUNTS
Fields located throughout Alabama will offer exclusive youth dove hunts
on selected Saturday afternoons beginning on the opening date. To participate,
an adult (25 years of age or older) must be accompanied by youth(s) less
than 16 years old. These hunts are designed to maximize youth participation
and foster mentoring by the adults. Information advertising the various
hunts will be posted locally or you may call the nearest district office
for information (see page 3).
SHOOTING RANGES
The Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division recognizes the increased
need for public facilities where individuals can safely discharge firearms.
The Division operates and maintains shooting ranges open to the public
on Barbour, Black Warrior, Cahaba River, Choccolocco, Coosa, Freedom Hills,
Sam R. Murphy, Swan Creek and James D. Martin-Skyline Wildlife Management
Areas and at the Etowah Public Shooting Range near Gadsden. Most ranges
offer shooting opportunities from 25 to 100 yards. Ranges are constructed
with revenue from the sale of hunting licenses and matching Federal Aid
Funds and are utilized by recreational shooters, competitive shooters,
hunters and other shooting enthusiasts.
Follow all firearms safety and handling rules while utilizing public
shooting ranges. For more information on shooting ranges, please call
the area wildlife biologist or the Hunter Education Office at (334) 242-3620.
A WMA License or valid hunting license is required to use the shooting
ranges.
**Alabama Hunting License Information
2004-2005-Click Here
ALWAYS WEAR A SAFETY BELT
Falling from treestands is the leading cause of injuries to hunters in
Alabama. Injuries from treestand accidents could be minimized or prevented
by wearing a safety belt or harness. Alabama regulations now require all
hunters utilizing a treestand on wildlife management areas to wear a safety
belt or harness.
Always use a pull-up rope to pull equipment from the ground to your treestand. Never carry a gun, bow, or other equipment while climbing up or down a treestand. Always pull guns up to your treestand unloaded. The use of portable treestands is highly recommended. Never erect permanent stands without landowner permission.
SALE OF GAME BIRDS AND GAME ANIMALS
It is illegal in Alabama to sell any game bird or game animal or any part
of the animal, except lawfully taken deer hides, deer hooves and squirrel
skins, hides and tails. Finished product items such as gloves, shoes,
clothing, jewelry, tanned deer hides and similar products may be sold.
Exceptions also apply to certain animals classified as both game animal
and furbearing animal.
FINES INCREASED
Live White-tailed deer and elk may not be imported into Alabama
It is illegal to import any live member of the deer family (Cervidae)
including deer, elk, caribou, moose, etc. This is our best defense against
diseases that could devastate Alabama’s deer herd. Recognizing the
serious threat that the illegal transportation of live Cervidae into Alabama
poses, the Alabama legislature increased the maximum fine for each violation
to $5000. Should you become aware of any live deer being transported within
Alabama, it is important to notify the Division immediately. You may call
the game watch number at 1-800-272-4263.
Alabama’s deer herd is an extremely important segment of our wildlife
resources. The White-tailed deer is the most popular game animal from
both a recreational and economic viewpoint. This herd, through proper
management, has the potential to produce high quality deer. It is extremely
important that this herd receives protection from sources that could cause
harm. This is one reason it is illegal to import deer from outside Alabama.
Any time a deer is moved, all its bacteria, viruses, diseases and parasites
such as worms and ticks go along. Provisions such as “health certificates”
do not ensure that animals are disease free. Diseases of concern to our
deer populations are unlikely to move into Alabama unless they come here
with infected deer. This risk of disease transmission to our native herd
is too great. Recent outbreaks of both chronic wasting disease, commonly
referred to as CWD, and bovine tuberculosis in other parts of the country
demonstrate the wisdom of that ban. Many other states have recently banned
or are in the process of banning the importation of deer.
**Alabama Hunting License Information
2004-2005-Click Here
DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Alabama Cooperative Deer Management Assistance Program (DMP) was developed
in 1984 to assist those who wish to intensify deer management on their
lands. Over 470 land ownerships and hunting clubs covering more than 1.0
million acres are enrolled as DMP cooperators. Wildlife biologists are
assigned to help cooperators develop deer management plans and harvest
strategies. Conservation Enforcement Officers assist with legal aspects
of the program. Cooperators collect biological information from deer taken
on their lands each year. Analysis of the data results in a status report
and deer management recommendations which are provided to each cooperator
before the following hunting season. A fee is charged for participation
in this program. For more information, contact the nearest Wildlife Section
district office.
FOREVER WILD PROGRAM
The Forever Wild Program was adopted by Alabama voters in November, 1992,
to set aside land for permanent state ownership using a portion of the
interest earned on profits from the sale of offshore natural gas. The
land, to be used for hunting, fishing, camping, outdoor recreation, natural
resource protection and research and preservation of unique sites, will
be acquired from willing sellers at no taxpayer cost and will belong to
you, the public.
The 15-member Forever Wild Board reviews all nominated tracts for purchase and establishes a priority purchase authorization. The Forever Wild Program will allow a steady acquisition effort to build a public land base to meet the needs of Alabama citizens and provide natural resource protection and management to accommodate hunters, hikers, campers and other outdoor recreationists. For further information, contact the Lands Division at (334) 242-3484.
NONGAME WILDLIFE PROGRAM
Since 1984 the Nongame Wildlife Program has been charged with the conservation
of the nongame animals of this state — animals that are neither
caught, hunted nor trapped. With over 900 nongame vertebrate species of
animals native to this state, as well as thousands more invertebrates
such as butterflies, crayfish, mussels and snails, this is a formidable
task indeed. Funding for the Nongame Wildlife Program does not include
any state general funds — not a penny of taxpayer dollars. Conservationists
support the program through the nongame checkoff on state tax returns,
direct donations, and from hunting license fees.
**Alabama Hunting License Information
2004-2005-Click Here
PROHIBITED METHODS OF HUNTING
The following are prohibited methods of hunting in the State of Alabama
as condensed from the laws and regulations. Consult the Alabama Game,
Fish and Wildlife Law Book and the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries
Regulation Book for the entire law or regulation.
It is ILLEGAL to:
1. Hunt any area where baiting/feeding has occurred until 10 days after
all bait/feed has been removed or consumed.
2. Hunt any game animal or bird with a gun or bow and arrow except during
daylight hours, with the exception of raccoon and opossum which may be
hunted at night as prescribed by law.
3. Shoot or hunt a turkey from a treestand with a firearm. All other legal
game animals and birds may be taken with a bow and arrow or firearm from
a treestand.
4. Take a deer, whether dead or alive, from the waters of this State.
5. Use live decoys except when hunting unprotected birds or animals.
6. Use electronic bird calls except for crow calls. Electronic calls may
be used to call predators during daylight hours only during open hunting
season for that species.
7. Hunt by the aid of fire or smoke, whether man-made or natural.
8. Hunt resident birds or animals on any floodwaters or backwaters, or
islands less than 40 acres created by such.
9. Hunt or discharge a firearm from, upon or across any public road or
railroad, or the rights of way of any public road or railroad. You may
not hunt or discharge a firearm within 50 yards of the right-of-way of
any public road, highway, or railroad with a centerfire rifle, a shotgun
using slugs or shot larger than number four (4) shot or a muzzle loading
rifle .40 or larger.
10. Willfully throw or cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight or artificial
light from any motor vehicle while the vehicle is on any highway or public
road and casting said light on any real property, between the hours of
sunset and sunrise.
11. Concentrate, drive, rally, molest, hunt, take, capture or kill any
bird or animal from or by the aid of any automobile, ATV, airplane, train,
motor boat, sailboat or any other type mechanically propelled device.
Persons may hunt from a floating craft or motor vehicle once the motor
is shut off and all forward motion has ceased. It is not legal to hunt
from a vehicle on a public road.
12. Destroy the sex of deer or wild turkey to evade prosecution for any
law or regulation.
13. Kill unantlered deer except during hunters’ choice seasons as
set by the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division.
14. Hunt wild turkeys with the aid of a dog.
15. Hunt with dogs during daytime or after 3:00 a.m. during spring turkey
season.
16. Take or attempt to take or have in possession more than the daily
bag limit of any game bird or animal. Possession limit does not apply
to deer and/or turkey provided not more than one deer and/or one turkey
is taken on any one day (except two deer per day, one of which may be
antlered, may be taken during the hunters’ choice gun season). On
DMP lands using valid tags, three deer, no more than one of which is an
antlered buck, may be taken on one day. Possession limit of one day’s
bag limit does not apply to legally taken game birds or animals after
they have been processed or stored in a cooler or freezer at home or a
commercial processing plant.
17. Import, possess, sell or offer to sell live: any species of mongoose,
any species of wild rabbit or hare and any deer, raccoon, fox, skunk,
coyote, wild turkey or wild rodents from any area outside of Alabama.
(Also, see Sale of Game Birds and Game Animals, page 11.)
18. Release any tame or wild turkey into any of the wild areas of the
state.
19. Possess both gun and bow while hunting any species of game bird or
animal except during open hunter’s choice gun deer season.
20. Hunt using laser sights, attachments and light sources to project
a beam forward of a gun or bow.
21. Hunt using poison, explosives or chemicals to include deer blocks,
molasses blocks, mineral blocks, chemical licks, and similar products.
Deer may be hunted over plain salt licks containing no other minerals
or chemicals.
22. To have in possession any protected live wild bird or wild animal.
23. To trail wounded game onto property where the hunter does not have
permission to enter.
24. Release wild hogs into areas except where trapped.
Many dogs used by hunters in the pursuit of game animals accidentally
become separated from their owners. These dogs are very valuable to these
hunters. Every effort should be made to reunite lost dogs with their owners.
This is the humane, ethical and legal thing to do.
**Alabama Hunting License Information 2004-2005-Click Here
2007-08
Hunting and Fishing Digest (Pages 1-24) 
(File Size 3.7 meg. This may take several minutes to download)
2007-08
Hunting and Fishing Digest (Pages 25-60)
(File Size 1.7 meg)