Alabama Whitetail Hunting
Plan your Alabama whitetail hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by zone. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land whitetail hunts across Alabama, organized by zone, and book directly with landowners.
Alabama Whitetail Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Archery Season Coosa Wma
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Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters may only harvest antlered bucks on days of antlered buck only deer hunts. Archery hunters must abide by all MANDATORY check station day requirements and gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts.
Archery Season David K. Nelson Wma
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Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice. Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station days.
Cmz Archery-stalk
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Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ). Either Sex. Stalk hunting only.
Archery Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice
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Oct. 16-19 and Oct. 23-26. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit determined through limited quota random selection. Antlered bucks must have inside spread width of 16 inches (outside the ears) or 18 inch main beam (3x length of the ear). Hunters required to record harvest data at kiosk and email pictures to district biologist.
Upper State Special Opportunity Area Archery
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Multiple 4-day hunt windows: Oct. 16-19, Oct. 23-26, Nov. 6-9, Nov. 20-23, Dec. 18-21, Jan. 1-4, Jan. 15-18, Jan. 29-Feb. 1. Antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. Permit holder plus one properly licensed guest per 4-day hunt. Permit determined through limited quota random selection.
Special Hunting Season Zones D & E
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Youth hunters
Statewide youth deer hunting for hunters under 16. Includes all Privately Owned, Leased Lands, and Open Permit - Public Lands (except Wildlife Management Areas) in Zones D & E. Dog deer hunting allowed in counties where permitted during regular dog deer hunting season. Same legal arms and ammunition as Gun Deer Season per Rule 220-2-.119. See 2025-2026 AREA Permits for WMA youth deer hunting dates.
Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice
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Youth hunters
Hunters must submit all harvested deer at check station for data collection. No antler restrictions apply.
Primitive Weapons Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice
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Muzzleloader
Antlered buck restrictions apply for Zone B.
Oak Mountain State Park Bow
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Archery
Hunting permitted through limited quota permit system selected by random computerized selection. Permit holders and their properly licensed guest must be 16 years of age or older. Hunters may only hunt in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Stalk hunting only, no dogs. State buck harvest limits apply. Adult Mentored Hunt: January 8-11, 2026.
Gun Stalk Hunting
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Rifle · Youth hunters
Nov. 6-9. Bag limit of four antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt. Permit determined through limited quota random selection. Permit holder and guest may each bring one youth age 8-15. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair.
Frank Jackson State Park Bow
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Archery
Hunting permitted through limited quota permit system selected by random computerized selection. Permit holder may be accompanied by one youth guest or one properly licensed guest 16 years of age or older. If bringing a youth guest, permit holder must be at least 21 years of age or the parent of the youth guest. Hunter may only hunt in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Stalk hunting only, no dogs.
Zones A & B Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice
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Rifle
Mandatory to bring all deer harvested Nov. 8 and 9 (including archery) to check station for data collection. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Antlered buck restrictions apply for Zone B.
Special Muzzleloader Season Old Cahawba Prairie Complex
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Stalk hunting only, no dogs. Two deer per day, only one may be an antlered buck and only one may be an unantlered deer (except spotted fawns). Antlered bucks must have at least 3 antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.
Zone A Gun Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only
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Rifle
Hunt dates: Nov. 13-16, Nov. 27-30, and Dec. 11-14. Mandatory to bring all deer harvested on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to check station for data collection. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Cmz Special Gun
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Youth hunters
Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ). Either Sex. Special Youth Gun season.
Special Hunting Season Zones A B C & Cmz
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Youth hunters
Statewide youth deer hunting for hunters under 16. Includes all Privately Owned, Leased Lands, and Open Permit - Public Lands (except Wildlife Management Areas) in Zones A, B, C, & CMZ. Dog deer hunting allowed in counties where permitted during regular dog deer hunting season. Same legal arms and ammunition as Gun Deer Season per Rule 220-2-.119. See 2025-2026 AREA Permits for WMA youth deer hunting dates.
Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice
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Youth hunters
Stalk Hunting Season Hunter's Choice
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Youth hunters
Hunters must submit all harvested deer at check station for data collection on Saturday. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Cmz Special Muzzleloader And Air Rifle
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Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ). Either Sex. Privately Owned or Leased Land and Open Permit Public Lands (Stalk Hunting Only).
Primitive Weapons Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice
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Muzzleloader
Primitive Weapons Stalk Hunting Season Hunter's Choice
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Muzzleloader
Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck.
Primitive Weapons Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice
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Muzzleloader
Nov. 18-21. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit determined through limited quota random selection. Antlered bucks must have inside spread width of 16 inches (outside the ears) or 18 inch main beam (3x length of the ear). Hunters required to record harvest data at kiosk and email pictures to district biologist.
Zone B Gun Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only
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Rifle
Hunt dates: Nov. 20-23, Dec. 4-7, and Dec. 18-21. Antlered buck restrictions apply: must have at least four (4) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. Mandatory to bring all deer harvested on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to check station. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice
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Rifle
Cmz Gun -dog Hunting Season Public Land Antlered
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Rifle
Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ). Antlered Bucks Only. On Open Permit Public Lands Where Allowed.
Cmz Gun -stalk Hunting Season Public Land Antlered
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Rifle
Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ). Antlered Bucks Only. On Open Permit Public Land.
Gun Stalk Hunting Season Hunter's Choice Nov-dec
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Rifle
Hunt dates: Nov. 22-23, Nov. 27-30, Dec. 11-14. Dec. 27 BONUS BUCK DAY, must be validated by WFF personnel. MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays (including archery) to check station. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Cmz Gun -dog Hunting Season Private L
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Rifle
Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ). Either Sex. On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only. Where Allowed.
Cmz Gun -stalk Hunting Season Private L
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Rifle
Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ). Either Sex. On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season November
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Rifle · Ages 28–29
Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. MANDATORY check station on Nov. 28 and 29 (including archery). Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season Nov
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Rifle · Ages 29–30
One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 29 (including archery) to the check station across from Mt. Moriah Church or mobile check station on WMA Rd. 817 for data collection. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season December
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Rifle · Youth hunters
Dec. 4-7. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt. Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit determined through limited quota random selection. Permit holder and guest may each bring one youth age 8-15. One gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. Antlered bucks must have inside spread width of 16 inches (outside the ears) or 18 inch main beam (3x length of the ear). Hunters required to record harvest data at kiosk and email pictures to district biologist.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only
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One antlered buck a day. Multiple date windows: Dec. 4-7, Dec. 25-28, Jan. 8-11, Jan. 22-25, Jan. 29 - Feb. 1. Jan. 31 is Bonus Buck day, must be validated by WFF personnel prior to leaving the Area. MANDATORY check station on Dec. 27, Jan. 9-10, Jan. 23-24, and Jan. 30-31 (including archery). Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only
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Date ranges: Dec. 4-7, Dec. 26-29, Jan. 8-11, Jan. 15-18, Jan. 22-25, Jan. 29-Feb. 1. One antlered buck a day. Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested to the check station across from Mt. Moriah Church on Dec. 6, Dec. 27, Jan. 10-11, Jan. 17-18, Jan. 24-25, and Jan. 31-Feb. 1 (including archery) for data collection. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Dog Hunting Hunters Choice
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By Limited quota permit only. Dogs must be approved by DCNR personnel. Antlered buck restrictions apply - must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. Mandatory to bring all deer harvested to check station for data collection. Check station open 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season December
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Rifle
Antlered buck restrictions apply on all units. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Dec. 6 (including archery) to Runaway Branch II access area for data collection. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Primitive Weapons Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season December
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Muzzleloader
Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck.
Cmz Gun -dog Hunting Season Public Land Either Sex
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Rifle
Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ). Either Sex. On Open Permit Public Lands Where Allowed.
Cmz Gun -stalk Hunting Season Public Land Either Sex
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Rifle
Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ). Either Sex. On Open Permit Public Land.
Primitive Weapons Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season Dec
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Muzzleloader
One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Dec. 20 to the check station across from Mt. Moriah Church. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only
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Antlered buck restrictions apply. Season also runs Jan. 1-4, Jan. 15-18, and Feb. 5-8. To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.
Gun Stalk Hunting Season Hunter's Choice Dec
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Rifle · Ages 25–28
Dec. 27 BONUS BUCK DAY, must be validated by WFF personnel. MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays (including archery) to check station. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only Season December
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Ages 25–28
One antlered buck a day. MANDATORY check station on Dec. 27 (including archery). Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season Late December
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Rifle · Youth hunters
Dec. 27-30. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt. Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit determined through limited quota random selection. Permit holder and guest may each bring one youth age 8-15. One gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. Antlered bucks must have inside spread width of 16 inches (outside the ears) or 18 inch main beam (3x length of the ear). Hunters required to record harvest data at kiosk and email pictures to district biologist.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only Season January
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Ages 1–4
Antlered buck restrictions apply. To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season January 6
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Rifle · Youth hunters
Jan. 6-9. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt. Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit determined through limited quota random selection. Permit holder and guest may each bring one youth age 8-15. One gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. Antlered bucks must have inside spread width of 16 inches (outside the ears) or 18 inch main beam (3x length of the ear). Hunters required to record harvest data at kiosk and email pictures to district biologist.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only Season January
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Ages 8–11
One antlered buck a day. MANDATORY check station on Jan. 9-10 (including archery). Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only Season January
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One antlered buck a day. Antlered buck restrictions apply - must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. Mandatory to bring all deer harvested on Jan. 9-10 to check station for data collection. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Feb. 7 is Bonus Buck Day, must be validated by WFF personnel at check station prior to leaving Area.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season January 15
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Rifle · Youth hunters
Jan. 15-18. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt. Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit determined through limited quota random selection. Permit holder and guest may each bring one youth age 8-15. One gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. Antlered bucks must have inside spread width of 16 inches (outside the ears) or 18 inch main beam (3x length of the ear). Hunters required to record harvest data at kiosk and email pictures to district biologist.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only Season January
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Ages 15–18
Antlered buck restrictions apply. To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only
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Antlered buck restrictions apply for Zone B.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season January 22
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Rifle · Youth hunters
Jan. 22-25. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt. Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit determined through limited quota random selection. Permit holder and guest may each bring one youth age 8-15. One gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. Antlered bucks must have inside spread width of 16 inches (outside the ears) or 18 inch main beam (3x length of the ear). Hunters required to record harvest data at kiosk and email pictures to district biologist.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only Season January
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Ages 22–25
One antlered buck a day. MANDATORY check station on Jan. 23-24 (including archery). Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only Season January 29 February 1
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One antlered buck a day. Jan. 31 is Bonus Buck day, must be validated by WFF personnel prior to leaving the Area. MANDATORY check station on Jan. 30-31 (including archery). Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only Season February
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One antlered buck a day. Feb. 7 is Bonus Buck Day, must be validated by WFF personnel at check station prior to leaving Area. Antlered buck restrictions apply - must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. Mandatory to bring all deer harvested on Feb. 6-7 (including archery) to check station for data collection. Check station open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Gun Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice Season February
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Rifle · Youth hunters
Feb. 5-8. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt. Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit determined through limited quota random selection. Permit holder and guest may each bring one youth age 8-15. One gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. Antlered bucks must have inside spread width of 16 inches (outside the ears) or 18 inch main beam (3x length of the ear). Hunters required to record harvest data at kiosk and email pictures to district biologist.
Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only Season February
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Ages 5–8
Antlered buck restrictions apply. To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.
Lake Guntersville State Park Adult Mentored Hunt
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Archery
Hunting permitted exclusively through an Adult Mentored Hunt administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Alabama Whitetail Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Resident Bait Privilege License | OTC | — | $15.00 |
Annual resident bait privilege license fee is $14 plus $1 issuance fee (total $15). Required for hunting whitetail deer or feral swine with the aid of bait on privately owned or leased lands. Persons exempt from purchasing a hunting license are NOT exempt from this requirement. Issuance fee paid to and retained by the issuing office or agency. Fees subject to adjustment per Section 9-11-68. | |||
| Resident Bait Privilege | OTC | — | $18.45 |
Allows taking of white-tailed deer or feral swine by aid of bait, in addition to required hunting licenses. Required of all ages. NO EXCEPTIONS. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Nonresident Bait Privilege License | OTC | — | $51.00 |
Annual nonresident bait privilege license fee is $50 plus $1 issuance fee (total $51). Required for hunting whitetail deer or feral swine with the aid of bait on privately owned or leased lands. Persons exempt from purchasing a hunting license are NOT exempt from this requirement. Issuance fee paid to and retained by the issuing office or agency. Fees subject to adjustment per Section 9-11-68. | |||
| Nonresident Bait Privilege | OTC | — | $63.40 |
Allows taking of white-tailed deer or feral swine by aid of bait, in addition to required hunting licenses. Required of all ages. NO EXCEPTIONS. | |||
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Deer Enclosure Registration | —Deadline July 1, 2025 | — | $2,500.00 |
Annual registration fee of $2,500 per year for enclosures housing game animals of the family cervidae. Registration forms and fees must be submitted on or before July 1 of each year. Fee subject to adjustment per Section 9-11-68. Fees paid into the Game and Fish Fund. Per Act 2022-423, §1. | |||
| Wildlife Management Area License | OTC | — | $22.75 |
Required for hunting big game (deer or turkey) and waterfowl on a WFF WMA in addition to the appropriate hunting license and a Management Area Permit (free). Shooting range users on WMA are required to have a valid hunting license, the Management Area License, or residents may have the Wildlife Heritage license. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Whitetail season in Alabama runs approximately from October 15, 2025 through February 10, 2026, with multiple hunting phases and methods available during this window. Archery seasons begin in mid-October and continue through early February across various areas, including special opportunity zones and wildlife management areas with specific antler restrictions and bag limits. Youth seasons occur in late October and mid-November for hunters under 16. Primitive weapons seasons with muzzleloaders and air rifles run from early November through December, and gun seasons occur in multiple phases from early November through early February with varying antler restrictions and bag limits depending on the zone and hunt dates. Special permit hunts through limited quota random selection occur throughout the season on specific 4-day hunt windows, and dog hunting is permitted by limited quota in early December. Check station requirements and antler restrictions vary by hunt phase, zone, and method of take.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering whitetail hunts in Alabama.
