Regulations and license requirements vary from state to state, so it's tough to know what you'll need before heading to a new place to hunt. While most individuals will need a hunting license to hunt in Alabama, there are a few exceptions, mostly for residents of the state. This is a run through of what you'll need to stay legal and what's available to hunt.
Alabama Hunting License Requirements
Alabama residents and their immediate family members who plan to hunt solely on their personal private property are not required to buy a hunting license. Non-residents who own land in Alabama are not exempt and will still need to buy a hunting license. Alabama residents over the age of 65 are not required to purchase the following licenses: recreational hunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, state duck stamp, and wildlife management area permits. These residents must be able to show proof of their age and residence.
Both residents and non-residents under the age of 16 as well as residents who are on military leave don't need to purchase most recreational licenses, but there are some exceptions. All non-residents over the age of 16 must purchase a hunting license. Any hunter born on or after August 1, 1977 must complete an approved hunter education course before purchasing an Alabama license.
How Much Does an Alabama Hunting License Cost?
For 2022-2023, residents can purchase an all game hunting license for $30.25 or a small game hunting license for $20.05. A nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting license costs $15.90, a wildlife heritage license is $12.40, and a wildlife management area license is $20.05. A state duck stamp is $11 on top of the $28 federal fee.
100% physically disabled residents can purchase a license at $6.70. Resident disabled military veterans can also purchase discounted licenses: $15.65 for those 50% and $3.30 for those 100% disabled. The cost of lifetime hunting licenses vary, and prices increase every year on September 1.
Hunting in Alabama is a bit more expensive for non-residents. They can purchase an annual all game hunting license for $350.15. If traveling for a 10-day trip, a non-resident license is available for $216.20. For a 3-day trip it's $152.55. For non-residents hunting small game (basically everything but deer and turkey), they'll pay $114.25 for an annual license, $69.60 for a 10-day trip, or $50.45 for a 3-day trip. Non-resident hunters currently enrolled as college students can purchase an all game license for $30.25 and a small game license for $20.05. The nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting license jumps to $54.15 for non-residents.
Where to Buy an Alabama Hunting License
You can purchase an Alabama hunting license in-person at local probate offices or at one of many licensing agents throughout the state, but buying online directly through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is the easiest option for most people. You can print your documents after your payment processes.
For the 2022-2023 season, hunting licenses are valid from September 1 through August 31.
Alabama now allows hunters to bait for whitetails and hogs only on private land, but all hunters—even those exempt from purchasing other licenses—must purchase a bait privilege license. A bait privilege license runs $16.35 for residents and $55.70 for non-residents.
What Can You Hunt in Alabama?
Alabama offers hunters a wide variety of game to pursue throughout the year. Most hunt whitetails and turkeys, but many out-of-staters travel to Alabama to hunt feral swine—there are no bag limits on hogs. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources doesn't put any bag limits on bobcats, coyotes, foxes, beavers, or groundhogs either.
Squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, possums, and frogs offer fun small game opportunities. The state is also home to a variety of waterfowl, upland birds, and doves. Sandhill cranes and alligators are high on many hunters' lists. Some species such as otters, muskrats, minks, and skunks can only be trapped in Alabama.
Hunting Seasons in Alabama
Deer hunting seasons in Alabama vary by zone, with dedicated seasons for bowhunters, youth, muzzleloaders, airgun hunters, and those hunting with gun dogs. Generally, archery season runs from October through February, and gun seasons open in November. Special regulations apply for chronic wasting disease management zones.
For 2022-2023, turkey season in Zone 1 runs from March 25 through May 8. In Zone 2, it's April 1 through May 8. And in Zone 3 turkey hunting is open November 19-27, December 10 through January 1, and March 25 through May 8.
Seasons and bag limits for all other species vary widely, so be sure to check with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the most up-to-date information.
