Alabama Hunting & Fishing
Season Calendar 2026

Alabama archery-only deer season runs Oct 15–Jan 31, providing hunters with the longest available deer season in the state; any legal bow including compound, recurve, longbow, and crossbow is authorized during this period. The statewide bag limit is one antlered buck per day with a season limit varying by zone, plus antlerless deer on WMAs and private land where bonus antlerless tags apply. A valid Alabama hunting license with the appropriate deer privilege is required, along with a separate WMA license when hunting WMA lands. Mature bucks transition into pre-rut staging behavior during November, making mid-October through mid-November the prime window within the archery season.

Alabama firearms deer season runs Nov 16–Jan 31 for antlered bucks; the state is divided into zones with varying antlerless deer regulations — confirm county-specific antlerless quotas before harvesting does. Legal methods include centerfire rifles, shotguns, handguns, and muzzleloaders during the general firearms season. A valid Alabama hunting license with deer privilege is required; nonresident licenses are available on an annual or 10-day basis. Hunters on WMAs must also possess a WMA license and comply with check station reporting requirements where applicable.

Alabama spring turkey season runs Mar 25–May 5 targeting eastern wild turkeys; only gobblers (male turkeys) and bearded hens are legal during the spring season, and all methods of take including shotgun, archery, and crossbow are legal. The daily bag limit is one gobbler per day with a season limit of five gobblers. HIP certification is not required for wild turkey but a valid Alabama hunting license with turkey privilege is mandatory. Public land hunters on WMAs must obtain a WMA license and should review specific WMA turkey regulations, as some areas have unit-specific closure dates.

Alabama dove season opens Sep 1 with a split structure, typically offering three segments through the fall and winter; hunters must possess a valid Alabama hunting license and be HIP (Harvest Information Program) certified before taking migratory birds. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves, with a possession limit of 45. Field dressing and transport rules require that a fully feathered wing remain attached until the birds reach a personal abode or commercial processor. Many top Alabama dove fields are managed food plots on WMAs requiring a separate WMA permit.

Feral hogs are classified as a non-protected, non-game species in Alabama and may be taken year-round on private land with landowner permission; a valid Alabama hunting license is required unless the hunter is on their own property. No bag limit applies. Hogs may be taken with any legal weapon, including centerfire rifles, shotguns, archery equipment, and knives during legal shooting hours; nighttime hunting with lights is legal on private land. Hogs cause significant agricultural and ecological damage — ADA actively encourages population control and landowners may pursue trapping and removal without a license.