Alabama Deer and Hunting Season Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Alabama Deer Seasons
| Bow and Arrow and Stalk Hunting | Oct. 15 – Feb. 10 |
| Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle | Nov. 15 – Nov. 19 |
| Rifles/Shotguns/Firearms | Nov. 20 – Feb. 10 |
| Dog Deer Hunting (Where Permitted) | Nov. 20 – Jan. 15 |
*Many of the deer season dates and restrictions in Alabama are specific to state zone and differentiate between public or private land. Please visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources page on Deer Hunting for more specific information, a zone by zone breakdown, and detail info on bag limits.
Alabama residents who wish to hunt antlered deer may apply for open permit public lands, which allows them to hunt in certain designated areas during the state’s hunting season. However, it’s important to note that dog deer hunting is prohibited in some areas of Alabama, particularly in those areas close to the Mississippi state line and the national forest boundary east. The sign reads, ‘Dog deer hunting prohibited. In other areas, dog deer hunting is allowed, but only for Alabama residents. If you’re planning to hunt during Alabama deer season, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the state’s hunting seasons and regulations to ensure that you are following all guidelines and requirements.
Doe Tags: During the white-tail antlerless deer season a hunter is permitted one per day.
Alabama Turkey Season
| Zone 1 | Mar. 25th to May 8th |
| Zone 2 | Apr. 1 to May 8th |
| Zone 3 | Nov. 20th to 28th, Dec. 11th to Jan. 1st, Mar. 25th to May 8th |
| Special Youth Hunt | Saturday and Sunday before beginning of Spring Season |
| Special Disabled Hunt | One day before all regular season openings |
* No Decoys allowed for the first 10 days of the season. WMAs and National Forests have additional time and date regulations. For a detailed breakdown as well as bag limits, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources page on Turkey hunting.
Technically it is legal to hunt Turkey with a crossbow. However, there are undoubtedly easier game when using your crossbow and scope. It is also not the most humane method when turkey hunting or any bird.
Alabama Dove Season
| North Zone | Sep. 4, Sep. 5 – Oct. 24, Nov. 20 – Nov. 28, Dec. 18 – Jan. 16 |
| South Zone | Sep. 11, Sep. 12 – Oct. 31, Nov. 20 – Nov. 28, Dec. 18 – Jan. 16 |
*There are a wide range of additional clarifications on where it is legal to hunt doves. For bag limits and a more detailed breakdown, check out the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources page on Dove Hunting.
Smaller Game Seasons
| Duck, Coot, Merganser | Nov. 26 – Nov. 27, Dec. 4 – Jan. 30 |
| Squirrel | Sep. 11 – Mar. 6 |
| Bobcat, Coyote, Fox | Open Season, Daylight Only |
| Rabbit | Sep. 11 – Mar. 6 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov. 6 – Feb. 28 |
| Raccoon | Open Season |
| Opossum | Open Season |
| Mink, Muskrat, Otter, Striped Skunk | Oct. 30 – Feb. 28 |
| Beaver, Nutria, Groundhog | Open Season |
| Woodcock | Dec. 17 – Jan. 30 |
| Snipe | Nov. 13 – Feb. 27 |
| Starlings, Crows, English Sparrows | Open Season, Daylight Only |
| Bullfrog, Pig Frog | Open Season |
If you’re planning on hunting in Alabama, it is essential to be familiar with the state’s hunting laws and regulations. For example, Alabama hunting locations are divided into multiple hunting zones, each with its own hunting regulations and bag limits.
If you plan to participate in gun deer season in Alabama 2023, you must wear hunter-orange clothing, which helps improve visibility and safety while hunting.
Hunters in Alabama are required to have a valid hunting license, which can be obtained by completing a hunter education course. If you were born after 1997, you must complete and pass a hunter safety course and certification, regardless of the weapon you intend to use.
In Alabama, legal hunting bows are defined as longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, or crossbows. It is also worth noting that there are additional regulations surrounding small game hunting in Alabama, such as bag limits, which can be found on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
Always make sure to follow Alabama’s hunting laws and regulations to ensure a safe and successful hunting experience.
Crossbow Regulations
For now, let’s dial in on some crossbow-specific regulations.
Alabama has a statewide network of hunting and target practice facilities available to those with disabilities. Hunters must be properly certified prior to use.
- Hunting with a crossbow is only permitted during the daylight hours with the exception of opossum and raccoon.
- Do not hunt within 100 yards of a home or business without permission to do so by the owner of said property.
- A safety harness is required when hunting from a tree-stand.
- Minimum draw weight is to be no less than 85 pounds at normal draw length.
- Arrows must be a minimum of 14 inches.
- You may use a lighting pin on your scope. However, you are not allowed to use any kind of scope that emits a beam onto your intended target.
- It is illegal to hunt, trap, or kill any animal on a property other than your own without written permission from the property owner.
- Crossbows must be equipped with a safety.
You can check out the rest of our guides on hunting seasons across the United States here.
Or, you can move on to the next state on the list, Alaska.
