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WFF District II county · 2026-27
Etowah County Hunting
Etowah County hunting at a glance: zone lines from the ADCNR map, the dates that apply on private and open permit-public land, no listed public area and the services close to Gadsden.
Photo: geopungo (CC BY 2.0)
Land a Etowah County hunter can walk onto
None of the WMAs, SOAs, refuges or disabled hunting areas on our Alabama list lies inside Etowah County, so most hunting here is on private or leased land. A mere 81 acres of the county is public on the layers we used.
A short drive beyond Etowah County
- Fort McClellan Training Center – Clarke Range Complex23 miles out, Calhoun County
- Mountain Longleaf NWR29 miles out, 9,070 acres in Calhoun County
- Shoal Creek Ranger District33 miles out, 119,572 acres in Cleburne County and Calhoun County
- Choccolocco WMA33 miles out, 56,838 acres in Cleburne County
- Indian Mountain Complex (Forever Wild)34 miles out, 1,127 acres in Cherokee County
- Little River Canyon National Preserve35 miles out, 15,641 acres in DeKalb County and Cherokee County
Areas from our Alabama land list (ADCNR WMA area permit maps, the ADCNR Special Opportunity Areas page, ADCNR where to hunt, USFS, USFWS and Corps records); acres by kind from the ADCNR WMA, Forever Wild and SOA layers, USFS, USFWS, PAD-US (Corps, TVA, state parks) and NPS GIS layers (GIS measures, not official acreages). Checked November 1, 2026.
Etowah County deer zone, dates and county rules
A zone boundary crosses Etowah County, leaving Zone C (about 57%) and Zone A (about 42%) by map share. Zone C names Etowah County in its description, limited to the described boundary. No county list exists for Zones A and B; the boundary runs along highways and rivers, so check the official map near it.
Etowah County deer openers and closers
| Item | Zone C | Zone A |
|---|---|---|
| Archery opens | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Youth season | Nov 13–Nov 16 | Nov 13–Nov 16 |
| Muzzleloader window | Nov 16–Nov 20 | Nov 16–Nov 20 |
| Gun deer opens | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 21, 2026 |
| Dogs end, private land | Jan 15, 2027 | Jan 15, 2027 |
| Deer close | Feb 10, 2027 | Feb 10, 2027 |
Zone C allows one unantlered deer a day (plus one antlered) on either-sex dates, half the doe limit of the other zones. The buck limit is three a season (one a day); one of those must have at least 4 points on an antler.
Etowah County and deer dogs
ADCNR puts no county dog restriction on Etowah County; the dog season rows above apply.
Bait and feed in Etowah County
The Bait Privilege License, $18.95 for residents and $65.25 for nonresidents, covers deer and hog bait on private land in Etowah County. Baiting is banned on every WMA, SOA and federal tract.
Zones and dates from the ADCNR deer zones and seasons and 2026-2027 Digest season tables; dog rules from the Digest dog deer section; bait from the ADCNR feeding and baiting rules. Checked November 1, 2026.
2026-27 calendar for Etowah County
65 dated rows reach Etowah County; zone rows are already matched to the county, and the last column compares each with today.
| Animal | Season type | Where | Start | Finish | Right now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Archery | Deer Zone A | Oct 15, 2026 | Feb 10, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth gun | Deer Zone A | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 16, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Muzzleloader and air rifle | Deer Zone A | Nov 16, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, public land | Deer Zone A | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, private land | Deer Zone A | Nov 21, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, public land | Deer Zone A | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, private land | Deer Zone A | Nov 21, 2026 | Feb 10, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, public land | Deer Zone A | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, public land | Deer Zone A | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, public land | Deer Zone A | Jan 4, 2027 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, public land | Deer Zone A | Jan 4, 2027 | Feb 10, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Archery | Deer Zone C | Oct 15, 2026 | Feb 10, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth gun | Deer Zone C | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 16, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Muzzleloader and air rifle | Deer Zone C | Nov 16, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, public land | Deer Zone C | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, private land | Deer Zone C | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, public land | Deer Zone C | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, private land | Deer Zone C | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, private land | Deer Zone C | Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, private land | Deer Zone C | Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, public land | Deer Zone C | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, private land | Deer Zone C | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, public land | Deer Zone C | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, private land | Deer Zone C | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, public land | Deer Zone C | Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, dogs, private land | Deer Zone C | Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, public land | Deer Zone C | Jan 2, 2027 | Feb 10, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun, stalk, private land | Deer Zone C | Jan 2, 2027 | Feb 10, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring youth | Turkey Zone 1 | Mar 13, 2027 | Mar 14, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring, hunters with disabilities | Turkey Zone 1 | Mar 19, 2027 | Mar 19, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring | Turkey Zone 1 | Mar 20, 2027 | May 3, 2027 | |
| Feral hogs | Feral swine | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Feral hogs | Night, with dogs | Statewide | May 8, 2027 | Aug 30, 2027 | |
| Bobwhite quail | Bobwhite quail | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Rabbits | Rabbits | Statewide | Sep 12, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Squirrels | Squirrels | Statewide | Sep 12, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Woodcock | Statewide | Dec 18, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Doves | Segment 1 | Dove North Zone | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 5, 2026 | |
| Doves | Segment 2 | Dove North Zone | Sep 6, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Doves | Segment 3 | Dove North Zone | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Doves | Segment 4 | Dove North Zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| Teal | Special teal season | Statewide | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Youth and veteran day | Statewide | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 21, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Ducks | Statewide | Nov 27, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Ducks | Statewide | Dec 5, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Ducks | Youth and veteran day | Statewide | Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 6, 2027 | |
| Geese | Geese, segment 1 | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | |
| Geese | Geese, segment 2 | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | |
| Geese | Geese, segment 3 | Statewide | Nov 27, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | |
| Geese | Geese, segment 4 | Statewide | Dec 5, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Coots | Coot season | Statewide | Nov 27, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | |
| Coots | Coot season | Statewide | Dec 5, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Mergansers | Merganser season | Statewide | Nov 27, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | |
| Mergansers | Merganser season | Statewide | Dec 5, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Coyote | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Bobcat | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Foxes | Fox | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Raccoon | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Opossum | Opossum | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Beaver, nutria, groundhog | Beaver, nutria, groundhog | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Bullfrogs and pig frogs | Bullfrog and pig frog | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Unprotected birds | Unprotected birds | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Aug 31, 2027 | |
| Rails and gallinules | Marsh birds | Statewide | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| Snipe | Wilson's snipe | Statewide | Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 21, 2027 | |
| Rails and gallinules | Marsh birds | Statewide | Nov 27, 2026 | Jan 26, 2027 |
From the ADCNR seasons and bag limits, the 2026-2027 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest and the 2026-27 Waterfowl Hunting Guide (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), checked November 1, 2026.
Etowah County bird seasons and zones
Spring turkey around Etowah County
The turkey zone list puts Etowah County under Zone 1. Spring turkey dates: March 20 through May 3, 2027. ADCNR's 2025 turkey report shades Etowah County in the 137-208 class, meaning hunters reported between 137 and 208 birds through Game Check; 10 other counties share that class. Across Alabama, reported gobblers fell from 18,263 (2024) to 17,049 (2025).
Etowah County dove dates
Etowah County is a North Zone dove county; the opener is a noon start.
| Segment | From and to |
|---|---|
| Segment 1 | Sep 5 |
| Segment 2 | Sep 6–Oct 18 |
| Segment 3 | Nov 21–Nov 29 |
| Segment 4 | Dec 12–Jan 17 |
Etowah County duck hunting
For ducks and geese, Etowah County follows the statewide zone.
Turkey zones and dates from the Digest turkey section; 2025 harvest class from the 2025 Alabama Wild Turkey Report; dove from the ADCNR dove zones; waterfowl from the 2026-27 Waterfowl Hunting Guide. Checked November 1, 2026.
Offices, towns and shops around Etowah County
Etowah County belongs to WFF District II, run from the office in Jacksonville ((256) 435-5422). About 21 miles separates mid-county from the nearest ADCNR office in Jacksonville. Doors are open Monday to Friday between 9 and 4, with CWD sampling of deer offered if you ring first.
Etowah County communities
Of 22 Census places in Etowah County, 11 are incorporated. Gadsden (33,086), Rainbow City (10,349) and Southside (9,633) are the largest. Census Vintage 2024 puts Etowah County at 103,207 residents, 0.2% below the 2020 base.
- Gadsdenpop. 33,086 · seat
Etowah County processors, taxidermists and shops
Etowah County listings: 2 taxidermists and 10 gear shops. For processors and guides and preserves, look across the line. ADCNR lists supply the HHH processors and CWD partners; other listings are directory entries not checked as open.
Etowah County adjoining counties
| County | Deer | Turkey | Dove | Dogs | Centre to centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee County | Zone A/Zone E | 1 | North | Stalk only | 22 miles |
| Calhoun County | Zone A/Zone E | 1 | North | No rule | 23 miles |
| Marshall County | Zone C/Zone A | 1 | North | Stalk only | 24 miles |
| St. Clair County | Zone A/Zone C | 1 | North | No rule | 28 miles |
| Blount County | Zone C/Zone A | 1 | North | No rule | 31 miles |
| DeKalb County | Zone A | 1 | North | Stalk only | 31 miles |
Offices from the ADCNR WFF district offices page; towns and places from the Census 2024 Gazetteer and Vintage 2024 estimates; services from ADCNR lists (Hunters Helping the Hungry, CWD sampling partners), store locators and Yellow Pages as tagged; neighbours from the Census county adjacency file. Checked November 1, 2026.
Etowah County: ranges, lanes and trap fields
Etowah County has 3 listed ranges; Etowah Public Shooting Range is the public ADCNR option.
Upcoming here
| When, name | Type | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 12-13, 2026 | Gun show | Source page |
Ranges from ADCNR’s range directory and range pages, operators’ own sites and directory listings, checked November 1, 2026.
First and last legal light in Etowah County
Deer, turkey and other resident game may be hunted from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset; ducks, geese and doves stop at sunset.
| Date | Opener or close | Sunrise | Sunset | Deer | Migratory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2026 | Archery opens, A and C | 6:48 a.m. | 6:11 p.m. | 6:18 a.m. to 6:41 p.m. | 6:18 a.m. to 6:11 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Gun deer, A-C | 6:22 a.m. | 4:39 p.m. | 5:52 a.m. to 5:09 p.m. | 5:52 a.m. to 4:39 p.m. |
| Nov 27, 2026 | Two weeks in | 6:28 a.m. | 4:36 p.m. | 5:58 a.m. to 5:06 p.m. | 5:58 a.m. to 4:36 p.m. |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 6:45 a.m. | 4:38 p.m. | 6:15 a.m. to 5:08 p.m. | 6:15 a.m. to 4:38 p.m. |
| Jan 15, 2027 | Mid-January | 6:49 a.m. | 4:56 p.m. | 6:19 a.m. to 5:26 p.m. | 6:19 a.m. to 4:56 p.m. |
| Feb 10, 2027 | Deer close, A-C | 6:35 a.m. | 5:22 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. to 5:52 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. to 5:22 p.m. |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Turkey opener | 6:50 a.m. | 6:55 p.m. | 6:20 a.m. to 7:25 p.m. | 6:20 a.m. to 6:55 p.m. |
Hours rules from the 2026-2027 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest; sunrise and sunset worked out for this location (NOAA solar formula, Central Time), checked against the Digest’s Birmingham table; checked November 1, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
What Etowah County hunters keep asking
Does Etowah County get the early D/E deer dates or the later ones?
The later dates: Zone C and Zone A opens archery on October 15.
Why does this page show turkey numbers but no deer numbers for Etowah County?
ADCNR maps turkey harvest by county class but publishes no county deer harvest.
Which turkey zone number applies across Etowah County?
Zone 1.
Can a deer dog be used on public tracts around Etowah County?
Only if the area permit says so; many WMAs prohibit dog deer hunting.
Which public tract in Etowah County covers the most acres?
No listed area with acres lies in the county.
Does Etowah County have a random-draw SOA hunt?
No; no Special Opportunity Area lies in the county.
Could a black bear be taken legally in Etowah County?
No; there is no open bear season anywhere in Alabama.
Which WFF district office looks after Etowah County?
WFF District II, based in Jacksonville.
Which deer processors on this page sit closest to Etowah County?
Buckstop Deer Processing, Thompson's Meat Processing Co and Live 2 Hunt Tax & Deer Processing, nearest first; call before you drop off a deer.
Answers from the 2026-2027 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest, ADCNR seasons and bag limits, the hunter orange rule, Game Check rules, Code of Alabama 13A-12-1, the ADCNR deer page and the sources above. Checked November 1, 2026.
Before heading to Etowah County woods
Near a zone line in Etowah County, the ADCNR zone map decides which dates apply.
Sources: 2026-2027 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest, ADCNR hunting, Census and the sources in each section. Checked November 1, 2026.
Other photos on this page: fishhawk (CC BY 2.0).