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Alabama › Hunting seasons

Hunting seasons

Alabama Hunting Seasons

Every 2026-27 season row: deer zones, turkey zones, doves, waterfowl, small game, furbearers and alligators.

Open nowAll rowsDeer zones
169Rows
31Species
Aug 8First opener

Photo: ShenandoahNPS (Public domain)

How the Alabama season list is built

This page lists all 169 season rows in the 2026-27 Alabama data, for 31 species values, grouped by species. Deer rows run by Zones A to E and the CWD Management Zone, turkey rows by Zones 1 to 3 and two WMA and national forest groups, dove rows by the North and South zones, and alligator rows by the five management areas; waterfowl, small game and furbearer rows are statewide. Rows with no closed season carry the license year, September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027. Rows without dates are the closed species and the WMA and national forest deer rows, whose dates are set on each area permit. The nighttime feral hog and coyote rows have no closing date yet because the 2027-28 archery opener had not been set. Federal migratory frameworks were not final when the Digest was printed; the July 30 waterfowl guide repeats the same dates.

169Season rows
163With dates
31Species values
81Deer rows

From the ADCNR seasons and bag limits, the 2026-2027 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest, the 2026-27 Waterfowl Hunting Guide and the 2026 Alligator Study Guide, checked November 1, 2026.

All 169 Alabama season rows for 2026-27

SpeciesSeasonZone or areaOpensClosesDaysNote
White-tailed deerArcheryZone AOct 15, 2026Feb 10, 2027119Either sex
White-tailed deerYouth gunZone ANov 13, 2026Nov 16, 20264Either sex
White-tailed deerMuzzleloader and air rifleZone ANov 16, 2026Nov 20, 20265Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone ANov 21, 2026Feb 10, 202782Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone ANov 21, 2026Dec 11, 202621Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone ADec 12, 2026Jan 3, 202723Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone AJan 4, 2027Feb 10, 202738Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone ANov 21, 2026Jan 15, 202756Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone ANov 21, 2026Dec 11, 202621Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone ADec 12, 2026Jan 3, 202723Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone AJan 4, 2027Jan 15, 202712Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerArchery, bucks onlyZone BOct 15, 2026Oct 24, 202610Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerArcheryZone BOct 25, 2026Feb 10, 2027109Either sex
White-tailed deerYouth gunZone BNov 13, 2026Nov 16, 20264Either sex
White-tailed deerMuzzleloader and air rifleZone BNov 16, 2026Nov 20, 20265Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone BNov 21, 2026Feb 10, 202782Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone BNov 21, 2026Dec 11, 202621Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone BDec 12, 2026Jan 3, 202723Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone BJan 4, 2027Feb 10, 202738Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone BNov 21, 2026Jan 15, 202756Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone BNov 21, 2026Dec 11, 202621Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone BDec 12, 2026Jan 3, 202723Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone BJan 4, 2027Jan 15, 202712Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerArcheryZone COct 15, 2026Feb 10, 2027119Either sex
White-tailed deerYouth gunZone CNov 13, 2026Nov 16, 20264Either sex
White-tailed deerMuzzleloader and air rifleZone CNov 16, 2026Nov 20, 20265Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone CNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 20269Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone CNov 30, 2026Dec 11, 202612Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone CDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone CJan 2, 2027Feb 10, 202740Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone CNov 21, 2026Dec 11, 202621Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone CDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone CJan 2, 2027Feb 10, 202740Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone CNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 20269Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone CNov 30, 2026Dec 11, 202612Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone CDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone CJan 2, 2027Jan 15, 202714Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone CNov 21, 2026Dec 11, 202621Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone CDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone CJan 2, 2027Jan 15, 202714Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerArcheryZone DOct 1, 2026Jan 15, 2027107Either sex
White-tailed deerLate archery, bucks onlyZone DJan 16, 2027Jan 27, 202712Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerYouth gunZone DOct 30, 2026Nov 2, 20264Either sex
White-tailed deerMuzzleloader and air rifleZone DNov 2, 2026Nov 6, 20265Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone DNov 7, 2026Nov 20, 202614Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone DNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 20269Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone DNov 30, 2026Dec 11, 202612Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone DDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone DJan 2, 2027Jan 27, 202726Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone DNov 7, 2026Dec 11, 202635Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone DDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone DJan 2, 2027Jan 27, 202726Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone DNov 7, 2026Nov 20, 202614Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone DNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 20269Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone DNov 30, 2026Dec 11, 202612Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone DDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone DNov 7, 2026Dec 11, 202635Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone DDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerArcheryZone EOct 1, 2026Jan 15, 2027107Either sex
White-tailed deerLate archery, bucks onlyZone EJan 16, 2027Jan 27, 202712Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerYouth gunZone EOct 30, 2026Nov 2, 20264Either sex
White-tailed deerMuzzleloader and air rifleZone ENov 2, 2026Nov 6, 20265Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone ENov 7, 2026Jan 15, 202770Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landZone EJan 16, 2027Jan 27, 202712Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone ENov 7, 2026Dec 11, 202635Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone EDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landZone EJan 2, 2027Jan 27, 202726Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landZone ENov 7, 2026Jan 1, 202756Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone ENov 7, 2026Dec 11, 202635Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landZone EDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 202721Either sex
White-tailed deerArcheryCWD Management ZoneOct 15, 2026Feb 10, 2027119Either sex
White-tailed deerYouth gunCWD Management ZoneNov 13, 2026Nov 16, 20264Either sex
White-tailed deerMuzzleloader and air rifleCWD Management ZoneNov 16, 2026Nov 20, 20265Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, private landCWD Management ZoneNov 21, 2026Feb 10, 202782Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landCWD Management ZoneNov 21, 2026Dec 11, 202621Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, stalk, public landCWD Management ZoneDec 12, 2026Feb 10, 202761Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, private landCWD Management ZoneNov 21, 2026Jan 15, 202756Either sex
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landCWD Management ZoneNov 21, 2026Dec 11, 202621Antlered bucks only
White-tailed deerGun, dogs, public landCWD Management ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 15, 202735Either sex
White-tailed deerU.S. Forest Service lands (stalk hunting)National Forests (outside WMAs)No datesOne deer per day
White-tailed deerWMA, SOA and Community Hunting Area huntsWMAs/SOAsNo datesPer AREA Permit; bonus buck as stated
Wild turkeySpring youthTurkey Zone 1Mar 13, 2027Mar 14, 20272Decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpring, hunters with disabilitiesTurkey Zone 1Mar 19, 2027Mar 19, 20271Participants must meet 220-2-.109(2)(d) medical requirements
Wild turkeySpringTurkey Zone 1Mar 20, 2027May 3, 202745Decoys allowed all season (2026-27 change)
Wild turkeySpring youthTurkey Zone 2Mar 20, 2027Mar 21, 20272Decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpring, hunters with disabilitiesTurkey Zone 2Mar 26, 2027Mar 26, 20271Decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpringTurkey Zone 2Mar 27, 2027May 3, 202738Decoys allowed all season (2026-27 change)
Wild turkeyFall, first segmentTurkey Zone 3Nov 14, 2026Nov 22, 20269NO decoys
Wild turkeyFall, second segmentTurkey Zone 3Dec 12, 2026Dec 27, 202616NO decoys
Wild turkeySpring youthTurkey Zone 3Mar 13, 2027Mar 14, 20272Decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpring, hunters with disabilitiesTurkey Zone 3Mar 19, 2027Mar 19, 20271Decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpringTurkey Zone 3Mar 20, 2027May 3, 202745Decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpring youthBankhead district, north WMAsMar 20, 2027Mar 20, 20271Daylight to 1 p.m.; decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpring, hunters with disabilitiesBankhead district, north WMAsMar 26, 2027Mar 26, 20271Daylight to 1 p.m.; decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpringBankhead district, north WMAsMar 27, 2027May 3, 202738Daylight to 1 p.m.; decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpring youthOther forests and WMAsMar 13, 2027Mar 13, 20271Daylight to 1 p.m.; decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpring, hunters with disabilitiesOther forests and WMAsMar 19, 2027Mar 19, 20271Daylight to 1 p.m.; decoys allowed
Wild turkeySpringOther forests and WMAsMar 20, 2027May 3, 202745Daylight to 1 p.m.; decoys allowed
DovesSegment 1North ZoneSep 5, 2026Sep 5, 20261Noon to sunset (opening day afternoon only)
DovesSegment 2North ZoneSep 6, 2026Oct 18, 2026431/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
DovesSegment 3North ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 202691/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
DovesSegment 4North ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 17, 2027371/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
DovesSegment 1South ZoneSep 12, 2026Sep 12, 20261Noon to sunset (opening day afternoon only)
DovesSegment 2South ZoneSep 13, 2026Oct 25, 2026431/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
DovesSegment 3South ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 202691/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
DovesSegment 4South ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 17, 2027371/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
TealSpecial teal seasonStatewideSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 202696/day
DucksDucksStatewide (Delta zone rules)Nov 27, 2026Nov 28, 202621/2 hour before sunrise to sunset elsewhere
DucksDucksStatewide (Delta zone rules)Dec 5, 2026Jan 31, 2027581/2 hour before sunrise to sunset elsewhere
DucksYouth and veteran dayStatewideNov 21, 2026Nov 21, 20261Regular waterfowl bag limits
DucksYouth and veteran dayStatewideFeb 6, 2027Feb 6, 20271Regular waterfowl bag limits
CootsCoot seasonStatewideNov 27, 2026Nov 28, 2026215/day; possession 3x daily
CootsCoot seasonStatewideDec 5, 2026Jan 31, 20275815/day; possession 3x daily
MergansersMerganser seasonStatewideNov 27, 2026Nov 28, 202625/day, max 2 hooded; possession 3x daily
MergansersMerganser seasonStatewideDec 5, 2026Jan 31, 2027585/day, max 2 hooded; possession 3x daily
GeeseGeese, segment 1StatewideSep 5, 2026Oct 4, 2026301/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
GeeseGeese, segment 2StatewideOct 17, 2026Oct 31, 2026151/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
GeeseGeese, segment 3StatewideNov 27, 2026Nov 28, 202621/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
GeeseGeese, segment 4StatewideDec 5, 2026Jan 31, 2027581/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
Sandhill craneSandhill crane (limited quota permit)North Alabama crane zoneNov 27, 2026Jan 3, 202738Residents and AL lifetime license holders 16+; 750 permits drawn (3 tags each, 2,250 tags)
Sandhill craneSandhill crane (limited quota permit)North Alabama crane zoneJan 11, 2027Jan 25, 202715Residents and AL lifetime license holders 16+; 750 permits drawn (3 tags each, 2,250 tags)
Rails and gallinulesKing, clapper, Virginia rail, sora, gallinuleStatewideSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026915/day aggregate
Rails and gallinulesKing, clapper, Virginia rail, sora, gallinuleStatewideNov 27, 2026Jan 26, 20276115/day aggregate
WoodcockWoodcockStatewideDec 18, 2026Jan 31, 2027453/day
SnipeWilson's snipeStatewideNov 7, 2026Feb 21, 20271078/day
SquirrelsSquirrelsStatewideSep 12, 2026Feb 28, 20271708/day, 8 in possession
RabbitsRabbitsStatewideSep 12, 2026Feb 28, 20271708/day, 8 in possession
Bobwhite quailBobwhite quailStatewideNov 7, 2026Feb 28, 20271148/day, 8 in possession
RaccoonRaccoonStatewideLicense yearNo closed season (start/end = license year)
OpossumOpossumStatewideLicense yearNo limit
Beaver, nutria, groundhogBeaver, nutria, groundhogStatewideLicense yearNo limit
Unprotected birdsUnprotected birdsStatewideLicense yearNo limit
Bullfrogs and pig frogsBullfrog and pig frogStatewideLicense year20 in aggregate per person, noon to noon
BobcatBobcatStatewideLicense yearNo limit
FoxesFoxStatewideLicense yearNo limit
CoyoteCoyoteStatewideLicense yearNo limit
CoyoteNight seasonDeer Zone AFeb 11, 2027Not setNo limit
CoyoteNight seasonDeer Zone BFeb 11, 2027Not setNo limit
CoyoteNight seasonDeer Zone CFeb 11, 2027Not setNo limit
CoyoteNight seasonCWD Management ZoneFeb 11, 2027Not setNo limit
CoyoteNight seasonDeer Zone DJan 28, 2027Not setNo limit
CoyoteNight seasonDeer Zone EJan 28, 2027Not setNo limit
Feral hogsFeral swineStatewideLicense yearNo limit
Feral hogsNight seasonDeer Zone AFeb 11, 2027Not setNo limit
Feral hogsNight seasonDeer Zone BFeb 11, 2027Not setNo limit
Feral hogsNight seasonDeer Zone CFeb 11, 2027Not setNo limit
Feral hogsNight seasonCWD Management ZoneFeb 11, 2027Not setNo limit
Feral hogsNight seasonDeer Zone DJan 28, 2027Not setNo limit
Feral hogsNight seasonDeer Zone EJan 28, 2027Not setNo limit
Feral hogsNight, with dogsStatewideMay 8, 2027Aug 30, 2027115No limit
Furbearer trappingTrappingStatewideOct 31, 2026Feb 28, 2027121No limit
Nuisance trappingTrappingStatewideLicense yearNo limit
AlligatorAlligator hunt 1Southwest AMAAug 13, 2026Aug 16, 20264Sunset 2nd Thursday in August to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 2Southwest AMAAug 20, 2026Aug 23, 20264Sunset 3rd Thursday in August to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 3Southwest AMASep 10, 2026Sep 13, 20264Sunset 2nd Thursday in September to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 1Coastal AMAAug 13, 2026Aug 16, 20264Sunset 2nd Thursday in August to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 2Coastal AMAAug 20, 2026Aug 23, 20264Sunset 3rd Thursday in August to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 3Coastal AMASep 10, 2026Sep 13, 20264Sunset 2nd Thursday in September to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator seasonSoutheast AMAAug 8, 2026Sep 7, 202631Sunset 2nd Saturday in August to sunrise 1st Monday in September
AlligatorAlligator hunt 1West Central AMAAug 13, 2026Aug 16, 20264Sunset 2nd Thursday in August to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 2West Central AMAAug 20, 2026Aug 23, 20264Sunset 3rd Thursday in August to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 3West Central AMASep 10, 2026Sep 13, 20264Sunset 2nd Thursday in September to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 1Lake Eufaula AMAAug 13, 2026Aug 16, 20264Sunset 2nd Thursday in August to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 2Lake Eufaula AMAAug 20, 2026Aug 23, 20264Sunset 3rd Thursday in August to sunrise the following Sunday
AlligatorAlligator hunt 3Lake Eufaula AMASep 10, 2026Sep 13, 20264Sunset 2nd Thursday in September to sunrise the following Sunday
Black bearNo open seasonStatewideNo datesNone
Mountain lionNo open seasonStatewideNo datesNone
Ruffed grouseNo open seasonStatewideNo datesNone
Red wolfNo open seasonStatewideNo datesNone

Every row from regs.json seasons, with its source URL in the data; checked November 1, 2026.

Alabama season spans by species

SpeciesGroupRowsSpan
White-tailed deerBig game81Oct 1–Feb 10
Wild turkeyBig game17Nov 14–May 3
DovesMigratory game birds8Sep 5–Jan 17
TealWaterfowl1Sep 12–Sep 20
DucksWaterfowl4Nov 21–Feb 6
CootsWaterfowl2Nov 27–Jan 31
MergansersWaterfowl2Nov 27–Jan 31
GeeseWaterfowl4Sep 5–Jan 31
Sandhill craneMigratory game birds2Nov 27–Jan 25
Rails and gallinulesMigratory game birds2Sep 12–Jan 26
WoodcockMigratory game birds1Dec 18–Jan 31
SnipeMigratory game birds1Nov 7–Feb 21
SquirrelsSmall game1Sep 12–Feb 28
RabbitsSmall game1Sep 12–Feb 28
Bobwhite quailSmall game1Nov 7–Feb 28
RaccoonFurbearers1License year
OpossumFurbearers1License year
Beaver, nutria, groundhogSmall game1License year
Unprotected birdsFrogs and unprotected birds1License year
Bullfrogs and pig frogsFrogs and unprotected birds1License year
BobcatFurbearers1License year
FoxesFurbearers1License year
CoyoteFeral hogs and coyotes7License year
Feral hogsFeral hogs and coyotes8Jan 28–Aug 30
Furbearer trappingFurbearers1Oct 31–Feb 28
Nuisance trappingFeral hogs and coyotes1License year
AlligatorBig game13Aug 8–Sep 13
Black bearProtected, no open season1No season
Mountain lionProtected, no open season1No season
Ruffed grouseProtected, no open season1No season
Red wolfProtected, no open season1No season

Summarised from the rows above, checked November 1, 2026.

Alabama season guides by topic

Deer zones

Zones A to E and the CMZ

CWD Management Zone

Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin

Turkey zones

Turkey Zones 1-3

Dove zones

North and South

Waterfowl zones

Statewide and the Delta

Dog deer hunting

16 permit, 29 stalk-only counties

Baiting and feeding

Bait Privilege License

SOA draw hunts

13 areas

Alligator areas

Five management areas

Related season guides: every season

Deer zones

Zones A to E and the CMZ

Turkey zones

Turkey Zones 1-3

Waterfowl zones

Statewide and the Delta

SOA draw hunts

13 areas

All speciesHunting lawsDraw hunts and permits
Flock of wild turkeys crossing a rural road near an old barn
Flock of wild turkeys crossing a rural road near an old barnPhoto: Marion Doss (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mallard drakes drying off on a grassy creek bank
Mallard drakes drying off on a grassy creek bankPhoto: Matthew Fauver (CC BY 2.0)
Ducks on a dark creek between snowy wooded banks after a winter snow
Ducks on a dark creek between snowy wooded banks after a winter snowPhoto: Carol VanHook (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Alabama season questions

When are the 2027 alligator dates?

Not set; the 2026 hunts ran in August and September by area, and ADCNR had not published 2027 dates when checked.

Is there a black bear season in Alabama?

No open season for black bear, mountain lion or ruffed grouse. Taking a black bear in closed season is a Class A misdemeanor (Code 9-11-481).

Which Alabama deer zones open first in 2026?

Archery opens October 1, 2026 in Zones D and E and October 15 in Zones A, B, C and the CMZ; gun season opens November 7 in D and E and November 21 elsewhere.

Are Sundays open for hunting across Alabama?

No Sunday hunting restriction. Code of Ala. 13A-12-1 (acts prohibited on Sunday) was repealed by Act 2015-70 effective April 21, 2015; seasons run on Sundays (e.g., CWD sampling weekends, Saturday-Sunday dog deer days on USFS land). Area-specific day rules exist (Mobile-Tensaw Delta WMZ closed Mon-Tue; some WMA hunts on set days).

Which day do the two dove zones open?

September 5, 2026 in the North Zone and September 12 in the South Zone, at noon on opening day.

What are the 2027 spring gobbler dates by zone?

March 20 to May 3, 2027 in Zones 1 and 3; March 27 to May 3 in Zone 2.

Which Alabama game may be taken any day of the license year?

Raccoon, opossum, beaver, nutria, groundhog, bullfrogs and pig frogs, bobcat, fox, coyote and feral swine (daytime), and crows, starlings and house sparrows.

What are the 2026-27 Alabama duck dates?

November 27-28 and December 5, 2026 to January 31, 2027, with teal September 12-20 and youth and veteran days November 21 and February 6.