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Alabama SOA Draw Hunts

Every 2026-27 Special Opportunity Area hunt: dates by area, antler rules and the draw windows.

Draw dates SOA lands

13Areas

73Hunt rows

12Draw windows

Photo: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0)

How Alabama SOA draw hunts work

Special Opportunity Areas are WFF lands hunted by limited-quota random draw. 13 areas carry 2026-27 hunt lists here, with 73 hunt rows; a drawn hunter and guests get a dedicated unit for two to four days. Most deer hunts carry antler rules stricter than statewide, from 3 points on one side to a 16-inch main beam spread.

Limited-quota draw; cost = Alabama hunting license + WMA license before registering (plus HIP/stamps for migratory birds). Selected hunter and guests get a dedicated unit for 2-4 days.

SOA hunts are by limited-quota random draw. The Digest (p. 53) says WFF manages 13 SOAs; the SOA page says eleven SOAs offer limited slots this year.

From the ADCNR Special Opportunity Areas page, checked November 1, 2026.

Alabama draw application windows for 2026-27

Draw	Opens	Deadline	Note
SOA deer hunts (Cedar Creek, Little River SF, Portland Landing, Uchee Creek, Thigpen Hill, Blackwater River, Fred T. Stimpson, Upper State, Crow Creek, Chalk Hill, Shelby, Choctaw NWR)	Sep 1, 2026	Sep 14, 2026	Opens 8 a.m., closes 1 p.m.; results Sept 15, 2 p.m.
Geneva State Forest and Blue Spring WMA youth and adult dog deer hunts	Sep 1, 2026	Sep 14, 2026	Results Sept 15.
Fred T. Stimpson SOA youth small game	Sep 1, 2026	Sep 14, 2026	Results Sept 15.
Adult dove hunts (Prairie Glades, Blackwater, Little River SF, Portland Landing)	Sep 1, 2026	Sep 14, 2026	Closes Sept 4 (noon) or Sept 14 (8 a.m.) depending on hunt date; results Sept 5 / Sept 15.
Swan Creek Dewatering Unit hunt locations	Sep 1, 2026	Sep 21, 2026	Results Sept 22, 9 a.m.
Sandhill crane permits	Sep 1, 2026	Sep 29, 2026	Drawing Sept 30 noon; drawn hunters must pass the ID test, buy the $20 permit and accept by Oct 7, 2026 noon; 750 permits.
SOA adult waterfowl (Crow Creek, Uchee Creek, Portland Landing) and Cedar Creek adult woodcock/quail	Oct 13, 2026	Oct 26, 2026	Results Oct 27, 2 p.m.
Crow Creek SOA youth waterfowl	Dec 1, 2026	Dec 14, 2026	Results Dec 15.
SOA small game and turkey hunts (Cedar Creek, Portland Landing, Uchee Creek, Fred T. Stimpson, Upper State, Thigpen Hill, Blackwater River)	Dec 1, 2026	Dec 14, 2026	Results Dec 15.
SOA feral swine hunts (Portland Landing, Thigpen Hill)	Dec 1, 2026	Dec 14, 2026	Results Dec 15, 2 p.m.
Youth dove hunts (first come, first served)	Aug 17, 2026	Rolling	Each hunt closes the Monday two weeks before its date.
Alligator harvest permits (2026)	Jun 2, 2026	Jul 14, 2026	Free applications per AMA; drawing July 15; training course and permit purchase; accept by July 23, 8 a.m.; preference points. The Digest says applications end the last Tuesday of June.

From the ADCNR draw pages, checked November 1, 2026.

Every SOA hunt and its dates

Charles F. Sykes – Cedar Creek SOA

Charles F. Sykes – Cedar Creek SOA · Dallas County · Antler restrictions – main beam spread 16" (outside the ears) or 18" main beam (3x length of ear)

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 15-18, Oct 22-25
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Antlerless Only: Nov 5-8, Dec 10-13
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec 3-6, Dec 26-29, Jan 5-8, Jan 14-17, Jan 21-24, Feb 4-7
Deer	Primitive Weapons – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 17-20
Turkey	April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, April 30 – May 2
Woodcock & Quail	Jan 2-3
Quail, Rabbit, Squirrel, & Raccoon	Feb 11-14, Feb 18-21
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Portland Landing SOA

Portland Landing SOA · Dallas County · Antler restrictions – main beam spread 16" (outside the ears) or 18" main beam (3x length of ear)

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 15-18, Oct 22-25
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Antlerless Only: Nov 5-8, Dec 10-13
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec 3-6, Dec 26-29, Jan 5-8, Jan 14-17, Jan 21-24, Feb 4-7
Deer	Primitive Weapons – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 17-20
Turkey	April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, April 30 – May 2
Dove	Regular – Sept 12
Quail, Rabbit & Squirrel	Regular – Feb 11-14, Feb 18-21
Quail, Rabbit & Squirrel	Mar 5-7
Waterfowl/Woodcock	Jan 2-3
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Uchee Creek SOA

Uchee Creek SOA · Russell County · Antler restrictions – main beam spread 16" (outside the ears) or 18" main beam (3x length of ear)

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 15-18, Oct 22-25, Oct 29 – Nov 1
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Antlerless Only: Nov 5-8
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec 3-6, Dec 17-20, Dec 31-Jan 3, Jan 14-17, Jan 28-31
Deer	Primitive Weapons – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 17-20
Turkey	April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, April 30-May 2
Quail, Rabbit & Squirrel	Feb 8-14, Feb 15-21
Waterfowl	Dec 12-13, Jan 9-10
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Thigpen Hill SOA

Thigpen Hill SOA · Butler County · Antler restriction – at least 3 antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main antler

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 15-18, Oct 22-25
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Antlerless Only: Nov 5-8
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec 17-20, Dec 31-Jan 3, Jan 14-17, Jan 21-24, Jan 28-31
Deer	Primitive Weapons – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 19-22
Quail, Rabbit & Squirrel	Feb 10-14, Feb 15-21
Quail, Rabbit & Squirrel	Feb 25-28, April 1-4, April 8-11, April 15-18, April 22-25, April 29-May 2
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Little River State Forest SOA

Little River State Forest SOA · Escambia County · Antler restriction – at least 3 antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main antler

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 15-18, Oct 22-25, Oct 29 – Nov 1
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec 3-6, Dec 31 – Jan 3, Jan 14-17, Jan 21-24, Jan 28-31, Feb 4-7
Deer	Primitive Weapons – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 19-22
Dove	Sept 12, Oct 3
Turkey	April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, April 30 – May 2
Quail, Rabbit & Squirrel	Feb 8-14, Feb 15-21
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Blackwater River SOA

Blackwater River SOA · Baldwin County · Antler restriction – to be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 22-25, Oct 29 – Nov 1, Nov 5-8
Deer	Primitive Weapons – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 19-22
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec 3-6, Dec 17-20, Jan 7-10, Jan 21-24, Jan 28-31, Feb 4-7
Dove	Sept 19
Quail, Rabbit & Squirrel	Feb 15-21, Feb 22-28
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge SOA

Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge SOA · Choctaw County · No antler restrictions

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Primitive Weapon – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 17-20

Fred T. Stimpson SOA

Fred T. Stimpson SOA · Clarke County · Antler restriction – at least 3 antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main antler

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 22-25, Jan 7-10, Jan 21-24, Jan 28-31, Feb 4-7
Deer	Youth Gun – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 14-15, Dec 5-6, Dec 26-27
Turkey	April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25
Rabbit & Squirrel	Youth – Oct 10-11, Feb 6-7
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Upper State SOA

Upper State SOA · Clarke County · Antler restriction – at least 3 antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main antler

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 22-25, Nov 19-22, Dec 17-20, Jan 14-17, Jan 28-31, Feb 4-7
Turkey	April 2-4, April 16-18
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Prairie Glades

Prairie Glades · Montgomery County

Hunt	Dates
Dove	Sept 26, Oct 10, Oct 17

Crow Creek SOA

Crow Creek SOA · Jackson County · No antler restrictions

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 15-18, Oct 22-25, Oct 29 – Nov 1, Nov 5-8, Nov 19-22
Deer	Primitive Weapons – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec 3-6, Dec 17-20
Waterfowl	Jan 2-3, Jan 9-10, Jan 16-17, Jan 23-24, Jan 30-31
Waterfowl	Youth – Feb 6
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Shelby SOA

Shelby SOA · Shelby County · Antler restriction – at least 3 antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main antler

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 15-18
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec 17-20, Dec 31-Jan 3, Jan 28-31
Deer	Primitive Weapons – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 19-22
Rabbit, Squirrel, & Raccoon	Feb 11-14, Feb 18-21
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine, Raccoon, Opossum, & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

Chalk Hill SOA

Chalk Hill SOA · Tallapoosa County · Antler restriction – at least 3 antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main antler

Hunt	Dates
Deer	Archery – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct 15-18, Oct 22-25, Oct 29-Nov 1
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Antlerless Only: Nov 5-8
Deer	Gun – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec 10-13, Dec 26-29, Jan 7-10, Jan 21-24, Feb 4-7
Deer	Primitive Weapons – Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov 17-20
Turkey	April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, April 30-May 2
Quail, Rabbit & Squirrel	Feb 8-14, Feb 15-21
Bobcat, Coyote, Feral Swine, Raccoon, Opossum, & Fox	Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Hunting Season.

From the ADCNR SOA season sections, checked November 1, 2026.

Fresh snow on young pines in a forest on an Alabama farmPhoto: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0)

Tall pine trunks rising into a blue sky in AlabamaPhoto: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0)

Rows of tall pines over a pine-straw floor in an Alabama timber standPhoto: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0)

SOA hunt questions

When are the SOA small game and turkey draws?

December 1-14, 2026, results December 15.

How many SOAs does Alabama have?

SOA hunts are by limited-quota random draw. The Digest (p. 53) says WFF manages 13 SOAs; the SOA page says eleven SOAs offer limited slots this year.

Do SOAs have antler restrictions?

Most do: Cedar Creek, Portland Landing and Uchee Creek use a 16-inch spread or 18-inch main beam; most others need 3 points on one side; Choctaw NWR and Crow Creek have none.

Can I hunt coyotes and hogs on an SOA?

Bobcat, coyote, feral swine and fox are open during any scheduled SOA hunt on most areas.

Are there youth hunts on SOAs?

Yes: Fred T. Stimpson youth gun deer and youth rabbit and squirrel hunts, and a Crow Creek youth waterfowl day.

What does an SOA hunt cost?

The Alabama hunting license and WMA license (plus HIP and stamps for migratory birds); the draw itself is how hunters are chosen.

How do I apply for an Alabama SOA hunt?

Through the ADCNR draw during the application window; buy an Alabama hunting license and a WMA license before registering.

When were the SOA deer applications due?

September 1-14, 2026, with results on September 15.