Alabama › Species › Long-tailed Weasel
Protected, no open season
Long-tailed weasel in Alabama: protected
The weasel rule in Alabama, with the law and the nearest open seasons.
Photo: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0)
The legal status of long-tailed weasels
Alabama offers no season for long-tailed weasels: ADCNR lists the species as a protected nongame mammal, and no 2026-27 row gives dates or a limit.
- ADCNR: No season.
- Methods: Taking prohibited without permit.
- Note: Protected nongame mammal (220-2-.92).
From ADCNR Regulation Book p. 127, checked November 1, 2026.
Alabama law on long-tailed weasels
Alabama law handles long-tailed weasels through the game and nongame lists; the exact text follows.
- Protected nongame mammals: Brazilian free-tailed, eastern small-footed, gray, Indiana, little brown, northern long-eared, northern yellow, Rafinesque's big-eared, southeastern and tricolored bats; southeastern pocket gopher; West Indian manatee; Alabama beach, meadow jumping and Perdido Key beach mice; pygmy and smoky shrews; Appalachian cottontail; marsh rabbit; spotted skunk; long-tailed weasel; Allegheny woodrat. Take, possession or sale needs a permit.
From ADCNR Regulation Book p. 127, checked November 1, 2026.
What to hunt instead of long-tailed weasels
Species close to long-tailed weasels that do have an Alabama season, with dates and limits.
| Species | Season | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mink | Oct 31–Feb 28 | No limit. |
| River Otter | Oct 31–Feb 28 | No limit. |
| Bobcat | No closed season | No bag limit. |
From the ADCNR season pages, checked November 1, 2026.
Fines that apply to long-tailed weasels
Alabama penalties relevant to long-tailed weasels, as written in Title 9 of the Code.
| Violation | Penalty | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Closed season / illegal take | Misdemeanor: $250-$1,000 fine and up to 6 months jail (same for wild turkey taken illegally or in closed season). | § 9-11-236 |
| Night hunting | Class B misdemeanor: $2,000-$3,000 first offense, up to 6 months jail, mandatory 3-year revocation of hunting privileges. | § 9-11-235 |
| Hunting without permission (day) | First offense at least $1,000 and possible 1-year license revocation; later offenses at least $2,000, 1-year revocation and 10-30 days jail. | § 9-11-241 |
| Hunting without a license | Residents: Class C misdemeanor, $75-$250; lending/transferring a license same. Nonresident penalties in 9-11-51(c). | § 9-11-51 |
Anyone who sees long-tailed weasels taken illegally can call 1-800-272-4263 (GAMEWATCH).
From Code of Alabama 9-11-236, Code of Alabama 9-11-235, Code of Alabama 9-11-241, Code of Alabama 9-11-51 and 2026-2027 Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest p. 52, checked November 1, 2026.
Where long-tailed weasels sit on the protected list
The full protected list that includes long-tailed weasels.
- Black bear: No open season. Hunting, wounding, killing, trapping or attempting to in closed season, or selling/transporting bears or parts, is a Class A misdemeanor: first offense $2,000-$5,000 and/or up to 1 year; later $3,500-$5,000 and 6 months-1 year; 3-year revocation of hunting and fishing licenses; vehicles and weapons may be confiscated. Incidental take during lawful activity excepted; legally taken out-of-state bears may be possessed.
- Mountain lion (cougar): Designated game animal with no open season.
- Ruffed grouse: Resident game bird with no open season.
- Red wolf: Designated game animal (220-2-.06); no season in the 2026-27 sources.
- American alligator: Unlawful to possess, take or kill alligators, skins, meat, eggs or parts except as provided (limited-quota hunting season, nuisance control hunters, licensed farms).
- Protected nongame reptiles, amphibians and fishes: Rule 220-2-.92 lists protected fishes (e.g., Alabama sturgeon, Gulf sturgeon, many darters), amphibians (e.g., eastern hellbender, Red Hills salamander, gopher frogs) and reptiles; possession of more than one box turtle and sale of eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are restricted.
- Live cervids and listed exotics: No import of live deer, elk or other cervids; no possession, sale, import or release of listed animals (mongoose, wild rabbits/hares, out-of-state coyote, fox, raccoon, skunk, wild rodents, wild turkey strains, bear, mountain lion, bobcat, pronghorn, nondomestic pigs/peccaries/bovids except bison). Release of any turkey into the wild prohibited.
From the ADCNR Regulation Book and the ADCNR closed-season page, checked November 1, 2026.
Common questions on long-tailed weasels
What rule protects long-tailed weasels in Alabama?
Long-tailed weasels are on the protected nongame mammal list in Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.92; take, possession or sale needs a permit.
Can you hunt long-tailed weasels in Alabama?
No. ADCNR lists long-tailed weasels with no open season for 2026-27. Protected nongame mammal (220-2-.92).
Are long-tailed weasels classed as game in Alabama?
They are protected nongame mammals in Alabama.
What can I hunt instead of long-tailed weasels in Alabama?
Seasons that are open: mink (Oct 31–Feb 28); river otters (Oct 31–Feb 28); bobcats (No closed season).
Where are game law violations reported in Alabama?
Report violations and live-deer transport: 1-800-272-4263 (GAMEWATCH).
Can I keep a live weasel in Alabama?
No; long-tailed weasels are protected and need a permit for possession.
What sources back the weasel status?
The 2026-27 Digest and the Regulation Book, checked November 1, 2026.
Are other animals closed like long-tailed weasels?
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). Red wolves have no season either, and rule 220-2-.92 protects nongame species such as the marsh rabbit, Appalachian cottontail, spotted skunk and long-tailed weasel.
Other photos on this page: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0).