Alabama

Alabama Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Alabama hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $34.35 General hunting

Non-Resident License $399.50 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1977-08-01

Online Purchase Yes Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026

LICENSE FEES

Alabama Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Sep 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Resident All Game Hunting $34.35 —

Resident Small Game Only $22.75 —

Resident All Access Sportsman Package $144.95 —

Resident 50% Disabled Veteran $17.70 —

Resident 100% Disabled Veteran $3.60 —

Resident Senior Lifetime (at age 64) $35 —

Non-Resident Licenses

NR All Game Annual — $399.50

NR All Game 10-Day Trip — $246.60

NR All Game 3-Day Trip — $173.90

NR Small Game Annual — $130.25

NR Small Game 10-Day Trip — $79.35

NR Small Game 3-Day Trip — $57.40

NR College Student All Game (17-23) — $34.35

NR College Student Small Game (17-23) — $22.75

Tags & Permits

Deer (All Tags) Free Free

Turkey (All Tags) Free Free

Dove/Migratory Bird Free Free

Alligator (Permit) $20 $20

Endorsements & Stamps

Baiting Privilege License (Res) $18.45 Hunt deer/feral swine over bait on private land; NR: $63.40

Baiting Privilege License (NR) $63.40 NR bait privilege for deer and feral swine on private land

Nighttime Feral Swine & Coyote (NR) $61.65 NR license for nighttime hog/coyote hunting

WMA License $22.75 Required for hunting on Wildlife Management Areas

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for migratory bird hunters

Dog-Deer License (Zone-specific) Free In designated zones, hunting deer with dogs is legal; no extra fee

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Alabama Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit OutdoorAlabama.com/licenses. Create an account or sign in. Select All Game ($34.35 res) or trip license. Add Baiting Privilege ($18.45) if hunting over bait. Add WMA license ($22.75) if hunting public land. Pay with credit/debit card. Print or save your digital license

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, County probate offices, Local sporting goods stores

Buy By Phone

Call 334-242-3465. Service fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Alabama hunting license is online through the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Alabama

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after August 1, 1977

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 10 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Alabama?

Youth (Under 16) Free (residents) Resident youth under 16 hunt free without license; non-residents need youth license

Senior (65+) Free / $35 lifetime Residents 65+ exempt from license; $35 lifetime available at age 64

Disabled Veteran (100%) $3.60 100% service-connected: $3.60 all-game license; one of cheapest in the US

Disabled Veteran (50%) $17.70 50%+ service-connected: half-price all-game license

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in AL pay resident rates

Landowner Exempt on own property AL resident landowners hunt own property free; still need WMA license for public land

NR College Student Resident pricing NR students 17-23 enrolled in AL colleges get resident All Game $34.35

SEASONS

Alabama Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Archery Oct 15 – Feb 10 Bow and crossbow; one of longest deer seasons in US

White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Only Nov 10 – Nov 21 Muzzleloader only

White-tailed Deer Gun (Varies by Zone) Nov 22 – Feb 10 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow

White-tailed Deer Dog-Deer (Designated Zones) Nov 22 – Jan 31 Any legal weapon; dogs allowed to chase deer

Turkey Youth Spring Mar 8 – Mar 9 Shotgun, bow; supervised youth

Turkey Spring Mar 15 – May 1 Shotgun, bow; 5 gobbler limit!

Dove Early Split Sep 6 – Oct 12 Shotgun

Dove Late Split Nov 22 – Jan 15 Shotgun

Duck/Waterfowl Regular Nov 22 – Jan 25 Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Quail Regular Nov 1 – Feb 28 Shotgun; wild coveys declining

Rabbit Regular Oct 1 – Mar 8 Shotgun, dogs permitted; long tradition

Squirrel Regular Sep 13 – Feb 28 Shotgun, rifle (.22)

Feral Hog Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 Any weapon on private land; no limit

Alligator Limited Season Aug 8 – Sep 7 Bow, crossbow, handheld gear; draw only

Coyote Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 No limit; nighttime hunting with NR license

BAG LIMITS

Alabama Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 3 bucks, 1 doe 3 bucks per year Antler restrictions: ≥3 points on 1 antler; one of most generous buck limits in US

Turkey (Spring) 1 5 Gobblers only; 5 per spring season — the highest state limit!

Dove 15 No season limit Mourning and white-winged; 2 seasonal splits

Duck 6 No season limit Species-specific limits; Tennessee Valley flyway

Quail 8 No season limit Wild coveys declining; pen-raised stocking programs active

Squirrel 8 No season limit Gray and fox squirrel; popular southern tradition

Rabbit 8 No season limit Cottontail; beagle running heritage

Feral Hog No limit No limit No bag limit on private land; major ag pest

COMPARE

How Alabama Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Alabama $34.35 $399.50

Florida $17 $151.50 Georgia $15 $100 Tennessee $33 $305 Mississippi $25 $300

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Alabama?

Resident All Game: $34.35 (one of America's best values — covers deer, turkey, all game). NR: $399.50 annual, $246.60 10-day, $173.90 3-day. Youth under 16 hunt FREE (residents). NR college students: $34.35!

How many deer can you kill in Alabama?

3 bucks per season (daily limit: 3 bucks + 1 doe). Antler restriction: ≥3 points on at least 1 antler. Alabama has one of the longest deer seasons (Oct 15 – Feb 10) and most generous buck limits in the US.

Is baiting deer legal in Alabama?

Yes — on private land with a Baiting Privilege License ($18.45 res / $63.40 NR). You can hunt deer and feral swine over bait. This makes AL one of the most permissive baiting states. Not allowed on WMAs.

How long is Alabama's deer season?

Nearly 4 months: Oct 15 – Feb 10. Includes archery, muzzleloader, and firearms segments. Dog-deer hunting (using dogs to chase deer) is legal in designated zones. One of the longest deer seasons in North America.

Can I hunt with dogs in Alabama?

Yes — Alabama is one of few states allowing dog-deer hunting where dogs chase deer to hunters. Legal in designated zones during gun season (Nov 22 – Jan 31). A proud Southern hunting tradition unique to the Deep South.

What is the turkey limit in Alabama?

5 gobblers per spring season — the highest state turkey limit in America! Daily limit: 1. Season: Mar 15 – May 1. Alabama's Black Belt region is legendary for turkey hunting. Youth weekend: Mar 8-9.

Do seniors hunt free in Alabama?

Yes — residents 65+ are exempt from hunting licenses. Just carry proof of age and residency. At age 64, you can buy a $35 lifetime license. Bait privilege still required separately if baiting.

Can I buy an Alabama hunting license online?

Yes, at OutdoorAlabama.com/licenses. Also at Walmart, Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, county probate offices, and local agents. NR college students 17-23 enrolled in AL schools get resident pricing.