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Deer Hunting in Alabama: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)

Deer hunting in Alabama starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.

Resident Tag $34.35 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $399.50 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Oct 15 – Feb 10 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER

Alabama Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer

Start here for Alabama deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.

Resident Deer Tag $34.35

Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.

Non-Resident Deer Tag $399.50

Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.

Access Type OTC access

Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.

Primary Season Oct 15 - Feb 10

Archery; also check Muzzleloader Only.

For Alabama deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Deer privileges are included with the All Game hunting license; trip All Game licenses are available for nonresidents. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Alabama, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.

OVERVIEW

Deer Hunting in Alabama

Alabama deer privileges are part of the All Game hunting license rather than a separate deer tag. A resident All Game license is $34.35, while a nonresident annual All Game license is $399.50; nonresidents can also choose 10-day or 3-day All Game trip licenses for shorter deer trips. Alabama has a 3-buck seasonal framework, with at least one of the three bucks required to have 4 or more points, each at least 1 inch long, on one antler. CWD rules are concentrated around the current northwestern Alabama CMZ, where sampling weekends, public-land requirements, baiting/feeding rules, and carcass movement rules should be checked against Outdoor Alabama before hunting.

Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS

Alabama Deer Season Dates (2026)

All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.

Season Type Start Date End Date Weapon
Archery Oct 15 Feb 10 Bow and crossbow
Muzzleloader Only Nov 10 Nov 21 Muzzleloader only
Gun (Varies by Zone) Nov 22 Feb 10 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow
Dog-Deer (Designated Zones) Nov 22 Jan 31 Any legal weapon; dogs allowed to chase deer
Multiple Seasons

Alabama offers 4 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.

COSTS

Alabama Deer Tag Fees

Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.

Resident
$34.35

Deer tag / permit

Non-Resident
$399.50

Over-the-counter tag available

Deer privileges are included with the All Game hunting license; trip All Game licenses are available for nonresidents

PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP

Choose the right Alabama deer planning path

Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.

REGULATIONS

CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Alabama

Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.

CWD Status

Detected

Lauderdale County, Colbert County, Franklin County (portion)

CWD Testing / Transport

Required in listed zones

Zones: Lauderdale County, Colbert County, Franklin County (portion)

CWD zone sampling, baiting, feeding, and carcass movement rules are tied to Alabama's current CMZ map and annual rules.

Bag Limit

Daily: 3 bucks, 1 doe · Season: 3 bucks per year

Antler restriction: 1 of 3 bucks must have 4 or more points, each at least 1 inch long, on one antler

Allowed Weapons

Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader

Official Source

Always verify current regulations with the official source: Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.

FAQ

Deer Hunting in Alabama — FAQ

Is CWD testing mandatory in Alabama?

It can be mandatory during specific sampling weekends or for listed public-land harvests inside Alabama's current CWD Management Zone. Check Outdoor Alabama's CMZ map and annual sampling dates before hunting.

What are the antler restrictions?

Hunters are allowed 3 antlered bucks per season. At least one of those three must have a minimum of 4 points on one antler. Barbour County requires a minimum of 3 points on one side.

Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Alabama?

No, Alabama offers over-the-counter (OTC) deer tags that can be purchased without a draw. Some special hunts or antlerless permits may require a separate lottery.

What deer species can I hunt in Alabama?

Alabama is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.

Can non-residents hunt deer in Alabama?

Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Alabama by buying an All Game license. The annual nonresident All Game license is $399.50, with 10-day and 3-day All Game trip options available for shorter hunts.

Plan Your Alabama Deer Hunt

Compare deer hunting costs, get the tag you need, and learn the regulations for Alabama.