Alabama is a diverse state with a wealth of wildlife and hunting opportunities. The hunting season dates in Alabama vary depending on the type of game, the zone you're hunting in, and your residency status. With so many options available, it's important to understand the rules and regulations before heading out into the great outdoors. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the hunting seasons in Alabama for 2023, including archery deer season, firearm deer season, and small game. We'll also cover Alabama hunting zones and regulations to ensure you're properly prepared.
Alabama Hunting Zones & Licenses 2023
There are five hunting zones in Alabama, and each zone has different rules around bag limits and opening/closing dates. It's essential to have a valid hunting license if you're hunting in Alabama, regardless of your residency status. The license is valid from September 1 to August 31 each year, and the cost ranges from $18 to $329, depending on factors like resident status, weapon used, and game type. Additionally, some animals require additional permits, such as alligator hunts, which are only available with a special permit.
What Types of Animals Can You Hunt in Alabama?
Alabama offers a wide variety of animals that are legal to hunt, including deer, turkey, wild boar, small games like squirrel and rabbit, as well as alligators. The exact bag limits for each type of animal vary, so it's important to read up on the local laws and regulations before heading out into the wild.
Deer Hunting Seasons 2023
Deer hunting in Alabama is broken down into two main seasons, archery and firearms, each with different opening and closing dates and rules for bag limits depending on the zone. The Archery (Bow & Arrow Stalk Hunting) season runs from Oct 1 - Feb 10, 2023, while the Firearms Season runs from Nov 19 - Feb 10, 2023, with special youth gun dates of November 11-14 available in certain areas.
Small Game Seasons 2023
In addition to deer, Alabama's hunting season includes plenty of other small game animals that you can hunt, including bobwhite quail, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, opossum, feral swine, starlings, crows, English sparrows, bobcat, coyote, fox, bullfrog, pig, frog, beaver, nutria, groundhog, etc. The small game season generally runs from Sep 10 - Mar 5, 2023, although this can vary depending on the type of animal being hunted.
When Does Hunting Season End in Alabama?
Hunting season end dates in Alabama depend on the type of animal, zone, and residency status. Some animals, such as rabbits, have open seasons year-round, while others, like deer, may run from October 1 to February 10. Alligator hunts last over three months from a sunset start on August 11 through sunrise close on October 3, depending on your zone. Turkey season typically runs from March 25 to May 8 (Zone 1&3) or April 1 to May 8 (Zone 2). It's important to familiarize yourself with any additional regulations for that particular animal or zone before you set out on your hunt.
Bottomline
Hunting is an incredibly popular activity in Alabama, providing a great way to enjoy the outdoors while connecting with nature. The state offers a variety of hunting opportunities, but it's essential to have the proper licenses and permits before setting out. Understanding when hunting season ends in Alabama for 2023 is important, along with local laws around bag limits, special seasons, and licensing requirements, to ensure you have a safe and successful hunting experience. For more information on obtaining
