How to Get a Hunting License in Alabama

Alabama offers some of the most generous hunting seasons in the country, with long deer seasons, excellent turkey hunting, and productive waterfowl opportunities across the state. From the rolling hills of north Alabama to the Black Belt’s rich bottomland hardwoods and the pine forests of the coastal plain, the state supports diverse game populations and a deep sporting tradition.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is the agency responsible for managing wildlife, setting hunting seasons, and issuing licenses in the state. The ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division handles the day-to-day management of game species and enforcement of hunting regulations.

Whether you are a lifelong Alabama resident or an out-of-state hunter planning a trip, getting your hunting license is a straightforward process. This guide covers everything you need to know, from hunter education requirements to where and how to buy your license.¹

Hunter Education Requirements

Alabama requires hunter education for anyone born on or after August 1, 1977 who wants to purchase a hunting license. If you were born before that date, you are exempt from the hunter education requirement.

Course Options

Alabama offers several ways to complete the hunter education course:

• Classroom course: Traditional in-person courses taught by ADCNR-certified volunteer instructors at locations across the state. These typically run 8 to 10 hours and cover firearm safety, wildlife identification, ethics, and survival skills.
• Online course with field day: Complete the classroom portion online through an approved provider, then attend a mandatory in-person field day where you demonstrate safe firearm handling and take the final exam.
• Online-only course: Alabama offers a fully online hunter education course for hunters age 16 and older through approved providers. No field day is required for the online-only option.

Minimum Age

There is no minimum age to take hunter education in Alabama. Young hunters are encouraged to complete the course early. Children under 16 may hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult who is 21 or older, but completing hunter education is still recommended for safety.

Exemptions

Hunters born before August 1, 1977 are not required to complete hunter education. Additionally, youth under 16 hunting under the supervision of a licensed adult are exempt from both the license and hunter education requirements. Active-duty military with valid military ID may also be eligible for exemptions in certain situations.

Types of Hunting Licenses

Alabama offers a variety of hunting licenses based on residency, age, and hunting preferences. Residency requires living in Alabama for at least 90 consecutive days.

The most popular option for Alabama residents is the All Game Hunting License ($34.35), which covers deer, turkey, and most other species. A basic resident hunting license costs $22.75. Non-residents can purchase an all-game license ($399.50) or a 10-day trip license ($246.60) for shorter visits. Residents 65 and older are exempt from the license requirement but may buy an optional license for $34.35.

Tags, Stamps, and Permits

Alabama’s All-Game Hunting License covers a broad range of species, but several additional stamps and permits may be required depending on what and where you hunt:

• WMA license: A separate Wildlife Management Area (WMA) license is required to hunt on any of Alabama’s WMAs. This is one of the most commonly overlooked requirements for hunters using public land.
• Federal Duck Stamp: Required for hunting migratory waterfowl. Must be purchased separately through the U.S. Postal Service, select retailers, or online.
• HIP registration: Harvest Information Program registration is mandatory for all migratory bird hunters, including dove and waterfowl hunters. Complete HIP registration when purchasing your license.
• Deer and turkey tags: Alabama uses a tagging and reporting system for deer and turkey. Hunters must tag harvested animals immediately and report them through the Game Check system.
• State Duck Stamp: Alabama requires a state waterfowl stamp in addition to the Federal Duck Stamp for hunting ducks and geese.
• Saltwater endorsement: Not directly related to hunting, but if you combine your trip with fishing, be aware that saltwater fishing requires a separate endorsement.

Game Check Reporting

Alabama requires all harvested deer and turkey to be reported through the Game Check system. You can report your harvest through the Outdoor Alabama app, online at the Outdoor Alabama website, or by calling the Game Check phone line. Reporting must be completed within 24 hours of harvest, and you will receive a confirmation number that serves as your tag.

How to Buy Your License

Alabama offers multiple convenient methods for purchasing hunting licenses.

Online

The primary online portal is Outdoor Alabama at outdooralabama.com. You can purchase all license types, stamps, and permits through the website. Create an account or log in, select your desired licenses, and pay with a credit or debit card.

In Person

Hunting licenses are available at authorized retail agents across Alabama, including sporting goods stores, Walmart locations, some hardware stores, and bait shops. You can also visit ADCNR district offices.

Phone

Licenses can be purchased by phone through the Outdoor Alabama licensing system. Have your personal information, hunter education number, and payment method ready.

Mobile App

The Outdoor Alabama app is available for iOS and Android. You can purchase your license, complete HIP registration, report Game Check harvests, and carry a digital copy of your license in the field.

Required Documents

To purchase a hunting license in Alabama, you will need:

• Valid photo identification (driver’s license or state-issued ID)
• Proof of Alabama residency (if purchasing a resident license)
• Hunter education certificate or certification number (if born on or after August 1, 1977)
• Social Security number

Application Deadlines and Important Dates

Alabama hunting licenses are valid from October 1 through September 30 of the following year. Licenses typically go on sale in late August or September for the upcoming license year.

Key Dates to Know

• License year: October 1 through September 30
• Deer archery season: Typically opens October 15
• Deer firearms season: Opens in late November in most zones
• Turkey season: Opens in late March for the spring season
• Dove season: Opens in early September (first segment)
• Waterfowl season: Follows federal frameworks; typically opens in late November

Alabama does not use a draw or lottery system for deer or turkey licenses. Tags are available over the counter, and there are no quotas for general hunting licenses. Some special WMA hunts may use a permit draw system. Check the ADCNR website for details on special opportunity hunts and any required applications.

Reciprocity and Out-of-State Hunters

Alabama welcomes non-resident hunters and provides access to the same public lands and seasons available to residents. Here is what out-of-state hunters need to know:

• Non-resident licenses: Available online through Outdoor Alabama or at authorized retail agents. Non-resident licenses are more expensive than resident licenses.
• Hunter education: Alabama accepts hunter education certificates from all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. You must provide your certificate number when purchasing a license if you were born on or after August 1, 1977.
• Short-term options: The 10-day and 3-day trip licenses are practical choices for non-residents visiting for a brief hunting trip.
• WMA access: Non-residents must purchase a WMA license separately if they plan to hunt on wildlife management areas, just as residents do.
• No non-resident caps: Alabama does not impose quotas or caps on the number of non-resident hunting licenses sold.

Non-residents have access to the same season dates, bag limits, and hunting methods as residents.

Special Considerations

Landowner Privileges

Alabama landowners may hunt on their own land without purchasing a hunting license. This exemption extends to the landowner’s immediate family members living in the same household. However, landowners must still follow all season dates, bag limits, and Game Check reporting requirements. A hunting license is required for hunting on any land you do not own, including leased land.

Disabled Hunter Permits

Alabama offers special hunting permits and accommodations for hunters with permanent disabilities. Qualifying hunters may be allowed to hunt from a vehicle, use a crossbow during archery season, or receive other modifications. A physician’s certification is typically required. Contact ADCNR for application forms and eligibility details.

Youth Hunting

Alabama is highly supportive of youth hunting. Children under 16 can hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. The state also offers youth-only hunting days and special weekend hunts designed to introduce young people to the sport. Youth hunters must still follow all season dates, bag limits, and Game Check reporting requirements.

Apprentice Hunting

Alabama offers an apprentice hunting program that allows first-time hunters to experience hunting before completing hunter education. Apprentice hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult mentor. This is a great way for new hunters to try the sport in a supervised setting.

WMA Considerations

Hunting on Alabama’s Wildlife Management Areas involves additional rules beyond general state regulations. Each WMA may have specific season dates, weapon restrictions, and bag limits. Some WMAs require special draw permits for certain hunts. Always check the specific WMA regulations before planning your hunt.

Planning Your Hunt

Once you have your Alabama hunting license and any required stamps, it is time to start planning. These HuntingPrime resources will help you prepare:

• Alabama Hunting Seasons: Review current season dates and bag limits in our Alabama hunting season guide.
• Alabama Hunting Regulations: Get a full breakdown of rules and requirements in our Alabama hunting regulations guide.
• Alabama Land Access: Find public hunting land, WMAs, and other opportunities in our Alabama land access guide.
• General Guides: Explore our full library of hunting guides for tips on scouting, field care, gear, and more.

Always confirm the latest regulations directly with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources before your hunt. Rules can change each year, and staying current is your responsibility as a hunter.

For reference only. This page summarizes agency publications and is not legal advice or an official source; confirm dates, limits and fees with the state wildlife agency before you hunt. Regulations change mid-season. Send a correction if you spot an error. Disclaimer.