Deer Hunting Season in Alabama 2024-25

Updated on February 7, 2025

If you’re gearing up for the 2024-2025 deer hunting season in Alabama, understanding the regulations, dates, and zones is essential for a successful hunt. Alabama offers a rich deer hunting experience, catering to hunters of all skill levels with diverse hunting methods like bow, rifle, and muzzleloader hunting.

This guide covers all the details you need to know about the upcoming season.

Understanding the Deer Categories

Alabama deer hunting regulations define deer based on their antlers:

1. Antlered Bucks: Male deer with one or more antlers visible above the natural hairline.
2. Unantlered Deer: Includes does and male deer without visible antlers above the hairline.

Bag Limits for the 2024-2025 Season

• Antlered Bucks: Hunters are allowed three antlered bucks during all combined seasons, with a limit of one per day. One of the three must have at least four antler points that are one inch or longer on one side (except in Barbour County).
• Unantlered Deer: One unantlered deer per day is allowed during special seasons (e.g., gun, bow, youth hunting).

Special Rules & Exceptions

• Barbour County: Antlered bucks must have a minimum of three points on one side, except on special youth hunting dates.
• Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Bonus Buck: Hunters may harvest one bonus buck from designated WMAs on specific hunt dates without it counting towards the statewide limit. This must be validated at a WMA check station.

Checkout the comparison between the popular hunting methods: Still, Tree Stand and Sport-and-Stalk Hunting

Hunting Zones Overview

Alabama has five zones (A, B, C, D, and E) with distinct hunting dates and rules. Below is a breakdown of the hunting regulations for each zone:

Zone A

• Bow and Arrow (Stalk Hunting): October 15, 2024 – February 10, 2025 (Either Sex)
• Special Youth Gun Season: November 15-18, 2024 (Either Sex)
• Muzzleloader & Air Rifle: November 18-22, 2024 (Either Sex)
• Gun Deer Hunting:
  • Privately Owned Land: November 23, 2024 – February 10, 2025 (Either Sex)
  • Public Land:
    • November 23 – December 13, 2024 (Antlered Bucks Only)
    • December 14, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (Either Sex)
    • January 6 – February 10, 2025 (Antlered Bucks Only)

Zone B

• Bow and Arrow (Stalk Hunting): October 15-24, 2024 (Antlered Bucks Only); October 25, 2024 – February 10, 2025 (Either Sex)
• Special Youth Gun Season: November 15-18, 2024 (Either Sex)
• Gun Deer Hunting:
  • Privately Owned Land: November 23, 2024 – February 10, 2025 (Either Sex)
  • Public Land:
    • November 23 – December 13, 2024 (Antlered Bucks Only)
    • December 14, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (Either Sex)
    • January 6 – February 10, 2025 (Antlered Bucks Only)

Zone C

• Bow and Arrow (Stalk Hunting): October 15, 2024 – February 10, 2025 (Either Sex)
• Special Youth Gun Season: November 15-18, 2024 (Either Sex)
• Gun Deer Hunting:
  • Privately Owned Land:
    • November 23 – December 1, 2024 (Either Sex)
    • December 2-13, 2024 (Antlered Bucks Only)
    • December 14, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (Either Sex)
    • January 2 – February 10, 2025 (Antlered Bucks Only)

Zone D

• Bow and Arrow (Stalk Hunting): October 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025 (Either Sex); January 16-27, 2025 (Antlered Bucks Only)
• Special Youth Gun Season: November 1-4, 2024 (Either Sex)
• Gun Deer Hunting:
  • Privately Owned Land:
    • November 9-22, 2024 (Antlered Bucks Only)
    • November 23 – December 1, 2024 (Either Sex)
    • December 2-13, 2024 (Antlered Bucks Only)
    • January 2-27, 2025 (Antlered Bucks Only)

Zone E

• Bow and Arrow (Stalk Hunting): October 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025 (Either Sex); January 16-27, 2025 (Antlered Bucks Only)
• Special Youth Gun Season: November 1-4, 2024 (Either Sex)
• Gun Deer Hunting:
  • Privately Owned Land: November 9, 2024 – January 15, 2025 (Either Sex)

For more details and maps of specific hunting zones, visit the official Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone

In Alabama, specific counties have been designated as part of the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone to monitor and control the spread of this disease:

• High-Risk Zone (HRZ): Includes Lauderdale and parts of Colbert County.
• Buffer Zone (BZ): Includes portions of Colbert County adjacent to the HRZ.

Hunters within these zones must adhere to specific regulations and are encouraged to review the detailed zone maps to ensure compliance.

Special Youth Hunting Opportunities

Alabama offers special hunting opportunities for youth under 16:

• Special Youth Gun Season: Statewide on privately owned, leased, and public lands.
• Young hunters are allowed to harvest either sex during designated youth hunting dates.

Tips for a Successful Deer Hunting Season

Every hunting zone in Alabama comes with its own dates and rules, so it’s important to review the guidelines for your specific area.

If you’re planning to hunt in a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), don’t forget to validate your deer at a check station. This step is a legal requirement and helps contribute to better wildlife management across the state.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has specific regulations in affected zones. Keeping up-to-date with these rules is essential, as they can influence where and how you hunt during the season.

Using the right weapons is crucial. Make sure your firearms, bows, or muzzleloaders are approved for the specific season you’re hunting in.

It’s also a good idea to scout the area before the season begins. Look for key signs like deer trails, feeding spots, and water sources. This preparation can significantly improve your chances of a successful hunt.

Finally, check your gear before heading out. Packing essentials like camouflage, a safety harness, and field dressing tools can make your experience safer and more efficient.

Final Thoughts

Deer Hunting Season in Alabama provides a fantastic opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the sport while contributing to wildlife conservation.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the experience, knowing the regulations and planning ahead means only one thing – a successful and rewarding hunting season!

FAQs about the Deer Hunting Season in Alabama

Can I hunt deer year-round in Alabama?

No, Alabama’s deer hunting is strictly seasonal. Typically the season runs from mid-October to late January.
Gun, bow, and muzzleloader seasons vary, so always check the Alabama DNR regulations before heading into the woods.

Do I need special permits for deer hunting in Alabama?

For Alabama folks hunting their own land, no license needed if you’ve got a driver’s license, but don’t forget to tag them in the state’s Game Check system.

What weapons are legal during Alabama’s deer season?

Alabama allows rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and bows during different segments of the season. Confirm allowable firearms, calibers, and draw weights with the Alabama DNR guidelines.

Where are Alabama’s prime deer hunting spots?

Look into the Black Belt region or the northern counties with rich farmland. Wildlife Management Areas also offer prime deer habitats, but scouting early improves your odds.

Are bag limits strict during Alabama’s deer season?

Yes, Alabama has strict bag limits: hunters can take three antlered bucks per season. Antlerless limits vary by zone, with some areas allowing unlimited harvest and others restricting days or quotas. Be sure to report your harvest within 48 hours using the Game Check system.