Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 220-2 — Game And Fish Division

220 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.01 2026-2027 Hunting Seasons

(1) DEER

(a) ANTLERED BUCKS are defined as those male deer with one or more antlers visible above natural hairline.

(b) UNANTLERED DEER are defined as all deer without one or more antlers visible above the natural hairline.

(c) WHITE-TAILED ANTLERED BUCK LIMIT – Three per hunter during all combined seasons, one per day. One of the three must have at least 4 antler points l" or longer on one antler (except for Barbour County). A point is defined as an antler projection of at least one inch in length from base to tip. Main beam tip shall be counted as a point regardless of length.

1. EXCEPTIONS:

(i) BARBOUR COUNTY ANTLER RESTRICTION – white-tailed deer antlered bucks must have a minimum of three points on one side, (except on the statewide special youth deer hunting dates during which any antlered buck may be taken).

(ii) WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WMA) BONUS BUCK – One per hunter during all combined bonus buck hunt dates will be allowed to be harvested from a selected collection of WMAs on specific WMA hunt dates depicted on the AREA Permits that will not count towards the hunter's State three buck limit. On specified WMAs within the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ) on specific WMA hunt dates depicted on the AREA Permits, one bonus buck per hunter per bonus buck hunt date will be allowed to be harvested that will not count towards the hunter’s State three buck limit. All bonus bucks must be validated at WMA check station by WFF personnel.

(iii) CWD SAMPLING PERMIT - See Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone Rule - Regulation 220-2-.167(2).

(d) WHITE-TAILED UNANTLERED DEER LIMIT - During the Unantlered Deer Gun, Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle, Archery, and Special Youth (under 16) Seasons, in Zones A, B, D, E & CMZ two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck may be taken per day. In Zone C one unantlered deer and one antlered buck may be taken per day. See Special Exceptions below for selected areas.

(e) SPECIAL YOUTH (UNDER 16) DEER HUNTING – Statewide (includes all Privately Owned, Leased Lands, and Open Permit - Public Lands (except Wildlife Management Areas) in Zones A, B, C, & CMZ November 13 - 16 and in Zones D & E October 30-November 2. Dog deer hunting in those counties or parts of counties where and how it is allowed during the regular dog deer hunting season. Same legal arms and ammunition apply as in Gun Deer Season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119. See the 2026 - 2027 AREA Permits for youth deer hunting dates and other information about WMA Hunting.

(f) DEER ZONE DESCRIPTIONS:

If notes 1, 2, 3, or 4 appear by the county listed and for CMZ information, see the special exceptions below. Note 1 relates to dog deer hunting. Note 2 relates to U.S. Corp of Engineers Lands. Note 3 relates to U.S. Forest Service Lands. Note 4 relates to CWD.

1. ZONE A (see map): Those areas with the following boundaries: beginning at the intersection of the Alabama/Mississippi state line and US Hwy. 80 (Sumter County), east along US Hwy. 80 to the US Hwy. 80 Bypass in Selma (Dallas County); east along US Hwy 80 Bypass to the Alabama River; east along the Alabama River to I-65; south along I-65 to the intersection with I-85; north along I-85 to AL Hwy. 169 (Exit 60 - Lee County); south along AL Hwy. 169 to AL Hwy. 1/US Hwy. 431; south along AL Hwy. 1/US Hwy. 431 to AL Hwy. 26; west along AL Hwy. 26 to Russell County Road 65; south along Russell County Road 65 to Russell County Road 4; west along Russell County Road 4 to Russell County Road 49; south along Russell County Road 49 to US Hwy. 82; east along US Hwy. 82 to the Chattahoochee River; south along the Chattahoochee River to AL Hwy. 10; west along AL Hwy. 10 to Henry County Road 57; south along Henry County Road 57 to Henry County Road 99; south along Henry County Road 99 to US Hwy. 431; south along US Hwy. 431 to Ross Clark Circle (bypass around Dothan); east along Ross Clark Circle to US Hwy. 231; south along US Hwy. 231 to the Alabama/Florida state line; east along the Alabama/Florida state line to the Chattahoochee River; north along the Chattahoochee River to US Hwy. 82; west along US Hwy. 82 to US Hwy. 431; north along US Hwy. 431 to US Hwy. 280; east along US Hwy. 280 to Alabama/ Georgia state line; north along Alabama/Georgia state line to I-20; west along I-20 to AL Hwy. 21; north along AL Hwy. 21 to US Hwy. 278; east along US Hwy 278 to the Alabama/Georgia state line; north along the Alabama/ Georgia state line to the Alabama/Tennessee state line; west along the Alabama/Tennessee state line to the Lauderdale County/Limestone County line; south along the Lauderdale County/Limestone County line to the Tennessee River; west along the Tennessee River to the Colbert County/Lawrence County line; south along the Colbert County/Lawrence County line to the Colbert County/ Franklin County line; south along the Franklin County/Lawrence County line to the Winston County line; west along the Franklin County/Winston County line continuing along the Franklin County/Marion County line to the Alabama/Mississippi state line; south along the Alabama/Mississippi state line ending at US Hwy. 80 (Sumter County). Excludes Zones C, D, and E, see descriptions below.

2. ZONE B (see map): Those areas south or west of a line described as: beginning at the intersection of the Mississippi state line and US Hwy. 80 (Sumter County), east along US Hwy. 80 to the US Hwy. 80 Bypass in Selma (Dallas County); east along US Hwy. 80 Bypass to the Alabama River; east along the Alabama River to I-65; south along I-65 to the intersection with I-85; north along I-85 to AL Hwy. 169 (Exit 60-Lee County); south along AL Hwy. 169 to AL Hwy. 1/US Hwy. 431; south along AL Hwy. 1/US Hwy. 431 to AL Hwy. 26; west along AL Hwy. 26 to Russell County Road 65; south along Russell County Road 65 to Russell County Road 4; west along Russell County Road 4 to Russell County Road 49; south along Russell County Road 49 to US Hwy. 82; east along US Hwy. 82 to US Hwy. 431; south along US Hwy. 431 to US Hwy. 82; east along US Hwy. 82 to the Chattahoochee River; south along the Chattahoochee River to AL Hwy. 10; west along AL Hwy. 10 to Henry County Road 57; south along Henry County Road 57 to Henry County Road 99; south along Henry County Road 99 to US Hwy. 431; south along US Hwy. 431 to Ross Clark Circle (bypass around Dothan); east along Ross Clark Circle to US Hwy. 231; south along US Hwy. 231 to the Alabama/Florida state line; west along the Alabama/Florida state line to the Alabama/ Mississippi state line, north along the Alabama/ Mississippi state line ending at US Hwy. 80 (Sumter County).

3. ZONE C (see map): Those areas of Blount, Cullman, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan, Marshall, St. Clair, Walker, and Winston Counties with the following boundaries: beginning at the Franklin County/Marion County line on AL Hwy. 13; south along AL Hwy. 13 to AL Hwy. 195 in Haleyville (Winston County); north along AL Hwy. 195 to Winston County Road 93; north along Winston County Road 93 to the Franklin County/Winston County line; east along the Franklin County/Winston County line to the Lawrence County/Winston County line; north along the Franklin County/Lawrence County line to AL Hwy. 24; east along Alabama Hwy. 24 to intersection with AL Hwy. 157 in Moulton (Lawrence County); south along AL Hwy. 157 to Cullman County Road 1114; south along Cullman County Road 1114 to US Hwy. 278 in Jones Chapel (Cullman County); west along US Hwy. 278 to Helicon Road (Winston County Road 77); south along Helicon Road (Winston County Road 77) to Winston County Road 41 in Arley (Winston County); south along Winston County Road 41 to the Sipsey Fork; south along the Sipsey Fork to US Hwy. 69; north along US Hwy. 69 to I-65; south along I-65 to I-59; north along I-59 to US Hwy. 11; north along US Hwy. 11 to Etowah County/Dekalb County line; west along Etowah County/Dekalb County line to Dekalb County/ Marshall County line; north along Dekalb County/Marshall County line to Marshall County/Jackson County line, north along Marshall County/Jackson County line to Tennessee River; west along Tennessee River to the Colbert County/Lawrence County line; south along the Colbert County/Lawrence County line to the Franklin County/Lawrence County line; south along the Franklin County/Lawrence county line to the Winston County/Franklin County line; west along the Winston County/Franklin County line continuing west along the Franklin County/Marion County line ending at AL Hwy. 13. Excludes Zone D description below.

4. ZONE D (see map): Those areas of Cullman, Lawrence, Morgan and Winston Counties with the following boundaries: beginning at the intersection of AL Hwy. 157 and AL Hwy. 24 in Moulton (Lawrence County); south along AL Hwy. 157 to Cullman County Road 1114; south along Cullman County Road 1114 to US Hwy. 278 in Jones Chapel (Cullman County); west along US Hwy. 278 to Helicon Road (Winston County Road 77); west along Helicon Road (Winston County Road 77) to Winston County Road 41 in Arley (Winston County); south along Winston County Road 41 to the Sipsey Fork; south along the Sipsey Fork to the Winston County/Walker County line; west along the Winston County/Walker County line to AL Hwy. 5; north along AL Hwy. 5 to AL Hwy. 13 at Natural Bridge (Winston County); north along AL Hwy. 13 to AL Hwy. 195 in Haleyville (Winston County); north along AL Hwy. 195 to Winston County Road 93; north along Winston County Road 93 to the Franklin County line; east along the Franklin County/Winston County line to the Lawrence County line; North on the Lawrence County/Franklin County line to AL Hwy. 24 ending at intersection with AL Hwy. 157 in Moulton (Lawrence County).

5. ZONE E (see map): Those areas of Barbour and Russell Counties with the following boundaries: beginning at the intersection of US Hwy. 82 and US Hwy. 431 in Eufaula (Barbour County), north along US Hwy. 431 to US Hwy. 280; east along US Hwy. 280 to the Chattahoochee River; south along the Chattahoochee River to US Hwy. 82; west along US Hwy. 82 ending at intersection with US Hwy. 431 (Barbour County); and those areas of Calhoun, Cherokee, and Cleburne Counties with the following boundaries: beginning at the intersection of I-20 and AL Hwy. 21 (Calhoun County); north along AL Hwy. 21 to AL Hwy. 9 in Piedmont (Calhoun County); north along AL Hwy. 9 to US Hwy. 278; east along US Hwy. 278 to the Alabama/Georgia state line; south along the Alabama/Georgia state line to I-20; west along I-20 ending at intersection with AL Hwy. 21 (Calhoun County).

6. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone (see map): The CWD Management Zone (CMZ) includes all of Lauderdale, Colbert, and Franklin Counties.

(i) Within the CMZ, the High-Risk Zone (HRZ) includes all Lauderdale and Colbert County and the portion of Franklin County with the following boundaries: beginning at the intersection of the Alabama/Mississippi State line and State Hwy. 24; east along State Hwy. 24 to US Hwy. 43; north along US Hwy. 43 to the Franklin County/Colbert County line.

(ii) Within the CMZ, the Buffer Zone (BZ) includes those portions of Franklin County with the following boundaries: beginning at the intersection of the Alabama/Mississippi State line and State Hwy. 24, south along the Alabama/Mississippi State line to the Franklin County/Marion County line; east along the Franklin County/Marion County line to the Franklin County/Winston County line; east along the Franklin County/Winston County line to the Franklin County/Lawrence County line; north along the Franklin County/Lawrence County line to Franklin County/Colbert County line; west along the Franklin County/Colbert County line to US Hwy. 43; south along US Hwy. 43 to State Hwy. 24; west along State Hwy. 24 ending at the Alabama/Mississippi State line.

(g) DEER SEASON ZONES:

| Zone A | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Archery-Stalk Hunting | | October 15, 2026 - February 10, 2027 | Either Sex | | Special Youth Gun | | November 13-16, 2026 | Either Sex | | Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle | | | | | | Privately Owned or Leased Land and Open Permit Public Lands (Stalk Hunting Only) | November 16-20, 2026 | Either Sex | | Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 21, 2026 - February 10, 2027 | Either Sex | | | On Open Permit Public Land | November 21 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | January 4 - February 10, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | Gun Deer-Dog Deer Hunting: Where Allowed | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 21, 2026 - January 15, 2027 | Either Sex | | | On Open Permit Public Lands Where Allowed | November 21 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | January 4-15, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only |

| | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Zone B | | | | | | | | | | Archery-Stalk Hunting | | October 15-24, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | October 25, 2026 - February 10, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | Special Youth Gun | | November 13-16, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle | | | | | | | | | | | Privately Owned or Leased Land and Open Permit Public Lands (Stalk Hunting Only) | November 16-20, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | | | | | | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 21, 2026 - February 10, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | On Open Permit Public Land | November 21 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | January 4 - February 10, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | Gun Deer-Dog Deer Hunting: Where Allowed | | | | | | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 21, 2026 - January 15, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | On Open Permit Public Lands Where Allowed | November 21 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | January 4 – 15, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Zone C | | | | | | | | | | | | Archery-Stalk Hunting | | October 15, 2026- February 10, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | Special Youth Gun | | November 13-16, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle | | | | | | | | | | | | | Privately Owned or Leased Land and Open Permit Public Lands (Stalk Hunting Only) | November 16-20, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | | | | | | | | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 21 – November 29, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | | November 30 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | | January 2 - February 10, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | On Open Permit Public Land | November 21 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | | January 2 - February 10, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | Gun Deer-Dog Deer Hunting: Where Allowed | | | | | | | | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 21 – November 29, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | | November 30 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | | January 2 - 15, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | On Open Permit Public Lands Where Allowed | November 21 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | | January 2 - 15, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Zone D | | | | | | | | | | | Archery-Stalk Hunting | | October 1, 2026 - January 15, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | January 16 - 27, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | Special Youth Gun | | October 30-November 2, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle | | | | | | | | | | | | Privately Owned or Leased Land and Open Permit Public Lands (Stalk Hunting Only) | November 2-6, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | | | | | | | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 7-20, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | November 21 – 29, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | November 30 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | January 2 - 27, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | On Open Permit Public Land | November 7 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | January 2 - 27, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | Gun Deer-Dog Deer Hunting: Where Allowed | | | | | | | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 7- 20, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | November 21-29, 2026 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | November 30 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 -January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | On Open Permit Public Lands Where Allowed | November 7 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | | | | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

| Zone E | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Archery-Stalk Hunting | | October 1, 2026 - January 15, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | January 16 - 27, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | Special Youth Gun | | October 30-November 2, 2026 | Either Sex | | Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle | | | | | | Privately Owned or Leased Land and Open Permit Public Lands (Stalk Hunting Only) | November 2-6, 2026 | Either Sex | | Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 7, 2026 - January 15, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | January 16 - 27, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | On Open Permit Public Land | November 7 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | | January 2 - 27, 2027 | Antlered Bucks Only | | Gun Deer-Dog Deer Hunting: Where Allowed | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 7, 2026- January 1, 2027 | Either Sex | | | On Open Permit Public Lands Where Allowed | November 7 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Either Sex |

| Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Archery-Stalk Hunting | | October 15, 2026- February 10, 2027 | Either Sex | | Special Youth Gun | | November 13-16, 2026 | Either Sex | | Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle | | | | | | Privately Owned or Leased Land and Open Permit Public Lands (Stalk Hunting Only) | November 16-20, 2026 | Either Sex | | Gun Deer-Stalk Hunting | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 21, 2026 - February 10, 2027 | Either Sex | | | On Open Permit Public Land | November 21 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | December 12, 2026 – February 10, 2027 | Either Sex | | Gun Deer-Dog Deer Hunting: Where Allowed | | | | | | On Privately Owned or Leased Land Only | November 21, 2026 - January 15, 2027 | Either Sex | | | On Open Permit Public Lands Where Allowed | November 21 - December 11, 2026 | Antlered Bucks Only | | | | December 12, 2026 – January 15, 2027 | Either Sex |

(h) SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS:

1. DOG DEER HUNTING RESTRICTIONS:

(i) Dog Deer Hunting Prohibited Except by Special Permit from the Department: BALDWIN; CHAMBERS; CHOCTAW (that area south of AL Hwy. 10 and west of AL Hwy. 17 and north of County Road 18 from AL Hwy. 17 to County Road 14 then north of County Road 14 to the Mississippi state line); COLBERT (that area west of US Hwy. 43); COOSA; COVINGTON (north of US Hwy. 84); ELMORE (that area inside the following boundaries: from the Coosa County/Elmore County line at the east bank of Lake Jordan, to AL Hwy. 9, south along AL Hwy. 9 to the intersection of US Hwy. 231, south along US Hwy. 231 to the intersection of AL Hwy. 14, west along AL Hwy. 14 to the east bank of the Coosa River, north along the east bank of the Coosa River to Lake Jordan, back to the Coosa County/Elmore County line); GENEVA; HENRY; MACON (that area inside the following boundaries: from County Road 24 at the Lee County line, west and south to County Road 26, west to County Road 10, southeast to County Road 5, south to County Road 47, south to County Road 2, east to the Russell County line); MARENGO; MONROE; PICKENS (north of US Hwy. 82); TALLADEGA(that area inside the Talladega National Forest); TALLAPOOSA and WILCOX counties. Individual property owners in CHAMBERS and COOSA counties may hunt with dogs on their own property without special permit. No dog deer hunting allowed on Open Permit-Public Land (see 220-2-.85).

(ii) By Stalk Hunting Only (No Dogs): BIBB; PERRY: (that area inside the following boundaries: east of AL Hwy. 219, south of US Hwy. 82 and north of AL Hwy. 183); BUTLER (that area south of AL Hwy. 106 and east of I-65); CHEROKEE; CHILTON; CLEBURNE; COFFEE (that area inside the following boundaries: AL Hwy. 134 from the Covington County Line, east to County Road 460, south to the Geneva County line, east to the Dale County line, north to AL Hwy. 134, west to AL Hwy. 87, north to US Hwy. 84, west to AL Hwy. 189, south to AL Hwy. 141, north to US Hwy. 84, west to the Covington County line); CRENSHAW (north of AL Hwy. 10 and that area inside the following boundaries: from the east city limit of Luverne, US Hwy. 29 east to the junction of County Road 57, County Road 57 south to the junction of Davis Road, Davis Road west to County Road 41, County Road 41 south to US Hwy. 331, US Hwy. 331 north to County Road 41, County Road 41 north to County Road 39, County Road 39 north to the Luverne city limit); DALE (that area inside the following boundaries: Judy Creek south to Dale County Road 36, east to AL Hwy. 27, north to the Henry County line, north to the Barbour County line, west to Judy Creek); DEKALB; ELMORE (that area inside the following boundaries: east of US Hwy. 231, south of AL Hwy. 14, west of Tumkeehatchee Creek and north of the Tallapoosa River); FAYETTE (that area inside the following boundaries: west of US Hwy 43 and north of AL Hwy. 18); FRANKLIN; HALE and PERRY: (that area inside the following boundaries: from Hale County Road 32 at the Hale County Line, west to the intersection of AL Hwy. 25, AL Hwy. 25 north until it intersects with the Talladega National Forest boundary, following the boundary south until it intersects the Perry County line, following the National Forest boundary east to Perry County Road 23, south to the intersection of Perry County Road 29, south to the Spring Hill Church Road, Spring Hill Church Road west to the junction of Perry County Road 23 and AL Hwy. 14, west to the Hale County line); GREENE; PICKENS and TUSCALOOSA: (that area inside the following boundaries: in Pickens County from the intersection of US Hwy. 82 and County Road 63, south on County Road 63 to Benevola, County Road 2 (commonly known as the Romulus Road) east through Greene County to US Hwy. 82 in Tuscaloosa County); HOUSTON; JACKSON; LAMAR; LAUDERDALE; LAWRENCE; LIMESTONE; MADISON; MARION; MARSHALL; MORGAN; RANDOLPH; TUSCALOOSA (that area north of US Hwy. 82); and WINSTON (that area east of AL Hwy. 5 from the Walker County line to Natural Bridge and all that area north of US Hwy. 278).

DOG DEER HUNTING RESTRICTIONS AT A GLANCE

2. U.S. CORP OF ENGINEERS LANDS: On U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Lands in Alabama, the special muzzleloader, air rifle, and unantlered deer seasons are allowed the same as privately owned or leased lands in those counties, if USACE does not further restrict. Be aware to consult USACE regulations regarding hunting activities and boat ramp use prior to hunting USACE regulated areas. Special Permits from the USACE may be required and some USACE areas are closed to hunting.

For complete information concerning hunting on USACE lands, visit the USACE Mobile District website at the following:

https://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Hunting/.

3. U.S. FOREST SERVICE (USFS):

(i) STALK HUNTING: Same season dates as open permit for county except Wildlife Management Areas - one deer per day.

(ii) DOG DEER HUNTING: No Dogs, except for USFS Lands within Calhoun, Clay, and Talladega(by permit only) counties during the Dog Deer Season on open permit-public lands-on Thursdays and Fridays until 2:00 p.m.; on weekends during legal shooting hours. No dog deer hunting on Monday or Wednesday of each week unless Christmas Day or New Year's Day falls on a Monday or Wednesday. No other state or federal holidays are included in this exception. One deer per day.

a. Talladega County-Talladega National Forest Service Lands Dog Deer Hunting Permit.

1.All persons hunting with dogs on areas open to dog deer hunting on Talladega National Forest Lands in Talladega County must obtain a permit to use dogs to hunt deer or to train dogs on areas open to dog deer hunting on the Talladega National Forest. Each individual hunter, except youth 15 years of age or younger, hunting with dogs or with a dog hunting group must have the permit on their person while hunting.

a. To obtain a permit, each individual hunting deer with dogs must complete an application and provide the Department with his/her name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and number of dogs to be used hunting.

b. All hunters hunting with dogs or with the dog hunting group must have the permit, either electronically or on paper, on their person prior to entering the Talladega National Forest Land in Talladega County. Upon receipt of the completed application and supporting documents, the District Enforcement Supervisor and the local officers in the county shall evaluate each application. The application may be approved, disapproved for cause, or approved with certain restrictions.

2.A permit number will be provided with each individual permit issued. Permit numbers must be visually displayed on the back window of all vehicles in the hunting group and on the vehicle of each individual hunter using 3-inch block numbers in contrast to the background color.

3. Permits will be available from the WFF Law Enforcement District II office. Office location: Jacksonville, AL and available online through OutdoorAlabama.com.

4. All deer hunting dogs and dogs in training must wear a functional GPS enabled tracking and correction collar and be identified at all times with the permit number and the owner's contact information. Dogs must be kept on the Talladega National Forest Lands in Talladega County where deer hunting with dogs is allowed.

5. It shall be a violation of the conditions of this permit for any person hunting under this permit to:

a. Possess a loaded rifle or shotgun on a public road, right-of-way thereof, or in a vehicle thereon during daylight hours during the gun deer season. A public road shall be defined as a road or way maintained by a governmental entity for use by the general public. Guns must be empty of all ammunition in the magazine, breech or clip attached to firearms to be unloaded.

b. Permit dogs to trail or pursue game onto lands not covered by this permit.

c. Be convicted of a deer hunting related violation or any other related criminal offense.

6. Violation of any of the above conditions by any person hunting under this permit shall result in suspension, probation, revocation, or further restriction of the permit. Any restrictive action will be based upon the frequency and severity of the infraction.

7. Upon complaint by the landowner or his agent, a Conservation Enforcement Officer shall document and verify the complaint to the extent possible. The unauthorized presence of dogs on lands of another is sufficient evidence of a violation without the necessity of proving specific intent.

8. When complaints of violations are received and the identity of the permittee is known, the investigating officer shall notify the permittee, in person or by mail, giving a written description of the complaint. Prior to any action to restrict dog deer hunting permit privileges, the permittee or its representative shall be notified of the pending action and shall be given the opportunity to respond.

9. Upon one conviction or documented evidence of one violation of this permit rule within a 3-year period, a dog deer hunting permit for Talladega National Forest Lands in Talladega County will be revoked for a period of twenty (20) dog deer hunting days. Upon two convictions or documented evidence of two violations of this permit rule within a 3-year period, a dog hunting permit for Talladega National Forest Lands in Talladega County may be revoked for a period of one year.

10. Any person who files a false affidavit alleging a violation or violations of this permit rule, provides false information regarding a violation of this permit rule, or facilitates a situation which will cause a violation of this rule to occur may be subject to prosecution of false reporting or for perjury and, if found guilty, punished under the provisions of AL Code § 13A-10-9 and/or be subject to a civil suit for false prosecution by the person accused of the violation.

(iii) NO DOG DEER HUNTING ON THE PINEY WOODS/IVORY MOUNTAIN AREA: The borders of which are defined as follows: bounded by the Cleburne County line to the north running east and west, then to the west by Clay County Road 3 running south to State Route 49; The south border is Clay County Road 66 running east and west from State Route 49 to Hwy 9; The eastern border is Hwy 9 running north from Clay County Road 66 to the Cleburne County line.

(iv)Abandonment of any personal property on National Forest Service Lands (tree stands, hunting blinds, hunting equipment, pets, livestock, pen-raised quail, or other animals) is PROHIBITED. The prohibition (CFR 36. II. 261.10 e) will be enforced by USDA law enforcement personnel.

4. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE MANAGMENT ZONE (CMZ): During Deer Gun Season on privately owned or leased land only, two unantlered deer may be taken per day.

(2) TURKEY:

(a) GOBBLERS ONLY: Limit one per day, four gobbler bag limit during combined fall and spring seasons.

(b) TURKEY SEASON ZONES:

1. ZONE 1: Autauga; Baldwin; Barbour; Bibb; Blount; Bullock; Butler; Calhoun; Chambers; Cherokee; Chilton; Choctaw; Cleburne; Coffee; Conecuh; Coosa; Crenshaw; Cullman (except north of Lewis Smith Lake and north of Cullman County Road 437 and west of I-65.); Dale; Dallas; DeKalb; Elmore; Escambia; Etowah; Fayette; Geneva; Greene; Hale; Henry; Houston; Jackson; Jefferson; Lamar; Lee; Lowndes; Macon; Marengo; Marion; Marshall; Mobile; Montgomery; Perry; Pickens; Pike; Russell; Shelby; St. Clair; Sumter; Tallapoosa; Tuscaloosa; Walker; Washington; and Wilcox.

(i) SPECIAL YOUTH HUNT March 13 – 14, 2027

Decoys allowed.

(ii) SPECIAL DISABLED HUNT March 19, 2027

Decoys allowed.

(iii) SPRING SEASON March 20-May 3, 2027

Decoys allowed.

2. ZONE 2: Colbert; Cullman (north of Lewis Smith Lake and north of Cullman County Road 437 and west of I-65); Franklin; Lauderdale; Lawrence; Limestone; Madison; Morgan; and Winston.

(i) SPECIAL YOUTH HUNT March 20 – 21, 2027

Decoys allowed.

(ii) SPECIAL DISABLED HUNT March 26, 2027

Decoys allowed.

(iii) SPRING SEASON March 27 - May 3, 2027

Decoys allowed.

3. ZONE 3: Clarke; Clay; Covington; Monroe; Randolph; and Talladega.

(i) FALL SEASON (decoys prohibited):

November 14 – November 22, 2026 December 12 – 27, 2026

(ii) SPECIAL YOUTH HUNT March 13 – 14, 2027

Decoys allowed.

(iii) SPECIAL DISABLED HUNT March 19, 2027

Decoys allowed.

(iv) SPRING SEASON March 20-May 3, 2027

Decoys allowed.

4. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and U.S. Forest Service Ranger Districts:

(i) Bankhead Ranger District: WMAs-Lauderdale, Freedom Hills, Black Warrior, Coon Gulf, Riverton CHA and Martin CHA:

Special Youth Hunt-March 20, 2027 (Daylight to 1 p.m.)

Decoys allowed

Special Disabled Hunt-March 26, 2027 (Daylight to 1 p.m.)

Decoys allowed

Spring Season-March 27- May 3, 2027 (Daylight to 1 p.m.)

Decoys allowed

(ii) Remainder of National Forest Districts (Talladega Ranger District, Shoal Creek Ranger District, Oakmulgee Ranger District, Tuskegee Ranger District and Conecuh Ranger District)and Remainder of WMAs that allow turkey hunting:

Special Youth Hunt-March 13, 2027 (Daylight to 1 p.m.)

Decoys allowed

Special Disabled Hunt-March 19, 2027 (Daylight to 1 p.m.)

Decoys allowed

Spring Season-March 20 - May 3, 2027 (Daylight to 1 p.m.)

Decoys allowed

Bag Limit

• One gobbler per day; four gobbler bag limit during combined fall and spring season.

• No more than two gobblers from any one WMA, CHA, or National Forest Ranger District.

• No more than one gobbler during the first 10 days of each season from each WMA, CHA, and National Forest Ranger District.

• Gobblers harvested from a WMA located within a National Forest Ranger District count towards the total bag limit for that Ranger District.

(3) MOURNING and WHITE-WINGED DOVE:

Shooting on opening day in each Zone starts at 12:00 noon until Sunset.

(a) NORTH ZONE: All counties except those listed below in South Zone.

Limit 15 a Day – (90 Days)

| Split Season with Shooting Hours: | | --- |

| 12 o’clock noon until Sunset (Afternoon Shooting Only) | September 5, 2026 | | --- | --- | | One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) | September 6 –October 18, 2026 | | One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) | November 21 – November 29, 2026 | | One half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) | December 12, 2026 – January 17, 2027 |

(b) SOUTH ZONE: Baldwin; Coffee; Covington; Dale; Escambia; Geneva; Henry; Houston; and Mobile. Limit 15 a Day – (90 days)

| Split Season with Shooting Hours: | | --- |

| 12 o’clock noon until Sunset (Afternoon Shooting Only) | September 12, 2026 | | --- | --- | | One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) | September 13 – October 25, 2026 | | One-half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) | November 21 – November 29, 2026 | | One half hour before Sunrise until Sunset (All Day) | December 12, 2026 – January 17, 2027 |

(4) BOBWHITE QUAIL: First Saturday in November - Last day in February

Limit 8 a Day – 8 in Possession Closed on the Bankhead National Forest

(5) RABBIT: Second Saturday in September - Last day in February

Limit 8 a Day – 8 in Possession

(6) SQUIRREL: Second Saturday in September - Last day in February

Limit 8 a Day – 8 in Possession Fox squirrel closed on the Bankhead and Tuskegee National Forests

(7) RACCOON: No Closed Season

No Bag Limit – Private Owned and Leased Lands

No Closed Season

Limit 5 per Party - Open Permit-Public Land

May be hunted daytime and nighttime hours.

*No running of dogs on open-permit lands during daytime or after 3:00 am during spring turkey season.

(8) OPOSSUM: No Bag Limit No Closed Season

May be hunted daytime and nighttime hours.

*No running of dogs on open-permit lands during daytime or after 3:00 am during spring turkey.

(9) ALLIGATOR: By Special Limited Quota Permit Only

Must apply on-line at www.outdooralabama.com beginning at 8:00 AM on the first Tuesday in June and ending at 8:00 AM on the last Tuesday of June. Residents and Non-residents who are sixteen (16) years of age or older holding a valid all game or small game Alabama Hunting License may apply for an Alligator Harvest Permit.

(a) West Central Management Area: The private and public waters in Monroe, Clarke and Choctaw Counties (north of US Hwy. 84), Marengo County west of State Highway 28 and South of US Highway 80, Wilcox, and Dallas Counties.(excluding Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge.) Hunting Hours-Official Sunset to Official Sunrise.

(b) Coastal Management Area: The private and public waters in Baldwin and Mobile Counties that lie South of I-10. Hunting Hours-Official Sunset to Official Sunrise.

(c) Lake Eufaula Management Area: The public Alabama state waters only in the Walter F. George Reservoir (Lake Eufaula) and its navigable tributaries (excluding main channel of the Chattahoochee River), south of 13th Street Bridge (excluding Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge). Hunting Hours-Official Sunset to Official Sunrise.

(d) Southwest Management Area: The private and public waters in Baldwin and Mobile Counties that lie North of I-10 and private and public waters in Washington, Choctaw, Clarke, and Monroe Counties that lie south of US Hwy. 84). Hunting Hours-Official Sunset to Official Sunrise.

Sunset on 2^nd Thursday in August – Sunrise on the Sunday immediately following the 2^nd Thursday in August Sunset on the 3^rd Thursday in August – Sunrise on the Sunday immediately following the 3^rd Thursday in August Sunset on the 2^nd Thursday in September – Sunrise on the Sunday immediately following the 2^nd Thursday in September

(e) Southeast Management Area: The private and public waters in Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Russell Counties (excluding public Alabama state waters in Walter F. George Reservoir (Lake Eufaula) and its navigable tributaries). Hunting Hours-Official Sunset to Official Sunrise.

Sunset on the 2nd Saturday in August – Sunrise on the 1st Monday in September

(10) BOBCAT: No Bag Limit – Daylight Hours Only

No Closed Season

See 220-2-.07 for legal hunting hours. See tagging requirement under regulation 220-2-.30 Trapping is limited to legal furbearer season.

*No running of dogs on open-permit lands during daytime or after 3:00 am during spring turkey season.

Note: Permit may be obtained through the local district office for the trapping of nuisance furbearers outside the dates of trapping season.

(11) COYOTE: No Bag Limit – Daylight Hours Only

No Closed Season

See 220-2-.07 for legal hunting hours. Trapping by landowner or his/her agent.

*No running of dogs on open-permit lands during daytime or after 3:00 am during spring turkey season.

(a) PRIVATELY OWNED AND LEASED LANDS:

Special Nighttime Season

No Bag Limit – May be hunted during nighttime hours only.

*Begins 12:00 am on the day after the last day of Gun Deer Season in that Zone and ends 30 minutes prior to sunrise on the opening day of Archery Deer Season in that Zone.

Must have a valid annual resident or nonresident nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting license.

Additional license may be required.

Note: Landowner(s) or his/her official agent may obtain a permit through the local district office for nuisance control hunting outside of the dates of deer gun season.

(12) FERAL SWINE: No Bag Limit – Daylight Hours Only

No Closed Season

See 220-2-.07 for legal hunting hours.

Upon capture, it shall be unlawful to release any live feral swine. See regulation 220-2-.86.

Trapping by landowner or his/her agent.

(a) PRIVATELY OWNED AND LEASED LANDS – DOGS ONLY:

Special Nighttime Season May 8 – August 30, 2027

No Bag Limit – May be hunted nighttime hours only Dogs only – no firearms allowed.

(b) PRIVATELY OWNED AND LEASED LANDS:

Special Nighttime Season

No Bag Limit – May be hunted during nighttime hours only.

*Begins 12:00 am on the day after the last day of Gun Deer Season in that Zone and ends 30 minutes prior to sunrise on the opening day of Archery Deer Season in that Zone.

Must have a valid annual resident or nonresident nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting license.

Additional license may be required.

Note: Landowner(s) or his/her official agent may obtain a permit through the local district office for nuisance control hunting outside of the dates of deer season.

(13) FOX: No Bag Limit No Closed Season

May be hunted daytime and nighttime hours. Nighttime hours with dogs only. See Trapping for more information.

*No running of dogs on open-permit lands during daytime or after 3:00 am during spring turkey season.

Note: Permit may be obtained through the local district office for the trapping of nuisance furbearers outside the dates of trapping season.

(14) BEAVER, NUTRIA, AND GROUNDHOG: No Closed Season

No Bag Limit – Daylight Hours Only

(15) STARLINGS, CROWS, AND HOUSE SPARROWS: No Closed Season

No Bag Limit – Daylight Hours Only

(16) BEAR, MOUNTAIN LION, AND RUFFED GROUSE: No Open Season

(17) WOODCOCK: Limit 3 a Day December 18, 2026 – January 31, 2027

Shooting Hours – One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset.

Note: Contingent upon federal register

(18) SNIPE: Limit 8 a Day November 7, 2026 – February 21, 2027

Shooting Hours – One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset.

Note: Contingent upon federal register

(19) CLAPPER RAIL, KING RAIL, VIRGINIA RAIL, SORA, AND GALLINULE:

Limit 15 a Day September 12 – September 20, 2026 November 27, 2026 – January 26, 2027

Shooting Hours – One-half hour before Sunrise to Sunset.

Note: Contingent upon federal register

(20) SANDHILL CRANE: November 27, 2026-January 3, 2027 January 11-January 25, 2027 By Limited Quota Permit only. Must apply online at www.outdooralabama.com. Only residents and Lifetime Hunting License holders of the State of Alabama who are sixteen (16) years of age or older and in possession of a valid hunting license (license not required for individuals over the age of 64) may apply for a Sandhill Crane Permit. There is no fee to apply for a permit. There is a $20 fee to accept the Sandhill Crane Permit in addition to a small processing fee.

Hunting Zone will be that area North of Interstate 20 from the Georgia state line to the interchange with Interstate 65, then East of Interstate 65 to the interchange with Interstate 22, then North of Interstate 22 to the Mississippi state line. Excludes the remainder of the state.

Limit 3 per person per permit. Shooting Hours: Sunrise to Sunset.

Legal arms and ammunition are same as waterfowl.

(21) BULLFROG AND PIG FROG: No Closed Season

Limit 20 frogs in aggregate per person from 12 Noon to 12 Noon the following day.

May be hunted daytime or nighttime hours.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-235, 9-11-240.
• Effective August 31, 1993. Amended: Filed October 4, 1993. Effective November 8, 1993. July 14, 1994(E). Amended: Filed July 15, 1994; effective August 19, 1994. Amended: Filed August 6, 1995; effective August 15, 1995. New Rule (PE): Filed August 29, 1996; effective August 29, 1996 (Was previously 220-2-.01.01 - 1996-97 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed October 17, 1996; effective October 17, 1996(PE), (Was previously 220-2-.01 - 1995-96 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 28, 1997; effective August 28, 1997. Repealed (PE): Filed September 26, 1997; effective September 26, 1997 (Was previously 220-2-.01 - 1996-97 Hunting Seasons). Amended (PE): Filed March 10, 1998; effective March 10, 1998. New Rule (PE): Filed August 11, 1998; effective August 11, 1998. Amended (PE): Filed August 24, 1998; effective August 24, 1998. Repealed (PE): Filed April 6, 1999; effective April 6, 1999, (Was previously 1997-98 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 31, 1999; effective August 31, 1999. Repealed (PE): Filed March 21, 2000; effective March 21, 2000, (Was previously 1998-99 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 29, 2000; effective August 29, 2000. Amended (PE): Filed September 14, 2000; effective September 14, 2000. Repealed (PE): Filed July 10, 2001; effective July 10, 2001, (Was previously 1999-2000 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed July 10, 2001; effective July 10, 2001. New Rule (PE): Filed July 17, 2002; effective July 17, 2002 (2002-2003 Hunting Seasons). Amended (PE): Filed August 23, 2002; effective August 23, 2002. Repealed (PE): Filed August 23, 2002; effective August 23, 2002, (Was previously 2000-2001 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed July 2, 2003; effective July 2, 2003 (2003-2004 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed June 15, 2004; effective June 15, 2004 (Was previously 2001-2002 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed June 15, 2004; effective June 15, 2004 (Was previously 2002-2003 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 17, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Repealed (PE): Filed September 1, 2004; effective September 1, 2004 (Was previously 2003-2004 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed July 18, 2005; effective July 18, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed November 3, 2005; effective November 3, 2005. New Rule (PE): Filed August 29, 2006; effective August 29, 2006. Repealed (PE): Filed September 25, 2006; effective September 25, 2006 (Was previously 2004-2005 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed September 25, 2006; effective September 25, 2006 (Was previously 220-2-.01.01, 2005-2006 Hunting Seasons). Amended (PE): Filed October 12, 2006; effective October 12, 2006. New Rule (PE): Filed August 28, 2007; effective August 28, 2007 (Was previously 220-2-.01.01, 2007-2008 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed September 2, 2008; effective September 2, 2008 (Was previously 220-2-.01.02, 2008-2009 Hunting Seasons). New Rule: Filed August 18, 2009; effective August 18, 2009 (2009-2010 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed September 16, 2009; effective September 16, 2009 (Was previously 220-2-.01, 2006-2007 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed September 16, 2009; effective September 16, 2009 (Was previously 220-2-.01.01, 2007-2008 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed July 28, 2010; effective July 28, 2010 (2010-2011 Hunting Seasons). Amended: Filed August 30, 2010; effective August 30, 2010 (2010-2011 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed September 17, 2010; effective September 17, 2010 (Was previously 220-2-.01, 2008-2009 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed September 17, 2010; effective September 17, 2010 (Was previously 220-2-.01-.01, 2009-2010 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 24, 2011; effective August 24, 2011 (2011-2012 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed August 27, 2012; effective August 27, 2012. (2010-2011 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed August 27, 2012; effective August 27, 2012 (Was previously 220-2-.01-.01, 2011-2012 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 24, 2012; effective August 24, 2012 (2012-2013 Hunting Seasons). Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 30, 2013; effective August 30, 2013 (2013-2014 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed August 6, 2014; effective September 1, 2014. (2012-2013 Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed August 6, 2014; effective September 1, 2014 (Was previously 220-2-.01-.01, 2013-2014 Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed July 31, 2014; effective July 31, 2014. (2014-2015 Hunting Seasons). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed September 8, 2015; effective September 8, 2015. (2014-2015 Hunting Seasons – Repealed and (2015-2016 Hunting Seasons – New). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 18, 2016; effective August 18, 2016. (2015-2016 Hunting Seasons – Repealed and (2016-2017 Hunting Seasons – New). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed March 23, 2017; effective March 23, 2017. (2016-2017 Hunting Seasons – Repealed) and (2017-2018 Hunting Seasons – New). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed July 10, 2018; effective July 10, 2018. (2017-2018 Hunting Seasons – Repealed) and (2018-2019 Hunting Seasons – New). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 23, 2019; effective August 23, 2019. (2018-2019 Hunting Seasons – Repealed) and (2019-2020 Hunting Seasons – New). Amended (PE): Published November 30, 2019; effective October 25, 2019. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed June 30, 2020; effective June 30, 2020. (2019-2020 Hunting Seasons – Repealed) and (2020-2021 Hunting Seasons – New). Amended (PE): Filed June 16, 2021; effective June 16, 2021. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Published September 30, 2021; effective August 25, 2021. (2020-2021 Hunting Seasons – Repealed) and (2021-2022 Hunting Seasons – New). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Published August 31, 2022; effective August 11, 2022. (2021-2022 Hunting Seasons – Repealed) and (2022-2023 Hunting Seasons – New). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Published September 30, 2021; effective August 25, 2021. (2020-2021 Hunting Seasons – Repealed) and (2021-2022 Hunting Seasons – New). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Published July 31, 2023; effective July 17, 2023. (2022-2023 Hunting Seasons – Repealed) and (2023-2024 Hunting Seasons – New). Amended (PE): Published June 28, 2024; effective June 28, 2024. (2023-2024 Hunting Seasons – Repealed) and (2024-2025 Hunting Seasons – New) Amended (PE): Published April 30, 2025; effective April 21, 2025. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2025; effective June 17, 2025. Amended (PE): Published December 31, 2025; effective November 20, 2025. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2026; effective June 5, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.02 Legal Arms, Ammunition, And Equipment For Hunting

(1) GENERAL PROHIBITIONS:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to use any method or have in their possession any weapon or ammunition contrary to this regulation while hunting or attempting to hunt game birds and animals or other species provided for herein unless expressly provided for by duly enacted laws of the State of Alabama.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse to submit firearms and ammunition or any device, instrument or accessory used in hunting to Conservation Enforcement Officers for inspection.

(c) Legally blind hunters may use laser sighting devices to take game, subject to all other regulations, if the following conditions are met:

1. The person is accompanied by a sighted person who is a member of the immediate family or at least 16 years of age.

2. The sighted person possesses proof of a current hunting license, or legal exemption (under no circumstances shall the sighted person be a holder of a "supervision required" license).

3. The sighted person shall not discharge any gun or bow with laser sighting device.

4. The legally blind person possesses the appropriate hunting license and proof of impairment (a physician's signed statement or equal).

"Legally blind", as used in this regulation, shall mean central vision that does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with corrective lenses or a visual field that subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees.

(2) DEER:

(a) Archery Season

1. Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

(b) Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle Season

1. Muzzle-loading long guns and muzzle-loading handguns-.40 caliber or larger.

2. Pre-charged pneumatic air powered guns, .30 caliber or larger.

3. Pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch and 2 sharpened edges.

4. Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

(c) Gun Deer Season

1. Rifles using centerfire, mushrooming ammunition.

2. Pre-charged pneumatic air powered guns, .30 caliber or larger.

3. Pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch and 2 sharpened edges.

4. Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller using buckshot, slugs, or single round ball.

5. Muzzle-loading long guns and muzzle-loading handguns-.40 caliber or larger.

6. Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

7. Handguns or pistols using centerfire, mushrooming ammunition.

(3) TURKEY:

(a)1. Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller using standard No. 2 shot or smaller.

2. Muzzle-loading shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller using standard No. 2 shot or smaller.

3. Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

4. Pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch and 2 sharpened edges.

(b) Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit the possession of rifles, shotgun/ rifle combinations (drilling) or buckshot and slugs when the hunter is stalk hunting both deer and turkey provided no person shoots or attempts to shoot turkey with the rifle or shotgun using buckshot or slugs.

(4) MIGRATORY BIRDS:

(a) Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller, plugged with a one piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun or otherwise incapable of holding more than 3 shells using standard No. 2 shot or smaller, except waterfowl must be hunted with steel shot or other shot compositions and shot sizes that are approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

(b) Waterfowl hunters shall not possess any other size shot or size lead shot.

(c) Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

(d) Raptors by properly permitted falconers.

(5) RACCOON & OPOSSUM:

(a) Nighttime hunting—Shotguns using No. 6 shot or smaller; .22 caliber rimfire firearms.

(b) Daytime hunting - See "(7) OTHER GAME BIRDS OR ANIMALS".

(6) BOBCAT, GROUNDHOG, UNPROTECTED WILDLIFE, FOX, COYOTE & FERAL SWINE:

(a) Rifles of any caliber.

(b) Handguns or pistols.

(c) Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller.

(d) Pre-charged pneumatic air powered guns, .25 caliber or larger.

(e) Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

(f) Muzzle-loading long gun and muzzle-loading handguns of any caliber.

(g) Pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch and 2 sharpened edges.

(h) Spear or sharpened blade.

(i) Raptors by properly permitted falconers.

(7) OTHER GAME BIRDS OR ANIMALS:

(a) Rifles using rimfire ammunition or those operated by air.

(b) Muzzle-loading long guns and muzzle-loading handguns of any caliber.

(c) Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

(d) Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller, using standard No. 4 shot or smaller.

(e) Handguns or pistols.

(f) Blowguns using darts propelled by the hunter’s breath only.

(g) Sling shots.

(h) Raptors by properly permitted falconers.

(8) BULLFROG and PIG FROG:

(a) Air powered rifles .25 caliber or smaller.

(b) Gig or spear.

(c) Long bows, compound bows, or crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

(d) Hand or dip net.

(9) Falconry:

(a) For the purpose of permitting the practice of falconry as a legal means of taking game in Alabama, and for no other purpose, live migratory birds of the order Falconiformes, the order Accipitriformes (other than the bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and the order Strigiformes, are hereby designated as game birds.

(b) As used in this regulation, the word:

1. "Raptor" means a live migratory bird of the order Falconiformes, the order Accipitriformes [other than the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)], or of the order Strigiformes.

2. "Take" means to trap or capture, or attempt to trap or capture, a raptor for the purpose of falconry.

3. "Falconry" means the sport of taking quarry by means of a trained raptor.

4. "Service" means the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Interior.

5. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

6. "Department" means the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

7. "Division" means the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(c) An applicant who wishes to practice falconry in Alabama must submit a request for an application to practice falconry along with a non-refundable $50.00 fee to the Commissioner. If a permittee desires to renew his permit an additional $50.00 fee shall be due with each renewal request.

(d) A falconry permit is required before any person may take, transport, or possess wild-taken or captive bred raptors for falconry purposes. The use for falconry or the possession of any raptor species not covered by the Federal Falconry Regulations and listed above is controlled by these regulations.

Every permit issued shall be subject to the following special conditions:

1. A permittee may not take, transport, or possess any species designated as endangered by the State unless authorized in writing by the Commissioner.

2. A permittee may not sell, purchase, barter, or offer to sell, purchase, or barter any raptor unless the raptor is marked on the metatarsus by a seamless, numbered band supplied by the Service.

3. A permittee may not propagate raptors without prior acquisition of a valid raptor propagation permit issued under Federal Regulation 50CFR21.30.

4. A permittee may not take, possess or transport a raptor in violation of restrictions, conditions, and requirements of the State Falconry Permit Regulations or Federal regulations listed in 50 CFR, Part 21 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-21/subpart-C/section-21.82).

5. A permittee must report the take, loss, or transfer of a falconry bird within five days by entering the required information in the electronic database https://epermits.fws.gov/falcP or by submitting a paper form 3-186A to the State falconry permit administrator.

(e) A permit or the renewal of a permit is valid when issued by the State and expires on August 31 of the third calendar year after it is issued, unless a different period is specified on the permit or renewal. A fee of $50.00 shall be required with each renewal.

(f) Three classes of falconry permits shall be issued. These include:

1. APPRENTICE CLASS - Conditions of this class include:

(i) A permittee shall be at least 12 years old; if under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign permittee application and is legally responsible for activities of the permittee.

(ii) A sponsor who is a holder of a General or a Master Falconry Permit is required for the first two years in which an apprentice permit is held, regardless of the age of the permittee. A sponsor may not have more than three apprentices at one time; General Falconry Permit holder must have at least two years' experience at General Class level to sponsor.

(iii) A permittee shall not possess more than one raptor and may not obtain more than two raptors during a calendar year.

(iv) A permittee shall possess only the following raptors, less than 1 year old but not nestlings, which must be taken from the wild by the apprentice: a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), or a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus).

2. GENERAL CLASS - Conditions of this class include:

(i) A permittee shall be at least 16 years old; if 16 or 17 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign permittee application and is legally responsible for activities of the permittee.

(ii) A permittee shall have at least two years’ experience in the practice of falconry at the apprentice level or its equivalent; including maintaining, training, flying, and hunting the raptor(s) for at least 4 months in each year, and submit a document from a General or Master class falconer (preferably the sponsor) stating such experience.

(iii) A permittee may not possess more than three raptors and may not obtain more than two raptors taken from the wild during a calendar year.

(iv) A permittee may not take, transport, or possess any golden eagle or any species listed as threatened or endangered by the Service or any species listed as endangered by the State except as provided by the Federal and State Falconry Permit Regulations.

3. MASTER CLASS - Conditions of this class include:

(i) An applicant shall have at least five years’ experience in the practice of falconry at the general class level or its equivalent.

(ii) A permittee may not possess more than five wild raptors, and may not obtain more than two raptors taken from the wild during a calendar year.

(iii) A permittee may not take, transport or possess any species listed as endangered by the Service or any species listed as endangered by the State except as provided by the Federal and State Falconry Permit Regulations.

(g) Before any falconry permit is issued, the applicant shall be required to answer correctly at least 80 percent of the questions on a supervised examination approved by the Service relating to the basic biology, care, and handling of raptors, literature, laws, regulations, and other appropriate subject matter. An opportunity for retaking the examination shall be provided in the event of failure.

(h) Before any falconry permit is issued, the applicant's raptor housing facilities and falconry equipment shall be inspected and certified by a representative of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries as meeting the following standards:

1. Facilities - The primary consideration for raptor housing facilities, whether indoors (mews) or outdoors (weathering area), is protection from the environment, predators, or undue disturbance. The applicant shall have the following facilities, which may be in the form of separate structures or an approved hybrid design fulfilling requirements of both:

(i) Indoor facilities (mews) shall be large enough to allow easy access for caring for raptors housed in the facility. If more than one raptor is to be housed in the facility, the raptor shall be tethered or separated by partitions and the area for each bird shall be large enough to allow each bird to fully extend its wings. There shall be at least one window, protected on the inside by vertical bars, spaced narrower than the width of the bird's body and a secure door that can be easily closed. The floor of the mews shall permit easy cleaning and shall be well drained. Adequate perches shall be provided.

(ii) Outdoor facilities (weathering area) shall be fenced and covered with netting or wire or roofed to protect the birds from disturbance and attack by predators. The enclosures shall be wide enough to ensure that the birds wings shall not strike the fence when flying from the perch. Protection from excessive sun, wind, and inclement weather shall be provided for each bird. Adequate perches shall be provided with at least one perch covered to protect a raptor from the weather.

2. Equipment - The following items shall be in the possession of the applicant before he can obtain a permit:

(i) Jesses - At least one pair of Aylmeri jesses of pliable leather or suitable synthetic material to be used when any raptor is flown free. Traditional type one-piece jesses may be used on raptors when not being flown; and

(ii) Leashes and Swivels - At least one flexible, weather resistant leash and one swivel of acceptable falconry design; and

(iii) Bath Container - At least one container, 2 to 6 inches deep and wider than the length of the raptor, for drinking and bathing for each raptor; and

(iv) Outdoor Perches - At least one weathering area perch of an acceptable design shall be provided for each raptor; and

(v) Weighing Device - A reliable scale or balance suitable for weighing the raptor and graduated in increments of not more than ½ ounce (15 grams) shall be provided.

3. Maintenance - All facilities and equipment shall be kept at or above the preceding standards at all times.

4. Transportation - Temporary Holding - Temporarily, a raptor may be transported or held in temporary facilities, which shall be provided with an adequate perch and protection from extreme temperatures and excessive disturbance for a period not to exceed 120 days.

(i) Special restrictions are as follows:

(I) Young raptors not yet capable of flight (eyasses) may only be taken by General or Master Falconry Permit holder, and no more than two eyasses may be taken by the same permittee during one calendar year.

(II) First year passage raptors may be taken during any month.

(III) Only American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) and great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) may be taken when over one year old, except that any raptor other than endangered or threatened species taken under a depredation (or special purpose) permit may be used for falconry by General or Master Falconry Permit holders.

(IV) A number of permits for the trapping of passage peregrin falcons (Falco peregrinus) in Alabama will be made available by the Service annually; Alabama General and Master Class falconry permit holders are eligible to apply for a permit for the take of passage peregrine falcons in the state.

(V) A raptor wearing falconry equipment may be retrapped at any time.

(j) Another person may care for the birds of a permittee if written authorization from the permittee accompanies the birds when they are transferred. If that period of care will exceed 45 days, the permittee shall inform the Division's falconry permit administrator within three days of the transfer, of the reason for the transfer, where the birds are being held, who is caring for them, and approximately how many days they will be under the care of the second person.

(k) Feathers that are molted or those feathers from birds held in captivity that die, may be retained and exchanged by permittees only for imping purposes. Feathers of golden eagles not retained for imping purposes shall be sent to the National Eagle Repository.

(l) Non-transfer, interstate import and export conditions:

1. Non-residents of the State which are permit holders from States which are recognized as falconry states by the Service may transport into Alabama raptors for personal falconry use (i.e. Falconry Meets, etc.) provided the laws and regulations concerning hunting and falconry are observed.

2. Residents of the State who are falconry permittees may transport their raptors into other states which are recognized by the Service as falconry states for personal falconry use provided hunting and falconry laws and regulations are observed.

3. This section does not prevent the importation, exportation, or exchange between permittees of legally acquired raptors taken from the wild or produced by captive propagation, if the permittees who import, export, or exchange raptors notify the Department in writing and as provided for elsewhere within these regulations.

(m) Permittees holding the proper licenses may hunt, pursue and kill game birds and game animals during any of the established hunting seasons in accordance with existing regulations under the following provisions:

1. Persons desiring to hunt with raptors must obtain proper hunting licenses along with proper falconry permits before attempting to take game birds and game animals.

2. Persons hunting with raptors may hunt, pursue and kill game birds and game animals as follows:

(i) Migratory game birds - during the gun seasons for birds pursued.

(ii) Resident game birds and animals - from the opening date of the gun season for the species pursued through March 31.

3. A permittee, whose hunting raptor accidentally kills game that is out of season or of the wrong species or sex, shall leave the dead quarry where it lies, except that the raptor may feed upon the quarry prior to leaving the site of the kill.

4. Regular season bag limits for migratory game birds do not apply to falconry. Falconry bag limits shall not exceed 3 birds for all migratory game birds in the aggregate, whether or not an extended season is selected. Regular season bag limits for resident game birds and animals shall apply to falconry.

(n) It shall be lawful for a nonresident to take or attempt to take raptors from the wild in Alabama, subject to the same restrictions and limitations as apply to resident permit holders, if the nonresident has a valid general or master level falconry permit from such person’s state of residence, a valid Alabama nonresident hunting license, and if such person’s state of residence provides the same privileges to residents of Alabama.

(o) Violation of this regulation or federal regulation is just cause for revocation of permits by the Department.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: October 18, 1982; October 13, 1984; October 19, 1985; December 2, 1987; April 7, 1989; January 2, 1990; September 27, 1990; November 13, 1991. Amended: Filed October 4, 1993; effective November 8, 1993. Amended: Filed September 13, 1994; effective October 19, 1994. Amended: Filed September 20, 1995; effective October 26, 1995. Amended: Filed September 10, 1996; effective October 16, 1996. Amended: Filed August 11, 1997; effective September 16, 1997. Amended (PE): Filed March 10, 1998; effective March 10, 1998. Amended: Filed November 30, 1998; effective January 4, 1999. Amended: Filed September 13, 1999; effective October 18, 1999. Amended: Filed June 26, 2002; effective July 31, 2002. Amended: Filed September 16, 2002; effective October 21, 2002. Amended: Filed August 25, 2003; effective September 29, 2003. Amended: Filed August 10, 2004; effective September 14, 2004. Amended: Filed August 9, 2005; effective September 13, 2005. Amended: Filed August 10, 2006; effective September 15, 2006. Amended: Filed September 12, 2007; effective October 17, 2007. Amended: Filed September 11, 2008; effective October 16, 2008. Amended: Filed June 15, 2012; effective July 20, 2012. Amended: Filed August 20, 2012; effective September 24, 2012. Amended: Filed September 6, 2013; effective October 14, 2013. Amended: Filed April 15, 2014; effective May 20, 2014. Amended: Filed May 20, 2014; effective June 24, 2014. Amended: Filed September 22, 2014; effective October 27, 2014. Amended: Filed June 10, 2015; effective July 15, 2015. Amended: Filed June 14, 2016; effective July 29, 2016. Amended: Filed July 10, 2018; effective August 24, 2018. Amended: Filed August 19, 2019; effective October 3, 2019. Amended: Filed July 16, 2020; effective September 14, 2020. Amended: Published July 30, 2021; effective September 13, 2021. Amended: Published November 30, 2023; effective January 14, 2024. Amended: Published August 29, 2025; effective October 13, 2025.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.03 Legal Specifications For Bow And Arrow

(1) A legal bow for hunting is defined as either a long bow, a recurve bow, a compound bow or a crossbow.

(2) It shall be unlawful, except as otherwise provided by law or regulation, for any person to hunt deer and turkey with bow and arrows that are not in conformance with the following specifications:

(a) Bows must have a minimum peak tension (within the user's normal draw length) of 30 pounds. Crossbows must have a minimum peak tension of 85 pounds at normal draw length.

(b) Arrows shall be equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch and 2 sharpened edges.

(3) Crossbows must be equipped with a working safety.

(4) There shall be no electronic or electrically assisted devices attached to the bow, except:

(a) Illuminated sight pins/beads/markings,

(b) sights with magnification on crossbows, or

(c) laser type range finders with computational capabilities.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Emergency amendment effective August 18, 1988. Amended: December 3, 1988; November 16, 1990; October 23, 1991; January 18, 1992; May 5, 1993; effective June 15, 1993. Amended: Filed November 10, 1994; effective December 15, 1994. Amended: Filed August 11, 1997; effective September 16, 1997. Amended: Filed July 21, 1998; effective August 26, 1998. Amended: Filed October 12, 1999; effective November 16, 1999. Amended: Filed August 10, 2000; effective September 14, 2000. Amended: Filed October 25, 2001; effective November 29, 2001. Amended: Filed July 16, 2002; effective August 20, 2002. Amended: Filed August 10, 2004; effective September 14, 2004. Amended: Filed July 28, 2010; effective September 1, 2010. Amended: Filed July 21, 2011, effective August 25, 2011. Amended: Filed June 10, 2015; effective July 15, 2015. Amended: Filed June 14, 2016; effective July 29, 2016. Amended: Filed July 10, 2018; effective August 24, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.04 Game Birds Designated

(1) Resident Game Birds: Bobwhite Quail, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey.

(2) Migratory Game Birds: Wild Duck; Wild Goose; Brant; Virginia, King, and Clapper Rail; Sora; Coot; Wilson Snipe; Woodcock; Mourning and White-Wing Dove; Gallinule; Merganser; and Sandhill Crane.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: Filed September 21, 2012; effective October 26, 2012. Amended: Filed June 14, 2016; effective July 29, 2016. Amended: Published October 31, 2019; effective December 15, 2019. Amended: Published October 29, 2021; effective December 13, 2021.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.05 Legal Hunting Hours For Game Birds

Legal hunting hours for game birds during the open season shall be daylight hours only, except as otherwise provided by law or regulation.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.06 Game Animals Designated

The following animals are hereby designated as game animals: Bear, Beaver, Coyote, Deer, Opossum, Eastern Cottontail and Swamp Rabbit, Raccoon, Squirrel, Nutria, Fox, Mountain Lion (Cougar), Groundhog, Bobcat, Red Wolf, Feral Swine (Wild Hog or Wild Pig), and Alligator.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12. History: Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: March 20, 1990; April 21, 1992; September 16, 1992. Amended: Filed May 20, 2014; effective June 24, 2014. Amended: Filed June 14, 2016; effective July 29, 2016. Amended: Filed May 9, 2017; effective June 23, 2017.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.07 Legal Hunting Hours For Game Animals Protected By Rule Or Regulation

It shall be unlawful to hunt all protected animals during nighttime hours except as otherwise provided by law or rule promulgated by the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. Legal hunting hours for all game animals during the open season for same shall be daylight hours only, with the following exceptions: fox may be hunted during nighttime hours with light and dogs only, and raccoon and opossum may be hunted during nighttime hours with the use of a light and legal arms and ammunition as provided in rule 220-2-.02 when hunter or hunters are accompanied by dog or dogs free of leash; and coyote and feral swine may be hunted during nighttime hours during the applicable special nighttime season.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-235, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: Filed December 17, 1985. January 21, 1986. Amended: Filed July 12, 2016; effective August 26, 2016. Amended (PE): Filed June 16, 2021; effective June 16, 2021.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.08 Hunting Of Raccoon, Opossum, Squirrel, Rabbit And Deer During Closed Gun Season

It is hereby made lawful to run raccoon, opossum, squirrel, and rabbit with dogs during the closed gun season on raccoon, opossum, squirrel, and rabbit by licensed hunters, provided, however, that under no circumstances shall anyone take, kill or have in his possession any raccoon, opossum, squirrel, or rabbit, or possess any device that could aid in capturing or killing other than light in conjunction with the running of raccoon, opossum, squirrel, and rabbit as permitted under this regulation during the closed gun season. Provided, further, that deer may be run with dogs only from the period October 1 until the opening of gun deer season in counties having a scheduled gun dog deer season. In addition, it is also provided further that each cast participating in a raccoon night hunt field trial having a permit issued pursuant to Rule 220-2-.17 may possess one raccoon squaller during the closed season on raccoons. Nothing in this regulation prohibits the possession of handguns by lawfully authorized persons for personal protection, provided the hangings are not used to hunt or take or to attempt to take wildlife in violation of law.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Emergency amendment effective September 17, 1990. Amended: December 21, 1990; March 19, 1992. Amended: Filed August 28, 2001; effective October 2, 2001. Amended: Filed September 6, 2013; effective October 14, 2013.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.09 Specification Of Firearms For Hunting (Repealed 9/14/04)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: March 29, 1986; September 13, 1986; October 22, 1987; December 3, 1988. Emergency amendment effective August 18, 1988. Amended: September 27, 1990; November 16, 1990; November 13, 1991. Amended: Filed October 13, 1994; effective November 18, 1994. Amended: Filed September 20, 1995; effective October 26, 1995; Amended: Filed September 10, 1996; effective October 16, 1996. Amended: Filed August 11, 1997; effective September 16, 1997. Amended: Filed November 30, 1998; effective January 4, 1999. Amended: Filed September 13, 1999; effective October 18, 1999. Amended: Filed September 20, 2000; effective October 25, 2000. Amended: Filed June 14, 2002; effective July 19, 2002. Amended: Filed August 25, 2003; effective September 29, 2003. Repealed: Filed August 10, 2004; effective September 14, 2004.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.10 The Possession Of Firearms By Bow Hunters Prohibited

It shall be unlawful for any person to possess both gun and bow while hunting any species of game, bird or animal, except during and in areas of the either sex gun deer season. This prohibition shall not apply to the possession of handguns by lawfully authorized persons for their personal protection, provided the handguns are not used to hunt or take or to attempt to take wildlife except as otherwise provided by law or regulation.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: Filed July 16, 2002; effective August 20, 2002. Amended: Filed June 15, 2012; effective July 20, 2012.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.11 Prohibited Methods And Devices For Hunting

(1) It shall be unlawful to concentrate, drive, rally, molest or to hunt, take, capture or kill or attempt to hunt, take, capture or kill any bird or animal from or by the aid of:

(a) Any automobile, motorcar, aircraft, train, motorboat, sailboat or any type mechanically propelled device, or any other device being operated in conjunction with any of the above-mentioned devices of transportation. Provided, however, that nothing in this regulation shall prevent hunting from a floating craft (except a sinkbox), including those propelled by motor, sail and wind, or both, when the motor of such craft has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, as the case may be, its progress therefrom has ceased, and it is drifting, beached, moored, resting at anchor, or it is being propelled by paddle, oars or pole, and provided further that nothing in this regulation shall prevent the taking of game birds and game animals from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor driven land conveyance provided any forward motion is ceased and engine is shut off. Nothing in this regulation allows the hunting, taking or killing or attempting to hunt, take or kill any bird of animal from any vehicle on a public road.

(b) Any electrically amplified turkey, dove or waterfowl calls or sound whether real or imitation. Nothing in this regulation shall prevent the use of electrically amplified crow calls. The possession of any electrical device and/or records capable of producing real or imitation turkey, dove or waterfowl calls of any type in the woods, field, or on the waters of this State shall be a violation of this regulation.

(c) Fire or smoke whether man-made or natural.

(d) Any live decoys, except when hunting unprotected birds or animals, provided that banded live pen raised quail may be used in a recovery pen as a call bird when such recovery pen is used to recover pen raised quail as provided for in Regulation 220-2-.16.

(e) It shall be unlawful for any person while engaged in hunting turkey in this State to use or have in his possession a decoy which has mechanical or electronic parts which makes the decoy capable of movement or producing sound or which can be manipulated to produce movement or sound. Mechanical parts include, but are limited to, decoys attached to weapons or handheld and manipulated to produce movement such as fanning or reaping. It is further provided, however, that no turkey decoys shall be lawful except during spring turkey season in the area of use.

(f) From floodwater. It shall be a violation of this regulation to hunt or attempt to hunt or take any species of resident bird or animal taking refuge in, swimming through, flying over, or resting in a tree, bush, or log standing or floating in any floodwaters or backwaters or taking refuge on any island less than forty acres in size created by any such flood or backwaters. Provided, however, that nothing in this regulation shall prevent the taking of migratory waterfowl from such areas.

(g) Any area where feeding has taken place, until all the feed has been removed or consumed for at least 10 days prior to such hunting, except those in possession of a current bait privilege license hunting white-tailed deer or feral swine on privately owned or leased lands.

(h) Gasoline or any noxious chemical or gaseous substance to drive wildlife from their burrows, dens, or retreats.

(i) It shall be unlawful to possess fully automatic firearms while hunting any species of wildlife.

(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt with a bow or gun that has a light source attached that is capable of casting a beam of light (including a laser sight) forward of said bow or gun or to possess such a light source adapted for attachment to said bow or gun while hunting except for laser type range finders with computational capabilities; or as provided by Rule 220-2-.02(1)(c) for conditional use of laser sighting devices by legally blind hunters; or when the person possesses a current nighttime feral swine and coyote license and is hunting those species during the date of the established special nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting season.

(a) It shall be unlawful to possess any equipment that uses electronics to increase the ability to see in the dark (night vision/thermal equipment) while hunting any species of wildlife, both protected or unprotected species except for persons possessing a current nighttime feral swine and coyote license, hunting those species during dates of the established special nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting season.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: September 12, 1983; January 22, 1986; August 18, 1988; December 3, 1988; November 16, 1989; September 27, 1990; November 13, 1991. Amended: Filed August 28, 2001; effective October 2, 2001. Amended: Filed August 10, 2004; effective September 14, 2004. Amended: Filed February 5, 2010; effective March 12, 2010. Amended: Filed October 12, 2011; effective November 16, 2010. Amended: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012. Amended: Filed June 10, 2015; effective July 15, 2015. Amended: Filed July 16, 2020; effective September 14, 2020. Amended: Published July 30, 2021; effective September 13, 2021. Amended: Published November 30, 2023; effective January 14, 2024.
• Penalty: As provided by Law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.12 Game Bag, Hunting Coat, Etc., Shall Be Open To Inspection

Pursuant to the Code of Ala. 1975, Sections 9-11-85 and 9-11-259, which provided in effect that all game birds, animals or fish taken or killed in this State must at all times be carried or transported openly and that all game birds, animals or fish carried or transported in an illegal manner shall be confiscated and disposed of under regulations by the Commissioner; any live box, holding box, game bag, hunting coat, camping equipment, or like receptacles, or any automobile or boat used for the carrying or holding of any fish, game birds, or game animals or any gun or fishing tackle used in hunting or fishing shall be subject to inspection by officers of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at all times upon proper identification of said officer. Any person who refuses to allow inspection of the above named articles shall be in violation of this regulation and shall be punished as provided by law.

History

• Author: John W. Hodnett
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12, 9-11-85, 9-11-259.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: September 30, 1985. November 5, 1985.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.13 Reasonable Effort Must Be Made To Retrieve Crippled Birds, Animals And Fish

It shall be illegal for any person, firm, or corporation to kill or cripple any species of game bird, game animal or game fish without making a reasonable effort to retrieve same and include it in his daily bag or creel limit. Nothing in this regulation permits or requires a person to enter upon the land or waters of another for the purpose of retrieving game or fish without the permission of the landowner.

History

• Author: Richard C. Liles
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: Filed July 16, 2002; effective August 20, 2002.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.14 Deer Hunting Confined To Bucks Only With Bare Antlers Visible Above Hairline (Repealed 9/19/12)

(REPEALED)

History

• Author: n. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Repealed: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.15 Destroying Sex Of Deer Or Wild Turkey Prohibited

It is hereby made unlawful for any person who kills, captures, or possesses a deer or wild turkey, in order to evade or attempt to evade any law or regulation, to destroy or attempt to destroy the evidence of sex, or to mutilate the carcass of such deer or wild turkey so as to make the determination of the legal status of the deer or turkey uncertain. Nothing in this regulation is intended to prevent any person from dressing for consumption any deer or wild turkey which has been killed legally. This regulation is designed to prohibit the killing or capturing of illegal deer and wild turkey hens.

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.16 Period For Training Bird Dogs

(1) Any licensed dog trainer may train bird dogs and any licensed hunter may train his/her own bird dog during the closed hunting season. Any licensed dog trainer and any licensed hunter may train his/her bird dogs with the aid of a recovery pen to recover the pen raised quail used in training bird dogs, provided that all pen raised quail used shall be banded and any unbanded birds taken in the recovery pen shall be immediately released.

(2) Under no circumstances, however, shall such training be accomplished or allowed with the use of a gun during the closed hunting season other than as outlined below. Such trainer or owner may train such dogs by using a pistol loaded with blanks only. The training of bird dogs through the use of shotguns and live ammunition shall be allowed at any time of the year, provided that such training be restricted to a specific location predesignated to and approved by the Conservation Officer assigned to the area where the training is to take place; that the dogs are controlled in a manner restricting them to the specified training area; that only unprotected birds be involved; and that written permission for such training be obtained from said Conservation Officer assigned to such area.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12, 9-11-52.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: Published December 31, 2020; effective February 14, 2021.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.17 Organized Field Trials

It shall be unlawful for any resident or nonresident of this State to participate in any organized field trial without a hunting license unless approved in writing by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and conducted pursuant to a valid permit from the Department. In the process of such organized field trial events, no guns using live ammunition shall be used nor shall any game animals or birds be taken or killed. Further, during the course of approved hunting dog field trials (which trials shall only be conducted pursuant to possession of a valid permit from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), only properly marked pen-raised quail or mallard ducks may be shot. Provided the organization receives a permit as provided for herein, the shooter, or person bearing the gun, will not be required to have a hunting license. Only one person at a time may possess a gun during the course or stations of a permitted field trial where such quail or ducks will be shot. An organized field trial permit where such quail or ducks are taken will only be issued for a predesignated marked course or hunting dog trial stations. Approval of the local conservation officer (or Commissioner’s designee) will be required prior to the issuance of a hunting dog field trial permit where such quail or ducks are to be taken. Permits for organized field trials will be limited to three permits per organization per year and will only be issued for periods from September 1 through May 15. These date restrictions do not apply to raccoon or fox field trails. An administrative fee of Fifty Dollars ($50) will be required for each permit to cover the Department’s costs associated with organized field trial activities. Applicants will be required to submit the name of the organization, name of the organization’s manager, driver’s license and social security numbers and date of birth of the organization’s manager, as well as additional addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Applicants will also be required to provide the physical address or GPS coordinates of the location of the field trial, and the date and type of the field trial event. Organized fields trials on Wildlife Management Areas and Open Permit-Public Land (as defined in rule 220-2-.85(2)), such as national forests lands, will not be approved under field trial permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, organized field trials may be held at the Barnett Lawley Field Trial Facility managed by the State Lands Division.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: September 13, 1986; August 17, 1990. Amended: Filed September 14, 1993; effective October 19, 1993. Amended: Filed March 7, 2012; effective April 11, 2012. Amended: Filed May 23, 2017; effective July 7, 2017. Amended: Filed August 8, 2018; effective September 22, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.18 Possession Limit

(1) It shall be unlawful to take or attempt to take or have in possession more than the daily bag limit of any game bird, game or furbearing animals except as listed in paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) of this rule.

(a) Possession limit does not apply on deer and/or turkey provided not more than the daily bag limit on deer and/or one (1) turkey is taken on any one day. All deer and/or turkeys in possession, beyond 48 hours from harvest or in the possession of any other person that did not harvest the deer or turkey, must have accompanying Game Check confirmation numbers.

(b) Possession limit of one day bag does not apply on legally taken game birds or game animals after they have been packaged and/or prepared for storage. All deer and/or turkeys in possession, beyond 48 hours from harvest or in the possession of any other person that did not harvest the deer or turkey, must have accompanying Game Check confirmation numbers.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Repealed and Replaced: Filed September 19, 1995; effective October 25, 1995. Amended: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012. Amended (PE): Filed May 13, 2020; effective May 13, 2020.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.19 Permit For Shipping 2-Days Bag Limit (Repealed 9/19/12)

(REPEALED)

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Repealed: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.20 Hunting And Trapping In State Parks, Forests, State Game Farms And Sanctuaries Prohibited

The hunting, taking, killing, capturing or having in possession of any wild bird or animal in any state park, state forest, forest fire tower area, or any state or federal game sanctuary, except Geneva State Forest Choccolocco Corridor, Lawrence Fire Tower area and Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, is hereby prohibited.

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Repealed: September 13, 1984.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.21 Possession Of Firearms Or Bow And Arrow In Any Sanctuary Prohibited

No person shall take, carry, or possess any firearms or bow of any description whatsoever (except handguns possessed by lawfully authorized persons for personal protection) in any state sanctuaries established as a sanctuary by Rule 220-2-.22; provided, however, that this rule shall not apply to the possession of firearms by State Conservation Officers, state or county enforcement officers, or federal agents, when they are on active duty in the performance of their duties in the enforcement of the laws of this State.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12, 9-11-301.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: November 13, 1991. Amended: Filed October 6, 2010; effective November 10, 2010. Amended: Filed June 15, 2012; effective July 20, 2012.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.22 Wildlife Management Areas, Special Opportunity Areas, Refuges, and Community Hunting Areas Established

(1) The wildlife management areas, special opportunity areas, refuges, and community hunting areas described in paragraph (2) hereof are hereby established as "wildlife management areas." The boundary lines of these areas and refuges shall be as they are described on the maps attached in Chapter 220-2-A Appendix A.

(2) The names and counties of these areas and refuges are as follows: Charles D. Kelley - Autauga County Wildlife Management Area (Autauga); Barbour Wildlife Management Area (Barbour, Bullock); Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area (Winston, Lawrence); Blue Spring Wildlife Management Area (Covington); Boggy Hollow Wildlife Management Area (Covington); William R. Ireland, Sr. - Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area (Bibb, Shelby); Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area (Cleburne, Calhoun); Coosa Wildlife Management Area (Coosa); Crow Creek Management Area (Jackson); David K. Nelson Wildlife Management Area (Sumter, Greene, Hale, Marengo); Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area (Colbert); Geneva State Forest Wildlife Management Area (Geneva, Covington); Grand Bay Savanna Community Hunting Area (Mobile); Hollins Wildlife Management Area (Talladega, Clay); James D. Martin - Skyline Wildlife Management Area (Jackson); Lauderdale Wildlife Management Area (Lauderdale); Little River Wildlife Management Area (DeKalb, Cherokee); Lowndes Wildlife Management Area (Lowndes); Mallard--Fox Creek Wildlife Management Area (Morgan, Lawrence); Mud Creek Management Area (Jackson); Mulberry Fork Wildlife Management Area (Walker, Tuscaloosa); Oakmulgee Wildlife Management Area (Bibb, Perry, Hale, Tuscaloosa); Perdido River Wildlife Management Area (Baldwin); Raccoon Creek Management Area (Jackson); Red Hills Wildlife Management Area (Monroe); Riverton Community Hunting Area (Colbert); Sam R. Murphy Wildlife Management Area (Lamar, Marion); Seven Mile Island Wildlife Management Area (Lauderdale); Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area (Limestone); Upper Delta Wildlife Management Area (Baldwin, Mobile); W. L. Holland and Mobile-Tensaw Delta Wildlife Management Areas (Baldwin, Mobile); Forever Wild Gothard – AWF Yates Lake Wildlife Management Area (Elmore); North Sauty Refuge (Jackson); Coon Gulf Tract (Jackson); Crow Creek Refuge (Jackson); Crow Creek Special Opportunity Area (Jackson); Martin Community Hunting Area (Tallapoosa); Blackwater River Special Opportunity Area (Baldwin); Charles F. Sykes Cedar Creek Special Opportunity Area (Dallas); Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge Special Opportunity Area (Choctaw); Uchee Creek Special Opportunity Area (Russell); Fred T. Stimpson Special Opportunity Area (Clarke); Portland Landing Special Opportunity Area (Dallas); Prairie Glades Special Opportunity Area (Montgomery); Thigpen Hill Special Opportunity Area (Butler); Upper State Special Opportunity Area (Clarke); Little River State Forest Special Opportunity Area (Monroe); Chalk Hill Special Opportunity Area; and Shelby Special Opportunity Area.

(3) In addition, the following Federal refuges exist in the State of Alabama: Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge (Bibb); Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge (Choctaw); Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge (Barbour); Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge (Calhoun); Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (Morgan, Limestone, Madison); Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (Baldwin, Mobile); Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Mobile); Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge (Lauderdale); Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge (Jefferson); Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge (Jackson); and Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge (Jackson). The boundary lines and areas for these refuges are established by Federal authorities.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-11-300, 9-11-301.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: January 22, 1986; October 17, 1986; August 6, 1987. Emergency amendment effective September 23, 1988. Amended: February 8, 1989; November 16, 1989; December 21, 1990; February 22, 1991; November 13, 1991; November 13, 1992. Amended: Filed: September 14, 1993; effective October 19, 1993. Amended: Filed September 16, 1994; effective October 22, 1994. Repealed and Replaced: Filed September 20, 1995; effective October 26, 1995; Amended: Filed September 19, 1996; effective October 16, 1996. Amended: Filed September 15, 1997; effective October 21, 1997. Repealed and Replaced: Filed September 15, 1998; effective October 20, 1998. Repealed and New Rule: Filed October 12, 1999; effective November 16, 1999. Repealed and New Rule: Filed October 27, 2000; effective December 1, 2000. Repealed and New Rule: Filed November 7, 2001; effective December 12, 2001. Repealed and New Rule: Filed October 23, 2002; effective November 27, 2002. Repealed and New Rule: Filed March 4, 2004; effective April 8, 2004. Repealed and New Rule: Filed February 2, 2005; effective March 9, 2005. Repealed and New Rule: Filed January 26, 2006; effective March 2, 2006. Repealed and New Rule: Filed January 22, 2007; effective February 26, 2007. Repealed and New Rule: Filed October 25, 2007; effective November 29, 2007. Amended (Rule and Appendix): Filed April 23, 2008; effective May 28, 2008. Repealed and New Rule (Rule and Appendix): Filed October 30, 2008; effective December 4, 2008. Amended (Rule and Appendix): Filed September 15, 2009; effective October 20, 2009. Amended (Rule and Appendix): Filed November 24, 2010; effective December 29, 2010. Repealed and New Rule (Rule and Appendix): Filed October 14, 2011; effective November 18, 2011. Repealed and New Rule (Rule and Appendix): Filed January 11, 2013; effective February 15, 2013. Amended (Rule and Appendix): Filed March 17, 2014; effective April 21, 2014. Amended (Rule and Appendix): Filed October 23, 2014; effective November 27, 2014. Amended (PE - Rule and Appendix): Filed August 31, 2015; effective August 31, 2015. Amended (PE - Rule and Appendix): Filed September 14, 2015; effective September 14, 2015. Amended (PE - Rule and Appendix): Filed August 18, 2016; effective August 18, 2016. Amended (PE – Appendix Only): Filed September 2, 2016; effective September 2, 2016. Amended (PE – Rule and Appendix): Filed September 8, 2017; effective September 8, 2017. Amended (PE – Rule and Appendix): Published November 30, 2019; effective October 25, 2019. Amended (PE – Rule and Appendix): Published October 30, 2020; effective October 8, 2020. Amended (PE – Rule and Appendix): Published September 30, 2021; effective September 14, 2021. Amended (PE – Rule and Appendix): Published September 30, 2022; effective September 20, 2022. Amended (PE – Appendix Only): Published October 31, 2022; effective October 4, 2022. Amended (PE -Appendix Only); Published May 31, 2023; effective April 21, 2023. Amended (PE Rule and Appendix): Published August 31, 2023; effective August 17, 2023. Amended (PE): Published August 30, 2024; effective August 14, 2024. Amended (PE): Published August 29, 2025; effective August 12, 2025. Amended (PE): Published July 31, 2026; effective July 16, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.
• Editor's note: (See Maps - Appendix A - at end of Chapter)

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.23 Licenses And Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Must Be In Possession

Every person hunting, trapping or fishing in the State, who is required by law to have a hunting, fishing or trapping license and migratory bird hunting stamp, must have said license or licenses in his or her possession at all times. When hunting, fishing or trapping, and such license or licenses must be presented for inspection to any authorized officer of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources upon demand.

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.24 Possession Of Carcass, Untanned Hides Or Skins

It shall be a violation of this regulation to have in possession the carcass, untanned hide, or skin of any bird or animal, or any part of said bird or animal if it has been taken, caught or killed in violation of the laws and regulations of this State. It shall be unlawful to have in possession any freshly killed bird or animal protected by law or regulation of this State except during the open season for the taking of same.

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.25 Imported Game Birds, Game Animals, Wildlife And Raw Furs Subject To State Laws

(1) All wildlife game or fur-bearing animals, game birds, or the dead bodies or parts thereof transported into the State of Alabama from any other state, territory or foreign country for use, consumption, sale or storage in the State of Alabama shall, upon arrival, be subject to the operation and effect of the laws and regulations of the State of Alabama enacted in the exercise of its police powers to the same extent and in the same manner as though such animals or birds had been produced or taken in the State of Alabama.

(2) The importation of body parts and/or the possession of imported body parts of any member of the family Cervidae is prohibited from all states, territories, or possessions of the United States of America. Importation of body parts and/or the possession of imported body parts is also prohibited from all foreign countries. The family Cervidae includes but is not limited to white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, caribou, fallow deer, axis deer, sika deer, red deer, and reindeer.

(3) This regulation shall not apply to importation or possession of: meat from the species listed in (2) above that has been completely deboned; cleaned skull plates with attached bare antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; unattached bare antlers or sheds; raw capes, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if no root structure or other soft tissue is present; and finished taxidermy products or tanned hides.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12, 9-11-410.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: October 17, 1986. Amended: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012. Amended: Filed June 14, 2016; effective July 29, 2016. Amended: Filed May 8, 2018; effective June 22, 2018. Amended: Filed October 11, 2018; effective November 25, 2018. Amended: Filed July 16, 2020; effective September 14, 2020.
• Penalty: As provided by law.
• Editor's note: Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: Filed September 11, 1986.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.26 Restrictions On Possession, Sale, Importation And/Or Release Of Certain Animals And Fish

(1) No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association shall possess, sell, offer for sale, import, bring, release, or cause to be brought or imported into the State of Alabama any of the following live fish or animals:

Any Walking Catfish or any other fish of the genus Clarias;

Any Piranha or any fish of the genera Serrasalmus, Pristobrycon, Pygocentrus, Catorprion, or Pygopristus;

Any Nile Perch, Asian Seabass, Barramundi, or any fish from the genus Lates or Macquaria;

Any Giant African Snail or Giant African Land Snail (Lissachtina fulica or Achatina fulica);

Any Black Carp of the genus Mylopharyngodon;

Any species of sturgeon not native to Alabama;

Any species of Chinese perch (Siniperca spp.);

Any species of Snakehead fish from the family Channidae (Chamui spp.);

Any species of Mud carp (Cirrhinus spp.);

Any species of fish “rudd” (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) or “roach” (Rutilus rutilus) or any hybrids of either species;

Zander (Sander lucioperca);

European Perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Eurasian Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus)

Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis);

Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio);

Crucian Carp (Carassius carassisus);

Any species of eel from the family of Anguillidae not native to Alabama;

Amur Sleeper (Perccottus glenii);

Any species of venomous reptile which has never naturally existed in the wild in Alabama including but not limited to venomous snakes of the families Viperidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, Hydrophiidae and Colubridae, except for hognose snakes (genus Heterodon);

Any species of bird, mammal, fish, crustacea, mollusk, reptile, or amphibian listed as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;

Any species of Tegus (Salvator sp.);

Any species of Mongoose;

San Juan Rabbits, Jack Rabbits or any other species of wild rabbit or hare; or

Any of the following from any area outside the state of Alabama; any member of the family Cervidae (to include but not be limited to deer, elk, moose, caribou), species of coyote, species of fox, species of raccoon, species of skunk, wild rodent, or strain of wild turkey, black bear (Ursus americanus), mountain lion (Felis concolor), bobcat (Felis rufus), Pronghorn Antelope (Antelocapridae), any nondomestic member of the families Suidae (pigs), Tayassuidae (peccaries), or Bovidae (except bison).

No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association, shall transport within the state, any member of the above-stated species (whether such member originated within or without the state), except for properly licensed game-breeders pursuant to Section 9-11-31, Code of Ala. 1975, or persons engaged in the interstate transport of any of the above-stated species through the state who are otherwise specifically authorized by permit of the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries or his designee.

(2) It shall be unlawful to release any tame turkey, or any other turkey, whether wild or tame, into any of the wild areas of this State. The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to any turkeys kept by any farmer or landowner of this State for normal agricultural purposes or for personal consumption.

(3) Except as authorized by permit issued by the Department prior to the date of this amendment, it shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession any live, protected wild bird or wild animal or live embryo or eggs of these protected wild birds or animals. “Possession” in this section does not include deer restricted by natural or man-made barriers as long as the deer remain wild and are not subject to management practices of domesticated animals.

(4) It shall be unlawful for any person to release any form of mammal, reptile, or amphibian which did not originate from this state, or any captive raised mammal, reptile, or amphibian other than those species raised under a license or permit from the Commissioner.

(5) It shall be unlawful to release any non-indigenous seafoods, as defined by Section 9-2-80, Code of Ala. 1975, into any public waters of the state.

(6) The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to the exceptions provided for in Section 9-2-13(b), Code of Ala. 1975. Accredited educational, research, and rehabilitation facilities shall be exempt from this regulation through the written permission of the Commissioner or his designee.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: January 17, 1985; September 27, 1990; January 18, 1991. Amended: Filed September 13, 1994; effective October 19, 1994. Amended: Filed September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995. Amended: Filed August 11, 1998; September 16, 1998. Amended: Filed January 14, 1999; effective February 18, 1999. Amended: Filed September 13, 1999; effective October 18, 1999. Amended: Filed August 10, 2000; effective September 14, 2000. Amended: Filed June 19, 2001; effective July 24, 2001. Amended: Filed July 29, 2002; effective September 2, 2002. Amended: Filed October 18, 2005; effective November 22, 2005. Amended: Filed May 13, 2009; effective June 17, 2009. Amended: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012. Amended: Filed December 30, 2013; effective February 3, 2014. Amended: Filed June 14, 2016; effective July 29, 2016. Amended: Filed August 19, 2019; effective October 3, 2019. Amended: Published August 31, 2020; effective October 15, 2020. Amended: Published August 30, 2024; effective October 14, 2024.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.27 Permit To Take Protected Wildlife Causing Crop Damage, Property Damage, Or Concern For Human Safety

Protected wildlife causing crop damage, property damage, or a reasonable concern for human safety, may be taken at times and by means otherwise unlawful by first procuring a permit from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Permits for the removal of protected wildlife will be issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or his designee if after investigation it has been determined that such protected wildlife should be removed for human safety or to protect agricultural crops or other property from excessive damage. Feral swine and coyotes are species for which the necessity of demonstrating specific damage is not required. Such permits will only be issued to the person owning the land or his/her official agent or to any person who has a lease on such lands, provided the lessee has the permission of the landowner to remove protected wildlife. Except for feral swine, permits shall not be issued to take, capture, or kill protected wildlife causing damage to crops planted for wildlife management. All wildlife taken shall be disposed of as directed by the issuing agent, and except for feral swine it may not be utilized personally. All feral swine taken under permit must be killed on site in accordance with 220-2-.86.

The means, methods, and times for which a permit is valid may be stipulated.

Any person, firm or corporation engaging in the business of wildlife damage control shall obtain a permit from the Department prior to taking, capturing, or killing wildlife and shall conduct wildlife damage control only under terms and conditions as specified by the Commissioner or his designee.

A property owner or tenant shall be allowed to take one squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, beaver, otter, or skunk per incident that is causing damage to said individual’s property without a permit. A property owner or his agent may take blackbirds without permit when found causing damage or posing a nuisance or health threat.

Persons taking, capturing, or killing wildlife under the provisions of this regulation shall abide by all state and local laws and ordinances. Live caught animals may not be relocated across a county line or a major river drainage.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: Filed December 17, 1997; effective January 21, 1998. Amended: Filed September 16, 2002; effective October 21, 2002. Amended: Filed May 13, 2009; effective June 17, 2009. Amended: Filed May 27, 2010; effective July 1, 2010. Amended: Filed June 12, 2015; effective July 17, 2015. Amended: Filed June 14, 2016; effective July 29, 2016. Amended (PE): Published June 28, 2024; effective June 28, 2024. Amended: Published September 30, 2024; effective November 14, 2024.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.28 Metal Tag Required For Commercial Pen-Raised Quail (Repealed 10/14/09)

Metal Tag Required For Commercial Pen-Raised Quail (Repealed 10/14/09)

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Repealed: Filed September 9, 2009; effective October 14, 2009.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.29 Open Trapping Seasons On Fur-Bearers

The open seasons during which fur-bearing animals may be trapped in Alabama are hereby established:

BOBCAT, FOX, MINK, MUSKRAT, OTTER, and STRIPED SKUNK:

Last Saturday in October-Last day of February

NOTE: See tagging requirements for Bobcat and Otter under Rule 220-2-.30.

NOTE: Permit may be obtained through your local District Office for the trapping of nuisance furbearers outside the dates of trapping season.

NOTE: All bobcat and otter, regardless of method of harvest, are required to be tagged by a representative of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division within 14 days of harvest or may be left with a taxidermist with a completed tagging form, and the taxidermist is required to have the bobcat or otter tagged within 14 days of receipt.

BEAVER, COYOTE, NUTRIA, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FERAL SWINE:

No Closed Season

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: October 17, 1983; October 12, 1984; October 19, 1985; September 3, 1986(E); September 8, 1987(E); September 1, 1988(E); August 28, 1989(E); August 28, 1990(E); August 6, 1991(E); August 31, 1992(E). August 31, 1993 (E). Amended: Filed October 4, 1993; effective November 8, 1993. July 14, 1994(E). Amended: Filed July 15, 1994; effective August 19, 1994. Amended (PE): Filed August 16, 1995; effective August 15, 1995. Repealed and Replaced (PE): July 16, 1997; effective July 16, 1997. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed August 4, 1998; effective August 4, 1998. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed August 31, 1999; effective August 31, 1999. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed August 29, 2000; effective August 29, 2000. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed July 10, 2001; effective July 10, 2001. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed July 17, 2002; effective July 17, 2002. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed July 2, 2003; effective July 2, 2003. Amended: Filed August 10, 2004; effective September 14, 2004. Amended (PE): Filed August 17, 2005; effective August 17, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed October 12, 2006; effective October 12, 2006. Amended (PE): Filed August 28, 2007; effective August 28, 2007. Amended (PE): Filed September 16, 2008; effective September 16, 2008. Amended (PE): Filed September 22, 2009; effective September 22, 2009. Amended (PE): Filed July 28, 2010; effective July 28, 2010. Amended (PE): Filed August 24, 2011; effective August 24, 2011. Amended: Filed August 20, 2012; effective September 24, 2012. Amended (PE): Filed September 21, 2012; effective September 21, 2012. Amended (PE): Filed October 18, 2013; effective October 18, 2013. Amended (PE): Filed July 15, 2014; effective July 15, 2014. Amended (PE): Filed May 18, 2015; effective May 18, 2015. Amended (PE): Filed May 20, 2016; effective May 20, 2016. Amended (PE): Filed March 23, 2017; effective March 23, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective June 19, 2018. Amended (PE): Filed October 18, 2019; effective October 18, 2019. Amended (PE): Filed May 6, 2020; effective May 6, 2020. Amended (PE): Filed July 20, 2021; effective July 20, 2021. Amended (PE): Published July 31, 2023; effective July 17, 2023. Amended (PE): Published June 28, 2024; effective June 28, 2024. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2025; effective June 17, 2025.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.30 Fur-Bearing Animals Designated/Trap Specifications/And Prohibited Devices/Tagging Requirement

The following shall be named and designated as fur-bearing animals in Alabama:

Beaver, Bobcat, Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Nutria, Opossum, Otter, Raccoon, Striped Skunk, Coyote, and Feral Swine.

(1) Trap Specifications - It shall be unlawful for any person to set or use a leg hold trap on land that has an inside diameter jaw spread greater than six (6) inches as measured at the widest point perpendicular to the frame and parallel to the trap dog and for those traps without a dog, at the widest point parallel with the pan shank. Leg hold trap having teeth or serrated edges along the inside of one or both jaws are prohibited. All body gripping traps with jaw width exceeding 5 inches as measured from the inside of the main jaw at the trigger assembly to the inside of the opposing jaw across the entrance window, and snares (except powered foot snare with a maximum loop of 5 1/2 inches) are prohibited for use in trapping fur-bearing animals on land. It shall be unlawful for any person to trap in the State of Alabama without identifying each trap with a metal tag bearing the name and address or Conservation Identification Number (CID) of the owner. Instructions for obtaining a CID are available at www.outdooralabama.com.

(2) Any person trapping fur-bearing animals, except for feral swine, in the State of Alabama must carry a choke stick while running traps. When trapped fur-bearing animals are dispatched with a firearm, only standard .22 caliber rimfire firearms, or .22 caliber pre-charged pneumatic air powered guns may be used. However, feral swine may be dispatched by any firearm or sharpened blade.

(3) Tagging Bobcat/Otter Pelts - Persons taking bobcat and otter must have the fur or pelts tagged by representatives of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater within 14 days of taking and before the fur or pelt is sold or otherwise disposed of.

(a) However, a licensed fur catcher may sell untagged bobcat and otter to an authorized resident fur dealer and leave a completed signed fur tag report with said dealer. The dealer must then have the bobcat and otter tagged by a representative of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries within 14 days of purchasing bobcat or otter pelts.

(b) Legally acquired bobcat and otter pelts or carcasses may be delivered untagged to a resident taxidermist for mounting if the owner leaves a completed, signed fur tag report with said taxidermist. The taxidermist must then have the bobcat and otter tagged by a representative of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries within 14 days of taking delivery of said pelts and transmit the completed fur tag report to Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries representative at the time the pelt or carcass is tagged.

(c) Tags may be removed from bobcat and otter pelts when processed by a taxidermist for mounting. However, the removed tag must remain with the mounted specimen when it is returned to its owner and until the mount and pelt are destroyed.

(d) It shall be unlawful for anyone to ship, transport, or export bobcat and otter pelts from this state unless said bobcat and otter pelts are tagged by a representative of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

(e) All bobcat and otter pelts shipped or imported into this state must be officially tagged by the state of origin.

(4) It shall be illegal to set a trap on top of a post or stake elevated above ground level.

(5) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess a furbearer alive beyond the confines of the trap without permit from the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or his designee. Except for feral swine, all furbearers shall be immediately dispatched or released at the trap site. All feral swine must be killed at the site of capture in accordance with rule 220-2-.86.

(6) It shall be unlawful for any person to disturb a legally set trap or to remove a furbearing animals from a trap without permission of the owner

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: October 20, 1983; October 19, 1985; September 13, 1986; November 16, 1990. Amended: Filed September 10, 1997; effective October 16, 1997. Amended (PE): Filed August 24, 2011; effective August 24, 2011. Amended: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012. Amended: Filed September 6, 2013; effective October 14, 2013. Amended: Filed June 10, 2015; effective July 15, 2015. Amended: Filed August 19, 2019; effective October 3, 2019. Amended: Published August 29, 2025; effective October 13, 2025.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.31 Unlawful To Hang Or Suspend Bait

It shall be unlawful to hang or suspend bait over or within 25 feet of a steel trap.

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.32 Possession Or Sale Of Raw Furs After Close Of Season (Repealed 6/24/14)

REPEALED

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Repealed: Filed May 20, 2014; effective June 24, 2014.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.33 Fur Dealers

All persons, firms, associations, or corporations dealing in storing, buying or transporting or otherwise shipping furs, skins or pelts of fur-bearing animals shall provide and keep for regular inspection:

(a) The name and address of each person from whom furs, skins and pelts of fur-bearing animals have been received or purchased.

(b) The fur catcher license number of the catcher from whom the furs, skins or pelts of fur-bearing animals have been received or purchased.

(c) The number and classification of furs, skins or pelts of fur-bearing animals with reference to kind of fur, skin or pelt.

(d) And the dates such furs, skins or pelts were sold, the person, firm, association or corporation to whom said furs, skins or pelts were sold and the gross amount in dollars and cents received from said sales.

History

• Author: Charles D. Kelley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: October 17, 1986.
• Penalty: As provided by law.
• Editor's note: Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: Filed September 11, 1986.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.34 Game Fish Designated

The following shall be named and designated as game fish:

All members of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) to include:

Black Bass - largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama, shoal, and those species formerly known as “redeye” bass, which are now known separately as Coosa, Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa, and Chattahoochee bass, based on their respective drainages. The Alabama bass was formerly known as spotted bass in the Mobile drainage.

Bream - rock bass, flier, shadow bass, warmouth, redbreast, bluegill, long ear, and redear (shellcracker).

Crappie - black and white crappie.

All members of the temperate bass family (Moronidae) to include:

Temperate Bass - saltwater striped, white, and yellow bass and any hybrids thereof.

All members of the pike family (Esocidae) to include:

Pickerel - chain, redfin, and grass pickerel.

The following members of the perch family (Percidae):

Perch – sauger (jack), walleye, and yellow perch.

The following members of the trout family (Salmonidae):

Trout - rainbow trout.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: June 24, 1992; October 22, 1992. Amended: September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995. Amended: Filed December 10, 1996; effective January 14, 1997. Amended: Filed April 1, 1999; effective May 6, 1999. Amended: Filed August 10, 2000; effective September 14, 2000. Amended: Filed July 16, 2014; effective August 20, 2014.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.35 Seasons, Creel And Size Limits For Fish On Public Waters Or Banks Thereof

(1) The following seasons for taking fish in accordance with the below stated times, places, manners and restrictions are hereby established. Unless noted below, the seasons for all designated game and commercial fish are open continuously.

(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or have in possession more than the daily limit for any fish as established herein. This shall not apply to fish held live for release by the sponsor or its designated agent after a bona fide fishing tournament provided they are released unharmed to the public waters from which they were taken as soon as reasonably possible on the same day they were taken. This does not obligate the sponsor or its designated agent to release dead or dying fish.

(3) Except as otherwise noted, it shall be unlawful to possess any fish less than or greater than size restrictions as established herein. Size restrictions on all fish are determined by measuring from the front of the mouth to the tip of the tail with both mouth and tail closed. Except as otherwise provided for certain State and Federally owned and/or managed fishing lakes and ponds, the daily creel, possession limits and size restrictions for fish in all public waters of this State shall be as follows:

Daily Creel and Possession Limit

(a) Black Bass..................................... 10

Includes combinations of largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama, shoal and those species formerly known as “redeye” bass, which are now known separately as Coosa, Warrior, Cahaba, Tallapoosa and Chattahoochee bass, based on their respective drainages. The Alabama bass was formerly known as spotted bass in the Mobile drainage. No more than 5 of the daily creel limit of 10 may be smallmouth bass. See exceptions for shoal bass in specific tributaries of the Chattahoochee River.

(b) Walleye....................................... 2

It shall be illegal to take or attempt to take walleye by any method from Sweetwater Lake located in the Talladega National Forest, Cleburne County, from White Plains Lake (also known as Whitesides Mill Lake), Calhoun County and from Shoal Creek upstream of White Plains Lake, Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. It shall also be illegal to take or attempt to take walleye by any method from Lake Mitchell on the Coosa River between Mitchell Dam and Lay Dam or from its tributary streams, Walnut Creek in Chilton County, Hatchet Creek in Coosa and Clay Counties, Weogufka Creek in Coosa County, the Mulberry Fork River and the Sipsey Fork River or any of their tributary streams in Blount, Cullman, Lawrence, Walker, and Winston Counties. Any walleye taken in these lakes or streams shall immediately be released back into the waters from which they were taken with least possible harm.

(c) Sauger......................................... 5

It is illegal to possess any Sauger less than 15 inches in total length.

(d) White Bass.................................... 15

(e) Yellow Bass................................... 15

(f) Saltwater Striped Bass, and Hybrids or Combinations. 15

No more than five of the 15 may exceed 22 inches in total length. See exceptions for Lewis Smith, Inland, Yates, and Thurlow reservoirs, Lake Martin, and coastal rivers of Baldwin and Mobile counties.

(g) Crappie....................................... 30

It is illegal to possess any crappie less than nine inches in total length taken from Alabama public waters, including Aliceville Reservoir and effective October 1, 2001, Pickwick Reservoir. Waters exempt from the nine-inch crappie limit include impoundments less than 500 surface acres, and the reciprocal waters of the Chattahoochee River and Impoundments and their tributaries, Bear Creek Reservoir (Big Bear Lake of the B.C.D.A. Lakes), Lake Jackson at Florala and Weiss Reservoir.) See exception for Weiss Reservoir.

(h) Yellow Perch............................ No Limit

(i) Catfish (under 34 inches)............... No Limit

(j) Catfish (34 inches or greater)................ 1

This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins. It shall be unlawful to transport live catfish 34 inches in length or greater beyond the boundaries of this state.

(k) Bream......................................... 50

(l) Rainbow Trout......................... ....... 5

It shall be unlawful to fish with more than two rods or to cull from the creel any trout caught from the Sipsey Fork from Lewis Smith Dam downstream to the confluence with the Mulberry Fork. (See Paragraph 5 for definition of culling).

(m) Alligator Gar................................. 1

All alligator gar caught with commercial fishing gear must be immediately returned to the water with the least possible harm.

(n) Sturgeon.......................... Closed Season

All sturgeon must be immediately returned to the water with the lease possible harm.

(o) Paddlefish or Spoonbill Catfish... Closed Season

All paddlefish must be immediately returned to the water with the least possible harm.

(p) Skipjack Herring... ........................ 50

(4) SIZE LIMITS - As provided for above, as posted in State and Federally owned and/or managed public fishing lakes and ponds, and as follows:

(a) Chattahoochee River Tributaries - It is illegal to possess shoal bass in Little Uchee, Uchee, Osanippa, Halawakee and Wacoochee creeks.

(b) Guntersville Reservoir and Its Tributary of Town Creek - It is illegal to possess any largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length.

(c) Harris Reservoir - It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass between 13 inches and 16 inches in total length.

(d) Lake Jackson at Florala - Creel limit of five black bass greater than 12 inches in total length. Only one of the five can be over 22 inches in total length.

(e) Lewis Smith Reservoir - It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit. It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. (See paragraph 5).

(f) Lewis Smith Reservoir - It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass, Alabama Bass or spotted bass between 13 inches and 15 inches in total length.

(g) Lake Martin - It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit. It shall be unlawful to intentionally cull from the creel any saltwater striped bass from June 15th to October 15th. (See paragraph 5).

(h) Pickwick Reservoir - It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass or largemouth bass less than 15 inches in total length.

(i) Thurlow Reservoir - It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length.

(j) Walter F. George Reservoir (Lake Eufaula) and its Tributaries - It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass less than 14 inches in total length.

(k) Weiss Reservoir - It is illegal to possess crappie less than 10 inches in total length.

(l) West Point Reservoir and its Tributaries – It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass less than 14 inches in total length.

(m) Wheeler Reservoir - It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length.

(n) Wilson Reservoir and Its Tributaries of Big Nance and Town Creeks - It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length.

(o) Yates Reservoir - It is illegal to possess more than two saltwater striped bass that exceed 22 inches in total length in the daily creel limit and only one of those may exceed 30 inches in total length.

(p) Chattahoochee River and Impoundments and Tributaries – Special creel limits apply in reciprocal waters as specified under regulation 220-2-.122.

(q) Coastal Rivers in Mobile and Baldwin Counties- It shall be unlawful to take or possess any Saltwater Striped Bass less than sixteen (16) inches in total length from the following coastal rivers and their tributaries: the Dog, East Fowl, Fish, Fowl, Perdido, and West Fowl rivers and their tributaries. Furthermore, it shall be unlawful to take or possess more than two (2) Saltwater Striped Bass in the daily creel limit from the aforementioned coastal rivers and their tributaries.

(5) For the purposes of this regulation in paragraphs (3)(l), (4)(e), and (4)(g), “culling” shall be defined as removing and releasing a fish from the creel (live well, stringer, basket, bucket, cooler, or other container) whether it is replaced or not.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: October 20, 1983; October 13, 1984; October 19, 1985; July 29, 1986; June 9, 1989; March 20, 1990; April 5, 1990(E); August 28, 1990(E); June 25, 1992(E). Amended: Filed October 4, 1993; effective November 8, 1993. Amended: Filed January 10, 1994; effective February 14, 1994. Amended: Filed July 11, 1995; effective August 16, 1995. Amended: Filed August 16, 1995; effective August 15, 1995. Amended: Filed December 19, 1995; effective December 19, 1995. Amended: Filed September 10, 1996; effective October 14, 1996. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 11, 1997; effective September 16, 1997. Amended: Filed September 13, 1999; effective October 18, 1999. Amended (PE): Filed October 4, 2000; effective October 4, 2000. Amended (PE): Filed October 5, 2000; effective October 5, 2000. Amended: Filed June 19, 2001; effective July 24, 2001. Amended (PE): Filed June 25, 2003; effective June 25, 2003. Amended (PE): Filed August 18, 2004; effective August 18, 2004. Amended (PE): Filed January 10, 2005; effective January 12, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed May 31, 2005; effective May 31, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed March 15, 2006; effective March 15, 2006. Amended (PE): Filed July 19, 2006; effective July 19, 2006. Amended: Filed September 15, 2008; effective October 20, 2008. Amended (PE): Filed September 21, 2009; effective September 21, 2009. Amended: Filed October 6, 2010; effective November 10, 2010. Amended: Filed October 12, 2011; effective November 16, 2011. Amended: Filed August 20, 2012; effective September 24, 2012. Amended (PE): Filed September 21, 2012; effective September 21, 2012. Amended (PE): Filed October 1, 2013; effective October 1, 2013. Amended (PE): Filed July 22, 2014; effective July 22, 2014. Amended (PE): Filed May 15, 2015; effective May 15, 2015. Amended: Filed June 14, 2016; effective July 29, 2016. Amended: Filed November 18, 2016; effective January 2, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed March 23, 2017; effective March 23, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed May 22, 2018; effective May 22, 2018. Amended (PE): Published November 30, 2019; effective October 25, 2019. Amended (PE): Filed May 6, 2020; effective May 6, 2020. Amended (PE): Filed July 20, 2021; effective July 20, 2021. Amended (PE): Filed May 19, 2023; effective May 19, 2023. Amended (PE): Published June 28, 2024; effective June 28, 2024. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2025; effective June 17, 2025. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2026; effective June 16, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.36 State-Owned Public Fishing Lakes

(1) Definition of State-Owned Public Fishing Lakes - The words "state-owned public fishing lakes" shall include and embrace all land and water under the direct supervision of the Fisheries Section of the Game and Fish Division. The lakes are as follows:

Barbour County Public Lake

Bibb County Public Lake

Chambers County Public Lake

Clay County Public Lake

Coffee County Public Lake

Crenshaw County Public Lake

Dallas County Public Lake

Dale County Public Lake

DeKalb County Public Lake

Fayette County Public Lake

Geneva County Public Lake

Leon Brooks Hines Public Lake (Escambia County)

Lee County Public Lake

Madison County Public Lake

Marion County Public Lake

Monroe County Public Lake

Pike County Public Lake

Walker County Public Lake

Washington County Public Lake (J. Emmett Wood)

(2) Permit Required to Fish in State-Owned Public Fishing Lakes - Any person 12 years old or older who fishes, takes, catches, or attempts to fish, take, or catch fish in or from any state-owned or state-operated public fishing lake must have a valid permit in possession.

(3) It shall be a violation of this regulation for any person to leave a child under 12 years of age unaccompanied by an adult at any state-owned public fishing lake, and it shall also be a violation of this regulation for any child under 12 years of age to be at any state owned public fishing lake unaccompanied by an adult.

(4) Daily Creel, Possession Limits and Size Limits for Game Fish in State-Owned Public Lakes - The daily creel, possession and size limits for game fish and catfish in state-owned public fishing lakes shall be as posted at each lake. Creel, possession and size limits for fish not posted shall be the same as provided for all public waters of this State.

(5) Time to Fish - Fishing in state-owned fishing lakes shall be limited to daylight hours, unless additional hours are posted, or as specified by an agent of the Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(6) Fishing in State-Owned Public Fishing Lakes Regulated.

(a) No method other than hook and line with natural or artificial bait may be used to take or attempt to take fish from state-owned public fishing lakes except by special written permission of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. Nothing in the regulation permits the taking of fish by "snagging," "snatching," trot lines, set hooks or jug fishing in the above-mentioned areas.

(b) A person fishing shall upon demand exhibit his catch, fishing permit and fishing license to any Conservation Officer, concessionaire, or other agent or employee of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for inspection.

(c) All fish taken from the lake must be counted and weighed by the concessionaire unless the concessionaire is absent.

(d) No species of fish shall be stocked in the state- owned public fishing lakes unless introduced by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(7) Unlawful to Sell Fish Taken from State-Owned Public Fishing Lakes - It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer to sell, or use for any commercial purpose any fish, regardless of species or kind, taken from any of the state-owned public fishing lakes unless expressly permitted in writing by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(8) Use of Minnows for Bait in State-Owned Public Fishing Lakes Regulated - Live minnows used for bait in any state public fishing lake shall be limited to the following species: Goldfish minnows, commonly called "Indiana" minnows; golden shiners, commonly called "Shiners," and fathead minnows, commonly called "Toughies." No person shall release in any state-owned public fishing lake any minnow whatsoever, either dead or alive, by emptying from a minnow bucket or any other method. All minnow buckets or other receptacles for holding minnows used at state-owned public fishing lakes shall at all times be open to inspection by Conservation Officers, concessionaires, or other agents or employees of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(9) It shall be unlawful to operate any size gasoline powered outboard motor on the state-owned public fishing lakes except where expressly permitted as posted. Where gasoline powered outboard motors are allowed, they shall be operated only at slow trolling speed creating no wake.

(a) It shall be unlawful to operate such motors at any speed greater than trolling speed.

(10) No Camping - There shall be no camping on state- owned public fishing lake land unless by special permission of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(11) No Swimming or Wading - There shall be no swimming or wading in the State-owned public fishing lakes.

(12) Personal Injuries or Accidents - The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall not be responsible for any accident or injury to any person while on public fishing lake property or when utilizing the public lake facilities. Any person coming within the boundaries of the state-owned public lakes shall, by such entrance or use, waive any claim against the State or its agents for any accident or injury occurring while on or within public lake property.

(13) It shall be unlawful to use sailboats in public fishing lakes operated by the Game and Fish Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It shall be unlawful to use any other type of boat on said lakes for any purpose other than fishing.

(14) It shall be a violation of this regulation to launch any boat on said lakes without first obtaining a launching permit and such fishing permits as may be required at each lake.

(15) State Laws Applicable - All state laws now in force and laws, which may hereinafter be enacted by the Legislature, shall be maintained in the public lake areas.

(16) Conduct at State-Owned Public Fishing Lakes - Any person, who conducts himself or herself in an unruly or disorderly manner in any public lake area, and any person, who so conducts himself or herself in a manner which will tend to annoy or disturb any visitor or employee, shall be in violation of this regulation. Any person in violation of this regulation shall not be entitled to a refund of any fee or rental.

(17) Soliciting or Advertising in State Lake Areas - No person shall solicit, sell or advertise in any public area without the written authorization of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(18) Removal of Shrubs or Wild Flowers - In order to protect all native, wild or domesticated trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers from destruction and to conserve the same, it is hereby made unlawful for any person to cut, destroy, damage or remove any such tree, bush, shrub, plant or flower growing in any public lake area. Any person, who willfully destroys, cuts, or breaks or removes any such tree, shrub, bush, plant or flower growing in any public lake area, shall be in violation of this regulation unless given special permission to do so from the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(19) Defacing or Destroying State Property - Any person, who litters, defaces or destroys any real or personal property in any of the public lake areas of Alabama and any property belonging to the State of Alabama in any of the public lake areas, shall be in violation of this regulation.

(20) State-Owned Public Fishing Lake Land Designated as Wildlife Sanctuaries - It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt, trap, pursue, catch or kill, or attempt to hunt, trap, pursue, catch or kill any wild bird or wild animal or possess any firearm, except handguns lawfully possessed for personal protection, or bow and arrow in any of the places herein mentioned without special permission of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(21) Speed Limits for Vehicles - The maximum speed limit for any power-driven vehicles shall be 25 miles per hour unless otherwise specified by signs. All motorists shall come to a complete stop before crossing any intersection in any public lake area. This maximum speed limit shall be reduced as is reasonable when driving through any congested area; and when any person is driving through any congested area in the public lake area, he shall exercise every caution possible.

(22) Only licensed vehicles shall be allowed on public lake roads; no off-road traffic shall be permitted.

(23) It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to consume alcoholic beverages at any public fishing lake during the hours of operation.

(24) It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to catch, take or attempt to take or catch fish, by any means whatsoever, in the ponds and lakes located on the fish hatcheries operated by the Game and Fish Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; provided however, this provision shall not apply to that lake known as Perry Lake.

(a) It shall be a violation of this regulation for any person to harass any such hatchery fish or to stock or release any fish into any such hatchery pond or lake.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person

1. to swim or wade in any pond or lake located on said hatcheries,

2. to camp on said hatcheries without the special permission of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources,

3. to solicit, sell or advertise in any public area of said hatcheries without the written authorization of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources,

4. to cut, destroy, damage or remove any tree, shrub, bush, plant or flower growing on any such hatchery,

5. to litter, deface or destroy any real or personal property belonging to or operated by the State of Alabama on said hatcheries, or

6. to operate any motor vehicle on said hatcheries except as same is permitted by, and in accordance with, signs posted thereon.

(c) All state-owned and/or operated fish hatcheries are designated as Wildlife Sanctuaries, and it shall be unlawful for any person to hunt, trap, pursue, catch or kill or attempt to hunt, trap, pursue, catch or kill any wild bird or wild animal on any such hatchery without the special permission of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: September 13, 1986; June 18, 1988; October 15, 1988; August 26, 1992. Amended: Filed November 12, 2014; effective December 17, 2014. Amended: Filed July 10, 2018; effective August 24, 2018. Amended: Filed July 11, 2019; effective August 25, 2019.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.37 Restricted Use Of Public Access Areas

(1) Definition: Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, in this regulation, the term "public access area" shall include any state-owned, leased, and/or operated boat launching and/or landing access area, parking lot, ramp, pier, and any real or personal property within the boundaries of said areas.

(2) Picnicking, except at tables provided, and camping are prohibited at all public access areas. Swimming or any other activities, to the extent that swimming or any other activity may interfere with the intended use of any public access area by the public, are forbidden; provided, however, that in any event it shall be unlawful to swim or wade within fifty (50) yards of any ramp or pier at any public access area.

(3) The mooring of boats, houseboats and other watercraft is forbidden at all public access areas. In addition, the dry-docking, storage, or abandonment, of any type of vessel, vehicle, or other personal property item, is prohibited at all public access areas.

(4) Public access areas are for the use of the pleasure boating, hunting and fishing public in general only. No commercial, industrial or construction equipment such as barges, dredges, etc., are to be loaded or unloaded without the specific written authorization of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(5) Persons using public access areas shall park their vehicles and/or trailers in designated parking areas or, when areas are not designated, in such a way so as not to block any part of the ramp or pier or approach to the ramp or pier or interfere with the use of the public access area by other persons.

(6) It shall be unlawful to discharge firearms on all public access areas.

(7) Defacing or Destroying State Property - Any person who litters, defaces or destroys any real or personal property on any of the public access areas or any property belonging to the State of Alabama in any of the public access areas, shall be in violation of this regulation.

(8) Only licensed vehicles shall be allowed on public access areas, except that mobility-impaired persons may utilize other power-driven mobility devices (subject to the applicable assessment factors), pursuant to and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and 28 CFR 35.137. Off-road traffic is prohibited. Nothing in this regulation shall prevent the use of properly licensed motorcycles on public access area roads or parking lots.

(9) Soliciting or Advertising on Public Access Areas - No person shall solicit, sell, advertise, or install any sign on any public access area without the written authorization of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(10) It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person(s) to build, tend, or maintain any fire at any public access area.

(11) Except as otherwise permitted by written permission of the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, it is hereby made unlawful for any person to cut, destroy, damage or remove any such tree, bush, shrub, plant or flower growing at any public access area.

(12) Personal Injuries or Accidents - The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall not be responsible for any accident or injury to any person while at or in public facilities. Any person coming within the boundaries of the public access areas shall, by such entrance or use, waive any claim against the State of Alabama, its employees, or its agents for any accident or injury to person or property occurring while on or within the said public access areas.

(13) It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to consume alcoholic beverages at any public access area.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: October 3, 1987; November 16, 1989; June 22, 1990. Amended: Filed: September 14, 1993; effective October 19, 1993. Amended: Filed June 18, 2014; effective July 23, 2014.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.38 Taking Of Suckers Permitted In Certain Counties

It shall be legal for sport fishermen holding a valid sport fishing license to take all species of suckers during any hour of the day or night by the use of gill or trammel nets with a mesh of one inch (1") or more measured from knot to knot (stretch of two inches) in the public waters of Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike Counties during the months of January. February, and March, provided such nets are checked a minimum of once every 12 hours and marked with buoys of floats visible above the waterline on which the owner's sport fishing license number is listed. Such nets may not be used for taking of suckers or any other fish in the following rivers and impoundments thereof located in the above counties: Conecuh River, Chattahoochee River, Choctawhatchee River; Patsaliga River, Pea River, Sepulga River, and Yellow River. Suckers taken under the provisions of this regulation are for personal use only and may not be sold, traded or bartered.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended (PE): Filed May 6, 2020; effective May 6, 2020.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.39 Legal Methods Of Taking Minnows, Shad, And Suckers For Bait And Mullet In Freshwater

It is hereby made lawful to take minnows, shad, the following species of suckers: spotted sucker, Minytrema melanos; black redhorse, Moxostoma duquesnei; golden redhorse, Moxostoma erythrurum; and the blacktail redhorse, Moxostoma poecilurum; by the use of a cast net, minnow jug, minnow basket, not to exceed 24 inches in length, 12 inches in diameter, with funnel entrance not more than one inch in diameter, or dip net or seine, commonly known as a minnow seine, the length of which shall not exceed 25 feet and the width or depth of which shall not exceed 4 feet for the purpose of taking shad, minnows, or the sucker species identified above for the exclusive use as fish bait. However, no seines may be used in un-impounded tributary streams and creeks. Seines are legal gear only in man-made impoundments and in major rivers to include the Alabama, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Tombigbee, Black Warrior, Mobile, Tensaw and Tennessee Rivers. It is illegal to transport suckers caught in the Tennessee River watershed for bait to waters outside the Tennessee River watershed. Further, no suckers caught for bait outside the Tennessee River watershed shall be transported for bait into the Tennessee River watershed. The use of any seine of larger proportions than herein provided is illegal, and the possession of a seine of larger proportions than herein provided in any public freshwater or on the bank of any such waters shall be prima facie evidence that such net is being used illegally. It is further made lawful to take mullet by cast net in freshwater. The daily creel and possession limit for mullet taken with a cast net will be the same as permitted under Marine Resources Regulation 220-3-.03. All game fish and all commercial or non-game fish, except mullet, as listed under Rules 220-2-.34 and 220-2-.45 taken by nets or seines as allowed under this regulation shall be immediately returned to the water from whence they came with the least possible injury.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: February 26, 1986; June 24, 1992. Amended: Filed May 13, 2009; effective June 17, 2009.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.40 Taking Fish In Waterfowl Management Areas And Certain Lakes

(1) Whenever the Director of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall announce in writing that a waterfowl feeding pond or lake located on any wildlife management area or a State Lake operated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is to be drained or pumped dry, resulting in the death of fish located in any such pond or lake, such fish of any species may be taken, or attempt to be taken, in any number regardless of creel limits by any holder of a valid fishing license, and in the case of WFF managed state lakes as defined in 220-2-.36, possession of a daily permit, by the use of hands, nets, seines, gigs, spears, or snatch hooks. Such fish shall not be taken by the use of explosives, poison, or firearms of any type or description.

(2) Only those holders of a valid commercial fishing license may sell Commercial or non-game fish except catfish. The sale or barter of any game fish or catfish of any species taken by anyone from any area covered under this regulation is hereby prohibited.

(3) Nothing in this regulation shall be construed or interpreted to legalize any type of fishing equipment for the taking of fish under any circumstances other than those outlined in this regulation. Provided, however, that this regulation shall not apply to the Swan Creek Management Area in Limestone County.

(2) It shall be unlawful to take fish for commercial purposes and/or to use commercial fishing gear within any dewatering unit within the state during waterfowl season.

History

• Author: N, Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1992. Amended: May 16, 1983. Amended: Filed June 10, 2015; effective July 15, 2015.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.41 Trolling In Certain Areas Prohibited During Duck Hunting Season (Repealed 10/14/09)

Trolling In Certain Areas Prohibited During Duck Hunting Season (Repealed 10/14/09)

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• September 30, 1982. Repealed: Filed September 9, 2009; effective October 14, 2009.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.42 Division Of Wildlife And Freshwater Fisheries And Marine Resources Division Jurisdictional Lines For Certain Fishing Licenses And Operations; Use And Possession Of Certain Nets

(1) For the purposes of the freshwater fishing licensing requirements of Sections 9-11-53, 53.4, 55, and 56, Code of Ala. 1975, said licenses shall be applicable to such activities as provided for therein which occur north of the below-described line, as well as below said line in those ponds or lakes containing freshwater fish. For the purposes of the saltwater fishing licensing requirements of Sections 9-11-53.1, 53.5, and 55.2, Code of Ala. 1975, said licenses shall be applicable to such activities as provided for therein which occur south of the below-described line. The line is described as follows:

Beginning at the Mississippi State line, a meandering line following U.S. Highway 90 eastwardly to its junction with State Highway 188; State Highway 188 eastwardly to its junction with State Highway 193; State Highway 193 northwardly to its junction with State Highway 163; State Highway 163 northwardly to its intersection with Interstate

Highway 10 (except all of the Theodore Industrial Canal); Interstate Highway 10 eastbound lane (except that portion of Interstate Highway 10 which lies north of State Highway 90 Battleship Parkway, in which case the line follows the Battleship Parkway) to Interstate Highway 10's intersection with U.S. Highway 98; U.S. Highway 98 southwardly and eastwardly to its intersection with State Highway 59; State Highway 59 southwardly to its intersection with Baldwin County Highway 20; Baldwin County Highway 20 eastwardly to its intersection with Baldwin County Highway 95; Baldwin County Highway 95 northwardly to its intersection with U.S. Highway 98; U.S. Highway 98 eastwardly to its intersection with the western shore of Perdido Bay; then the western shore of Perdido Bay northwardly to the intersection of the Florida State Line and the mouth of the Perdido River.

(2)(a) All commercial fishing operations, as well as recreational netting operations, and all gear used in any of such operations, in state jurisdictional waters north of Interstate 10 eastbound lane (except that portion of Interstate Highway 10 which lies north of State Highway 90 Battleship Parkway, in which case the line follows the Battleship Parkway) shall be subject to those laws, rules and regulations of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to use any net (other than hoop and fyke nets) with mesh size of less than three inches (3”) knot to knot with a stretch or spread of less than six inches (6”) in the public impounded waters and navigable streams in the state of Alabama north of the line described in this paragraph except as provided for in other regulations or laws of this state.

(b) All commercial fishing operations, as well as recreational netting operations, and all gear used in any of such operations, in state jurisdictional waters south of Interstate 10 eastbound lane (except that portion of Interstate Highway 10 which lies north of State Highway 90 Battleship Parkway, in which case the line follows the Battleship Parkway) shall be subject to those laws, rules, and regulations of the Marine Resources Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(3) Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, from September 1 to December 31, it shall be unlawful to possess a gill net, trammel net, or other entangling net aboard a boat in the Mobile Delta south of the railroad bridge that crosses the Tensaw River at approximate latitude 30.84302 (currently known as the CSX railroad bridge) and north of a line running two hundred fifty (250) yards north of and parallel to Highway 90 (Battleship Parkway).

(4) Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, it shall be lawful for any person (provided such person complies with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations) to take, catch, or possess commercial or non-game fish as defined in the laws of Alabama or regulations of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, in accordance with the below stated times, places, manners, and means:

(a) From January 1 to September 1 in only the following areas: Grass Bay, Chuckfey Bay, Choccolata Bay, Gustang Bay, Big Bay John, Bay Minette Basin and Bay; (West of HWY 225 Bridge), Little Bay John, Big Bay Bateau, Little Bay Bateau, and John's Bend, Monday through Friday, except official State of Alabama holidays, between the hours of sunrise and sunset, by the use of nets with a mesh size of not less than three inches (3") knot to knot with a stretch or spread of not less than six inches (6"). These nets shall be constantly attended.

(b) From January 1 to May 31 in only the following areas: Grand Bay, Polecat Bay, and Bay Delvan, Monday through Friday, except official State of Alabama holidays, between the hours of sunrise and sunset, by the use of nets with a mesh size of not less than the general minimum mesh size for fish other than menhaden for “inside waters” under the jurisdiction of the Marine Resources Division as provided in 220-3-.03; provided that any person in these areas possessing, using, or attempting to use, a gill net with a mesh size less than three inches (3”) knot to knot is required to be licensed and permitted under 9-11-141, 9-11-142, and 9-12-113, and shall have such licenses and permit in possession. These nets shall be constantly attended.

(5) Rule 220-2-.42, as previously promulgated, is hereby expressly repealed in its entirety.

(6) Violations of the provisions of paragraphs 2(a), (3) and (4) shall be punished as provided by Section 9-11-156, Code of Ala. 1975, or as otherwise provided by law.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-4, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-11-140.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Emergency amendment effective September 11, 1991. Repealed and Replaced: November 27, 1991. Amended: September 16, 1992. Amended: Filed January 12, 1995; effective February 16, 1995. Amended: Filed July 31, 1998; effective August 26, 1998. Amended: Filed February 9, 2000; effective March 15, 2000. Amended: Filed June 10, 2004; effective July 15, 2004. Amended: Filed May 22, 2007; effective June 26, 2007. Amended: Published August 30, 2024; effective October 14, 2024.
• Penalty: As provided by Code of Ala. 1975, §9-11-156.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.43 Unlawful To Willfully Waste Paddlefish

No person shall take paddlefish from the public waters of this state, remove the roe and willfully waste the remainder of the fish.

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.44 Prohibited Methods Of Taking Fish

It shall be unlawful:

(1) to drag any hoop net, fyke net, gill net, trammel net or seine, except a legal minnow seine, through any public waters of this State;

(2) to take or attempt to take, catch or kill any species of fish from public waters by the use of any firearms;

(3) to take or attempt to take, catch or kill any species of fish from the public waters by use of any seine, except minnow seine, wire basket, cast net, or any stationary fish trap except as otherwise provided by law;

(4) to take or attempt to take, catch, or kill any species of fish by means of any trotlines, set lines, snag lines, commercial fishing net, slat box, or wire basket within one-half mile below any lock, dam, or power house on any public water of this State;

(5) to take, attempt to take, catch, or kill any species of fish by grabbling, noodling, or hand fishing by means of hands with the aid of treble hook, multi hook, or any barbed hook;

(6) to remove or attempt to remove fish from any hoop net, gill net, fyke net, trammel net, slat trap or slat basket, or to move, set, or reset any of the said fishing gear listed in this regulation between the hours of sunset and sunrise;

(7) to fish or attempt to fish in any of the public waters of this State on or from the posted lands of another without first obtaining the permission of the landowner or his agent;

(8) to fish a slat box or basket without having a metal tag permanently affixed thereto stating thereon the name, address, and license number or tax identification number of the licensee operating and using each slat box.

(9) to leave any set line or bush hook unattended for more than 48 hours. Further, any set line or bush hook unattended for more than 48 hours may be removed by Game and Fish Division personnel and destroyed.

(10) to filet a fish while fishing, or to possess filets or to remove the heads of fish while on public waters except when fish are being prepared for immediate cooking and consumption; provided however, that fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached.

(11) to utilize more than three rods and reels or poles or any combination thereof while fishing Weiss Reservoir or Neely Henry Lake.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: November 16, 1990; October 22, 1992. Amended: Filed September 14, 1993; effective October 19, 1993. Amended: Filed August 11, 1998; effective September 16, 1998. Amended: Filed July 12, 2016; effective August 21, 2016. Amended: Filed July 11, 2019; effective August 25, 2019.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.45 Commercial Or Non-Game Fish Designated

The following shall be designated as commercial or non-game fish: Freshwater Drum, Buffalo, Carp, Channel Catfish, all members of the Catfish family, Paddlefish (Spoonbill), Spotted Sucker, all members of the Sucker family including the species known as Red Horse and Black Horse, Bowfin and all members of the Gar family, and mullet taken or attempted to be taken north of the line specified in paragraph (1) of 220-2-.42 subject to the exception provided in paragraph (3) thereof.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• September 30, 1982. Amended: November 13, 1991. Amended: September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995. Amended: Filed July 16, 2020; effective September 14, 2020.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.46 Legal Methods And Equipment For The Taking Of Commercial Or Non-Game Fish

The following are hereby designated as legal fishing equipment and methods for the taking of commercial or non-game fish or other unprotected fish in the fresh waters of this State. Any other equipment or methods used in the taking of commercial or non-game fish or other unprotected fish is a violation of this regulation.

(1) By Licensed or License-Exempt Sport Fishermen

(a) Rod and Reel

(b) Hook and Line

(c) Trot Line

(d) Set Line, including limb lines and jug lines

(e) Snag Line or Snare Line

1. It shall be unlawful to fish any trotline, snag or snare line without plastic or metal tag attached containing the owners name and either their address or fishing license number or phone number.

2. It shall be unlawful for any fisherman other than a licensed commercial fisherman to fish one or more trotline, snag or snare line or combination thereof containing more than 100 hooks.

(f) Bowfishing with any longbow, recurve bow, compound bow, crossbow equipped with a working safety or sling bow using barbed arrows attached by line to the bow, float, vessel or shooter.

(g) Spear or Similar Instruments (underwater) by Special License

(h) Gigs or Grabbling

1. Grabbling, noodling, or hand fishing by means of hands, stick (reed, pvc pipe, string, or other similar object), or single barbless hook attached to stick (reed, pvc pipe, string, or other similar object).

2. Treble hooks, multi hooks, or any barbed hooks are prohibited.

(i) It shall be unlawful to set and leave unattended in the public waters of the State of Alabama for more than seven consecutive days all fishing gear provided, however, that any set line or bush hook left unattended for 48 hours may be removed by Game and Fish Division personnel and destroyed.

(2) By Licensed Commercial Fishermen (All commercial gear is required to be tagged pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §9-11-22 with the license number of the commercial fisherman owning the equipment imprinted on the tag and have the location of the equipment marked pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §9-11-147).

(a) Trot Line

(b) Snag Line

(c) Set Line, including limb lines and jug lines

(d) Hoop and Fyke Nets the mesh of which is not less than 1 1/4 inches from knot to knot with a stretch or spread of not less than 2 1/2 inches after said net has been tarred and/or shrunk.

(e) Gill and Trammel Nets the mesh of which is not less than 3 inches knot to knot with a stretch or spread of not less than 6 inches after net has been shrunk.

(f) Slat Trap or Slat Basket made entirely of wood or plastic strips or slats in a boxlike or cylinder shape. At least 18 inches of the slat trap opposite the muzzle, including the end, shall be constructed with wood or plastic slats or strips of a width not greater than 3 inches running lengthwise or vertically of the trap and with a space between strips or slats of not less than one and one-eighth inches (1 1/8"), and provided further that any restrictions (which must be wood or plastic) between muzzle and back of trap or basket contain an opening of at least two (2) inches square to permit free passage of fish within said box or basket.

Provided further it shall be legal to use a trap made of round solid plastic, provide at least eighteen inches of the trap opposite the muzzle, including the end, shall have parallel openings a minimum of 1 1/8 inches wide running lengthwise or vertically of the trap. There shall be a maximum of three inches of solid material between the 1 1/8-inch parallel openings. The muzzle of such trap shall be constructed of netting with a mesh of at least 1 1/4 inches knot to knot with a stretch of 2 1/2 inches. Only a single muzzle may be used and the muzzle shall be attached to the trap with 100% cotton material only. There shall be a minimum opening of two inches square between the muzzle and the back of the fish trap. Any round plastic trap not conforming to these guidelines shall be illegal.

(3) By Licensed Wire Basket Fishermen - Any person who possesses a valid wire basket license shall fish such baskets in compliance with Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-190 through 9-11-198.

(a) In the following counties a maximum of four (4) wire baskets with a mesh of one (1) inch or larger:

| Autauga | Dale | Monroe | | --- | --- | --- | | Barbour | Dallas | Perry | | Bibb | Escambia | Pickens | | Butler | Fayette | Pike | | Calhoun | Franklin | Randolph | | Chambers | Geneva | Russell | | Chilton | Greene | St. Clair | | Choctaw | Hale | Sumter | | Clarke | Henry | Talladega | | Cleburne | Lamar | Tallapoosa | | Coffee | Lee | Tuscaloosa | | Coosa | Lowndes | Walker (except Lewis M. Smith Reservoir) | | Covington | Marengo | Washington | | Crenshaw | Marion | Wilcox |

(b) In Elmore County a maximum of three (3) wire baskets with a mesh of one (1) inch or larger may be fished provided that only one(1) wire basket may be fished in Lake Jordan and only two (2) wire baskets may be fished in Lake Martin. Wire baskets may not be used in any other areas of Elmore County except as listed above.

(4) Nothing in this regulation shall be construed or interpreted to legalize any type of fishing equipment for the taking of fish under any circumstances other than those outlined in this regulation.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-140, 9-11-190.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: April 19, 1983; May 16, 1983; January 21, 1986; July 17, 1991; October 22, 1992. Amended: Filed August 23, 1994; effective September 28, 1994. Amended: Filed September 13, 1994; effective October 19, 1994. Amended: Filed February 9, 1995; effective March 16, 1995. Amended: Filed July 11, 1995; effective August 16, 1995. Amended: Filed February 13, 1996; effective March 20, 1996. Amended: Filed September 10, 1996; effective October 16, 1996. Amended: Filed July 10, 1997; effective August 14, 1997. Amended: Filed July 16, 2002; effective August 20, 2002. Amended: Filed June 16, 2003; effective July 20, 2003. Amended: Filed August 10, 2004; effective September 14, 2004. Amended: Filed September 12, 2007; effective October 17, 2007. Amended: Filed June 11, 2015; effective July 16, 2015. Amended: Filed May 9, 2017; effective June 23, 2017. Amended: Filed July 11, 2019; effective August 25, 2019. Amended: Published August 30, 2024; effective October 14, 2024.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.47 Commercial Fishing Restrictions

(1) Areas Restricted to Use of Nets and/or Slat Boxes-

(a) Public Waters: It is hereby made illegal for any person to place any gill net, trammel net, hoop net or fyke net in the public waters of this State, in such a way that it extends more than half way across any river, creek, stream, slough or bayou and no net shall be placed closer than 50 feet to any other net.

(b) Public Impounded Waters: It is hereby made illegal for any person to place any gill net, trammel net, hoop net, fyke net or slat box closer than 25 feet from the water's edge in any public impounded water of this State, and provided further that on the Tennessee River, or its impoundments no person shall place a net closer than 100 feet from the water's edge and no person shall place any net or slat box within 300 feet above or below any tributary of the Tennessee River.

(c) It shall be unlawful to use nets of any type for fishing purposes in all impounded public waters and tributaries thereto of Alabama in which Morone saxatilis, commonly known as saltwater striped bass, have been stocked. Nothing in this regulation shall be construed so as to preclude the lawful use of set lines, trot lines, or snag lines for the taking, killing or catching of commercial or non-game fish from said waters. The following lakes have been stocked: Lake Martin, Lake Jordan, Lake Mitchell, Lay Lake, Jones Bluff (name changed to R. E. "Bob" Woodruff Lake), Logan Martin, Neeley Henry and Weiss Lake. (These bodies of water were stocked prior to the original enactment of this regulation dated December 12, 1972.)

(d) It shall be unlawful to use nets of any type for commercial fishing purposes in all public impounded waters of Alabama having 3,000 or less surface acres. A list of these lakes is as follows:

| IMPOUNDMENT | COUNTY | | --- | --- | | Snatt | Covington | | Point A | Covington | | Oliver | Tuscaloosa | | Inland | Blount | | Thurlow | Elmore, Tallapoosa | | Yates | Elmore, Tallapoose | | Opelika City Lake | Lee | | Purdy | Shelby. Jefferson | | Thollocco | Dale | | Oliver | Russell | | Goat Rock | Lee | | Columbia | Houston | | Little Bear Creek | Franklin | | Upper Bear Creek | Marion, Franklin, Winston | | Bear Creek | Franklin |

(2) It shall be unlawful to set and leave unattended in the public fresh waters of the State of Alabama for more than seven (7) consecutive days all fishing gear, including but not limited to, trot, snag and snare lines, hoop, fyke, gill and trammel nets, and slat traps and/or baskets; provided however, that any set line or bush hook left unattended for 48 hours may be removed by Game and Fish Division personnel and destroyed.

(3) It shall be unlawful to use nets of any type for commercial fishing purposes in the area of Wheeler Wildlife Refuge between Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 31 and in the area of Limestone Bay, during the period of October 15 through February 15 of each year.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-140, 9-2-7, 9-2-8.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: October 18, 1985; October 22, 1992. Amended: Filed August 11, 1997; effective September 16, 1997.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.48 Legal Methods And Equipment For Taking Of Freshwater Mussels

The following is hereby designated as legal fishing equipment and methods for taking of freshwater mussels or other freshwater bivalved mollusca in the freshwaters of this State. Any other equipment or methods used in the taking of freshwater mussels or other mollusca is in violation of this regulation.

(1) By use of brails with hooks and constructed of wire 14 gauge or larger and with prongs not longer than 2 inches from the tip of point to point where prongs are wrapped or joined.

(2) By hand and/or with the use of diving equipment.

(3) By the use of a shell bar with a limit of six (6) feet in length.

(4) Licensed fishermen may use a rake or dip net no wider than 24 inches to collect Asiatic clam Corbicula for fish bait. Harvest of any other species of freshwater bivalved mollusca with such equipment or sale of Corbicula harvested with such equipment will be a violation of this regulation.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 9-11-371, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: August 6, 1987; August 20, 1992. Amended: Filed September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.49 Size Restrictions On Freshwater Mussels Or Their Shells

It is hereby made illegal for any person or persons to take, catch, kill, buy, possess or transport for commercial purposes freshwater mussels or any type of freshwater bivalved mollusca listed below or the shells of such mussels or bivalved mollusca, less than the following sizes in diameter:

Washboard (Megalonaias nervosa)........ 4 inches

Threeridge (Amblema plicata)........... 2 5/8 inches

Pistol Grip (Tritogonia verrucosa) .... 2 5/8 inches

Elephant Ear (Elliptio crassidens)..... 2 5/8 inches

Mapleleaf (Quadrula quadrula).......... 2 5/8 inches

Ebony Shell (Fusconaia ebenus)......... 2 3/8 inches

Pink Heel Splitter (Potamilus alatus).. 4 inches

Three Horn (Obliquaria reflexa)........ 1 3/4 inches

Southern Mapleleaf (Quadrula apiculata) 2 5/8 inches

Bankclimber (Plectomerus dombeyanus) 3 inches

Bleufer (Potamilus purpuratus) 3 inches;

With the exception of Asiatic Clam Corbicula harvested from below the full pool elevation of impounded waters. All mussels or their shells less than the legal diameter must be immediately released and placed back in the waters from whence they came with the least possible injury. Mussels or their shells shall be measured from their dorsal to ventral surfaces by passing or attempting to pass the mussel or mussel shell by the weight of the mussel or mussel shell through a ring of the appropriate inside diameter. There shall be no allowance for undersize mussels or their shells.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-371.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: August 6, 1987; February 2, 1990; June 1, 1990; August 20, 1992. Amended: Filed: September 14, 1993; effective October 19, 1993. Amended: Filed September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995. Amended: Filed February 6, 1996; effective March 13, 1996. Amended: Filed June 10, 2004; effective July 15, 2004.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.50 Harvest Of Freshwater Mussels

It shall be unlawful to take, catch, kill, or to attempt to take, catch or kill mussels from freshwater between the hours of sunset and sunrise (nighttime).

History

• Author: Deptartment of Conservation and Natural Resources
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12, 9-11-371.
• Filed September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.51 Harvest Of Freshwater Mussels For Commercial Purposes In All Open Areas Restricted To Five Days A Week

Mussel fishing for commercial purposes in the freshwaters of this State in all open areas shall be restricted to five days each week (Monday through Friday), unless specifically provided otherwise by law or regulation.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-371, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: August 20, 1992.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.52 Restricted Areas For The Taking Of Freshwater Mussles

It shall be unlawful to take, catch, kill, or attempt to take, catch, or kill mussels in the following areas:

(1) Wheeler Lake, an impoundment on the Tennessee River, from Guntersville Dam downstream to the mouth of Shoal Creek (approximately 347 miles above the mouth of the Tennessee River).

(2) Wheeler Lake, an impoundment on the Tennessee River from the upstream end or head of Hobbs Island downstream to Whitesburg Bridge.

(3) Pickwick Lake, an impoundment on the Tennessee River, from Wilson Dam downstream to the upper end or head of Seven Mile Island.

(4) Wilson Lake, an impoundment on the Tennessee River, from Wheeler Dam downstream to the mouth of Town Creek on the South Bank and the mouth of Bluewater Creek on the north bank.

(5) The Cahaba River.

(6) The Alabama River from the mouth of Mulberry Creek (RM 220.0) downstream to the Edmund Pettus Bridge (RM 205.3).

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-371, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: August 20, 1992. Amended: Filed May 13, 2009; effective June 17, 2009.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.53 Mussel Buyers Required To Report

(1) Standardized receipts must be completed by all resident and non-resident mussel buyers for all mussels purchased in the state of Alabama, including mussels originating from waters outside of the state of Alabama. The receipts shall be completed at the time of transaction and include the signature of the buyer. A copy of the receipt shall be issued to the mussel catcher at the time of transaction. Each receipt must be complete and legible, and include the following and any other information specified by the Commissioner: (1) buyer’s license number; (2) mussel catcher’s license number; (3) mussel catcher’s name; (4) date of transaction; (5) body of water from which the mussels originated (in the form of numerical codes provided by the Department); (6) species taken (in the form of alphabetical codes provided by the Department); (7) pounds of each species purchased; (8) total pounds of mussels purchased; and(9) amount paid for the mussels. The same standardized receipts shall be used whether the shells originated from the waters of Alabama or another state.

(2) All mussels imported into the state of Alabama by a person, firm or corporation shall be accompanied by a bill of lading which provides the following information: (1) name of person, firm or corporation importing the mussels; (2) name(s) of person, firm or corporation that sold the mussels being imported; (3) date of shipment of mussels being imported; (4) weight of mussels by species; (5) origin of shipment; and (6) destination of shipment. A copy of the bill of lading shall remain with the importing person, firm or corporation and made available to authorized Department employees at any reasonable time.

(3) Each person who purchases mussels shall be at the time of any purchase have proof on his person of possession of a current mussel buyer’s license.

(4) Any mussel catcher who exports, or causes to be exported, mussels from the State of Alabama without first going through a buyer shall make payment of 5 cents per pound of mussel shell, with or without meat, to the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries before such mussels are exported. Any such shipment shall be accompanied by a bill of lading as prescribed previously in this regulation for mussels imported and a receipt for said payment. A copy of the bill of lading and receipt for payment of tax shall be retained by the mussel catcher for a period of two years and subject to inspection by agents of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries at any reasonable time.

(5) Rule 220-2-.53, as previously promulgated, is hereby repealed in its entirety.

History

• Author: Riley Boykin Smith
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-371, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• September 30, 1982. Amended: June 1, 1990; August 20, 1992. Repealed and New Rule: Filed October 12, 1999; effective November 16, 1999. Amended: Filed January 22, 2007; effective February 26, 2007.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.54 Hunting Dates, Etc., On State Wildlife Management Areas (Repealed 9/19/12)

(REPEALED)

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12, 9-11-301.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Repealed: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.55 Wildlife Management Areas Of Alabama

(1) It shall be unlawful on ALL DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES, WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES DIVISION MANAGED WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS, COMMUNITY HUNTING AREAS, SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREAS, PHYSICALLY DISABLED HUNTING AREAS, AND REFUGE AREAS, all of which are established as "Wildlife Management Areas" by Rule 220-2-.22 and all of which are hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to herein as "AREAS" or "AREA":

(a) To hunt; trap; use dogs; or possess firearms (see (b) for exceptions), traps, or bow and arrow, except bow fishing equipment, without a valid Wildlife Management Area (WMA) License (required for deer, turkey, and waterfowl), PLUS the applicable Resident or Non-resident Hunting License [for Alabama residents 16 through 64 years of age or non-residents 16 years of age and older]. Provided however, that properly licensed persons under the “Wildlife Heritage License” may hunt legal small game, except waterfowl, on AREAS without the other licenses described herein unless required for limited quota hunts. PLUS, in order to hunt waterfowl on AREAS, all licensed hunters must have, in addition to the otherwise required licenses, a current HIP certification, a valid State Waterfowl Stamp (if required), and a valid Federal Waterfowl Stamp (if required). In addition to license and stamp requirements, an AREA Permit and a WMA Daily Permit are required unless using the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In application to check in and out each hunt day. For those using the WMA Daily Permit, the tear-off stub with the number matching the Daily Permit must be deposited in the return slot of the self-service box. The remaining Permit portion is to be retained in possession of the hunter while hunting, filled out completely, and deposited into the return slot of the self-service box at an AREA check station or kiosk at the end of each hunt day.

(b) Nothing in this regulation prohibits the possession of handguns by lawfully authorized persons for personal protection. Refer to 220-2-.126 for Public Shooting Range Regulation pertaining to the use of shooting ranges located on AREAS. All other possession of arms and ammunition must align with scheduled AREA seasons during legal hunting hours and are limited to those permitted for each game species as detailed in this regulation

(c) To use dogs for stalk hunting of deer or for turkey hunting. (Leashed dogs may be used for the expressed purpose of retrieving wounded deer, limited to two (2) dogs for each tracking event).

(d) To use dogs for hunting of feral swine or small game where dogs are expressly prohibited (except for the scheduled special feral swine dog hunt on W.L. Holland and Mobile-Tensaw Delta WMAs).

(e) To use dogs for hunting, training, or any other purpose outside any AREA established season.

(f) To conduct organized man drives during stalk deer hunts outside the hours of 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

(g) For any person under 16 years of age to hunt on any AREA unless accompanied by an adult who is either 21 years of age or older or the parent, and who is in possession of all state hunting licenses, stamps, and permits required to hunt on an AREA.

(h) To exceed daily or seasonal regular state bag limit for any game species unless otherwise specified for AREA.

(i) To have in possession any fully automatic rifle or any firearms, ammunition, or bow and arrow except as described below:

1. DEER: Stalk Hunting – Rifles using centerfire mushrooming ammunition, pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8” and two (2) sharpened edges, pre-charged pneumatic air-powered guns .30 caliber or larger, shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using slugs or a single round ball, muzzle-loading long guns or muzzle-loading handguns .40 caliber or larger, or handguns or pistols using centerfire mushrooming ammunition, and long bows, compound bows and crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03. All applicable laws regarding possessing and carrying handguns must be followed.

2. DEER: Stalk Hunting - Primitive Weapons Hunt –Muzzle-loading long guns, or muzzle-loading handguns .40 caliber or larger, muzzle-loading shotguns, pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8” and two (2) sharpened edges, pre-charged pneumatic air-powered guns .30 caliber or larger, and long bows, compound bows and crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

3. DEER: Stalk Hunting – Archery – Long bows, compound bows and crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

4. DEER: Dog Hunts – Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using buckshot only.

5. FERAL SWINE SPECIAL SEASONS: The same provisions as set out in (1)(i)1. and (1)(i)2. above, except at Seven Mile Island where Primitive Weapons Stalk Deer Hunt provisions only apply, as set out in (1)(i)2. above, with the addition of shotguns with slugs. OUTSIDE SPECIAL SEASONS: May be killed during any scheduled AREA hunt using arms and ammunition that are legal for those scheduled hunts during daylight hours only.

6. TURKEY: Shotguns (including muzzle-loading shotguns) 10 gauge or smaller using No. 2 shot or smaller and long bows, compound bows and crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03, Pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch and 2 sharpened edges.

7. DOVE, WOODCOCK, SNIPE, AND RAIL: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller, plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun or otherwise incapable of holding more than 3 shells, using No. 2 shot or smaller, and long bows, compound bows and crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

8. WATERFOWL & SANDHILL CRANE: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller, plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun or otherwise incapable of holding more than 3 shells, using steel shot, T size or smaller and long bows, compound bows and crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03. Waterfowl may also be hunted with other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved shot and sizes.

9. QUAIL: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using No. 4 shot or smaller and, long bows, compound bows and crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

10. SQUIRREL, CROW, AND RABBIT: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using No. 4 shot or smaller, rimfire firearms, muzzle-loading long guns and muzzle-loading handguns .40 caliber or smaller, rifles operated by air, and long bows, compound bows and crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03.

11. RACCOON AND OPOSSUM – Daylight hours: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using No. 4 shot or smaller, rimfire firearms, and long bows, compound bows and crossbows in conformance with 220-2-.03. Nighttime hours: Shotguns using No. 6 shot or smaller or .22 caliber rimfire firearms.

12. BOBCAT, COYOTE, AND FOX: May be hunted during any scheduled AREA hunt using weapons and ammunition that are legal for those scheduled hunts during daylight hours only.

13. LONG BOWS, COMPOUND BOWS, AND CROSSBOWS: Conforming to the provisions of Rule 220-2-.03, will be legal on all AREA scheduled hunts. All archery equipment used during the bow fishing season of March 1 – August 31 must conform to the provisions of Rule 220-2-.46, relating to bow fishing.

14. FALCONRY: Will be legal on all AREA scheduled small game hunts for legally permitted falconers.

15. TRAPPING: Standard .22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearms only (no magnums), during daylight hours only.

(j) To trap furbearers except as permitted under 220-2-.30 and as specified for each AREA in 220-2-.56.

(k) For any person to possess or to carry in or on a vehicle, any of the following: any firearms [including pistols/ handguns, except as described in (1)(ii) below] with ammunition in the magazine, breech or clip attached to firearms, or black powder weapons with primer, cap or flash powder in place, or cocked crossbows.

(l) For hunters on dog deer hunts to leave stand assigned to them until instructed or to hunt from an elevated tree stand at their assigned location. The Geneva State Forest WMA limited quota dog hunt will be limited to 100 hunters. The Geneva State Forest WMA youth dog hunt will be limited to 75 youth hunters. The Blue Spring WMA limited quota hunt will be limited to 300 hunters per hunt. All hunters must be registered and permitted through a limited quota hunt registration. All permitted hunters may bring one guest along to accompany them on the stand. All adult guests must be properly licensed, and all youth hunters must be 8-15 years of age. Only one firearm is permitted per stand. Further, it shall be unlawful for any hunter to release a dog not approved by Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) personnel on the Geneva State Forest WMA during the designated dog hunts.

(m) To camp on any AREA except in designated sites. Campers using generators must camp in sites designated for generator use. On AREAS located on U.S. Forest Service lands, hunters must camp in designated camping areas, unless excepted by U.S. Forest Service rules specific to a Ranger District . Individuals or groups may camp on AREAS for a period not to exceed nine (9) days in any thirty (30) day period. Campfires must be extinguished before departing. No warming fires shall be permitted away from the camping area. All campers (portable shelters on wheels) must be removed from Barbour or Freedom Hills WMAs by sundown on the first Sunday following the last day of turkey season; otherwise, the camper may be towed from the AREA at the owner’s expense; or, may be relocated to another portion of the AREA without WFF personnel being responsible for any damages or loss and the owner assessed a $10.00 a day storage fee. No campers are permitted on Barbour or Freedom Hills WMAs, until September 1, unless approved by written permit issued by the AREA biologist. All campers left unattended overnight must display the owner’s contact information to include name, address, and phone numbers.

(n) To kill or willfully molest any species of wildlife except designated game species while legally hunting.

(o) To discharge fireworks at any time.

(p) To discharge firearms for target practice except on designated target ranges in accordance with listed rules during posted times and dates.

(q) To hunt or discharge firearms within 150 yards of any camping area, dwelling, dam or timber operation; within 100 yards of any paved public road or highway; within a posted safety zone; or from within the right-of-way of any developed road (paved or unpaved) which is open for vehicular traffic [provided, however, that standers hunting the WMA roads closed to vehicular traffic (roads closed with gates and/or signage indicating closed to vehicular traffic) on Geneva State Forest and Upper Delta WMAs are allowed during scheduled dog deer hunts; hunters using shotguns with No. 6 shot or smaller are allowed to hunt AREA roads and right-of-ways, excluding any named county or state roads]. On AREAS located within U.S. Forest Service lands, hunters must adhere to U.S. Forest Service rules specific to that Ranger District.

(r) To transport harvested deer or turkey from any AREA before reporting harvest in the Game Check System. Hunters must also submit such harvests at the WMA check station for data collection if hunt date is indicated as a mandatory check station day on the Outdoor Alabama WMA Application or AREA map Permit. All other harvested game must be recorded on the Outdoor Alabama WMA Application or WMA Daily Permit.

(s) For any person, except authorized personnel, to operate any motor driven vehicle (including e-bikes) behind, under, or around any locked gate, barricaded road, or sign which prohibits vehicular traffic. Individuals with a mobility disability may request authorization in writing to use motorized vehicles or other power-driven mobility devices on AREAS. Such request will be evaluated based on the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and 28 C.F.R. §35.137.

(t) For any unauthorized person to possess and/or operate ANY UNLICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE (i.e. ATV, UTV, or motorcycle)on Charles D. Kelley-Autauga, Black Warrior, Blue Spring, Boggy Hollow, William R. Ireland, Sr. – Cahaba River, Choccolocco, Coosa, David K. Nelson, Hollins, Jackson County Waterfowl Areas (except Coon Gulf Tract), Little River, Lowndes, Martin Community Hunting Area, Mulberry Fork, Oakmulgee, Perdido River, Red Hills, and Forever Wild Gothard – AWF Yates Lake AREAS. Notwithstanding the forgoing, Class 1 pedal-assisted e-bikes equipped with an electric motor less than 750 watts are allowed when utilized for the express purpose of hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, or related activities; and when operated only on regularly used roads depicted on WMA map to be open for motorized vehicle traffic (unless AREAS established within the boundaries of U.S. Forest Service National Forests or other cooperating agency lands that otherwise regulate such activities).

(u) For any unauthorized person to possess or operate ANY UNLICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE (i.e. ATV, UTV, motorcycle, or Class 1 pedal-assisted e-bike equipped with an electric motor less than 750 watts)on Barbour, Coon Gulf Tract of Jackson County Waterfowl Areas, Freedom Hills, Geneva State Forest, Grand Bay Savanna, James D. Martin-Skyline, Lauderdale, Mobile-Tensaw Delta, W.L. Holland, Sam R. Murphy, Riverton, Seven Mile Island, Swan Creek, Mallard Fox Creek, and Upper Delta AREAS, except when utilized for the express purpose of hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, or related activities; and when operated only on regularly used roads depicted on WMA map to be open for motorized vehicle traffic (excluding Geneva State Forest Zone B).

(v) For any unauthorized person to possess or operate ANY LICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE on any AREA, except when utilized for the express purpose of hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, or by written permission from Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Assistant Chief or Chief(excluding AREAS established within the boundaries of U.S. Forest Service National Forests or other cooperating agency lands that otherwise regulate such activities), and when operated only on regularly used roads depicted on AREA Permit to be open for motorized vehicle traffic.

(w) For any unauthorized person to ride or possess horses on any AREA except on roads open to motorized vehicles, excluding Geneva State Forest Zone A (where no horses are permitted); and in areas, roads, and trails, designated as open to horses, excluding Geneva State Forest Zone A (where no horses are permitted). On Coosa WMA, horses are not permitted in the campgrounds from October 1 until after the last day of turkey season.

(x) For any unauthorized person to ride or possess horses on any AREA on days of scheduled gun deer hunts and during legal hours of turkey hunting, except those portions of AREAS kept open to such activity by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and except on Freedom Hills, James D. Martin-Skyline, the Jacinto Port Tract of W.L. Holland, and Mobile-Tensaw Delta AREAS where horses are only allowed on designated horse trails. At Freedom Hills, the Jacinto Port Tract of W.L. Holland, and Mobile-Tensaw Delta AREAS horses are only allowed from March 1 to the beginning of turkey season and May 15 to September 14. Riding or possession of horses on any AREA, except those on National Park Service lands, U.S. Forest Service lands, and Geneva State Forest, shall be restricted to holders of a valid WMA license and a valid AREA Permit.

(y) For any person to hunt or trap any wildlife species (except turkey, migratory birds, crows, and while hunting legally designated species during legal nighttime hours) without wearing a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange or full-sized hunter orange hat, except when hunting from an elevated tree stand twelve (12) feet or more from the ground, when hunting in an enclosed blind, or when traveling in an enclosed vehicle. A small logo and/or printing is permitted on the front of the hunter orange hat.

(z) For any person except authorized personnel to block or otherwise stop traffic on any road or at any gate by parking a vehicle in such a way that passage around the vehicle, or access to the gate, is impeded.

(aa) For any person to possess, deposit, distribute, or scatter grain/corn, salt, litter, or any other materials on any AREA without receiving written approval from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

(bb) To damage or remove any artifacts, trees, firewood, plants, dirt, gravel, or sod without legal authorization.

(cc) To construct or erect any permanent tree stand or blind or to install any screw-in type steps, spikes, or nails, or otherwise damage any tree. Portable stands may not be installed prior to 7 days before the opening of archery season, nor left on any AREA longer than 7 days following the closure of the AREA’s last deer hunt. Stands not in compliance with this regulation may be confiscated and disposed of by WFF.

(dd) To intentionally cast a light of any kind, either handheld, affixed to a vehicle, or otherwise, between the hours of sunset and sunrise from motor vehicles except those vehicles traveling in a normal manner on an open established road.

(ee) To hunt from an elevated stand or platform without attaching themselves to the tree or platform with a full body safety harness capable of supporting their weight. Tree saddle hunters must remain connected to tree at all times by means of a lineman’s belt or tether.

(ff) To violate any restrictions posted on the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In application, AREA map permit, or WMA Daily Permit, or posted restrictions regarding entry, hunting, fishing, or other conduct.

(gg) To release any animal, bird, fish, or other wildlife on any AREA without first obtaining written permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

(hh) To possess any open alcoholic beverages outside designated camping areas.

(ii) For any person to possess any firearm while hunting with bow and arrow or crossbow, except on days of hunter’s choice gun deer hunts. Nothing in this regulation prohibits the possession of handguns by lawfully authorized persons for personal protection, provided the handguns are not used to hunt, take, or attempt to take wildlife except as otherwise provided by this regulation.

(jj) To possess or use any wild turkey calls to mimic sounds made by wild turkeys from March 1 until the opening day of youth turkey seasons and from the close of youth turkey season to the opening day of physically disabled turkey season or regular turkey season opening day on AREAs with turkey seasons.

(kk) For anyone 16 years of age or older to hunt any species on any AREA on days of youth gun deer hunts, or for anyone to hunt small game during primitive weapon or gun deer hunts, except on Grand Bay Savanna, W.L. Holland, Mobile-Tensaw Delta, and Red Hills WMAs, and except waterfowl in Upper Delta (Zone B) WMA.

(ll) For any unauthorized person to possess or use any game camera/device capable of monitoring remotely and/or capable of automatically transmitting photos and/or videos from March 1 - May 31 on any AREA without first obtaining written permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

(mm) For any unauthorized person to launch, land or possess or use any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/drone on any AREA without first obtaining written permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

(2) Individuals must follow the listed rules to participate in the scheduled youth hunts on any AREA.

(a) Youth participants must be accompanied by an adult supervisor. The adult supervisor is to remain within 30 feet of the youth at all times.

(b) Youth is defined as those individuals who have not reached their 16th birthday.

(c) Adult is defined as those individuals 21 years of age or older or the parent of the youth who are in possession of all required state hunting licenses, stamps, and permits as described in (1)(a).

(d) Only one firearm will be allowed for each youth. Only the youth hunter will be permitted to utilize the firearm for hunting.

(3) Special Opportunity Areas (SOA) –

(a) Hunting on Blackwater River, Cedar Creek, Choctaw NWR (Primitive Weapon Deer Hunt), Crow Creek, Fred T. Stimpson, Portland Landing, Prairie Glades, Uchee Creek, Upper State, Little River, and Thigpen Hill Special Opportunity Areas (SOA) will be permitted through a limited quota permit system determined by random computerized selection. In order to apply, ALL applicants are required to obtain a Conservation Identification Number (CID). Those residents who are 16 to 64 years of age and non-residents 16 years of age or older must have a valid Alabama hunting license and WMA license to register for the SOA hunt selection process. Applicants must visit www.outdooralabama.com to register for a limited number of quota permits available for hunts on these AREAS.

(b) Successful resident applicants and hunting guests 16 to 64 years of age and non-residents 16 years of age or older must obtain and have in possession a valid Alabama hunting license, WMA license, HIP, and state and federal duck stamps if applicable. Any violation of any rules, regulations, or laws by permit holder or guest while hunting on any SOA will result in those individuals forfeiting the remainder of their hunt and forfeiting their SOA eligibility for the remainder of the current season and the entire following season. Failure to participate in a solicited hunt without providing Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries 7 days prior notice of cancellation, by email to the hunt coordinator, will result in that individual losing their eligibility for future SOA hunts.

(c) Permit holders and guests shall only hunt and scout in their assigned hunt unit(s) on specified dates. All other access on any SOA is restricted (excluding Choctaw NWR) to foot traffic and non-motorized vehicles only and only during daylight hours from May 15 to September 1 with the exception of Crow Creek, Fred T. Stimpson, Upper State, and Prairie Glades where all other access is restricted.

(d) During the SOA hunts, permit holders and guests may use licensed and unlicensed vehicles (eg. UTV, ATV, or electric bike) on roads open to motorized vehicles to access their assigned hunt unit, unless specified otherwise.

(e) All deer and turkey hunters are required to report all harvests pursuant to the Game Check requirements in regulation 220-2-.146. It shall be unlawful for any limited quota permitted hunter to hunt without checking in and out of the SOA daily using the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In Application or with a WMA Daily Permit from self-service kiosk. When using the WMA Daily Permit, the tear-off stub with number matching Daily Permit must be filled out and deposited in return slot of self-service box. The Harvest Report portion of the Permit is to be retained in possession of the hunter until the end of the day, then filled out and deposited in the self-service box before leaving the SOA each day. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist within one week of hunt dates.

Other requirements for hunters participating in limited quota hunts on the SOAs include:

1. District II -

(i) On Crow Creek SOA:

(I) Archery Deer Hunts:

I. It shall be unlawful to access or hunt on Crow Creek SOA unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned hunt unit. The permit holder and one properly licensed guest may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned hunt unit for those permitted times and days.

II. Hunters may enter the Crow Creek SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset; Hunt times begin and end at legal shooting hours. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

III. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorized vehicle on the SOA without WFF written authorization.

IV. It shall be unlawful to use gasoline-powered motors on the SOA.

V. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

(II) Waterfowl Hunts:

I. It shall be unlawful to access or hunt on Crow Creek SOA unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and four properly licensed guest(s) may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted times and days. The guests may be different people each hunt day.

II. Hunters may enter the Crow Creek SOA at 4:00 AM; Hunting may begin at legal shooting hours; all hunting activity is prohibited after 12:00 noon; and all parties must exit the SOA no later than 1:30 PM. It shall be unlawful to leave assigned hunt unit except when departing the SOA for the day.

III. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorized vehicle on the SOA without WFF written authorization.

IV. It shall be unlawful to use gasoline-powered motors on the SOA.

V. Temporary blinds may be used for the duration of the hunt and must be removed by permit holder on last hunt day.

2. District III –

(i) On Cedar Creek and Portland Landing SOA:

(I) It shall be unlawful to hunt on Cedar Creek and Portland Landing SOA unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and allowed guest(s) may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted days.

(ii) Deer Hunts:

(I) Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one and ends at 12:00 noon on day four. With the exception of the day one start time and day four end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset each day. Hunt times begin and end at legal shooting hours. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

(II) Antlered bucks harvested are required to have a minimum inside spread of 16” or 18” main beam (3x the length of the ear).

(III) Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

(IV) Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurements of bucks on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet. Deer hunters are also required to extract a lower jawbone from deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

(iii) Turkey Hunts:

(I) Hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise; each turkey hunt begins at and ends at legal shooting hours; hunters must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset; each turkey hunt ends at 1:30 PM on the last day.

(II) Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

(III) Turkey hunters are required to record the harvest date, body weight, spur length, and beard length of all harvested turkeys on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet.

(iv) Small Game Hunts:

(I) Hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise; each small game hunt begins and ends at legal shooting hours; hunters must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset. No scouting days prior to hunt dates.

(II) Permit holder may be accompanied by up to three properly licensed guests. The guests may be different people each hunt day. Youth under 16 years, and up to three properly licensed guests, are allowed to accompany permit holder.

(v) Waterfowl Hunts:

(I) Hunters may enter the Portland Landing SOA (no waterfowl hunt on Cedar Creek SOA) at 4:00 AM; Hunting may begin at legal shooting hours; all hunting activity is prohibited after 12:00 noon; and all parties must exit the SOA no later than 1:30 PM. It shall be unlawful to leave assigned hunt unit except when departing the SOA for the day.

(II) Permit holder may be accompanied by three properly licensed guests. Guests may be different people each hunt day.

(vi) Dove Hunts:

(I) Travel to assigned hunt unit(s) shall be from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM. All hunts end at legal sunset.

(II) Permit holder is allowed one properly licensed guest. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8 - 15 years of age.

3. District IV –

(i) On Uchee Creek SOA:

(I) It shall be unlawful to hunt on Uchee Creek SOA unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and allowed guest(s) may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted days.

(II) Deer Hunts:

I. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one and ends at 12:00 noon on day four. With the exception of the day one start time and day four end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset each day. Hunt times begin and end at legal shooting hours. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

II. Antlered bucks harvested are required to have a minimum inside spread of 16” or 18” main beam (3x the length of the ear).

III. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

IV. Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurements of bucks on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet. Deer hunters are also required to extract a lower jawbone from deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

(III) Turkey Hunts:

I. Hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise; each turkey hunt begins and ends at legal shooting hours; hunters must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset; each turkey hunt ends at 1:30 PM on the last day.

II. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

III. Turkey hunters are required to record the harvest date, body weight, spur length, and beard length of all harvested turkeys on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet.

(IV) Small Game Hunts:

I. Hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise; each small game hunt begins and ends at legal shooting hours; hunters must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset. No scouting days prior to hunt dates.

II. Permit holder may be accompanied by up to three properly licensed guests. The guests may be different people each hunt day.

(V) Waterfowl Hunts:

I. Hunters may enter the SOA at 4:00 AM; hunting may begin at legal shooting hours; all hunting activity is prohibited after 12:00 noon; and all parties must exit the SOA no later than 1:30 PM. It shall be unlawful to leave assigned hunt unit except when departing the SOA for the day.

II. Permit holder may be accompanied by three properly licensed guests. Guests may be different people each hunt day.

(ii) On Prairie Glades SOA:

(I) It shall be unlawful to access or hunt on Prairie Glades SOA unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and one guest may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted days.

(II) Deer Hunts:

I. Hunters may enter the Prairie Glades SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset; hunt times begin and end at legal shooting hours. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

(III) Dove Hunts:

I. Travel to assigned hunt unit(s) shall be from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM during the first season segment (September and October) and 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon during the second and third season segments (November, December, and January). All hunts end at legal sunset.

II. Permit holder is allowed one properly licensed guest. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8 - 15 years of age.

4. District V –

(i) On Blackwater River SOA:

(I) It shall be unlawful to hunt on Blackwater River SOA unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and allowed guest(s) may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted days.

(II) Deer Hunts:

I. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one and ends at 12:00 noon on day four. With the exception of the day one start time and day four end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset each day. Hunt times begin and end at legal shooting hours. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

II. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

III. Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurements of bucks on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet. Deer hunters are also required to extract a lower jawbone from deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

(III) Dove Hunts:

I. Travel to assigned hunt unit(s) shall be from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM. All hunts end at legal sunset.

II. Permit holder is allowed one properly licensed guest. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8 - 15 years of age.

(ii) On Choctaw NWR SOA:

(I) Primitive Weapons Deer Hunt:

I. It shall be unlawful to hunt on Choctaw NWR SOA during specific primitive weapons hunt dates unless selected for a limited quota permit on assigned hunt unit(s). The permit holder and allowed guest may only hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted times and days.

II. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one and ends at 12:00 PM on day four of the hunt. With the exception of the day one start time and day four end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset each day. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

III. Permit holder is allowed one properly licensed guest each day. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

IV. Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurements of bucks on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet. Deer hunters are also required to extract a lower jawbone from each deer harvested and leave it at SOA/NWR kiosk.

(iii) On Fred T. Stimpson SOA:

(I) It shall be unlawful to hunt on Fred T. Stimpson SOA unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and allowed guest(s) may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted.

(II) Archery Deer Hunts:

I. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one and ends at 12:00 noon on day four. With the exception of the day one start time and day four end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset each day. Hunt times begin and end at legal shooting hours. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

II. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

III. Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurements of bucks on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet. Deer hunters are also required to extract a lower jawbone from deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

(III) Youth Gun Deer Hunts:

I. Permit holder 21 years of age or older or the parent of one of the youth may be accompanied by up to two youth guest hunters (8-15 years of age). The permit holder may also have a properly licensed supervising adult being 21 years of age or older or a parent of one of the youth. Hunters may only hunt in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Only the youth may hunt.

II. On the specified two-day hunt, hunters may sign in beginning at 5:00 AM. All hunters must be signed in prior to legal sunrise. All hunters must check out within 1½ hours after legal sunset. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit will be allowed between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

III. Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurements of bucks on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet. Youth deer hunters are also required to extract a lower jawbone from each deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

(IV) Youth Squirrel Hunts:

I. Permit holder 21 years of age or older or the parent of one of the youth must be accompanied by one youth hunter and will be allowed to have two additional youth guest hunters and one properly licensed supervising adult 21 years of age or older or a parent of one of the youth, for a maximum of five hunters to a party for each hunt unit. Hunters are only allowed to hunt in their assigned hunt unit on their assigned hunt date. Both youth and supervisors are allowed to hunt.

II. Hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise; each small game hunt begins and ends at legal shooting hours; hunters must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset. No scouting days prior to hunt dates.

(V) Turkey Hunts:

I. Hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise; each turkey hunt begins and ends at legal shooting hours; hunters must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset; each turkey hunt ends at 1:30 PM on the last day.

II. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

III. Turkey hunters are required to record the harvest date, body weight, spur length, and beard length of all harvested turkeys on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet.

(iv) On Little River and Thigpen Hill SOA:

(I) It shall be unlawful to hunt on Little River and Thigpen Hill SOA unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and allowed guest(s) may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted days.

(II) Deer Hunts:

I. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one and ends at 12:00 noon on day four. With the exception of the day one start time and day four end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset each day. Hunt times begin and end at legal shooting hours. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

II. Antlered bucks harvested are required to have at least three antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one side.

III. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

IV. Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurements of bucks on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet. Deer hunters are also required to extract a lower jawbone from deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

(III) Youth Gun Deer Hunts:

I. Permit holder 21 years of age or older or the parent of one of the youth may be accompanied by up to two youth guest hunters. The permit holder may also have a properly licensed supervising adult being 21 years of age or older or a parent of one of the youth. Hunters may only hunt in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Only the youth may hunt.

II. On the specified two-day hunt, hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset each day. Hunt times begin and end at legal shooting hours. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

III. Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurements of bucks on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet. Deer hunters are also required to extract a lower jawbone from each deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

(IV) Turkey Hunts:

I. Hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise; each turkey hunt begins and ends at legal shooting hours; hunters must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset; each turkey hunt ends at 1:30 PM on the last day.

II. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

III. Turkey hunters are required to record the harvest date, body weight, spur length, and beard length of all harvested turkeys on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet.

(V) Small Game Hunts:

I. Hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise; each small game hunt begins and ends at legal shooting hours; hunters must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset. No scouting days prior to hunt dates.

II. Permit holder may be accompanied by up to three properly licensed guests. The guests may be different people each hunt day.

(v) On Upper State SOA:

(I) It shall be unlawful to hunt on Upper State SOA unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and allowed guest(s) may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted days.

(II) Archery Deer Hunts:

I. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one and ends at 12:00 noon on day four. With the exception of the day one start time and day four end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset each day. Hunt times begin and end at legal shooting hours. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

II. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

III. Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurements of bucks on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet. Deer hunters are also required to extract a lower jawbone from each deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

(III) Turkey Hunts:

I. Hunters may enter the SOA 1½ hours prior to legal sunrise; each turkey hunt begins and ends at legal shooting hours; hunters must exit the SOA by 1½ hours after legal sunset; each turkey hunt ends at 1:30 PM on the last day.

II. Permit holder may have one properly licensed guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

III. Turkey hunters are required to record the harvest date, body weight, spur length, and beard length of all harvested turkeys on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-301, 9-11-305.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Amended: October 18, 1983; October 13, 1984; October 19, 1985; October 17, 1986; October 22, 1987; September 23, 1988; December 21, 1988; November 16, 1989; November 16, 1990; November 13, 1991; January 18, 1992; October 24, 1992. Amended: Filed: September 14, 1993; effective October 19, 1993. Amended: Filed September 13, 1994; effective October 19, 1994. Amended: Filed September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995. Amended: Filed August 20, 1996; effective September 24, 1996. Amended: Filed August 11, 1997; effective September 16, 1997. Amended: Filed August 11, 1998; effective September 16, 1998. Amended: Filed September 13, 1999; effective October 18, 1999. Amended: Filed August 10, 2000; effective September 14, 2000. Amended: Filed August 28, 2001; effective October 2, 2001. Amended: Filed September 16, 2002; effective October 21, 2002. Amended: Filed January 6, 2003; effective February 10, 2003. Amended: Filed August 21, 2003; effective September 25, 2003. Amended: Filed October 18, 2004; effective November 22, 2004. Amended: Filed August 9, 2005; effective September 13, 2005. Amended: Filed September 20, 2006; effective October 25, 2006. Amended: Filed September 17, 2007. Amended: Filed September 11, 2008; effective October 16, 2008. Amended: Filed September 15, 2009; effective October 20, 2009. Amended: Filed October 6, 2010; effective November 10, 2010. Amended: Filed June 15, 2012; effective July 20, 2012. Amended: Filed September 6, 2013; effective October 14, 2013. Amended: Filed July 16, 2014; effective August 20, 2014. Amended: Filed February 26, 2015; effective April 2, 2015. Amended: Filed October 14, 2015; effective November 18, 2015. Amended: Filed August 11, 2016; effective September 25, 2016. Amended: Filed August 14, 2017; effective September 28, 2017. Amended: Filed December 12, 2017; effective January 26, 2018. Amended: Filed October 11, 2018; effective November 25, 2018. Amended: Filed August 19, 2019; effective October 3, 2019. Amended: Published August 31, 2020; effective October 15, 2020. Amended: Published June 30, 2021; effective August 14, 2021. Amended: Published August 31, 2022; effective October 15, 2022. Amended: Published November 30, 2023; effective January 14, 2024. Amended: Published August 30, 2024; effective October 14, 2024. Amended: Published June 30, 2025; effective August 14, 2025.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.56 2026-2027 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons

(1) 2026-2027 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons

NOTE: All game animals harvested (excluding those Bonus Bucks validated by WFF personnel) on all Wildlife Management Areas must be included in each hunter’s seasonal statewide and daily bag limit(s).

(a) District I 2026-2027 Wildlife Management Area Seasons and Bag Limits (Northwest Alabama)

1. BLACK WARRIOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

(Lawrence and Winston Counties)

| DEER: | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 1 -Jan. 15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply for Zone B. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Jan. 16-27. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply for Zone B. Archery hunting is permitted in zone closed to gun deer hunting. Archery hunters must harvest antlered bucks on days of antlered buck only gun deer hunts. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station day requirements. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 31 - Nov. 1. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. Hunters must submit all harvested deer at check station for data collection. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 2-6. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply for Zone B. | | Zones A & B | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov.7-8. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 7 and 8 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. *Antlered buck restrictions apply for Zone B. | | Zone A | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 12-15, Nov. 26-29, and Dec. 10-13. One antlered buck a day. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | Zone B | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 19-22, Dec. 3-6, and Dec. 17-20. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. |

*To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks in Zone B must have at least four (4) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.

| Zones A & B | | | | --- | --- | --- | | TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 20 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 26 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 27-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Black Warrior WMA/Bankhead Ranger District. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | QUAIL: | CLOSED. | | | WOODCOCK: | State Season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

2. FREEDOM HILLS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Colbert County)

| DEER: | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Zones A & B | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15 - Feb. 10. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. Archery hunting is permitted in zone closed to gun deer hunting. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all MANDATORY check station day requirements. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. Hunters must submit all harvested deer at check station on Saturday for data collection. Check station will be open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov.16 -20. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 26 - 29, Dec. 10-13, Dec. 24-27, and Jan. 21-24. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays (excluding Dec. 25) of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open 9:00 AM to 7:00PM. | | Zone A | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Jan. 7-10 and Jan. 28-31. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. (Jan. 9 Bonus Buck Day, must be validated by WFF personnel at check station prior to leaving Area). *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | Zone B | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Jan. 14-17 and Feb. 4-7. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. (Feb.6 Bonus Buck Day, must be validated by WFF personnel at check station prior to leaving Area). It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 20 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 26 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 27-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Freedom Hills WMA. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset). First two weeks of season: Saturdays and Wednesdays only. Remainder of state season except, no hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31 - Feb 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

3. LAUDERDALE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Lauderdale County)

| DEER: | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Zones A & B | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-Feb. 10. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. Archery hunting is permitted in zone closed to gun deer hunting. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all MANDATORY check station day requirements. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. Hunters must submit all harvested deer at check station for data collection on Saturday. Check station will be open 9:00 AM to 7:00PM. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16 -20. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22, Nov. 26-29, Dec. 10-13, and Dec. 24-27. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. (Dec. 26 BONUS BUCK DAY, must be validated by WFF personnel) It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays (excluding Dec. 25) of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open 9:00AM to 7:00PM. | | Zone A | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 3-6, and Dec. 31 - Jan. 3. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open 9:00AM to 7:00PM. | | Zone B | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 17-20, and Jan. 7-10. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. (Jan. 9 Bonus Buck Day, must be validated by WFF personnel at check station prior to leaving Area). It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open 9:00AM to 7:00PM. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 20 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 26(Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 27-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Lauderdale WMA. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | WATERFOWL: | State Season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season): | Feb. 15-21. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31 - Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

4. RIVERTON COMMUNITY HUNTING AREA (Colbert County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15 -Feb. 10. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunts. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Open each Wednesday and Saturday of the regular Gun Deer Season in Colbert County and from Nov. 21- 29, Dec. 12-20, Jan. 9-17, and Jan. 23-31. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 20 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 26 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 27-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Riverton CHA. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of gun deer and primitive weapons hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

5. SAM R. MURPHY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Lamar and Marion Counties)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15- Feb. 10. Two deer a day,two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station day requirements. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 23-29, Dec. 10-13, Dec. 25-Jan. 3, Jan. 7-10, Jan. 14-17, and Jan. 21-24. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on these hunts (excluding Dec. 25) (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Sam R. Murphy WMA. | | | | CROW: | | Sept. 1-February 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-February 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season- 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.) No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season) | Sept. 5-12 and Feb. 13-20. Permitted firearms and archery equipment same as for gun deer hunts on the WMA. No buckshot. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-February 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

6. SEVEN-MILE ISLAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Lauderdale County)

(i) ALL AREAS OF SEVEN MILE ISLAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA EXCEPT KEY CAVE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE:

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting, Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-Feb. 10. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20 and Feb. 1-7. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | TURKEY: | CLOSED. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-February 28. Nighttime hours only. | | | DOVE: | State season (Opening day: 12 Noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.) | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-February 28. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season): | Sept. 5-Oct. 13, and Feb. 10-14. Shotguns using slugs only, primitive weapons, bow and arrow, and crossbows. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | RAIL: | State season. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. | | | WOODCOCK: | State season. | | | SANDHILL CRANE: | CLOSED. | | | BOWFISHlNG: | March 1-Aug. 31. Nongame fish only. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, BEAVER, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

(ii) KEY CAVE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: HUNTING ALLOWED ONLY FOR THE FOLLOWING SPECIES AND ONLY ON MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS WITHIN THE FOLLOWING SEASONS: (Lauderdale County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting, Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-Feb. 10. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | --- | --- | --- | | TURKEY: | CLOSED. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. | | | DOVE: | State season (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb.28. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State Season. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season) | Sept. 5-Oct. 13, and Feb. 10-14. Shotguns using slugs only, primitive weapons, bow and arrow, and crossbows. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | WATERFOWL, RAIL, SANDHILL CRANE & FURBEARER TRAPPING: | CLOSED. | |

7. SWAN & MALLARD-FOX CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Limestone, Morgan, and Lawrence Counties)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-Nov. 20. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | --- | --- | --- | | TURKEY: | CLOSED. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-February 28. Nighttime hours only. | | | CROW: | | Sept. 1- February 28. (Closed During Regular Waterfowl Season). | | DOVE: | State season 12:00 Noon until sunset each day of the season (NO MORNING HUNTING). | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-February 28. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | RAIL: | State Season. | | | SPECIAL TEAL SEASON: | State season. Dewatering unit open 7 days/week. No daily or online drawing required. | | | YOUTH, VETERANS, & ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL: | State season. DEWATERING UNIT All limited quota walk-in and boat blind locations within the Swan Creek WMA DWU will be permitted through a limited quota permit system determined by random computerized drawing prior to opening day. REMAINDER OF WMAs Open daily during State Season | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. DEWATERING UNIT All limited quota walk-in and boat blind locations within the Swan Creek WMA DWU will be permitted through a limited quota permit system determined by random computerized drawing prior to opening day for weekend hunts or in-person drawings on each Tuesday at 4:00 AM during the waterfowl season for weekday hunts unless otherwise noted. REMAINDER OF WMAs Open daily during State Season. | | | SANDHILL CRANE: | State season. (Sunrise to sunset) By limited quota permit only. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. | | | BOWFISHING: | March 1-Aug. 31. Nongame fish only. | | | BOBCAT, BEAVER, FOX, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & COYOTE: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | QUAIL: | CLOSED. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

It shall be unlawful to access or hunt in Swan Creek DWU unless selected for a limited quota permit for a specific hunt date(s) and hunt location. The permit holder and three properly licensed guest(s) may only access and hunt the DWU and hunt location for those permitted times and days. The guests may be different people each hunt day.

(b) District II 2026-2027 Wildlife Management Area Seasons and Bag Limits (Northeast Alabama)

1. CHOCCOLOCCO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA and MT. LONGLEAF NWR SEGMENT (Calhoun and Cleburne Counties)

| DEER: | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Zones A & B | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 1- Jan. 15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Archery hunting is permitted in zone closed to gun deer hunting. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters in either Zone may only harvest antlered bucks on days of antlered buck only deer hunts. Archery hunters must abide by all MANDATORY check station day requirements and gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Jan. 16-27. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station days. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 31-Nov. 1. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 2-6. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | Zone A | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 7-8, Dec. 3-6, Dec. 17-20. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Dec. 4-5, and Dec. 18-19 (including archery) to the check station located at the intersection of Forest Service Road 500 and 553 for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. | | Zone B | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 27-28. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only : Nov. 12-15, Dec. 10-13, and Dec. 24-27. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 13-14, Nov. 27-28, and Dec. 11-12(including archery) to the check station located at the intersection of Forest Service Road 522 and AL Hwy 9 for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. |

*To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least four (4) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.

| Zones A & B | | | | --- | --- | --- | | TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Choccolocco WMA/Shoal Creek Ranger District. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. No dogs - daylight hours only on Mt. Longleaf NWR Segment. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). Closed on Mt. Longleaf NWR Segment. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | CROW: | Sept.1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunt. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunt. Fox squirrel season closed. No hunting in Quail Area A or B on Wednesdays and Saturdays during quail season. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season): | Oct. 1-9 and March 1-10. Permitted firearms and archery equipment same as for gun deer hunts on the WMA. No buckshot. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Quail AREAS A and B hunting only on Wednesdays and Saturdays of state season. Bag Limit: 4 quail per person per day. | | | WOODCOCK: | State season. No hunting on days of scheduled gun deer hunts. Permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunt. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. Closed on Mt. Longleaf NWR Segment. | |

2. COOSA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Coosa County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters may only harvest antlered bucks on days of antlered buck only deer hunts. Archery hunters must abide by all MANDATORY check station day requirements and gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20, Dec. 17-20. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Dec. 19 to the check station across from Mt. Moriah Church. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 28-29. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 28 (including archery) to the check station across from Mt. Moriah Church or mobile check station on WMA Rd. 817 for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 3-6, Dec. 24-27, Jan. 7-10, Jan. 14-17, Jan. 21-24, Jan. 28-31. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested to the check station across from Mt. Moriah Church on Dec. 5, Dec. 26, Jan. 9-10, Jan. 16-17, Jan. 23-24, and Jan. 30-31(including archery) for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. |

*To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Coosa WMA. | | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season): | Sept. 1-10 and March 1-10. Permitted firearms and archery equipment same as for gun deer hunts on the WMA. No buckshot. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of seaon-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State Season. No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State Season. No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

3. CROW CREEK, MUD CREEK AND RACCOON CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS AND COON GULF TRACT (Jackson County)

(i) Crow Creek, Mud Creek & Raccoon Creek WMAs:

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 17-25 and Jan. 2-10. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Oct. 17 & 24, Nov. 16-17, and Jan. 2 & 9 to check station at the Wannville office for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Oct. 17 & 24, Nov. 16-17, and Jan. 2 & 9 to check station at the Wannville office for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | TURKEY: | CLOSED. | | | CROW: | | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. | | DOVE: | State season (Opening day: 12 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of archery and primitive weapons deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of archery or primitive weapons deer hunts. | | | RAIL, WOODCOCK, & SNIPE: | State season. | | | SPECIAL TEAL SEASON: | State season. Dewatering unit open 7 days/week. | | | YOUTH, VETERANS, & ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL: | State season. (25 shell limit does not apply to youth on these days). | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. (½ hour before sunrise to sunset). | | | SANDHILL CRANE: | State season. (Sunrise to 12:00 noon) By limited quota permit only. | | | BOWFISHING: | March 1-Aug. 31. Nongame fish only. | | | FERAL SWINE (archery only): | March 1-14. Daylight hours only. No dogs allowed. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | QUAIL: | CLOSED. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine) | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

All waterfowl and sandhill crane hunting in Mud Creek (Wannville) and Raccoon Creek dewatering units (outlined on map/regulation form) is prohibited on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays except scouting by foot. This rule does not apply during special teal or early goose season and during the last 14 days of regular waterfowl season.

(ii) Coon Gulf Tract:

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. No hunting on days of youth deer hunt. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14 -15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22, Nov. 26- 29, Jan. 14-17, and Jan. 28-31. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 20 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 26(Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 27 - May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Coon Gulf Tract. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | RAIL, WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | QUAIL: | CLOSED. | | | WATERFOWL: | NO OPEN SEASON. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

4. NORTH SAUTY AND CROW CREEK WATERFOWL REFUGES (Jackson County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 17-25 and Jan. 2-10. Gates will not be open for Jan. 2-10 hunts. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Oct. 17 & 24, Nov. 16-17, and Jan. 2 & 9 to check station at the Wannville office for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov.16-20. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Oct. 17 & 24, Nov. 16-17, and Jan. 2 & 9 to check station at the Wannville office for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Sauta Cave NWR - closed to deer hunting. | | TURKEY: | CLOSED. | | | FERAL SWINE: | | Sept. 1-9 and May 1-8. (Archery, Rimfire and Shotguns with slugs only). Daylight hours only. No dogs allowed. | | DOVE: | FIRST SEGMENT STATE SEASON (12:00 noon until sunset opening day, then ½ hour before sunrise to sunset the remainder of first segment). | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Oct. 16 and Feb. 2- Feb.28. No hunting on days of archery and primitive weapons deer hunts. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Oct. 16. Nighttime hours only. | | | BOWFISHING: | April 1-Aug. 31. Nongame fish only. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | QUAIL: | CLOSED. | | | WATERFOWL: | CLOSED. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Jan. 31. (water or land sets), Feb. 1-28. (water sets only). Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

5. HOLLINS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Clay & Talladega Counties)

| DEER: | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Zones A & B | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Archery hunting is permitted in zone closed to gun deer hunting. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters in either Zone may only harvest antlered bucks on days of antlered buck only deer hunts. Archery hunters must abide by all MANDATORY check station day requirements and gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14 -15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16 -20 and Dec. 24-28. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Dec. 26-27 (including archery) to the check station located on Clay County Road 4 in for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 28-29. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 28(including archery) to the check stations located on Clay County Road 4 in Hollins or mobile check stations at the intersection of Forest Roads 616 and 607 for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. | | Zone A | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 17-20, Jan. 7-10, and Jan. 21-24. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Dec. 19-20, Jan. 9, and Jan. 23-24 (including archery) to the mobile check station located at the intersection of Forest Roads 616 and 607 for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. | | Zone B | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 3-6, Dec. 31-Jan. 3, Jan. 14-17, and Jan. 28 -31. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Dec. 5-6, Jan. 2-3, Jan. 16, and Jan. 30-31 (including archery) to the check station located on Clay County Road 4 in Hollins for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. |

*To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks in Zone A and Zone B must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Hollins WMA/Talladega Ranger District. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.) Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State Season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

6. JAMES D. MARTIN-SKYLINE WMA (Jackson County)

| DEER: | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Zones A & B | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters may only harvest antlered bucks on days of antlered buck only deer hunts. Archery hunters must abide by all MANDATORY check station day requirements and gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14 -15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16 -20 and Dec. 3-6. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 28-29. One deer a day; either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 10-13, Dec. 17-20, Dec. 24-27, Dec. 31-Jan. 3, Jan. 7-10, and Jan. 21-24. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply for Zone A and Zone B. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested (including archery) on Nov. 21-22, Nov. 28-29, Dec. 19, Dec. 26-27, Jan. 2-3, Jan. 9-10, and Jan 23-24 to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. |

*To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks in Zone A and Zone B must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only . Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from James D. Martin-Skyline WMA. | | | | DOVE: | State season (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; reminder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset) Wednesdays and Saturdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT: Zone A Zone B | Oct. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Feb. 1-28. | | | SQUIRREL: | Oct. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

7. LITTLE RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Cherokee and DeKalb Counties)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15 -Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters may only harvest antlered bucks on days of antlered buck only deer hunts. Archery hunters must abide by all MANDATORY check station day requirements and gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14 -15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16 -20 and Dec. 14-18. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22, Nov. 26-29, and Dec. 4-5. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21, Nov. 27-28, and Dec. 4-5 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 10-13, Dec. 24-27, and Jan. 7-10. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Dec. 11-12 and Jan. 8-9 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. |

*To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Little River WMA. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season): | March 1-10. Permitted firearms & archery equipment same as for gun deer hunts on the WMA. No buckshot. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

8. MARTIN COMMUNITY HUNTING AREA (Tallapoosa County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct.15-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20, Dec. 19-27, and Jan. 16-24. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 20 (Daylight until 1:00PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 26 (Daylight until 1:00PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 27-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Martin CHA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. | | | WOODCOCK: | State season. | | | FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, FOX, & COYOTE: | Open during any other scheduled WMA hunting season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. | |

(c) District III 2026-2027 Wildlife Management Area Seasons and Bag Limits (Central-West Central Alabama)

1. CHARLES D. KELLEY - AUTAUGA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Autauga County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct.15-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station day requirements. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20 and Nov. 30-Dec. 4. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21 -22 One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 26-29, Dec. 17-20, Dec. 24- 27, Jan. 14-17, and Jan 28-Jan. 31. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Jan. 15-16, Jan. 29-30(including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. |

*To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Charles D. Kelley-Autauga WMA. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). Wednesdays and Saturdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. ½ hour before sunrise to 12:00 noon. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK: | State season. No hunting on days of gun deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

2. WILLIAM R. IRELAND, SR. - CAHABA RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Bibb and Shelby Counties)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct.15 - Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt, including Cahaba River Refuge. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station days. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14 -15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. No gun deer hunting permitted on Cahaba River Refuge. Youth-only archery on Cahaba River Refuge. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20 and Nov. 30-Dec. 4. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Archery hunting only on Cahaba River Refuge. No gun deer hunting permitted on Cahaba River Refuge. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-23 and Nov. 28-29. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Archery hunting only on Cahaba River Refuge. No gun deer hunting permitted on Cahaba River Refuge. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov 21 and 28 to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 10-13, Dec. 17-20, Dec. 24-27, Dec. 31-Jan. 3, Jan. 7-10, and Jan. 21-24. (Dec. 12 Bonus Buck Day, must be validated by WFF personnel at check station prior to leaving area). One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Archery hunting only on Cahaba River Refuge. No gun deer hunting permitted on Cahaba River Refuge. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 11-12, and Dec. 19 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. |

*To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam.

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from William R. Ireland-Cahaba River WMA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. No open season on the Cahaba River Refuge. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season.(Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). Wednesdays and Saturdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. No open season on the Cahaba River Refuge. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season.(½ hour before sunrise until sunset). No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. No open season on the Cahaba River Refuge. | | | WOODCOCK: | State season. No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. No open season on the Cahaba River Refuge. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING: (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. No open season on the Cahaba River Refuge. | |

3. DAVID K. NELSON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Greene, Hale, Marengo, and Sumter Counties)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct.15-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station days. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16 -20. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22 and Dec. 5-6. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 17-20, Dec. 31-Jan. 3, Jan. 14-17, and Feb. 4-7. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from David K. Nelson WMA. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. (½ hour before sunrise until 12:00 noon). No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season) | March 3-7. Permitted firearms and archery equipment same as for gun deer hunts on the WMA. No buckshot. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

4. LOWNDES WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Lowndes County)

| Dutch Bend Tract | | | | --- | --- | --- | | DEER: | (Archery Only) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day.*Antlered buck restrictions apply. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25 -Feb. 10. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested to check station on open check station days. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam | | |

| TURKEY: | (Regular) | March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Lowndes WMA. | | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). Saturdays and Wednesdays only. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. Hunting allowed Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays only. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. Hunting allowed Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays only. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. (½ hour before sunrise until 12:00 noon). Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays only. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. Hunting allowed Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays only. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled hunting season on the Dutch Bend Tract using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

| Remainder of Lowndes WMA | | | | --- | --- | --- | | DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25 -Feb. 10. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt except on Dutch Bend Tract. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station day requirements. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20 and Dec. 17-20. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22, Nov. 28-29, Dec. 12-13, and Dec. 24-27 One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 12, and Dec. 26 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Jan. 7-10, Jan. 21-24, and Feb. 4-7. One antlered buck a day. (Jan. 9 Bonus Buck Day, must be validated by WFF personnel at the check station prior to leaving the Area). *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Jan. 8-9, Jan. 22-23, and Feb. 5-6 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit- No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Lowndes WMA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season): | Aug. 28- Sept. 4 and Feb. 20-28. Permitted firearms and archery equipment same as for gun deer hunts on the WMA. No buckshot. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). Saturdays and Wednesdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season.(½ hour before sunrise to 12:00 noon). Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX,: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING: (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

5. MULBERRY FORK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Tuscaloosa & Walker Counties)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15 -Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station days. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20 and Dec. 17-20. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 26 - 29. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 27, 28, and 29(including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 21-22, Dec. 9-13, Dec. 23-27, Dec. 30-Jan. 3, Jan. 6-10, and Jan. 20-24. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Dec. 31, Jan. 2, and Jan. 3 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Mulberry Fork WMA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season): | Sept. 1-4 and March 3-7. Permitted firearms and archery equipment same as for gun deer hunts on the WMA. No buckshot. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox Squirre1 season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. (½ hour before sunrise to noon). No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

6. OAKMULGEE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Bibb, Hale, Perry & Tuscaloosa Counties)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct.15-Feb. 10. One deer a day, one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station day requirements. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *No antler restriction apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20, and Dec. 7-13. One deer a day, one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21 -22, Dec. 19-20, and Jan. 14-17. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21-22, Dec. 19-20, and Jan. 15 and 16 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 26-29, Dec. 23-29, and Jan. 1-6. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Oakmulgee WMA/Oakmulgee Ranger District. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season): | Sept. 1-4. Permitted firearms and archery equipment same as for gun deer hunts on the WMA. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season - ½ hour before sunrise to sunset). No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox Squirre1 season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb.28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

(d) District IV 2026-2027 Wildlife Management Area Seasons and Bag Limits (Southeast Alabama)

1. BARBOUR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Barbour and Bullock Counties)

| DEER: | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Zones A & B | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15 24. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25 -Feb.10. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station day requirements. No hunting on day of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunting is permitted in zone closed to gun deer hunting. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov.14-15. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 14 to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22, Jan. 7-10, and Jan. 21-24. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Feb. 4-7. (Feb. 6 Bonus Buck Day must be validated by WFF personnel). One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Feb. 5-6 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | Zone A | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 27-Dec. 6. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | Zone B | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 11-20. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Fridays and Saturdays of these hunts (including archery) to the check station for data collection. The check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Barbour WMA. | | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season - ½ hour before sunrise to sunset). Saturdays and Wednesdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

2. BLUE SPRING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Covington County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunts. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station day requirements. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25 -Feb. 10. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station day requirements. No hunting on days of dog deer or youth gun deer hunts. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22, Nov. 26-29, and Dec. 31-Jan. 3. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21-22, Nov. 27-28, and Jan. 1-2 (Including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Jan. 14-17, Jan. 28-31, and Feb. 4-10. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Jan. 15-16, Jan. 29-30, and Feb. 5-6 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | | (Dog) | Dog Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 18-19. By Limited quota permit only, one antlered buck a day). *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. All hunters must check in before hunting at the check station on dog deer hunting dates. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Blue Spring WMA/Boggy Hollow WMA/Conecuh Ranger District. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season - ½ hour before sunrise to sunset). Saturdays and Wednesdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. No hunting permitted on Open, Buck, Ditch, and Blue Ponds. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. (Excluding Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 18-19). Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

3. BOGGY HOLLOW WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Covington County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. Hunting allowed only on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. One antlered buck a day. Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Oct. 25-Feb. 10. Hunting allowed only on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Nov. 14-15. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Nov. 16-20 (Monday - Friday) and Jan. 3- Feb. 10 Hunting only allowed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Boggy Hollow WMA/Blue Spring WMA/Conecuh Ranger District. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1 – Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth and primitive weapons deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. Hunting only on Thursdays and Fridays. Fox squirrel season closed during February. No hunting on days of youth or primitive weapons hunts. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only, no hunting on Tuesday and Friday nights and nights preceding and nights of youth gun and primitive weapons deer hunts. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb.28. Hunting only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 4 Quail per person per day. | | | WOODCOCK: | State season. Hunting only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. | | | COYOTE, BOBCAT, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING: (excluding feral swine) | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

4. GENEVA STATE FOREST WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Covington and Geneva Counties)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25 -Feb. 10. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station day requirements. No hunting on days of dog deer or youth gun hunts. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Dog Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. By limited quota permit only. Dogs must be approved by DCNR personnel. *No antler restrictions apply. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16 -20. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22, Nov. 26-29, and Dec. 31-Jan. 4. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21-22, Nov. 27-28, and Jan. 1-2 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Jan. 14-17, Jan. 21-24, and Feb. 1-10 (Feb. 6 Bonus Buck Day, must be validated by WFF personnel at check station prior to leaving Area). One antlered buck a day. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Jan. 15-16, Jan. 22-23, and Feb. 5-6 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | | (Dog) | Dog Hunting Hunters Choice: Dec. 11-12. One unantlered deer or one antlered buck per day. By limited quota permit only. Dogs must be approved by DCNR personnel. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Geneva State Forest WMA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-March Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season - ½ hour before sunrise to sunset). Saturdays and Wednesdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. (Excluding Nov. 14 & Dec. 11-12). Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

5. GOTHARD-AWF YATES LAKE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Elmore County)

| DEER: | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Zones A & B | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts. No hunting on days of youth deer hunts. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16 -20. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 21-22 and Jan. 15-31. One antlered buck a day. *It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Jan. 15-16 and Jan. 29-30 (including archery) to the check station (kiosk off Hwy. 229) for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. | | Zone A | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 26-29, Dec. 10-13, Dec. 24-27. One antlered buck a day. | | Zone B | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec.3-6, Dec.17-20, and Dec. 31-Jan. 3. One antlered buck a day. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Gothard-AWF Yates Lake WMA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox squirrel season closed during February. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | WOODCOCK: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, COYOTE & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA hunting season using weapons and ammunition approved for those WMA hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from District IV office. | |

(e) District V 2026-2027 Wildlife Management Area Seasons and Bag Limits (Southwest Alabama)

1. GRAND BAY SAVANNA COMMUNITY HUNTING AREA (Mobile County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 21-Feb. 10. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. One antlered buck a day. Shotguns with slugs and primitive weapons only. No dogs allowed. |

| TURKEY: | | CLOSED. | | --- | --- | --- | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. | | | DOVE: | State season.(Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season - ½ hour before sunrise to sunset). | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. Fox squirrel season closed during February. | | | RAIL: | State season. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. | | | FERAL SWINE, COYOTE, BOBCAT, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA hunting season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

2. MOBILE-TENSAW DELTA AND W.L. HOLLAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Baldwin and Mobile Counties)

| (Jacinto Port Tract): | | No centerfire rifles allowed on the Jacinto Port Tract. | | --- | --- | --- | | DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25-Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers per hunter from Mobile-Tensaw Delta & W.L. Holland WMA. | | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Oct. 14 and Feb. 11-28. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, COYOTE & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA hunting season on the Jacinto Port Tract using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. No centerfire rifles allowed on the Jacinto Port Tract. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | | | (Remainder of Mobile-Tensaw Delta and W. L. Holland Wildlife Management Areas Including Tom Roush Tract): | | |

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25 - Feb. 10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Nov. 14 - 15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 21-Feb. 10. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays Only. One antlered buck a day. No dogs allowed. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Mobile-Tensaw Delta & W.L. Holland WMA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. | | | FERAL SWINE (Special Season): | Sept. 1-10. Dog hunting allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or night of youth or gun deer hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season - ½ hour before sunrise to sunset). | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | RAIL: | State season. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. (½ hour before sunrise to 1:00 PM). (Further restrictions apply for the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone within the WMA, see Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide.) | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA hunting season using weapons and ammunition approved for those species (excluding buckshot). No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

3. PERDIDO RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Baldwin County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25 -Feb.10. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts and MANDATORY check station days. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov.16-20 and Dec 7-13. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 27-28. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21, 27, and 28 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 3-6, Dec. 24-27, Jan. 7-10, Jan. 21-24, Jan. 28-31, and Feb. 4-7 (Jan. 30 Bonus Buck day, must be validated by WFF personnel prior to leaving the Area). One antlered buck a day. It is MANDATORY to bring all deer harvested on Dec. 26, Jan. 8-9, Jan. 22-23, and Jan. 29-30 (including archery) to the check station for data collection. Check station will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Perdido River WMA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RACOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth, primitive weapons, or gun hunts. | | | DOVE: | State season. (Thursdays and Saturdays only; Noon until sunset). No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State season. No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of primitive weapons or gun deer hunts. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING: (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

4. RED HILLS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Monroe County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25-Feb.10. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunts. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer, or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | Primitive Weapons or Shotgun (No buckshot) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 19-Jan. 3. Shall be limited to Ammunition and Weapons established in Rule 220-2-.02, excluding centerfire rifles, centerfire handguns, and buckshot. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunters Choice: Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 28-29. Two deer a day, two unantlered deer or one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. It is mandatory to bring all deer harvested on Nov. 21 and 28 to check station for data collection. Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Jan. 21-24, Jan. 28-31, and Feb. 4-7. One antlered buck a day. It is mandatory to bring all deer harvested on Jan. 22-23, Jan. 30 and Feb. 5-6 to check station for data collection. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Red Hills WMA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Nighttime hours only. No hunting on nights preceding or nights of youth gun deer, or primitive weapons hunts. | | | DOVE: | State Season. (Opening Day: 12:00 Noon until sunset, remainder of season-1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset). No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, or gun deer hunts. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. | | | QUAIL: | Nov. 7-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunts. | | | WATERFOWL: | State Season. | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State Season. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunt. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season, excluding youth gun deer hunt, using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING: (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

5. UPPER DELTA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (Baldwin and Mobile Counties)

| DEER: | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Zone A & B | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Oct. 15-24. One antlered buck a day. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 25-Feb. 10. Two deer a day, one unantlered deer and one antlered buck. Archery hunters must abide by all gun deer hunt regulations when hunting on days of gun deer hunts. No hunting on days of youth gun deer hunts. | | | (Youth) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 16-20, and Jan. 7-10. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 21-22. One antlered buck a day. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 10-13. One deer a day, either one unantlered deer or one antlered buck. | | Zone A | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Jan. 21-24 and Jan. 28-31. One antlered buck a day. | | | (Dog) | Dog Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 18-19. One antlered buck a day. Dog deer hunts shall start no earlier than 7:00 am. | | Zone B | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Dec. 28-Jan. 3 and Jan. 14-17. One antlered buck a day. | | | (Dog) | Dog Hunting Antlered Bucks Only: Nov. 23-29 Dec. 4-5, and Dec. 26-27. One antlered buck a day. Dog deer hunts shall start no earlier than 7:00 a.m. |

| TURKEY: | (Youth) (Physically Disabled) (Regular) | March 13 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 19 (Daylight until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. March 20-May 3 (until 1:00 PM). Gobblers only. Decoys allowed. | | --- | --- | --- | | Bag Limit - No more than 1 gobbler during the first 10 days of each season. No more than 2 gobblers total per hunter from Upper Delta WMA. | | | | CROW: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | RACCOON & OPOSSUM: | Sept. 1-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | DOVE: | State season.(Opening day: 12:00 noon to sunset; remainder of season - ½ hour before sunrise to sunset). Wednesdays and Saturdays only. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | Sept. 12-Feb. 28. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. Fox Squirrel season closed during February. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | WATERFOWL: | | | | Zone A | State season. (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1:00 PM). No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. | | | Zone B | State season. (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1:00 PM). | | | WOODCOCK & SNIPE: | State season. No hunting on days of youth, primitive weapons, gun, or dog deer hunts. Small game hunting is permitted in zone not open for gun deer hunting. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any other scheduled WMA Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those WMA hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. | | | FURBEARER TRAPPING: (excluding feral swine): | Oct. 31-Feb. 28. Trapping permits must be obtained from Area Biologist. | |

(2) 2026-2027 Special Opportunity Area Hunting Seasons

(a) District II 2026-2027 Special Opportunity Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits (Northeast Alabama)

1. CROW CREEK SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Jackson County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-18, Oct. 22-25, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, Nov. 5-8, and Nov. 19-22. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date in permitted hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 17-20. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date in permitted hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | WATERFOWL: | | Jan. 2-3, Jan. 9-10, Jan. 16-17, Jan. 23-24, and Jan. 30-31. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed permit holder. The permit holder may have four properly licensed hunting guests on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Hunters are required to remain in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Permit to be determined through random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | (Youth) | Feb. 6. By limited quota permit only for youth hunter permit holder and up to three youth hunting guests. The group must be supervised by at least one properly licensed adult, 21 years of age or older or the parent of the youth hunter. Hunters are required to remain in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Only youth are allowed to hunt. Permit to be determined through random selection. State bag limits apply for each youth hunter. | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. | |

(b) District III 2026-2027 Special Opportunity Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits (Central-West Central Alabama)

1. CHARLES F. SYKES-CEDAR CREEK SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Dallas County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-18 and Oct. 22-25. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 17-20. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlerless Deer Only: Nov. 5-8 and Dec. 10-13. Bag limit of four antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 3-6, Dec. 26-29, Jan. 5-8, Jan. 14-17, Jan. 21-24, and Feb. 4-7. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have: • Inside spread width of 16" (outside the ears) or 18" main beam (3x length of the ear). • Hunters are required to record data of harvest date, sex, lactation presence, weight, and antler measurements at kiosk. Hunters must also extract the jawbone and leave it at the kiosk. • Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the district biologist. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Regular) | April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, and April 30 - May 2. Bag limit of one gobbler each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 3-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | --- | --- | --- | | Woodcock & Quail: | Jan. 2-3 By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (youth 15 years old and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | QUAIL, RABBIT, SQUIRREL, & RACCOON: | Feb. 11-14 and Feb. 18-21. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (youth 15 years old and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. | |

2. PORTLAND LANDING SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Dallas County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-18 and Oct. 22-25. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 17-20. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlerless Deer Only: Nov. 5-8 and Dec. 10-13. Bag limit of three antlerless deer for each hunter during the hunt. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 3-6, Dec. 26-29, Jan. 5-8, Jan. 14-17, Jan. 21-24, and Feb. 4-7. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8- 15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have: • Inside spread width of 16" (outside the ears) or 18" main beam (3x length of the ear). • Hunters are required to record data of harvest date, sex, lactation presence, weight, and antler measurements at kiosk. Hunters must also extract the jawbone and leave it at the kiosk. • Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the district biologist. | | |

| WATERFOWL/WOODCOCK: | Jan. 2-3. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed permit holder. The permit holder may have two properly licensed hunting guests on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Hunters are required to remain in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | --- | --- | --- | | TURKEY: | (Regular) | April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, and April 30-May 2. Bag limit of one gobbler each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 3- day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | DOVE: | (Adult) | Sept. 12. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have one properly licensed hunting guest on that specified hunt date. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8-15 years of age. Permit and specified hunt location to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | FERAL SWINE: | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Only: Mar. 5-7. No bag limit. No dogs. Daylight hours only. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8-15 years of age. | | QUAIL, RABBIT, SQUIRREL, & RACCOON: | Feb. 11-14 and Feb. 18-21. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (youth 15 years old and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. | |

3. SHELBY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA

(Shelby County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-18. Bag limit of one antlered buck and two antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 19-22. Bag limit of one antlered buck and two antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Dec. 17-20, Dec 31-Jan 3, and Jan 28-31. Bag limit of one antlered buck and two antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8 – 15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. |

| *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have: - Antlered bucks harvested are required to have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. - Hunters are required to record data of harvest date, sex, lactation presence, weight, and antler measurements at kiosk. Hunters must also extract the jawbone and leave it at the kiosk. • Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the district biologist. | | --- |

| RABBIT, SQUIRREL, & RACCOON: | Feb. 11-14 and Feb. 18-21. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (youth 15 years and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | --- | --- | | (Adult Mentored) | Sept. 29, Oct. 19, and Nov. 7. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. Permit to be determined through random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON,OPOSSUM & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. |

(c) District IV 2026-2027 Special Opportunity Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits (Central, East Central, and Southeast Alabama)

1. PRAIRIE GLADES SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Montgomery County)

| DOVE: | Sept. 26, Oct. 10, and Oct. 17. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have one properly licensed hunting guest on that specified hunt date. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8 - 15 years of age. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | --- | --- |

2. UCHEE CREEK SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Russell County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-18, Oct. 22-25, and Oct. 29-Nov. 1. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4- day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to he determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 17 -20. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlerless Deer Only: Nov. 5-8. Bag limit of four antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 3-6, Dec. 17-20, Dec. 31-Jan. 3, Jan. 14-17, and Jan. 28-31. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have: • Inside spread width of 16" (outside the ears) or 18" main beam (3x length of the ear). • Hunters are required to record data of harvest date, sex, lactation presence, weight, and antler measurements at kiosk. Hunters must also extract the jawbone and leave it at the kiosk. • Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the district biologist. | | |

| WATERFOWL: | Dec. 12-13 and Jan. 9-10. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed permit holder. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Hunters are required to remain in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Permit and specified hunt unit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | --- | --- | --- | | TURKEY: | (Regular) | April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, and April 30-May 2. Bag limit of one gobbler each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 3-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8 -15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | QUAIL, RABBIT, & SQUIRREL: | Feb. 8-14 and Feb. 15-21. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (youth 15 years old and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. | |

3.CHALK HILL SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA

(Tallapoosa County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 15-18, Oct. 22-25, and Oct. 29-Nov. 1. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit.*Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 17-20. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit.*Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlerless Deer Only: Nov. 5-8. Bag limit of four antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 10-13, Dec. 26-29, Jan. 7-10, Jan. 21-24, and Feb. 4-7. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair.*Antlered buck restrictions apply. |

| *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have: - Antlered bucks harvested are required to have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. - Hunters are required to record data of harvest date, sex, lactation presence, weight, and antler measurements at kiosk. Hunters must also extract the jawbone and leave it at the kiosk. - Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the district biologist. | | --- |

| TURKEY: | April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, and April 30-May 2. Bag limit of one gobbler each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 3-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | --- | --- | | QUAIL, RABBIT, & SQUIRREL: | Feb. 8-14 and Feb. 15-21. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (youth 15 years old and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM,& FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. |

(d) District V 2026-2027 Special Opportunity Area Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits (Southwest Alabama)

1. BLACKWATER RIVER SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Baldwin County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 22-25, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, and Nov. 5-8. Bag limit of one antlered buck and two antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Nov. 19 – 22. Bag limit of one antlered buck and two antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 3-6, Dec. 17-20, Jan. 7-10, Jan. 21-24, Jan. 28-31, and Feb. 4-7. Bag limit of one antlered buck and two antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | | | DOVE: | Sept. 19. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have one properly licensed hunting guest on that specified hunt date. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8-15 years of age. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | QUAIL, RABBIT, & SQUIRREL: | Feb. 15-21 and Feb. 22- Feb. 28. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (youth 15 years old and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit and specified hunt unit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. Quail hunting not permitted after Feb. 28. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. | |

2. CHOCTAW NWR (Choctaw County)

| DEER: | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 17 - 20. Bag limit of one antlered buck and one antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- |

3. FRED T. STIMPSON SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Clarke County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 22-25, Jan. 7-10, Jan. 21-24, Jan. 28-31, and Feb. 4-7. Bag limit of one antlered buck and two antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Youth Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 14-15, Dec. 5-6, and Dec. 26-27. Bag limit of one antlered buck and two antlerless deer for each youth hunter during 2-day hunt. Only Youth 8-15 years of age can hunt. *No antler restrictions apply. By limited quota permit only for properly licensed adult supervisor and two youth hunters aged 8-15 years on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | * To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Regular) | April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, and April 23-25. Bag limit of one gobbler each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 3-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8 - 15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | --- | --- | --- | | RABBIT & SQUIRREL: | (Youth) | Oct. 10-11 and Feb. 6-7. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter and a minimum of one youth hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (youth 15 years old and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit and specified hunt unit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. | |

4. THIGPEN HILL SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Butler County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Oct. 15-18 and Oct. 22-25. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 19-22. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Antlerless Deer Only: Nov. 5-8. Bag limit of four antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Dec. 17-20, Dec. 31-Jan. 3, Jan. 14-17, Jan. 21-24, and Jan. 28-31. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| FERAL SWINE | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Only: Feb. 25-28, April 1-4, April 8-11, April 15-18, April 22-25, and April 29-May 2. No bag limit. No dogs. Daylight hours only. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during the hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined 1hrough limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each,15 years old or younger. | | --- | --- | --- | | QUAIL, RABBIT, & SQUIRREL: | Feb. 10-14, and Feb. 15-21. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (Youth 15 years old and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit and specified hunt unit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. | |

5. LITTLE RIVER SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Escambia County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Oct. 15-18, Oct. 22-25, and Oct. 29-Nov. 1. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | | (Primitive Weapons) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 19-22. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | | (Gun) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Dec. 3-6, Dec. 31-Jan. 3, Jan. 14-17, Jan. 21-24, Jan. 28-31, and Feb. 4-7. Bag limit of one antlered buck and three antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may each bring one youth 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Regular) | April 2-4, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 23-25, and April 30-May 2. Bag limit of one gobbler each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 3-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined 1hrough limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | --- | --- | --- | | QUAIL, RABBIT, & SQUIRREL: | Feb. 8-14, and Feb. 15-21. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have three properly licensed hunting guests (Youth 15 years old and younger can accompany hunt party, in addition to guests) on that specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit and specified hunt unit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | DOVE: | Sept. 12 and Oct. 3. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter. The permit holder may have one properly licensed hunting guest on that specified hunt date. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8-15 years of age. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. State bag limits apply for each hunter. | | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. | |

6. UPPER STATE SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA (Clarke County)

| DEER: | (Archery) | Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Oct. 22-25, Nov. 19-22, Dec. 17-20, Jan. 14-17, Jan. 28-31, and Feb. 4-7. Bag limit of one antlered buck and two antlerless deer each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 4-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. *Antlered buck restrictions apply. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. | | --- | --- | --- | | *To be legal for harvest, antlered bucks must have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. | | |

| TURKEY: | (Regular) | April 2-4 and April 16-18. Bag limit of one gobbler each, for properly licensed permit holder and one properly licensed guest during 3-day hunt on specified hunt date and in specified hunt unit. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection. The permit holder and guest may bring one youth each 8-15 years of age. Permit holder and/or guest and youth are allowed one gun per hunting pair. Bag limit allowed to each hunting pair. | | --- | --- | --- | | BOBCAT, COYOTE, FERAL SWINE, RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & FOX: | Open during any scheduled Special Opportunity Area Hunting Season using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units. | |

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-301, 9-11-235, 9-11-240.
• August 31, 1993. Amended: Filed: October 4, 1993. Effective November 8, 1993. Amended: Filed: August 29, 1994; effective August 26, 1994. Amended: Filed September 25, 1995; effective September 25, 1995. New Rule: Filed August 29, 1996; effective August 29, 1996(PE), (Was previously 220-2-.56.01 - 1996-97 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed: Filed October 17, 1996; effective October 17, 1996(PE), (Was previously 220-2-.56 - 1995-96 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule: Filed August 28, 1997; effective August 28, 1997(PE). Repealed: Filed September 26, 1997; effective September 26, 1997(PE), (Was previously 220-2-.56 - 1996-97 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 25, 1998; effective August 25, 1998. Repealed (PE): Filed April 6, 1999; effective April 6, 1999, (Was previously 1997-98 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 31, 1999; effective August 31, 1999. Amended (PE): Filed January 6, 2000; effective January 6, 2000. Repealed (PE): Filed March 21, 2000; effective March 21, 2000, (Was previously 1998-99 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 31, 2000; effective August 31, 2000. Amended (PE): Filed September 27, 2000; effective September 27, 2000. Repealed (PE): Filed July 10, 2001; effective July 10, 2001, (Was previously 1999-2000 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed July 10, 2001; effective July 10, 2001. Amended (PE): Filed August 30, 2001; effective August 30, 2001. Repealed (PE): Filed August 23, 2002; effective August 23, 2002, (Was previously 2000-2001 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed July 17, 2002; effective July 17, 2002 (2002-2003 Wildlife Management Area Hunting). Amended (PE): Filed September 18, 2002; effective September 17, 2002. New Rule (PE): Filed August 8, 2003; effective August 8, 2003 (2003-2004 Wildlife Management Area Hunting). Repealed (PE): Filed June 15, 2004; effective June 15, 2004, (Was previously 2001-2002 Wildlife Management Area Hunting). Repealed (PE): Filed June 15, 2004; effective June 15, 2004, (Was previously 2002-2003 Wildlife Management Area Hunting). New Rule (PE): Filed August 17, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Repealed (PE): Filed September 1, 2004; effective September 1, 2004 (Was previously 2003-2004 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule: Filed August 31, 2005; effective August 31, 2005. New Rule: Filed August 10, 2006; effective August 10, 2006. Repealed (PE): Filed September 25, 2006; effective September 25, 2006 (Was previously 2004-2005 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed September 25, 2006; effective September 25, 2006 (Was previously 220-2-.56.01, 2005-2006 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Amended: Filed October 18, 2006; effective October 18, 2006. New Rule (PE) (2007-2008 Hunting Season): Filed September 19, 2007; effective September 19, 2007. New Rule (PE) (2008-2009 Hunting Season): Filed August 11, 2008; effective August 11, 2008. Amended (PE): Filed September 26, 2008; effective September 26, 2008. New Rule (PE): Filed August 18, 2009; effective August 18, 2009 (2009-2010 Wildlife Management Area Hunting). Repealed (PE): Filed September 18, 2009; effective September 18, 2009 (Was previously 220-2-.56, 2006-2007 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed September 18, 2009; effective September 18, 2009 (Was previously 220-2-.56.01, 2007-2008 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed July 28, 2010; effective July 28, 2010 (2010-2011 Wildlife Management Area Hunting). Repealed (PE): Filed September 17, 2010; effective September 17, 2010 (Was previously 220-2-.56, 2008-2009 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed September 17, 2010; effective September 17, 2010 (Was previously 220-2-.56.01, 2009-2010 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 24, 2011; effective August 24, 2011. Amended (PE): Filed October 21, 2011; effective October 21, 2011. Repealed (PE): Filed August 27, 2012; effective August 27, 2012 (Was previously 220-2-.56, 2010-2011 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed August 27, 2012; effective August 27, 2012 (Was previously 220-2-.56.01, 2011-2012 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 24, 2012; effective August 24, 2012 (220-2-.56, 2012-2013 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed August 30, 2013; effective August 30, 2013 (220-2-.56.01, 2013-2014 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed July 22, 2014; effective July 22, 2014 (Was previously 220-2-.56, 2012-2013 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed July 23, 2014; effective September 1, 2014 (Was previously 220-2-.56.01, 2013-2014 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). New Rule (PE): Filed July 22, 2014; effective July 22, 2014 (220-2-.56, 2014-2015 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed September 1, 2015; effective September 1, 2015 (Repealed - 220-2-.56, 2014-2015 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons) (New - 220-2-.56, 2015-2016 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Amended (PE): Filed September 14, 2015; effective September 14, 2015. New Rule (PE): Filed August 18, 2016; effective August 18, 2016 (2016-2017 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 14, 2017; effective August 14, 2017 (Repealed - Was previously 220-2-.56.01, 2016-2017 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons) (New - 220-2-.56, 2017-2018 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed (PE): Filed September 13, 2017; effective September 13, 2017 (2015-2016 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 16, 2018; effective August 16, 2018 (Repealed – Was previously 220-2-.56, 2017-2018 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons) (New – 220-2-.56, 2018-2019 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 19, 2019; effective August 19, 2019 (Repealed – Was previously 220-2-.56, 2018-2019 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons) (New – 220-2-.56, 2019-2020 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed June 30, 2020; effective June 30, 2020 (Repealed – Was previously 220-2-.56, 2019-2020 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons) (New – 220-2-.56, 2020-2021 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 27, 2021; effective August 27, 2021 (Repealed – Was previously 220-2-.56, 2020-2021 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons) (New – 220-2-.56, 2021-2022 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 11, 2022; effective August 11, 2022 (Repealed – Was previously 220-2-.56, 2021-2022 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons) (New – 220-2-.56, 2022-2023 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Repealed and New Rule (PE): Published August 31, 2023; effective August 31, 2023 (Repealed – Was previously 220-2-.56, 2022-2023 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons) (New – 220-2-.56, 2023-2024 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons). Amended (PE): Published July 31, 2024; effective July 19, 2024. Amended (PE): Published July 31, 2025; effective July 15, 2025. Amended (PE): Published July 31, 2026; effective July 15, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.57 Daily Creel Limits -- U.S. Forest Service Lands

Effective immediately, the following creel limits shall exist for Open, Buck, Ditch and Otter Ponds, located on U.S. Forest Service lands in Covington County:

(a) A daily creel limit of 20 bream, 2 bass, 5 catfish per person, the limits representing aggregate totals from any or all of the four ponds.

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8.
• Filed: September 30, 1982.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.58 Authorized Guide Hunting Service (Repealed 9/22/18)

(REPEALED)

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-44, 9-11-47, 9-11-49.
• Filed: September 30, 1982. Repealed: Filed August 8, 2018; effective September 22, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.59 Proof Of Payment Of Ad Valorem Taxes (Repealed 10/16/96)

(Repealed)

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8.
• Filed September 30, 1982. Repealed: September 10, 1996; effective October 16, 1996.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.60 Airboat Regulation

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to use an airboat on any of the public waters of this State in Baldwin or Mobile counties between November 15th of each year and the end of the waterfowl seasons.

(2) The prohibition prescribed in Paragraph (1) above shall not apply to the use of airboats by law enforcement personnel, state aquatic plant management personnel, oil and gas exploration crews, or utility company personnel while operating air boats in their official capacities.

History

• Author: N Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-15.1, 9-2-14, 9-2-15.
• Emergency adoption effective: October 25, 1982; October 27, 1983; November 15, 1986. Permanent adoption: effective October 7, 1987. Amended: Filed June 10, 2015; effective July 15, 2015.
• Penalty: As provided by Code of Ala. 1975, §9-2-15.1.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.61 Creel, Possession And Size-Limits For Federally Owned And Managed Ponds And Lakes

The daily creel, possession and size limits for game fish and catfish in Federally owned and managed ponds and fishing lakes in the State of Alabama shall be as posted at each pond or lake. Creel, possession and size limits for fish not posted shall be the same as otherwise provided for all public waters of this State.

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8.
• Effective: February 23, 1983.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.62 Limited Hunting Season For Deer On Certain Military Installations

The following special 1984-85 Hunter's Choice Deer Season on the following specific area, in accordance with the below-stated time, place, manner, and means, is hereby established:

Anniston Army Depot, located in Calhoun County, Alabama, is hereby opened to gun hunting of deer, antlered and antlerless, except spotted fawns, sunrise to sunset, on December 1, 15, and 29, 1984, and January 6 and 12, 1985.

History

• Author: John W. Hodnett
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-11-240.
• Emergency adoption effective December 16, 1982. Permanent adoption effective October 12, 1984.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.63 Reserved

Reserved

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.64 Black Bass Size Limit For West Point Reservoir (Repealed 7/16/97)

[Rule 220-2-.64, entitled “Black Bass Size Limit for West Point Reservoir,” is hereby expressly repealed in its entirety.]

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective April 18, 1983. Repealed (Peremptory): Filed July 16, 1997; effective July 16, 1997.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.65 Use Of Wire Baskets In Chilton Country (Emergency Rule - Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.65 Use Of Wire Baskets In Chilton Country (Emergency Rule - Expired). Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History:Emergency Adoption: February 4, 1983. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.65 2-.65-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency Adoption: February 4, 1983. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.66 Emergency Turkey Season For Redstone Arsenal (Emergency Rule - Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.66 Emergency Turkey Season For Redstone Arsenal (Emergency Rule - Expired). Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective March 24, 1983. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.66 2-.66-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective March 24, 1983. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.67 Extension Of Turkey Season (Emergency Rule Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.67 Extension Of Turkey Season (Emergency Rule Expired). Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption Filed 4/22/83; effective 6 a.m. 4/23/83; expired 120 days thereafter. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.67 2-.67-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption Filed 4/22/83; effective 6 a.m. 4/23/83; expired 120 days thereafter. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.68 Special 1983-84 Hunter's Choice Deer Seasons On Specific Federal Lands (Repealed 6/19/8)

(REPEALED)

History

• Author: John W. Hodnett
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-11-240.
• Effective October 19, 1983. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective June 19, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.69 Hunting Seasons And Limits For Migratory Birds (Repealed 6/19/18)

(REPEALED)

History

• Author: John W. Hodnett
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Emergency adoption effective September 16, 1983. Permanent adoption effective December 16, 1983. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective June 19, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.70 Use Of Wire Baskets In Jefferson County

Any person properly licensed under the provisions of Act No. 83-482, Acts of Alabama, Regular Session, 1983, is hereby authorized to take, catch or kill nongame fish from the public waters of Jefferson County (except in municipal parks) by the use of wire baskets having a mesh of one (1) inch or larger. Persons are restricted to four (4) such licenses per person and are restricted to the use of four (4) wire baskets per person and the use of said baskets shall be governed strictly in accordance with the provisions of Act No. 83-482, Acts of Ala., Regular Session 1983.

History

• Author: John W. Hodnett
• Authority: Act No. 83-482, Acts of Ala. 1983.
• Emergency adoption effective October 6, 1983. Permanent adoption effective January 13, 1984.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.71 Black Bass Size Limit For Harris Reservoir (Repealed)

Black Bass Size Limit For Harris Reservoir (Repealed)

History

• Author: John W. Hodnett
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Emergency adoption effective March 1, 1984. Permanent adoption filed September 7, 1984. Emergency repeal effective May 8, 1986. Permanent repeal filed June 23, 1986.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.72 1985-86 Special Hunter's Choice Deer Seasons, Times, Places, Manners And Means On Specific Federal Lands (Repealed 6/19/18)

(REPEALED)

History

• Author: John W. Hodnett
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-11-240.
• Filed October 12, 1984. Repealed and New Rule Adopted in lieu thereof: Filed October 7, 1985. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective June 19, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.73 The Alabama Cooperative Deer Management Assistance Program

(1) The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall administer a program entitled "The Alabama Cooperative Deer Management Assistance Program" to improve management of white-tailed deer through cooperative agreements with landowners and hunting clubs.

(2) Each prospective participant shall submit an application on a form to be supplied by the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Each application must be accompanied by two copies of a map of the area to be included in the Deer Management Program that are of sufficient detail to allow the area's boundaries to be readily determined. Approval of the application shall be at the discretion of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Each landowner/club approved shall be termed a "cooperator."

(3) Each cooperator shall designate a person with authority to represent all parties with a controlling interest in hunting activities on the land to serve as the cooperator's contact with the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

(4) The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries shall designate a Wildlife Biologist, knowledgeable in deer management, as the agency's contact with each cooperator.

(5) Cooperators must abide by all hunting laws and regulations. Failure to do so shall be cause to terminate participation in the Deer Management Assistance Program.

(6) Each cooperator shall make a written statement of its deer management objectives. Those objectives must be within the capabilities of the harvest and management strategies that can be applied.

(7) Each cooperator shall collect specified biological information from deer harvested and submit the data to the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries as directed. Failure to do so shall be cause to terminate participation in the Deer Management Assistance Program.

(8) Information concerning past harvest, existing conditions and deer management objectives will be considered in the development of a deer management and harvest strategy for each cooperator. Harvest of unantlered deer will be prescribed as appropriate.

(9) Harvest of unantlered deer outside the regular Hunter's Choice hunting season will be allowed only where appropriate to meet the deer management objectives of the cooperator. The number of unantlered deer to be taken, dates of harvest and bag limits will be designated and shall be by written permit as approved by the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Director based on recommendations submitted by the Wildlife and Enforcement Sections. The regular Hunter's Choice hunting season shall not apply to the extent of its conflict with the provisions of said permits.

(10) Any person hunting on areas included in the Deer Management Program shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including those relating to the wearing of hunter orange.

(11) The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries shall provide the cooperator a report based on the biological information submitted.

(12) The penalty for the violation of any of the provisions of this regulation shall be as provided by law.

(13) This regulation shall become effective on the 36th day after filing with the Legislative Reference Service.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-8, 9-11-240.
• Filed November 17, 1984. Amended: December 23, 1986; October 22, 1987; October 15, 1988; November 13, 1991. Amended: Filed: September 14, 1993; effective October 19, 1993. Amended: Filed July 21, 1998; effective August 26, 1989. Amended: Filed August 25, 2003; effective September 29, 2003. Amended: Filed August 20, 2012; effective September 24, 2012. Amended: Filed July 16, 2020; effective September 14, 2020.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.74 1984-85 Dove And Special Teal Hunting Seasons (Emergency Rule - Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.74 1984-85 Dove And Special Teal Hunting Seasons (Emergency Rule - Expired). Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective September 7, 1984. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.74 2-.74-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective September 7, 1984. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.75 Certain 1984-85 Hunting Seasons In Certain Wildlife Management Areas (Emergency Rule - Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.75 Certain 1984-85 Hunting Seasons In Certain Wildlife Management Areas (Emergency Rule - Expired). Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective September 28, 1984. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.75 2-.75-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective September 28, 1984. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.76 Certain 1984-85 Hunting Seasons For Deer, Rabbit, Raccoon And Opossum (Emergency Rule - Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.76 Certain 1984-85 Hunting Seasons For Deer, Rabbit, Raccoon And Opossum (Emergency Rule - Expired). Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective October 4, 1984. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.76 2-.76-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective October 4, 1984. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.77 2026-2027 Duck, Coot, Merganser, Goose, And Teal Hunting Seasons

(1) The following 2026-2027 hunting seasons for duck, coot, merganser, goose, and teal, in accordance with the below-stated times, places, manners, and means, are hereby established:

(a)

| Duck, Coot, and Merganser: | November 27 – November 28, 2026 December 5, 2026 - January 31, 2027 | | --- | --- | | Duck: | Limit 6 ducks a day and may include no more than 4 Mallards (no more than 2 of which may be a female), 3 Wood Ducks, 1 Mottled Duck, 2 Black Ducks, 2 Redhead, 3 Pintail, 2 Canvasback, and 1 Scaup. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit | | Merganser: | Limit 5 a day, only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. | | Coot: | Limit 15 a day. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. |

(b)

| Goose: | | | --- | --- | | All Geese Statewide: | September 5, 2026 - October 4, 2026 October 17, 2026 – October 31, 2026 November 27, 2026 – November 28, 2026 December 5, 2026 – January 31, 2027 |

| Dark Geese (Canada, White-Fronted, & Brant): | The aggregated bag limit shall be 5 a day. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. | | --- | --- | | Light Geese (Snow, Blue, and Ross’s): | The aggregated bag limit shall be 5 a day. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. |

(c) Regions and Times for Hunting Duck, Coot, Merganser, and Goose:

Mobile Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone: The following description defines the boundaries of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone. Beginning at the intersection of Highway 90 and the west bank of the Mobile River, east along Highway 90 to the intersection with Interstate 10 at Chacaloochee Bay, east along Interstate 10 to the intersection with Highway 98, northwardly along Highway 98 to the intersection of Highway 90, northwardly along Highway 90 to the intersection with Alabama Highway 225, north along Alabama Highway 225 to the intersection with the railroad that crosses Alabama Highway 225 at the approximate latitude of 30.857136, west along the railroad to the intersection of the west bank of the Mobile River, and south along the west bank of the Mobile River to Highway 90. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone excludes the Apalachee Refuge where no hunting is allowed (see below).

Big Bateau Bay & Bay Grass: The area of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta known as Big Bateau Bay and Bay Grass shall be closed to the operation of all gas-powered motors from the second Saturday in November through the second Saturday in February.

Monday and Tuesday: Closed to Waterfowl Hunting

Wednesday through Sunday: Shooting hours shall be one-half hour before sunrise to 1:00 P.M.

(For special early teal and goose seasons, shooting days and hours shall be Monday – Sunday, 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.)

Apalachee Refuge “NO HUNTING”: The following description defines the boundaries of the Apalachee Refuge. Beginning at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Highway 90 at Chacaloochee Bay, east along Interstate 10 to the western channel of the Apalachee River as marked by boundary signs, north to the intersection of Highway 90, west along Highway 90 to the intersection of Interstate 10. The Apalachee Refuge is closed to hunting and the operation of all gas-powered motors from the second Saturday in November through the second Saturday in February.

Remainder of the State:

Shooting hours shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day.

(d) Special Early Teal Season: September 12 – 20, 2026

Limit 6 a day. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

Shooting hours shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day.

(e) Special Youth, Active Military, and Military Veteran’s Waterfowl Hunting:

November 21, 2026 & February 6, 2027, in accordance with regulations.

Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as in regular waterfowl season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119.

(f) Non-toxic shot:

The use of non-toxic shot, either (1) steel shot T size or smaller, or (2) other shot and sizes approved by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is required in Alabama for waterfowl hunting.

(g) Duck Stamps:

Valid State and Federal Duck Stamps shall be required when Hunting Migratory Waterfowl. All licensed hunters are also required to have a Harvest Information Program permit.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-301.
• Effective September 13, 1993. Amended: Filed October 4, 1993. Effective November 8, 1993. Amended: Filed August 29, 1994; effective August 29, 1994 (PE). Amended: Filed September 13, 1994; effective September 13, 1994 (PE). Repealed and Replaced: August 28, 1995; effective August 28, 1995 (PE). Repealed and Replaced: Filed September 6, 1996; effective September 6, 1996(PE). Repealed and Replaced: Filed September 15, 1997; effective September 15, 1997(PE). Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed August 24, 1998; effective August 25, 1998. Amended (PE): Filed December 2, 1998; effective December 2, 1998. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed September 9, 1999; effective September 9, 1999. Amended (PE): Filed September 16, 1999; effective September 16, 1999. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 29, 2000; effective August 29, 2000. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 8, 2001; effective August 8, 2001. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 14, 2002; effective August 14, 2002. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 15, 2003; effective August 15, 2003. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 17, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 18, 2005; effective August 18, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed September 29, 2005; effective September 29, 2005. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 29, 2006; effective August 29, 2006. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 31, 2007; effective August 31, 2007. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 27, 2008; effective August 27, 2008. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed September 4, 2009; effective September 4, 2009. Amended (PE): Filed August 10, 2010; effective August 10, 2010. Amended (PE): Filed August 24, 2011; effective August 24, 2011. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 24, 2012; effective August 24, 2012. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 30, 2013; effective August 30, 2013. Amended (PE): Filed August 19, 2014; effective August 19, 2014. Amended (PE): Filed August 20, 2015; effective August 20, 2015. Amended (PE): Filed July 6, 2016; effective September 1, 2016. Amended (PE): Filed May 22, 2017; effective September 1, 2017. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 19, 2019; effective August 19, 2019. Repealed (2019-2020) and New Rule (2020-2021) (PE): Filed May 6, 2020; effective May 6, 2020. Amended (PE): Filed July 20, 2021; effective July 20, 2021. Amended (PE): Filed July 19, 2022; effective July 19, 2022. Amended (PE): Published July 31, 2023; effective July 17, 2023. Amended (PE): Published September 29, 2023; effective September 1, 2023. Amended (PE): Published June 28, 2024; effective June 28, 2024. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2025; effective June 17, 2025. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2026; effective June 16, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.78 1984-85 Hunting Season For Squirrel (Emergency Rule - Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.78 1984-85 Hunting Season For Squirrel (Emergency Rule

• Expired). Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective October 9, 1984. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.78 2-.78-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective October 9, 1984. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.79 Amendment To Rule No. 220-2-.75-.11er (Certain 1984-85 Wildlife Management Areas) and Rule No. 220-2-.56 (1984-85 Hunting Seasons In Wildlife Management Areas) (Emergency Rule - Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.79 Amendment To Rule No. 220-2-.75-.11er (Certain 1984-85 Wildlife Management Areas) and Rule No. 220-2-.56 (1984-85 Hunting Seasons In Wildlife Management Areas) (Emergency Rule - Expired). Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective October 12, 1984. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.79 2-.79-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective October 12, 1984. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.80 Running Of Hunting Dogs Prohibited During Applicable Spring Turkey Seasons

(1) During the applicable spring turkey season(s) the running of hunting dogs is hereby prohibited on all areas of the State open to the hunting of turkey.

(2) This regulation shall become effective on the 36th day after filing with the Legislative Reference Service.

History

• Author: John W. Hodnett
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-12.
• Filed December 12, 1984.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.81 Running Of Hunting Dogs Prohibited During Applicable Turkey Seasons On All State Wildlife Management Areas And Refuges

(1) During the applicable spring turkey seasons the running of hunting dogs is hereby prohibited on all state wildlife management areas and refuges open to the hunting of turkey.

(2) This regulation shall become effective on the 36th day after filing with the Legislative Reference Service.

History

• Author: John W. Hodnett
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §9-11-301.
• Filed December 12, 1984.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.82 Use Of Airboats Restricted (Emergency Rule - Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.82 Use Of Airboats Restricted (Emergency Rule - Expired). Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975 History: Emergency adoption effective November 14, 1984. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.82 2-.82-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975
• Emergency adoption effective November 14, 1984. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.83 Special 1984-85 Hunter's Choice Deer Season (Emergency Rule - Expired)

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.83 Special 1984-85 Hunter's Choice Deer Season (Emergency Rule - Expired). Author: Statutory Authority: History: Emergency adoption effective December 12, 1984. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.83 2-.83-1

History

• Emergency adoption effective December 12, 1984. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.84 The Taking, Killing Or Capturing Of Commercial Or Non-Game Fish Prohibited (Repealed 9/16/92)

(Repealed)

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Effective February 14, 1985. Amended: Effective October 19, 1985. Repealed: Effective September 16, 1992.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.85 Hunter Orange Requirement For Hunting And Definition Of Open Permit-Public Land

(1) During dates and in areas open by regulation to gun deer season, including youth deer season and muzzleloader deer season, all persons hunting any wildlife species, except foxes, raccoons and opossums during legal nighttime hours or turkey, or migratory birds (including crows), are required to wear an outer garment above the waist with a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange or either a full size hunter orange hat or cap. Hunters are not required to wear hunter orange when hunting from a stand elevated twelve (12) feet or more from the ground, when hunting in an enclosed box stand, when traveling in an enclosed vehicle, or when traveling on foot no more than twenty feet directly between an operating enclosed vehicle and a stand where the hunter is exempt from the hunter orange requirement. The hunter orange must be worn when traveling on foot between an operating enclosed vehicle and exempt stand when the distance is more than a direct distance of twenty feet. A small logo and/or printing is permitted on the front of hunter orange caps; otherwise, hunter orange must be of solid color and visible from any angle. Only hunter orange, commonly called blaze orange, ten-mile cloth, etc., is legal. The various shades of red as well as camo orange are not legal.

(2) “Open Permit-Public Land” is defined as governmentally owned land open for public hunting and/or lands made available to the public on an individual basis whether for a fee or not. Examples of such lands would be national forest lands, lands owned by lumber companies and utility companies available for use by hunters eithethrough free permits, fee permits or no permit requirement.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective October 19, 1985. Amended: Effective June 13, 1986; September 13, 1986; October 22, 1987. Emergency amendment effective September 23, 1988. Amended: Effective December 21, 1988; November 16, 1989. Amended: Filed September 10, 1997; effective October 16, 1997. Amended: Filed August 11, 1998; effective September 16, 1998. Amended: Filed October 23, 2007; effective November 27, 2007. Amended: Filed July 15, 2011, effective August 19, 2011. Amended: Filed May 15, 2015, effective June 19, 2015.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.86 Feral Swine Regulation

(1) The seasons and methods for taking feral swine will be as provided in Rule 220-2-.01.

(2) Upon taking or capturing or having in possession any feral swine it shall be unlawful to release said feral swine alive or to transport said live feral swine. All feral swine taken by trap or dogs or otherwise must be killed on site. Furthermore, it shall be unlawful to release any live domestic swine into the wild.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective October 18, 1985. Repealed and Replaced: Filed September 20, 1995; effective October 26, 1995. Amended: Filed January 7, 1997; effective February 11, 1997. Amended: Filed August 10, 2004; effective September 14, 2004. Amended: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012. Amended: Filed May 20, 2014; effective June 24, 2014.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.87 1985-86 Dove And Teal Emergency Regulation

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.87 1985-86 Dove And Teal Emergency Regulation. Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective September 11, 1985. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.87 2-.87-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective September 11, 1985. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.88 1985-86 Dove And Special Teal Emergency Regulation For Wildlife Management Areas

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.88 1985-86 Dove And Special Teal Emergency Regulation For Wildlife Management Areas. Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective September 11, 1985. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.88 2-.88-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective September 11, 1985. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.89 1985-86 Squirrel Emergency Regulation

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.89 1985-86 Squirrel Emergency Regulation. Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective September 30, 1985. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.89 2-.89-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective September 30, 1985. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.90 1985-86 Starling And Squirrel Emergency Regulation For Wildlife Management Areas

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 220-2 GAME AND FISH DIVISION 220-2-.90 1985-86 Starling And Squirrel Emergency Regulation For Wildlife Management Areas. Author: Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, History: Emergency adoption effective September 30, 1985. No permanent adoption. ConservationRule 220-2-.90 2-.90-1

History

• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975,
• Emergency adoption effective September 30, 1985. No permanent adoption.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.91 Reserved

Reserved

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.92 Protected Nongame Species

(1) It shall be unlawful to take, capture, kill, or attempt to take, capture or kill; possess, sell, trade for anything of monetary value, or offer to sell or trade for anything of monetary value; or propagate the following nongame wildlife species, or any parts or reproductive products of such species, or any hybrids of such species without a scientific collection permit or written permit from the Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which shall specifically state what the permittee may do with regard to said species:

(a) Fishes

| Common Name | Scientific Name | | --- | --- | | • Cavefish, Alabama | Speoplatyrhinus poulsoni | | • Cavefish, Southern | Typhlichthys subterraneus | | • Chub, Shoal | Macrhybopis hyostoma | | • Chub, Spotfin | Erimonax monacus | | • Darter, Bankhead | Percina sipsi | | • Darter, Blotchside | Persina burtoni | | • Darter, Bluebreast | Etheostoma camurum | | • Darter, Boulder | Etheostoma wapiti | | • Darter, Brighteye | Etheostoma lynceum | | • Darter, Coldwater | Etheostoma ditrema | | • Darter, Crystal | Crystallaria asprella | | • Darter, Goldline | Percina aurolineata | | • Darter, Halloween | Percina crypta | | • Darter, Holiday | Etheostoma brevirostrum | | • Darter, Lipstick | Etheostoma chuckwachatte | | • Darter, Lollipop | Etheostoma neopterum | | • Darter, Rush | Etheostoma phytophilum | | • Darter, Scaly Sand | Ammocrypta vivax | | • Darter, Slackwater | Etheostoma boschungi | | • Darter, Slenderhead | Percina phoxocephala | | • Darter, Snail | Percina tanasi | | • Darter, Trispot | Etheostoma trisella | | • Darter, Tuscumbia | Etheostoma tuscumbia | | • Darter, Vermilion | Etheostoma chermocki | | • Darter, Watercress | Etheostoma nuchale | | • Logperch, Blotchside | Percina burtoni | | • Madtom, Frecklebelly | Noturus munitus | | • Madtom, Mountain | Noturus eleutherus | | • Minnow, Suckermouth | Phenacobius mirabilis | | • Sculpin, Pygmy | Cottus paulus | | • Shad, Alabama | Alosa alabamae | | • Shiner, Blackmouth | Notropis melanostomus | | • Shiner, Blue | Cyprinella caerulea | | • Shiner, Bluestripe | Cyprinella callitaenia | | • Shiner, Broadstripe | Pteronotropis euryzonus | | • Shiner, Cahaba | Notropis cahabae | | • Shiner, Dusky | Notropis cummingsae | | • Shiner, Ironcolor | Notropis chalybaeus | | • Shiner, Palezone | Notropis albizonatus | | • Sunfish, Spring Pygmy | Elassoma alabamae | | • Sturgeon, Alabama | Scaphirynchus suttkusi | | • Sturgeon, Gulf | Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi | | • Sturgeon, Lake | Acipenser fulvescens |

(b) Amphibians

| Common Name | Scientific Name | | --- | --- | | • Frog, Crawfish | Lithobates areolatus | | • Frog, Gopher | Lithobates capito | | • Frog, Little Grass | Pseudacris ocularis | | • Frog, Mississippi Gopher | Lithobates sevosa | | • Frog, River | Lithobates heckscheri | | • Frog, Wood | Lithobates sylvaticus | | • Treefrog, Pine Barrens | Hyla andersonii |

All native salamander species, including those in the genera Ambystoma, Amphiuma, Aneides, Cryptobranchus, Desmognathus, Eurycea, Gyrinophilus, Hemidactylium, Necturus, Notophthalmus, Phaeognathus, Plethodon, Pseudotriton, and Siren.

(c) Reptiles

| Common Name | Scientific Name | | --- | --- | | • Lizard, Eastern Slender Glass | Ophisaurus attenuates longicaudus | | • Lizard, Mimic Glass | Ophisaurus mimicus | | • Skink, Coal | Plestiodon anthracinus | | • Skink, Southeastern Five-lined | Plestiodon inexpectatus | | • Snake, Pine | Pituophis melanoleucus ssp. | | • Snake, Eastern Indigo | Drymarchon couperi | | • Snake, Eastern Coral | Micrurus fulvius | | • Snake, Gulf Salt Marsh | Nerodia clarkii | | • Snake, All Native King | Lampropeltis spp. | | • Snake, Rainbow | Farancia erytrogramma | | • Snake, Southern Hognose | Heterodon simus | | • Terrapin, Diamondback | Malaclemys spp. | | • Tortoise, Gopher | Gopherus polyphemus | | • Turtle, Alabama Red-bellied | Pseudemys alabamensis | | • Turtle, All Map | Graptemys spp. | | • Turtle, Flattened Musk | Sternotherus depressus | | • Turtle, Alligator Snapping | Macrochelys temminikii | | • Turtle, Razor-backed Musk | Sternotherus carinatus |

Informational Note: See Section 9-11-269, Code of Ala. 1975, relating to protection of the flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus).

(d) Birds

All nongame birds are protected under the provisions of this regulation except crows, and non-native species including starlings, house sparrows, Eurasian collared doves, rock pigeons.

(e) Mammals

| Common Name | Scientific Name | | --- | --- | | • Bat, Brazilian Free-tailed | Tadarida brasiliensis | | • Bat, Eastern Small-footed | Myotis leibi | | • Bat, Gray | Myotis grisescens | | • Bat, Indiana | Myotis sodalis | | • Bat, Little Brown | Myotis lucifugus | | • Bat, Northern Long-eared | Myotis septentrionalis | | • Bat, Northern Yellow | Lasiurus intermedius | | • Bat, Rafinesque's Big-eared | Corynorhinus rafinesquii | | • Bat, Southeastern | Myotis austroriparius | | • Bat, Tricolored | Perimyotis subflavus | | • Gopher, Southeastern Pocket | Geomys pinetis | | • Manatee, West Indian | Trichechus manatus | | • Mouse, Alabama Beach | Peromyscus polionotus ammobates | | • Mouse, Meadow Jumping | Zapus hudsonius | | • Mouse, Perdido Key Beach | Peromyscus polionotustrissylepsis | | • Shrew, Pygmy | Sorex hoyi | | • Shrew, Smoky | Sorex fumeus | | • Cottontail, Appalachian | Sylvilagus obscurus | | • Rabbit, Marsh | Sylvilagus palustris | | • Skunk, Spotted | Spilogale putorius | | • Weasel, Long-tailed | Neogale frenata | | • Woodrat, Allegheny | Neotoma magister |

(f) Other State or Federally protected nongame species.

(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to take, capture, kill or possess any bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) or pig frog (Lithobates grylio) from the public waters of this state for commercial purposes. Furthermore, it shall be unlawful for any person to take, capture, kill or possess more than twenty (20) bullfrogs and pig frogs in aggregate from the public waters of this state during any twenty-four (24) hour period from 12 noon to the following 12 noon.

(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, or trade anything of value for any Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), hybrid, or any parts, or possess alive any Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake or hybrid without a permit from the Commissioner. Nothing herein is intended to prevent the relocation of live Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus) to suitable native habitat within the county of capture when conducted in the same day as capture and with landowner permission.

(4) It shall be unlawful to possess more than one (1) box turtle or to offer for sale, sell, or trade for anything of value any box turtle (Terrapene spp.), box turtle part, or reproductive product except by permit as outlined in paragraph (1).

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12 and Act No. 82-424, Acts of Alabama.
• Effective July 18, 1987. Amended: January 2, 1990; September 16, 1992. Amended: Filed: October 13, 1994; effective November 18, 1994. Amended: Filed September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995. Amended: Filed August 18, 1997; effective September 23, 1997. Amended: Filed October 28, 1998; effective December 3, 1998. Amended: Filed April 1, 1999; effective May 6, 1999. Amended: Filed September 13, 1999; effective October 18, 1999. Amended: Filed June 9, 2000; effective July 14, 2000. Amended: Filed June 19, 2001; effective July 24, 2001. Amended: Filed July 16, 2002; effective August 20, 2002. Amended: Filed June 16, 2003; effective July 20, 2003. Amended: Filed June 10, 2004; effective July 15, 2004. Amended: Filed October 18, 2005; effective November 22, 2005. Amended: Filed August 10, 2006; effective September 14, 2006. Amended: Filed May 22, 2007; effective June 26, 2007. Amended: Filed September 12, 2007; effective October 17, 2007. Amended: Filed May 13, 2009; effective June 17, 2009. Amended: Filed August 26, 2011; effective September 30, 2011. Amended: Filed June 15, 2016; effective July 30, 2016. Amended: Filed May 9, 2017; effective June 23, 2017. Amended: Published September 30, 2022; effective November 14, 2022. Amended: Published February 27, 2026; effective April 13, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.93 Prohibition Of Importation/Possession Of The Fishes Rudd And Roach (Repealed 9/19/12)

(REPEALED)

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-13, 9-2-7, 9-2-8.
• Emergency adoption effective February 9, 1988. Permanent adoption effective June 7, 1988. Amended: January 18, 1991; September 16, 1992. Repealed: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012.
• Penalty: As provided by Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-13, 9-1-4.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.94 Prohibition Of Taking Or Possessing Paddlefish (Spoonbill) (Repealed 8/5/16)

(REPEALED)

History

• Author: N. Hunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Emergency adoption effective November 29, 1988. Permanent adoption effective March 24, 1989. Amended: Filed September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995. Repealed: Filed June 21, 2016; effective August 5, 2016.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.95 Alligator Nuisance Control Hunter Regulations

(1) FEEDING OR ENTICEMENT OF ALLIGATORS UNLAWFUL:

(a) No person shall intentionally feed or entice with feed any wild American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis); however, this does not apply to those covered by §§9-11-320 through 9-11-328 of the Code of Ala. 1975, (Possession of Wildlife for Public Exhibition Purposes) or those people authorized by special permit issued by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(2) GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR TAKING, ATTEMPTING TO TAKE, POSSESSION AND SALE OF ALLIGATORS:

(a) No person shall buy, sell, take or possess any alligator or any part thereof, or the nests or eggs of any alligator except under permit from the Director of the Game and Fish Division or as otherwise provided by other laws or rules and regulations.

(b) Nothing in this regulation, however, shall prohibit the possession of lawfully acquired cured and mounted trophies and articles manufactured from the skins or hides or other parts of alligators, provided the cured and mounted trophies are labeled to show number of the state tag originally attached to the hide of the alligator.

(c) Any alligator, crocodile, caiman or similar reptile, or any part thereof, seized or otherwise legally acquired by the Game and Fish Division may be sold. Proceeds from such sale will be deposited in the Game and Fish Fund.

(d) Alligators, or any parts thereof, lawfully obtained outside the state may be imported only under permit from the Director of the Game and Fish Division, except as provided for in paragraph (2)(b) above. Transportation and transfer of all alligators must also be in accordance with the rules of the state of origin.

(e) No person shall use, be in possession of or attend any hook, peg or other such device baited in such manner as to be capable of taking alligators and suspended so that the bait is above water or submerged in a manner to take or attempt to take alligators unless such person is authorized by the Director.

(3) OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR NUISANCE ALLIGATORS:

(a) Complainants reporting nuisance alligators shall be questioned sufficiently to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the problem and to determine whether the problem can be resolved through information/education.

(b) If necessary, Game and Fish Division personnel shall visit the nuisance location to determine if an alligator is present. Preparation of an "Alligator Complaint and Tagging Report" must be initiated at this point.

(c) Division personnel proceed through the Nuisance Alligator Problem Assessment (NAPA) printed below:

Nuisance Alligator Problem Assessment (NAPA) - This outline is a guideline for assessing nuisance alligator complaints. Since each nuisance situation is different, Division personnel may deviate from it based on the individual factors involved. It is intended only as a starting point for decision making.

1. Alligator has attacked people........LETHAL, REMOVE (See Note 1)

2. Alligator has not attacked people.......... See 2

3. Alligator is in more or less natural habitat (ditches, ponds, marsh, etc.)........................... See 3

4. Alligator is in unnatural habitat (backyard, work site, urban area)........................................See 5

5. Alligator/human contact is minimal............... PROVIDE INFORMATION TO ALLEVIATE FEARS (See Note 2)

6. Alligator/human contact is frequent.........See 4

7. Natural movement of alligators to and from area can occur. RECOMMEND COMPLAINANT TO CONSTRUCT BARRIERS AND/OR LIMIT HUMAN ACTIVITY (See Notes 2 and 3)

8. Habitat is isolated or immigration is unlikely ..........................................................See 5

9. Alligator can be caught safely and effectively. ...................................... LIVE CAPTURE (See Note 1)

10. Alligator cannot be caught or may be unsafe to handle alive.........................LETHAL, REMOVE (See Note 1)

NOTE 1. Nuisance Control Hunter (NCH) may be called in for lethal removal or live capture.

NOTE 2. If complainants are likely to destroy alligators if the Division does not conduct removal, an attempt should be made to remove alligators through use of the NCH.

NOTE 3. If one or more specific alligators are a repeated nuisance in this situation, removal of these alligators should be planned.

(d) When live capture or lethal removal is necessary, Division personnel involved must judge the immediacy of the situation and proceed accordingly. Where removal is needed, the Nuisance Control Hunter (NCH) for the area should be contacted to perform removal services. The NCH or alternate should be used for removal whenever possible to simplify, expedite and reduce nuisance handling by Division personnel.

(e) When an NCH is contacted to perform lethal removal, Division personnel involved will: (1) only issue sufficient tags to the NCH for the number of alligators involved (tags will be affixed to dead alligators only); (2) record issuance on form; (3) remind the NCH that all alligators taken must be verified with the Division staff member handling the complaint; and (4) remind NCH to return any tags not used to that staff member.

(f) All alligators or their hides taken by an NCH must be verified as soon as practical after taking occurs. The NCH must notify designated Division personnel and, if requested, is responsible for delivering the alligator(s) to a convenient location for verification. The NCH will complete a Hunter Report Form including sex and length of animal, skinning method, and use of hide and will submit such form to Montgomery Game and Fish Division office within 72 hours of taking an alligator. Following action on a complaint or verification of hide as appropriate, Division personnel handling the complaint will complete an Alligator Complaint and Tagging Report and submit to Montgomery office within 72 hours.

(g) When Division personnel handle (kill, receive, or encounter) dead alligators with a salvageable hide, the NCH or alternate for the area or adjacent area shall be contacted to process the alligator after it has been tagged. The NCH is obligated under contract to accept these alligators. The Hunter Report Form shall be marked with the name of the NCH involved (in the hunter blank) and completed as in paragraph (g).

(4) TAKING AND DISPOSAL OF NUISANCE ALLIGATORS STATEWIDE:

(a) Designated Nuisance Control Hunters (NCH) shall be authorized to take, possess and kill only those alligators specifically designated by permit issued by an authorized representative of the Division. A designated NCH of the Division shall take, kill, or possess alligators only in the manner specified by this section.

(b) Qualification and liability of NCH:

1. The NCH shall reside in the region where the NCH is authorized to take, possess or kill alligators; however, may be approved to work in other regions should assistance be needed.

2. The NCH shall possess the experience and ability to handle wild alligators.

3. The NCH shall be capable of supplying all equipment necessary to take alligators.

4. The NCH shall have sufficient time to adequately and efficiently take designated alligators.

5. The NCH shall not have been convicted of violating any law or rule concerning crocodilians within five years of the date of application.

6. The NCH shall assume all personal liability for his/her health, welfare and safety while acting as an NCH.

7. The NCH shall relieve the State of all responsibility and liability.

8. Those persons engaged in alligator exhibits or otherwise dealing with crocodilians shall not be eligible for appointment as an NCH.

(c) Selection and review:

1. Applicants and qualifications for appointment shall be reviewed by a staff committee appointed by the Director. The committee shall include at least one Conservation Officer from the area for which the NCH is being appointed. The committee shall consider each applicant's qualification and personal background. An interview with the committee or division personnel may be required. The names of those applicants nominated by the committee shall be submitted to the Director for final consideration and appointment. The number of appointments shall be based on need.

2. Selected NCH shall enter into a contract to take and possess nuisance alligators in accordance with this rule.

(d) Conditions governing operations of authorized NCH:

1. The NCH will be issued a permit assigning in writing a specific nuisance alligator complaint by Division personnel.

2. Alligators may be destroyed under the direction of designated Division personnel. Any alligator that is judged to be a threat may be destroyed. Alligators in public waters must be hooked prior to being destroyed, or taken by use of a bang stick and/or harpoon, or other method specifically authorized by the Director or his designee.

3. A nuisance alligator tag furnished by the Department shall be immediately attached to the hide of any alligator killed by the NCH. No person shall possess any untagged alligator hide. All export tags must be accounted for and unused tags must be returned to Division personnel within 72 hours of the time that NCH and Division personnel determine an alligator should not or could not be destroyed.

4. Alligators shall be skinned only at specific approved sites and in accordance with specific written skinning instructions provided by the Division. The tagged hides of the alligators taken may be held by NCH at an approved specific site for purposes of curing, tanning and/or sale.

5. The meat of the alligators taken may be consumed by the NCH or his immediate family but shall not be sold or transferred except as provided in this rule.

6. Each NCH may be assisted by not more than five assistants approved by the Director, provided that no such assistant shall operate or conduct any trapping activity except in the presence of the NCH.

7. Property rights to nuisance alligator tags issued to the NCH shall be vested in the Division and shall remain the property of the Division. No person, except authorized NCH or Division personnel, shall possess any unused nuisance alligator tag at any time.

8. Assignments of alligators to be taken and the issuance of nuisance alligator tags to an NCH shall be discontinued upon receipt of verified information and belief by the Director that the NCH:

(i) Attempted to generate alligator complaints.

(ii) Took alligators in excess of authorization.

(iii) Failed to promptly respond (without valid reason) to an assigned complaint.

(iv) Has been convicted of a violation of any regulation concerned with wildlife or fish.

(v) Has violated any portion of this rule.

(vi) Has acted incompetently in carrying out the responsibilities of his assignments. Substantiated evidence of wrong-doing will immediately result in the contract being automatically terminated.

(vii) Has not acted in the best interest of the Department or program.

(e) Storage and sale of alligator hides taken:

1. The NCH may store at an approved specific site legally taken and tagged hides until sale is completed. This site and corresponding records shall be available for inspection by Division personnel at any reasonable hour.

2. Sale of hides may be completed only by the legally permitted NCH.

3. NCH will submit an Alligator Transactions Report to the Game and Fish Division at the end of the calendar year documenting sales of alligator hides, meat and parts during the year and will include for each transaction the alligator tag number, date of sale, amount and person to whom sold.

(f) Storage and sale of alligator parts (other than meat) taken:

1. The NCH may store at a specifically designated site, legally taken parts until sale is completed. This site and corresponding records shall be available for inspection by Division personnel at any reasonable hour.

2. Sale of parts may be completed only to legally licensed parts dealers; or direct to individuals, if not for resale; provided that:

(i) Alligator parts are packaged by the NCH in cartons approved by the Director.

(ii) Each carton is sealed as approved by the Director and labeled to indicate the administrative region, the number and kinds enclosed, the date packaged, the name of the NCH and the hide tag number corresponding to the alligator from which the part(s) is taken.

(iii) Each carton shall be used to package parts one time only.

(iv) Written records of all alligator parts sales shall be maintained and such records shall be open to inspection by Division personnel. The records of each carton of parts shall contain the data specified in this paragraph (f). (v) Cartons containing lawfully acquired alligator parts packaged and labeled in accordance with this section may be shipped in intrastate or interstate commerce.

3. Upon sale of a part or parts, a record must be made and maintained by the NCH. The records will include kind and quantity of parts sold, and the name and address of each buyer. Buyers of parts must obtain and keep a receipt for any part purchased. The NCH records must include kind and quantity of parts sold with reference to the number of the State tag originally attached to the hide of the animal producing the parts in question, and the name and address of each buyer.

4. Any alligator skull sold shall be permanently and visibly labeled with the name of the NCH and the identifying alligator tag number of the alligator from which the skull was taken.

(g) Storage and sale of alligator meat taken:

1. Alligator meat shall be classified as fish meat and all alligator meat for human consumption shall be handled so as to meet appropriate sanitation requirements of federal, state or local authorities.

2. No person shall possess or sell alligator meat except as authorized by this section. Only legally licensed parts dealers, restaurants and alligator NCH's may sell alligator meat lawfully acquired by an alligator NCH provided that:

(i) Alligator meat is packaged by the NCH in cartons approved by the Director.

(ii) Each carton is sealed as approved by the Director and labeled to indicate the administrative region, the number of pounds of meat enclosed, the date packaged, the name of the NCH and the hide tag number corresponding to the alligator from which the meat was taken.

(iii) No more than five (5) pounds of meat shall be packaged per carton and each carton shall be used to package meat one time only.

(iv) Written records of all alligator meat sales shall be maintained and such records shall be open to inspection by Division personnel. The records of each carton of meat shall contain the data specified in this paragraph (g).

3. No person shall resell or possess alligator meat for resale, processing or other commercial uses except as authorized by permit from the Director.

(i) All alligator meat purchased shall remain in the original carton until the meat is removed for cooking or curing in a manner allowing it to be consumed by humans without further preparation.

(ii) Cartons containing lawfully acquired alligator meat packaged and labeled in accordance with this paragraph (g) may be shipped in intrastate or interstate commerce.

(5) WORD "ALLIGATOR" OR "GATOR" NOT TO BE USED IN CERTAIN SALES:

(a) It is unlawful for any person to use the word "alligator" or "gator" in connection with the sale of any product derived or made from the skins or parts of other crocodilia or in connection with the sale of other crocodilia.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8.
• Effective March 2, 1990. Amended: Filed January 12, 1995; effective February 16, 1995.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.96 Alligator Farming Regulations

(1) GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR TAKING, POSSESSION AND SALE OF CERTAIN REPTILES:

(a) No person shall buy, sell, take or possess any alligator, crocodile, or any part thereof, or the nests or eggs of any alligator or crocodile except under permit from the Department or as otherwise provided by law or by these regulations.

(b) Nothing in this rule, however, shall prohibit the possession of lawfully acquired cured and mounted trophies and articles manufactured from the skins or hides or other parts of alligators and crocodiles.

(c) Any alligator, crocodile, or similar reptile, or any part thereof, seized or otherwise acquired by the Department may be sold.

(d) Alligators, or any parts thereof, lawfully obtained outside the state may be imported only under permit from the director or as otherwise provided by law.

(e) The records of individuals or concerns selling any species of crocodilian will be subject to inspection and such individuals or concerns shall have in their possession invoices or other documentary evidence of the suppliers of such crocodilians. The advertisement or representation of caimans as alligators or crocodiles is prohibited.

(f) No person shall use, be in possession of or attend any hook, peg or other such device baited in such a manner as to be capable of taking alligators and suspended so that the bait is above water or submerged in a manner to take or attempt to take alligators unless such person is authorized by the Director.

(2) REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF ALLIGATOR FARMS: Alligator farms may be established and operated and alligators, eggs, and hides may be possessed only under license by the Department subject to the following restrictions and conditions:

(a) General Provisions:

1. The premises of alligator farms shall be subject to inspection by Department personnel at any time.

2. Complete written records of all changes in alligator stock shall be kept and made available for examination by Department personnel. Shipping tickets, invoices or bills of lading shall be maintained to show source of supply and disposition of alligator stock.

3. No licensee or his or her employee shall receive or transfer any alligator, eggs or hides except as provided by Act No. 89-874, 1989 Regular Session.

4. The licensee shall disclose ownership of alligators and provide documentation of inventory of initial and subsequent numbers of all alligator eggs and alligators, including breeding females and offspring. Documentation shall be sufficient to demonstrate the inventory is commensurate with production and survival levels for captive populations as measured against professionally accepted biological standards.

5. Permits to establish and operate alligator farms are not transferable.

6. The licensee shall provide security of facility premises necessary to ensure that no alligators, eggs, or parts thereof can be moved in or out of the alligator farm without the licensee's knowledge.

7. An Alligator Farm Annual Report shall be completed and submitted to the Department's Game and Fish Division, Law Enforcement Section prior to annual re-licensing.

8. Alligator farm permittees shall be licensed at an annual fee of $1,000.00 as required by Act No. 89-874, 1989 Regular Session.

9. The Department shall not issue an alligator farm permit to any person who has been convicted of any violation of Act No. 89-874 or the rules of the Department relating to the illegal taking of any crocodilian species, except as provided in Act No. 89-874.

(b) Specifications for alligator farms:

1. Pens or holding facilities shall be constructed in a manner to prevent the escape of any alligator contained in such pen or facility or entrance by any alligator from outside such pen or facility.

2. The permittee shall provide rearing tanks (of concrete, fiberglass, plastic or metal construction) for alligators less than four (4) feet in length. Alligators less than two (2) feet in length shall be housed separately from those two (2) to four (4) feet in length. Onsite propagation facilities will also provide ponds, nest sites and spacing for breeding adults and artificial incubators.

3. The licensee shall make all alligator eggs produced on the farm available for inspection by August 1 of each nesting year. All alligator eggs shall be in containers having not more than one layer of eggs at one incubation facility on each alligator farm. Only viable alligator eggs will be credited to the egg inventory.

4. Alligator farm licensees shall furnish alligators housing of sufficient size and design such that alligators shall be kept in a humane and sanitary manner.

(c) Facility Standards:

1. General. The most important factor in establishing an alligator farm is the acquisition of enough suitable land and habitat to support a population of adult alligators in outside breeding ponds and adequate area for the construction of holding houses for young alligators up to three years of age. There must be a reliable source of fresh water and equipment for pumping and changing water.

2. Breeding ponds shall be fenced around the perimeters with woven wire or board fences of sufficient height (minimum, 4 feet) and tightness, constructed so as to prevent the escape or entrance of any size alligator. Fences shall be buried or otherwise secured at the bottom so as to prevent entrance or escape. Breeding ponds must have at least one area of a minimum depth of 1.8 meters (approximately 6 feet at its deepest point) and suitable nesting sites.

3. Holding houses containing an adequate number of artificial tanks will be provided for growing out small alligators six feet or less in length. A sufficient number of tanks will be provided to allow for segregation by age/size classes, and each tank will be permanently numbered to facilitate accurate record keeping. There shall be sufficient space in each tank for all the alligators to completely submerge under water at one time and enough "dry" area in which to run around for basking purposes. A properly constructed tank will consist of 2/3 water for 1/3 "dry" area. The overall size of tank will depend upon the number of alligators held, but as a general standard each alligator shall have enough space to submerge without having contact with another alligator.

4. Holding tanks will be designed to permit periodic cleaning of waste and a complete change of water at regular intervals (at least every other day).

5. A controlled environmental chamber complete with an artificial nesting area (incubator) will be provided for hatching of eggs. The chamber will also contain a sufficient number of holding tanks to accommodate anticipated hatchlings and to provide a suitable environment for new-born alligators.

(d) Harvest of Alligators:

1. Alligators, at least four feet in length, or the skins or products of such captive-reared alligators raised on a farm licensed under the provisions of Act No. 89-874, 1989 Regular Session, may be sold, and, with written approval from the Department, an alligator farmer may utilize any product from a captive-reared alligator less than four feet in length that dies from natural causes, but only in accordance with the following restrictions:

(i) No farmer shall skin any alligator unless such alligator shall have been approved for skinning in writing by the Director of the Game and Fish Division or his authorized agent. Records must be provided to verify that each alligator to be harvested was hatched and captive-reared on the farm or otherwise obtained from a legal source.

(ii) Any alligator killed under authority of this section shall be tagged immediately with a tag furnished by the Department. Such tag shall remain attached to the alligator hide until finally processed by the fabricator. It shall be unlawful for any farmer or processor to possess untagged alligator hides.

(iii) Property rights to identifying tags issued to the farmer shall be vested in the Department, and tags shall remain the property of the State. Unused tags shall be returned to the Department within 15 days of completion of the harvest. Possession of any identifying alligator tags by persons other than licensed farmers shall be unlawful.

(iv) Alligators shall be skinned only at a specific site approved by the Director of the Game and Fish Division and shall be skinned only in accordance with special skinning instructions issued by the Department. Only those hides which have been skinned in accordance with these instructions shall be approved for sale. Hides so taken may be held at the specified skinning site until the date of the sale.

(v) The meat of any alligator legally harvested may be consumed by the farmer or his immediate family but shall not be sold or transferred except as provided in this rule below.

(e) Sale of Live Alligators:

1. Alligator farmers licensed under the provisions of Act No. 89-874, 1989 Regular Session, may sell, barter, exchange, give or loan any live alligators of at least four feet in length covered by his license provided a permit is first obtained from the Department. If sold, bartered, or exchanged in interstate commerce or foreign trade, legal requirements of the state or country involved in the transaction must also be satisfied.

2. The request for such permits must contain the name and address of the proposed buyer, a reference to the buyer's license number or other authority for possession, and shall further describe the alligator(s) by length, belly size, and sex, if known.

(f) Sale of Alligator Meat:

1. Alligator meat that is lawfully acquired through production on a licensed alligator farm may be sold to wholesale or retail food distributors, food and nonfood meat processors, restaurants and canneries, provided that:

(i) Any alligator meat sold to the above type business shall be packaged in cardboard cartons, and each carton shall be sealed with a label as specified by the Department that indicates that it contains alligator meat, the number of pounds of meat enclosed, the names of the seller and buyer, the tag number corresponding to the alligator hide from which the meat was taken, and the date of sale. No more than five pounds of meat shall be included per carton and cartons shall be used only one time.

(ii) Failure to properly mark cartons of alligator meat or possession of alligator meat in cartons improperly marked shall be considered a violation.

(iii) Alligator farmers shall maintain written records of all alligator meat sales on standard forms supplied by the Department. These records shall be open to inspection by Department personnel and shall include for each carton of meat sold the data indicated on the carton label as specified in subparagraph (f)1.(i) of this rule.

(iv) All alligator meat purchased by the type business listed hereinabove shall be retained in original carton until the meat is prepared for consumption or processing.

(v) All cartons containing alligator meat labeled in accordance with these regulations shall be shipped only within the State of Alabama or to those states or countries allowing the sale of alligator meat.

(vi) Alligator farmers handling alligator meat for human consumption shall comply with the sanitation requirements of federal, state, or local authorities.

(g) Sale of Alligator Hides and Other Products:

1. Alligator hides and other products, except meat, may be sold in accordance with the following:

(i) Alligator farmers may sell the hides, feet, viscera or skeletal parts of alligators when all such sales, with the exception of retail sales to the consumer, are documented to show the kind and quantity of items sold and the name and address of each buyer (and, in addition, the alligator parts dealer license number if sold for resale). Any packaged alligator parts must be sealed with a Department approved label that indicates the hide tag number(s) of the alligator(s) from which the parts came, the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, the date of the sale, and the number and kind of parts included.

(ii) Any alligator skull sold shall be permanently visibly labeled with the identifying alligator tag number of the alligator from which the skull was taken and the name of the alligator farmer selling the skull.

(iii) Products made from alligator skins or other alligator parts and documentary evidence of their acquisition shall be available for inspection upon requests of Department personnel.

(iv) No person shall sell any hide or other product manufactured from a crocodilian species which has been declared to be endangered or threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8. Act No. 89-874, 1989 Regular Session.
• Effective March 2, 1990.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.97 Alligator Protection Regulation

Except to the extent otherwise provided by Act No. 89-874, H. 17, 1989 Regular Session, Rule 220-2-.95, Rule 220-2-.96, or any other law or regulation enacted or adopted by the Alabama Legislature or Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, it shall be unlawful to possess, take, capture, or kill, or attempt to possess, take, capture, or kill any alligator, or the skins, meat, eggs, or parts thereof.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective March 20, 1990.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.98 Invertebrate Species Regulation

(1) It shall be unlawful to take, capture, kill, or attempt to take, capture or kill; possess, sell, trade for anything of monetary value, or offer to sell or trade for anything of monetary value the following invertebrate species (or any parts or reproductive products of such species) without a scientific collection permit or written permit from the Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which shall specifically state what the permittee may do with regard to said species:

(a)

| Common Name | Scientific Name | | --- | --- | | · Alabama cave crayfish | Cambarus jonesi | | · Alabama cave shrimp | Palaemonias alabamae | | · Alabama creekmussel | Strophitus connasaugaensis | | · Alabama creekshell | Anodontoides radiatus | | · Alabama hickorynut | Obovaria unicolor | | · Alabama lampmussel | Lampsilis virescens | | · Alabama moccasinshell | Medionidus acutissimus | | · Alabama pearlshell | Margaritifera marrianae | | · Alabama rainbow | Villosa nebulosa | | · Alabama spike | Elliptio arca | | · American burying beetle | Nicrophorus americanus | | · Ample elimia | Elimia ampla | | · Angled marstonia | Marstonia angulobasis | | · Angular dwarf crayfish | Cambarellus lesliei | | · Anthony’s riversnail | Athearnia anthonyi | | · Armored marstonia | Marstonia pachyta | | · Armored rocksnail | Lithasia armigera | | · Auger elimia | Elimia teretria | | · Black mudalia | Elimia melanoides | | · Black sandshell | Ligumia recta | | · Boxclaw crayfish | Cambarus distans | | · Brooch elimia | Elimia broccata | | · Burrowing bog crayfish | Creaserinus burrisi | | · Cahaba ancylid | Rhodacmea cahawbensis | | · Cahaba pebblesnail | Clappia cahabensis | | · Cajun dwarf crayfish | Cambarellus shufeldtii | | · Canoe creek clubshell | Pleurobema athearni | | · Capillaceous crayfish | Procambarus capillatus | | · Celestial crayfish | Procambarus holifieldi | | · Chattahoochee crayfish | Cambarus howardi | | · Chipola slabshell | Elliptio chipolaensis | | · Choctaw bean | Obovaria choctawensis | | · Cobble elimia | Elimia vanuxemiana | | · Cockle elimia | Elimia cochliaris | | · Cockscomb crayfish | Procambarus clemmeri | | · Coosa creekshell | Villosa umbrans | | · Coosa moccasinshell | Medionidus parvulus | | · Coosa pyrg | Marstonia hershleri | | · Coosa River spiny crayfish | Faxonius spinosus | | · Corpulent hornsnail | Pleurocera corpulenta | | · Cracking pearlymussel | Hemistena lata | | · Creeper | Strophitus undulatus | | · Crisscross crayfish | Procambarus marthae | | · Cumberland combshell | Epioblasma brevidens | | · Cumberland moccasinshell | Medionidus conradicus | | · Cumberland monkeyface | Theliderma intermedia | | · Cylindrical lioplax | Lioplax cyclostomaformis | | · Delicate spike | Elliptio arctata | | · Depression crayfish | Cambarus rusticiformis | | · Downy rainbow | Villosa | | · Duck river dartersnapper | Epioblasma ahlstedti | | · Elktoe | Alasmidonta marginata | | · Engraved elimia | Elimia perstriata | | · Escambia crayfish | Procambarus escambiensis | | · Etowah heelsplitter | Lasmigona etowaensis | | · Fanshell | Cyprogenia stegaria | | · Finelined pocketbook | Hamiota altilis | | · Finerayed pigtoe | Fusconaia cuneolus | | · Fire elimia | Elimia exusta | | · Fireback crayfish | Cambarus pyronotus | | · Flat pebblesnail | Lepyrium showalteri | | · Flatnose crayfish | Procambarus planirostris | | · Flaxen elimia | Elimia boykiniana | | · Flint river crayfish | Faxonius cooperi | | · Florida floater | Utterbackia peggyae | | · Fuzzy pigtoe | Pleurobema stroadianum | | · Georgia pigtoe | Pleurobema hanleyianum | | · Greensaddle crayfish | Cambarus manningi | | · Gulf moccasinshell | Medionidus penicillatus | | · Heavy pigtoe | Pleurobema taitiana | | · Inflated heelsplitter | Potamilus inflatus | | · Inflated spike | Elliptio purpurella | | · Jacknife crayfish | Procambarus hubbelli | | · Kidneyshell | Ptychobranchus fasciolaris | | · Lacon exit cave crayfish | Cambarus laconensis | | · Lacy elimia | Elimia crenatella | | · Lagniappe crayfish | Procambarus lagniappe | | · Latticed elimia | Elimia mihalcikae | | · Lavender burrowing crayfish | Creaserinus byersi | | · Least crayfish | Cambarellus diminutus | | · Lilyshoals elimia | Elimia annettae | | · Linear cobalt crayfish | Cambarus gentryi | | · Longnose crayfish | Cambarus longirostris | | · Longsolid | Fusconaia subrotunda | | · Manitou cavesnail | Antrorbis breweri | | · Mississippi pigtoe | Pleurobema beadleianum | | · Mobile crayfish | Procambarus lecontei | | · Monkeyface | Theliderma metanevra | | · Moss pyrg | Marstonia scalariformis | | · Mountain fork crayfish | Cambarus diupalma | | · Mountain midget crayfish | Cambarus parvoculus | | · Mucket | Actinonaias ligamentina | | · Muddy rocksnail | Lithasia salebrosa | | · Narrow pigtoe | Fusconaia escambia | | · Oblong rocksnail | Leptoxis compacta | | · Ohio pigtoe | Pleurobema cordatum | | · Okaloosa crayfish | Procambarus okaloosae | | · Orangenacre pocketbook | Hamiota perovalis | | · Oval pigtoe | Pleurobema pyriforme | | · Ovate clubshell | Pleurobema perovatum | | · Oyster mussel | Epioblasma capsaeformis | | · Painted creekshell | Villosa taeniata | | · Painted rocksnail | Leptoxis coosaensis | | · Pale Lilliput | Toxolasma cylindrellus | | · Panhandle crayfish | Procambarus evermani | | · Peninsula crayfish | Procambarus paeninsulanus | | · Phantom cave crayfish | Cambarus pecki | | · Pheasantshell | Actinonaias pectorosa | | · Pink mucket | Lampsilis abrupta | | · Plicate rocksnail | Leptoxis plicata | | · Prickly cave crayfish | Cambarus hamulatus | | · Princess elimia | Elimia bellacrenata | | · Prominence riverlet crayfish | Hobbseus prominens | | · Purple bankclimber | Elliptoideus sloatianus | | · Puzzle elimia | Elimia varians | | · Pyramid pigtoe | Pleurobema rubrum | | · Rabbitsfoot | Theliderma cylindrica | | · Rayed kidneyshell | Ptychobranchus foremanianus | | · Rough hornsnail | Pleurocera foremani | | · Rough pigtoe | Pleurobema plenum | | · Round ebonyshell | Reginaia rotulata | | · Round hickorynut | Obovaria subrotunda | | · Round pigtoe | Pleurobema sintoxia | | · Round-ribbed elimia | Elimia nassula | | · Round rocksnail | Leptoxis ampla | | · Rugged hornsnail | Pleurocera alveare | | · Saddle crayfish | Faxonius durelli | | · Salt Spring hydrob | Pseudotryonia grahamae | | · Sculpin snail | Stiobia nana | | · Sculptured pigtoe | Cyclonaias infucata | | · Sheepnose | Plethobasus cyphyus | | · Shelta cave crayfish | Orconectes sheltae | | · Shiny pigtoe | Fusconaia cor | | · Shinyrayed pocketbook | Hamiota subangulata | | · Shrimp crayfish | Faxonius lancifer | | · Skirted hornsnail | Pleurocera pyrenella | | · Slabside pearlymussel | Pleuronaia dolabelloides | | · Slackwater crayfish | Cambarus halli | | · Slender campeloma | Campeloma decampii | | · Slenderclaw crayfish | Cambarus cracens | | · Slippershell mussel | Alasmidonta viridis | | · Smoothnose crayfish | Procambarus hybus | | · Snuffbox | Epioblasma triquetra | | · Southeastern prairie crayfish | Procambarus hagenianus | | · Southern clubshell | Pleurobema decisum | | · Southern combshell | Epioblasma penita | | · Southern elktoe | Alasmidonta triangulata | | · Southern hickorynut | Obovaria jacksoniana | | · Southern kidneyshell | Ptychobranchus jonesi | | · Southern pigtoe | Pleurobema georgianum | | · Southern purple lilliput | Toxolasma corvunculus | | · Southern sandshell | Hamiota australis | | · Speckled burrowing crayfish | Creaserinus danielae | | · Speckled crayfish | Cambarus lentiginosus | | · Spectaclecase | Margaritifera monodonta | | · Spike | Eurynaia dilatata | | · Spindle elimia | Elimia capillaris | | · Spotted rocksnail | Leptoxis picta | | · Spur crayfish | Procambarus lewisi | | · Squat elimia | Elimia variata | | · Stately elimia | Elimia dickinsoni | | · Straightedge crayfish | Procambarus hayi | | · Striate hornsnail | Pleurocera striata | | · Sweet home Alabama cave crayfish | Cambarus speleocoopi | | · Tallapoosa crayfish | Cambarus englishi | | · Tapered pigtoe | Fusconaia burkei | | · Teardrop elimia | Elimia lachryma | | · Tennessee bean | Venustaconcha trabalis | | · Tennessee bottlebrush crayfish | Barbicambarus simmonsi | | · Tennessee clubshell | Pleurobema oviforme | | · Tennessee heelsplitter | Lasmigona holstonia | | · Tennessee pigtoe | Pleuronaia barnesiana | | · Triangular kidneyshell | Ptychobranchus greenii | | · Tulotoma | Tulotoma magnifica | | · Twisted dwarf crayfish | Cambarellus rotatus | | · Vernal crayfish | Procambarus viaeviridis | | · Warrior pigtoe | Pleurobema rubellum | | · Warty rocksnail | Lithasia lima | | · Watercress Snail | Fontigens nickliniana | | · White spring cave crayfish | Cambarus veitchorum | | · White wartyback | Plethobasus cicatricosus | | · Wicker ancylid | Rhodacmea elatior | | · Zebra crayfish | Cambarus clairitae |

(b) Other State or Federally protected invertebrate species. In addition any required federal permits for federally protected species must be obtained.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-371, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective June 1, 1990. Amended: Filed September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995. Amended: Filed August 11, 1997; effective September 16, 1997. Amended: Filed July 21, 1998; effective August 26, 1998. Amended: Filed July 10, 2018; effective August 24, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.99 Legal Specifications For Crossbows And Arrows For Use By Disabled Persons (Repealed 9/14/04)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: Richard C. Liles
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective November 13, 1991. Amended: Filed November 10, 1994; Effective December 15, 1994. Amended: Filed September 10, 1996; effective October 16, 1996. Amended: Filed August 19, 1997; effective September 24, 1997. Amended: Filed July 21, 1998; effective August 26, 1998. Amended: Filed June 29, 1999; effective August 3, 1999. Amended: Filed June 26, 2002; effective July 31, 2002. Amended: Filed September 16, 2002; effective October 21, 2002. Repealed: Filed August 10, 2004; effective September 14, 2004.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.100 1992 Special Hunter's Choice Deer Season For Wheeler Wildlife Refuge (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-240, 9-2-7, 9-2-8.
• Effective September 25, 1991. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.101 Hunting Of Captive Bred Mallard Ducks And Non-Native Game Birds On Commercial Fowl Hunting Preserves

(1) Captive bred mallard ducks, properly marked in accordance with federal regulations, shall be legal fowl to be hunted on a licensed commercial fowl hunting preserve. Such hunting shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

(2) Any private commercial shooting preserve that is licensed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may, by obtaining a special letter permit from the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources, hunt any species of exotic or non-native birds at any time of the year when such exotic or non-native birds have been stocked on said hunting preserves. Provided, however, that this regulation shall not apply to any bird or animal that appears on the U.S. Department of the Interior's and State of Alabama's "Endangered Species" list.

(3) Native game birds and animals other than species listed on hunting preserve licenses may be taken only on licensed hunting preserves during legal hunting seasons and when taken by properly licensed hunters abiding by any bag limits and other regulations that may be promulgated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or established by law.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-410, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective April 21, 1992. Amended: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.102 Prohibition Of Use Of Certain Animals In Greyhound Racing Or Training (Repealed 9/19/12)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Emergency adoption effective April 15, 1992. Permanent adoption effective September 16, 1992. Repealed: Filed August 15, 2012; effective September 19, 2012.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.103 Waters Open To The Taking Of Freshwater Mussels For Commercial Purposes

Unless specifically prohibited otherwise, the following waters shall be open to the otherwise legal taking of freshwater mussels for commercial purposes:

(1) Coosa River from Jordan Dam upstream to the Alabama-Georgia State line.

(2) Alabama River from the mouth to the confluence of Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers with the exception of the Cahaba River.

(3) Tombigbee River from mouth to U.S. Interstate 59.

(4) Black Warrior River from mouth to U.S. Interstate 59.

(5) Tennessee River and its impoundments with the exception of restricted areas. It shall be unlawful to take freshwater mussels for commercial purposes from any other waters of the State of Alabama.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-371, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective August 20, 1992. Amended: Filed September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.104 Legal Species Of Freshwater Mussels To Be Taken For Commercial Purposes

(1) The following species shall be the only species of freshwater mussels permitted to be legally taken for commercial purposes in the State of Alabama:

Washboard (Megalonaias nervosa) Threeridge (Amblema plicata) Pistol Grip (Tritogonia verrucosa) Elephant Ear (Elliptio crassidens) Mapleleaf (Quadrula quadrula) Ebony Shell (Fusconaia ebenus) Pink Heel Splitter (Potamilus alatus) Three Horn (Obliquaria reflexa) Southern Mapleleaf (Quadrula apiculata) Bankclimber (Plectomerus dombeyanus) Bleufer (Potamilus purpuratus)

(2) It shall be unlawful to take any other species of freshwater mussel for commercial purposes in the State of Alabama.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-371.
• Effective August 20, 1992. Amended: Filed September 13, 1995; effective October 19, 1995. Amended: Filed June 10, 2004; effective July 15, 2004.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.105 Creel/Possession Limit On Alligator Gar (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective July 24, 1992. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.106 Mussel Fishing Seasons

The season for legal mussel fishing is open year-round except during the prescribed waterfowl hunting season, Swan Creek, Crow Creek, Mud Creek, and Raccoon Creek Wildlife Management Areas shall be closed. The area of the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge between Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 31 and the area of Limestone Bay shall be closed to mussel harvest during the period of October 15 through February 15 of each year. Mussel fishing in the fresh waters of this State shall be restricted to five (5) days each week (Monday through Friday) and shall be closed on all federal holidays.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-371, 9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Effective September 29, 1992(E). Amended: Filed August 16, 1995; effective August 15, 1995. Amended: Filed October 27, 1995; effective October 27, 1995. Amended (PE): Filed July 31, 1997; effective July 31, 1997.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.107 Special 2020-2021 Hunting Seasons For Fort Rucker

The following special fall turkey season (gobblers only) is hereby established at Fort Rucker at U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence designated hunting areas only.

November 21-30, 2020. One a Day, Five during Combined Fall and Spring Seasons. No decoys permitted during fall turkey season.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-11-240.
• Effective November 12, 1992/E. Amended: Filed January 10, 1994, effective February 14, 1994. Amended: Filed November 9, 1994; effective November 9, 1994. Amended: Filed August 16, 1995; effective August 15, 1995. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed September 6, 1996; effective September 6, 1996. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed July 16, 1997; effective July 16, 1997. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed August 19, 1997; effective August 19, 1997. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed August 6, 1998; effective August 6, 1998. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed August 31, 1999; effective August 31, 1999. Repealed and New Rule (PE). Filed September 12, 2000; effective September 12, 2000. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed July 10, 2001; effective July 10, 2001. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed July 17, 2002; effective July 17, 2002. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed July 2, 2003; effective July 2, 2003. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 17, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 18, 2005; effective August 18, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed August 30, 2005; effective August 30, 2005. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 29, 2006; effective August 29, 2006. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed September 4, 2007; effective September 4, 2007. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed October 20, 2008; effective October 20, 2008. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed October 9, 2009; effective October 9, 2009. Amended (PE): Filed August 5, 2010; effective August 5, 2010. Amended (PE): Filed August 24, 2011; effective August 24, 2011. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 24, 2012; effective August 24, 2012. Amended (PE): Filed October 1, 2013; effective October 1, 2013. Amended (PE): Filed July 22, 2014; effective July 22, 2014. Amended (PE): Filed June 5, 2015; effective June 5, 2015. Amended (PE): Filed July 6, 2016; effective July 6, 2016. Amended (PE): Filed May 22, 2017; effective May 22, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed October 17, 2018; effective October 17, 2018. Amended (PE): Filed October 18, 2019; effective October 18, 2019. Amended (PE): Filed May 6, 2020; effective Mayr 6, 2020.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.108 Closed Season On Taking Of Mussels - Lake Jordan, Mitchel And Lay (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed January 10, 1994; effective February 14, 1994. Repealed: Filed January 10, 1994; effective February 14, 1994. New Rule: Filed August 16, 1995; effective August 15, 1995. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.109 Physically Disabled Hunting Areas

(1) It shall be unlawful on any area designated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a "Physically Disabled Hunting Area":

(a) To violate any terms or conditions of his certificate of qualification, permit, or other authorization, for participation in any such hunts, including, but not limited to, the times, dates, locations, manners and means for hunting.

(b) To hunt, trap, use dogs, possess firearms, traps, or bow and arrow, without a valid permit. A permit is valid only during scheduled area seasons during legal hunting hours and only with the required hunting license(s) and stamps and only with weapons and ammunition permitted for hunting the wildlife listed on permit.

(c) To have in possession any fully automatic rifle or any firearms, ammunition or bow and arrow (including crossbows) except as allowed by law for the species hunted.

(d) For any person to hunt without having his/her required hunting licenses and authorization and checking in at the checking station, except Big Oak.

(e) For any person to carry firearms in or on vehicle with ammunition in the magazine, breech or clip attached to firearms, cocked crossbow, or black powder weapons with primer, cap or flash powder in place.

(f) Nothing in this regulation shall prohibit the possession of handguns by lawfully authorized persons for their personal protection, provided the handguns are not used to hunt or take or to attempt to take wildlife except as otherwise provided by this regulation.

(g) To camp in the area, except Big Oak where the designated campground must be used.

(h) To kill or willfully molest any species of wildlife except those designated for hunting. However, bobcat, or fox may be killed during all scheduled area hunts that occur during the dates of the gun deer and turkey seasons, and coyote or feral swine may be killed during all scheduled area hunts.

(i) To discharge fireworks at any time.

(j) To discharge firearms for target practice.

(k) To use fire to smoke out game.

(l) For any person to possess any firearm while hunting with bow and arrow.

(m) To transport deer killed from the area before recording pertinent data at the designated checking station, except Big Oak.

(n) For any person except those authorized to operate any motor driven vehicle behind, under or around any locked gate, barricaded road or sign which prohibits vehicular traffic.

(o) For any person to hunt deer or assist in said hunting, on days of scheduled hunts without wearing a vest containing a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange color or either a full-size hunter orange hat or cap. The hunter orange must be of solid color, except for a small logo and/or printing on the front of the cap, and visible from any angle.

(p) For any person except authorized personnel to block or otherwise stop traffic on any road by parking a vehicle in such a way that passage around the vehicle is impossible.

(q) To damage or remove any trees, crops, or other plants, dirt, gravel or sod without legal authorization.

(r) To hunt from an elevated platform, except at Big Oak (where it is unlawful to hunt from an elevated stand or platform without attaching themselves to the tree or platform with a full body harness capable of supporting their weight).

(s) To hunt without first making a reservation for the particular hunt, except at Big Oak.

(t) To hunt more often at any area than is authorized. Failure to cancel a reservation at least 48 hours prior to the hunt date will be considered the same as if the individual hunted in determining when that person could reserve another hunt date, except at Big Oak.

(u) To hunt outside the area designated to the hunter for each hunt. At the time of check-in the hunter will receive, on a first come basis, a shooting house on a segment of the hunting area that will be his/her exclusive area for the day, except at Big Oak. Hunter must hunt from the shooting house, except at Big Oak.

(v) To check-in to any Physically Disabled Hunting Area prior to 5 am on the scheduled hunt days.

(w) To change stand locations after signing in for that stand. Once signed in for a stand, the hunter shall not change stands for the duration of that hunt.

(x) For any person to be on any Physically Disabled Hunting Area unless registered to hunt on that day.

(2) Individuals must follow the listed rules to participate in the scheduled deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunts for the physically disabled.

(a) Each participant must submit, on a Department form, an application to participate in such hunts. The application will include a doctor's statement certifying the physical disability. The Department will review the application and notify each participant if they are approved for such hunts.

(b) Each participant must provide any assistants that are required. Only the physically disabled individual will be eligible to hunt.

(c) All license requirements and other rules, laws, and regulations, are in effect.

(d) Physical disability is defined as an individual that is permanently physically disabled by one or more of the following:

1. Has permanent physical disability, is unable to ambulate and requires a wheelchair, walker, one long leg brace or two short leg braces, external prosthesis below knee or above, two canes or two crutches for mobility.

2. Has at least 80% permanent impairment of one hand or arm as determined by a physician using the standards outlined in the "Guide to Evaluation of Permanent Impairment Rating," published by the American Medical Association.

3. Has a permanent physical disability for which they are considered "totally" disabled under guidelines established by the Veterans' Administration and/or the U.S. Social Security Administration.

(3) If convicted of violating any part of this regulation or any other regulation relating to Game, Fish, and Fur-Bearing Animals, the individual’s Physically Disabled Permit may be revoked up to and including permanently.

(4) Cherokee Physically Disabled Hunting Area is available for muzzleloader season.

(5) The following Physically Disabled Hunting Areas are suitable for turkey hunting:

(a) Fayette,

(b) Skyline,

(c) Big Oak,

(d) USA Foundation,

(e) Chattahoochee,

(f) Shiloh Hill,

(g) Turnipsee-Ikenberry, and

(h) Dozer.

(6) Mud Creek (Wannville) Physically Disabled Waterfowl Hunting Blind is only available for waterfowl hunting.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed January 12, 1995; effective February 16, 1995. Amended: Filed February 2, 2005; effective March 9, 2005. Amended: Filed September 9, 2009; effective October 14, 2009. Amended: Filed August 26, 2011; effective September 30, 2011. Amended: Filed August 20, 2012; effective September 24, 2012. Amended: Filed August 19, 2019; effective October 3, 2019. Amended (PE): Published August 31, 2022; effective August 1, 2022.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.110 Establishment Of Physically Disabled Hunting Areas

(1) The following areas are hereby designated and established as "Physically Disabled Hunting Areas":

(a) "Marengo Physically Disabled Hunting Area," as indicated on the attached revised map.

(b) “M. Barnett Lawley Field Trial Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(c) “R. L. Harris Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(d) “Fayette Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(e) “Upper State Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached map.

(f) “Macon State Forest Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(g) “Little River State Forest Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(h) “Prairie Creek Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(i) “Forever Wild Land Trust – Alabama Power Co. Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(j) “University of South Alabama Foundation Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(k) “Pine Hills Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(l) “Big Oak Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(m) “Dozier Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(n) “Cherokee Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(o) “Shiloh Hill Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(p) “Coffee County (Victoria) Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached map.

(q) “Lewis Smith Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached map.

(r) “Jordan Physically Disabled Hunting Area,” as indicated on the attached revised map.

(s) “Mud Creek (Wannville) Physically Disabled Waterfowl Hunting Blind,” As indicated on the attached revised map.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed January 12, 1995; effective February 16, 1995. Amended: Filed December 12, 1995; effective January 16, 1996. Repealed and New Rule: Filed April 12, 2001; effective May 17, 2001. Amended: Filed January 22, 2002; effective February 26, 2002. Amended: Filed June 6, 2006; effective July 11, 2006. Amended (following maps also): Filed September 12, 2007; effective October 17, 2007. Amended (following maps also): Filed September 15, 2009; effective October 20, 2009. Amended (following maps also): Filed October 14, 2011; effective November 18, 2011. Amended (following maps also): Filed July 16, 2014; effective August 20, 2014. Amended (PE)(following maps also): Filed June 11, 2015; effective June 11, 2015. Amended (PE)(following maps also): Filed June 22, 2017; effective June 22, 2017. Amended (PE)(following maps also): Filed October 10, 2017; effective October 10, 2017. Amended (PE text and Maps): Published November 30, 2019; effective October 25, 2019. Amended (PE Maps only): Published October 30, 2020; effective October 8, 2020. Amended (PE Maps only): Published August 31, 2021; effective August 19, 2021. Amended (PE Maps also): Published September 30, 2022; effective September 20, 2022. Amended (PE Maps also): Filed September 28, 2023; effective September 28, 2023. Amended (PE): Published August 30, 2024; effective August 14, 2024. Amended (PE): Published October 31, 2025; effective October 6, 2025. Amended (PE): Published July 31, 2026; effective July 16, 2026. Amended (PE): Published September 30, 2026; effective August 31, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.111 Hunting License Revocation Procedures - Hunter Safety Certification Requirements

(a) Any person subject to the hunter safety education certificate requirements of Section 9-11-44.1, Code of Ala. 1975, shall be subject to the revocation or cancellation of any hunting licenses and/or hunter education certification upon determination that the holder thereof was not entitled to issuance or obtained said license or certification by any fraudulent means. Upon such determination, the department of conservation and natural resources may, in lieu of revocation, hold any such licenses until said person complies with all requirements for issuance.

(b) The procedures for the revocation or cancellation of same shall be as provided in Section 41-22-12, 41-22-19, and other applicable provisions of Sections 41-22-1 through 41-22-27, Code of Ala. 1975.

(c) Upon revocation or cancellation, the holder thereof shall surrender same to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(d) Any person violating any provision of Section 9-11-44.1 shall be subject to prosecution thereunder, and upon conviction, shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §9-11-44.1.
• Filed June 22, 1995; effective July 27, 1995.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.112 Dog Deer Hunting

(a) It shall be unlawful to cast, release, or otherwise place, a dog, for the purpose of hunting deer, from, upon, or onto, a public right-of-way, without the permission of the landowners whose land adjoins the right-of-way within 50 feet of the location of such dog.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to utilize a dog for the purpose of deer hunting without the person placing and maintaining on said dog a collar containing the following information clearly stated thereon: the name, address, and telephone number of the person utilizing the dog.

(c) Within one mile of the Talladega National Forest, it shall be unlawful for any person owning, having the care of, or using any dog, to allow any dog or dogs for the purpose of deer hunting to enter onto, cross, or remain upon the property of another without written permission from the landowner or lessee of the property. Written permission, which may be a paper copy, email, text, or other electronic form, shall be in the possession of each person using such dog(s) on the property of another person, and shall be presented upon the request of any Conservation Enforcement Officer. A first offense of this paragraph shall result in a written warning. Subsequent violations may result in the issuance of a citation.

(d) It shall be unlawful for any person, without permission of the owner, to remove, tamper with, or disable any collar, GPS tracking collar, or training/correction collar on a dog used for the purpose of deer hunting.

Note: While not required by this rule, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources strongly encourages the use of GPS tracking collars and training/correction collars on dogs used for deer hunting.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 19, 1995; effective October 25, 1995. Amended: Published October 31, 2025; effective October 13, 2025.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.114 Normal Agricultural Planting And Hunting Of Dove

It shall be unlawful to hunt mourning dove or white winged doves over fields that are planted or prepared outside of or contrary to the recognized practices or methods prescribed by the most recent Alabama Cooperative Extension System publications, available through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Rule 220-2-.114, as previously adopted, is hereby repealed in its entirety.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed July 10, 1996; effective August 15, 1996. Amended: Filed July 21, 1998; effective August 26, 1998. Repealed and New Rule: Filed March 15, 2002; effective April 19, 2002. Repealed and New Rule: Filed September 9, 2013; effective October 14, 2013.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.115 Snagging Fish

(1) For the purpose of this regulation, “snagging” shall be defined as the taking or attempted taking of fish by pulling either a single or group of hooks through the water in any manner which increases the likelihood of impaling fish in body regions other than the mouth.

(2) It shall be unlawful to take or attempt to take fish by snagging on all waters of the Tennessee River or its impoundments.

(3) It shall be unlawful to take or attempt to take fish by snagging within 800 feet of any dam on the Coosa River or its impoundments.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed July 10, 1996; effective August 15, 1996. Amended: Filed February 12, 2015; effective March 19, 2015. Amended: Filed January 27, 2017; effective March 13, 2017.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.117 Special Hunting Seasons - Charles A. Farquhar State Cattle Ranch - Hale County (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed August 29, 1996; effective August 29, 1996. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed July 16, 1997; effective July 16, 1997. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed August 24, 1998; effective August 24, 1998. Repealed and Replaced (PE): Filed August 31, 1999; effective August 31, 1999. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed September 12, 2000; effective September 12, 2000. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed July 10, 2001; effective July 10, 2001. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed July 17, 2002; effective July 17, 2002. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 8, 2003; effective August 8, 2003. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 17, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 17, 2005; effective August 17, 2005. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 29, 2006; effective August 29, 2006. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.118 Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program

Any person hunting migratory birds (woodcock, dove, rails, sora, Wilson’s snipe, coots, gallinule, merganser, ducks, geese, or sandhill crane) required to be licensed should have completed a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program survey card providing information for the preceding season prior to hunting any species of migratory bird. Each person required to be licensed hunting migratory birds in Alabama should have the survey completion stamp on their person while hunting migratory birds.

It shall be a violation of this regulation for any person required to be licensed, having been warned by a law enforcement officer, to continue to hunt migratory birds without the survey completion stamp on their person.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed November 25, 1996; effective December 30, 1996. Amended: Filed June 20, 2016; effective August 4, 2016. Amended: Published October 31, 2019; effective December 15, 2019.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.119 Special Youth Hunting Day Regulations For Deer, Turkey, And Waterfowl

This rule applies to Special Youth Hunting Days, as established by Rule 220-2-.01 and Rule 220-2-.77. The regular season shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunitions apply to the special youth hunting days. Individuals shall comply with the following rules to participate in the scheduled youth hunts:

(1) Youth means an individual who has not reached his [or her] sixteenth birthday.

(2) Adult Supervisor means an individual 21 years old or older or the parent of the youth. An adult supervisor shall be in possession of all required state hunting licenses (and state and federal waterfowl stamps, if required to hunt waterfowl).

(3) Up to two (2) youth participants shall be accompanied by an adult supervisor. The adult supervisor shall remain within 30 feet of each youth at all times.

(4) Only one firearm will be allowed per youth. Only the youth hunters will be permitted to utilize firearms for hunting. The adult supervisor shall review the rules of firearm safety with each youth under his [or her] supervision and ensure they are followed.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed November 12, 1996; effective December 18, 1996. Amended: Filed August 11, 1997; effective September 16, 1997. Amended: Filed March 15, 2002; effective April 19, 2002. Amended: Filed September 12, 2007; effective October 17, 2007. Amended: Filed June 10, 2015; effective July 15, 2015.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.122 Georgia Reciprocal Fishing Agreement Regulation

(1) This regulation shall apply to those waters referred to in this regulation which are covered by the reciprocal agreement with the State of Georgia and which are within the jurisdiction of the State of Alabama, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

(2) The State of Alabama and the State of Georgia have a reciprocal agreement concerning fishing in certain reciprocal waters, whereby fishing licenses of Georgia and Alabama are mutually recognized for fishing from the banks or on the waters of the Chattachoochee River forming the boundary between Alabama and Georgia and all impoundments thereon as now exists or which may exist in the future, with the exception of that portion of West Point Reservoir lying upstream (north) of Georgia Highway 109 bridge on the Chattachoochee River arm of said reservoir. The waters covered by this agreement do not include other streams or tributaries which flow into the Chattachoochee River or its impoundments.

(3) For the purpose of this agreement, “sport fishing” shall be defined as the lawful taking by ordinary hook and line, pole, casting reel and rod and use of artificial lures, spinning reel and rod, or fly rod.

(4) The term “commercial fishing” shall be defined as the legal taking of non-game fish by any person from either state.

(5) No person shall take, catch, or have in possession on any one day, more than fifty (50) in the aggregate of all of the following species or more than one day’s creel limit for any species.

The daily creel limit shall be as follows:

Species Daily Creel Limit

Black Bass..........................................10

(Includes Largemouth, Smallmouth, Kentucky or Spotted, Redeye or Coosa, and Shoal)

WHITE BASS, SALTWATER STRIPED BASS

AND SALTWATER STRIPED-WHITE BASS

HYBRIDS, IN THE AGGREGATE...........................15

(Only 2 of which may be 22 inches or longer in length)

CRAPPIE.............................................30

BREAM...............................................50

(Includes Bluegill, Redbreast, Warmouth,

Shadow Bass and all other species of bream)

PICKEREL..........................................15

(6) Nets shall not be used to take fish from any of the waters covered by this agreement provided, however, minnow seines, dip nets and cast nets meeting the requirements of the respective states for catching minnows for use as live bait are hereby permitted, and provided further that baskets and snaglines may be used for catching and taking non-game fish, upon securing from the proper authority or authorities of the state upon whose side of the boundary line between the states such basket or snagline is used, any license required for the use of such basket or snagline, and upon compliance with any other laws or rules of the state governing the use of such baskets or snagline.

(7) Fish may not be caught or taken by any hook or combination of hooks pulled through the water (snatching); provided however, said hooks may be so used with bait and/or lures to entice fish to strike or bite such bait or lure.

(8) Snaglines, trotlines and wire baskets may be used for catching and taking fish in any of the waters covered by this agreement according to the laws, rules and regulations of the state in which the fishing takes place.

History

• Author: Riley Boykin Smith
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed January 7, 1997; effective February 11, 1997. Amended: Filed April 1, 1999; effective May 6, 1999. Amended (PE): Filed October 4, 2000; effective October 4, 2000.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.123 1997 Spring Turkey Season - West Jefferson Public Hunting Area (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §9-11-301.
• New Rule: Filed March 18, 1997; effective March 18, 1997. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.124 Nonindigenous Aquatic Plant Regulation

For purposes of enforcement of Sections 9-20-1 through 9-20-7, Code of Ala. 1975, enacted by Act No. 95-767, as the “Alabama Nonindigenous Aquatic Plant Control Act”, the following list of all nonindigenous aquatic plants which are prohibited by Section 9-20-3 from being introduced or placed or caused to be introduced or placed into public waters of the state is established:

| COMMON NAME | SCIENTIFIC NAME | | --- | --- | | African elodea | Lagarosiphon spp | | alligatorweed | Alternanthera philoxeriodes | | Brazilian elodea | Egeria densa | | curlyleaf pondweed | Potamogeton crispus | | Eurasian watermilfoil | Myriophyllum spicatum | | floating waterhyacinth | Eichhornia crassipes | | giant salvinia | Salvinia molesta | | hydrilla | Hydrilla verticillata | | hygrophila | Hygrophila polysperma | | limnophila | Limnophila sessiliflora | | parrot-feather | Myriophyllum aquaticum | | purple loosestrife | Lythrum salicaria | | rooted waterhyacinth | Eichhornia azurea | | spinyleaf naiad | Najas minor | | water-aloe | Stratiotes aloides | | water-lettuce | Pistia stratiotes | | water chestnut | Trapa natans | | water spinach | Ipomea aquatica |

History

• Author: James D. Martin
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §9-20-5.
• Filed September 10, 1997; effective October 16, 1997. Amended: Filed April 1, 1999; effective May 6, 1999.
• Penalty: As provided by Section 9-20-6, Code of Ala. 1975.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.125 Special Hunting Seasons For Certain Forever Wild And State Lands Division Lands

(1) The following special hunting seasons, in accordance with the below-stated times, places, manners, and means, are hereby established for the following Forever Wild and State Lands Division lands:

Lillian Swamp Complex – Lillian Swamp South, Caney Bayou, and Lillian Swamp West tracts, Baldwin County;

Pike County Pocosin Complex, Pike County Pocosin and the Sellers addition, Pike County;

Sipsey River Complex – North and South Zones, Sipsey Sullivan, Sipsey Randolph, and Sipsey Robertson tracts, Pruett, TH Robertson, Springer and Sipsey River Swamp 2012, Tuscaloosa County;

Splinter Hill Bog Complex – Splinter Hill Bog Ben May, Splinter Hill Bog International Paper Addition, and Splinter Hill Bog Ben May Charitable Trust tracts, Baldwin County; and

Old Cahawba Prairie, Complex – East and West Zone, Old Cahawba Prairie Tract, Dallas County.

(a) The hunting seasons as established in Rules 220-2-.01, 220-2-.77, and 220-2-.29 as they apply to said lands and to “Open Permit-Public Land” in the particular portions of the counties in which the tracts are located, shall apply except as otherwise provided herein:

1. Hunting of waterfowl shall be restricted to thirty (30) minutes prior to sunrise until 12 noon during the state waterfowl seasons.

2. Feral Swine – No closed season. No bag limit (no dog hunting allowed). Legal weapons limited to those allowed during otherwise listed open season on area. Outside of any listed open season on area, legal weapons shall follow 220-2-.02(6).

3. Deer hunting shall be limited to shotgun with slugs, muzzle-loading rifles, muzzle-loading handguns, muzzle-loading shotguns, pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8” and 2 sharpened edges, pre-charged pneumatic air-powered guns .30 caliber or larger, bow and arrow, or crossbow. Muzzleloading rifles and handguns to be .40 caliber or larger, shotguns to use single round balls only.

4. No centerfire rifles or buckshot shall be allowed for any type of hunting; other than feral swine during otherwise listed closed seasons on area.

5. No dogs shall be permitted for hunting deer, coyote, and feral swine (wild hogs);

6. Special muzzleloader season for Deer: By muzzleloader only – Stalk hunting only (no dogs). During the special muzzleloader deer season, two (2) deer per day only one (1) of which may be an antlered buck (see 9.) and only one (1) may be an unantlered deer (except spotted fawns), is permitted November 16 to November 20, 2026.

7. Turkey hunting on Old Cahawba Prairie complex (East and West Zones) shall be as follows: (Thursday-Sunday) March 20, 2027 through May 2, 2027 from daylight until 1:00 p.m. Special Youth Hunt March 13-14, 2027; Special Disabled Hunt March 19, 2027.

8. Deer and Small Game hunting on Old Cahawba Prairie Complex shall be as follows: (East Zone, Thursday – Sunday) and (West Zone, open daily) during open public hunting seasons.

9. Old Cahawba Prairie Complex (East and West Zones) Deer: antlered bucks must have at least (3) antler points (1” or longer) on at least one main beam to be legal for harvest.

10. Old Cahawba Prairie Complex East Zone – Deer hunting limited to archery only.

11. It shall be illegal for any unauthorized person to possess or use any game camera/devise capable of monitoring remotely and/or capable of automatically transmitting photos and/or videos from March 1- May 31 without first obtaining written permission from the Alabama State Lands Division.

12. It shall be illegal for any unauthorized person launch, land, possess, or use any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/drone without first obtaining written permission from the Alabama State Lands Division.

(2) The following special hunting seasons, in accordance with the below-stated times, places, manners, and means, are hereby established for the following Forever Wild lands:

Coon Creek Tract, Tallapoosa County;

Indian Mountain Complex – Indian Mountain, Indian Mountain Garner, and Simmons addition, Cherokee County; Shoal Creek Preserve Tract, Lauderdale County.

The hunting seasons are established in Rules 220-2-.01, and 220-2-.77 as they apply to said lands and to “Open Permit-Public Land” in the particular portions of the counties in which the tracts are located, shall apply except as otherwise provided herein:

1. Feral Swine – No closed season, no bag limit (no dog hunting allowed). Legal weapons limited to those allowed during otherwise listed open season on area. Outside of any listed open season on area, legal weapons shall follow 220-2-.02(6).

2. Deer hunting shall be limited to bow and arrow, or crossbow.

3. No firearms permitted except for shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller using standard No. 2 shot or smaller.

Note: This prohibition shall not apply to the possession of handguns by lawfully authorized person for their personal protection, provided the handguns are not used to hunt or take or attempt to take wildlife except as otherwise provided by this regulation.

4. No dogs shall be permitted for hunting deer, coyote, and feral swine (wild hogs).

5. Trapping is allowed in accordance with State season and regulations.

6. It shall be illegal for any unauthorized person to possess or use any game camera/devise capable of monitoring remotely and/or capable of automatically transmitting photos and/or videos from March 1- May 31 without first obtaining written permission from the Alabama State Lands Division.

7. It shall be illegal for any unauthorized person to launch, land, possess, or use any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/drone without first obtaining written permission from the Alabama State Lands Division.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-235, 9-11-240.
• New Rule (PE): Filed December 14, 2000; effective December 14, 2000. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 28, 2001; effective August 28, 2001. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed July 17, 2002; effective July 17, 2002. Amended (PE): Filed July 18, 2003; effective July 18, 2003. Amended (PE): Filed August 17 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Amended (PE): Filed August 17, 2005; effective August 17, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed August 29, 2006; effective August 29, 2006. Amended (PE): Filed October 25, 2007; effective October 25, 2007. Amended (PE): Filed October 27, 2008; effective October 27, 2008. Amended (PE): Filed October 6, 2009; effective October 6, 2009. Amended (PE): Filed August 30, 2010; effective August 30, 2010. Amended (PE): Filed August 24, 2011; effective August 24, 2011. Amended (PE): Filed August 24, 2012; effective August 24, 2012. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 30, 2013; effective August 30, 2013. Amended (PE): Filed October 1, 2013; effective October 1, 2013. Amended (PE): Filed July 29, 2014; effective July 29, 2014. Amended (PE): Filed October 17, 2014; effective October 17, 2014. Amended (PE): Filed July 6, 2015; effective July 6, 2015. Amended (PE): Filed May 24, 2016; effective September 1, 2016. Amended (PE): Filed September 8, 2017; effective September 8, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed August 8, 2018; effective August 8, 2018. Amended (PE): Filed August 30, 2019; effective September 1, 2019. Amended (PE): Filed September 8, 2020; effective September 8, 2020. Amended (PE): Published September 30, 2021; effective August 27, 2021. Amended (PE): Published October 31, 2022; effective October 4, 2022. Amended (PE): Published September 29, 2023; effective August 30, 2023. Amended (PE): Published September 30, 2024; effective September 18, 2024. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2025; effective June 17, 2025. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2026; effective June 17, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.126 Public Shooting Range Regulation

(1) It shall be unlawful to discharge firearms on any Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries public shooting range, except in accordance with the following regulations. All range users shall abide by the listed regulations and posted rules pertinent to the range in use. Permits for the excepted uses will be issued by the Hunter Education Coordinator or a designee. The range may be closed as necessary.

(a) Range is open during daylight hours only, unless otherwise posted, except by permit issued by the Hunter Education Coordinator or a designee.

(b) No alcoholic beverages allowed.

(c) Any legal firearm and ammunition (excluding armor-piercing, tracer, or any ammunition considered to be incendiary or explosive) may be used on target range.

(d) Keep all firearms on the shooting line unloaded and muzzles pointed down range when not firing or uncased. When not on the firing line, all firearms shall be unloaded with the action open and muzzle pointed in a safe direction or cased.

(e) All persons are to remain behind the shooting line while firing is taking place. No firing shall be allowed while anyone is down range.

(f) All firearms [except as noted below in (g)] shall only be fired from designated stations on the concrete shooting line into the embankment at stationary paper targets, self-healing, or metal automatic reset targets. Exploding targets are prohibited. The targets must be placed so that shots will impact above the range ground floor and into the bottom 5’ of the embankment. Only one person may shoot from each designated location at any given time.

(g) Only shotguns utilizing 4 size shot or smaller may be used at the designated “Clay Target Areas.”

(h) All used targets, brass, shotgun hulls, and other trash shall be placed in a trash receptacle or removed by the user from the public shooting range.

(i) It shall be unlawful to violate any posted restriction.

(j) All Alabama residents 16 through 64 years of age using a public shooting range are required to have either a valid Alabama: state hunting license, state wildlife management area license, or a state wildlife heritage license to use the range. All non-residents 16 years of age and over are required to have either a valid Alabama: state non-resident hunting license or a state wildlife management area license.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed August 23, 2002; effective September 27, 2002. Amended: Filed March 16, 2009; effective April 20, 2009. Amended: Filed September 9, 2009; effective October 14, 2009. Amended: Filed October 12, 2011; effective November 16, 2011. Amended: Filed September 9, 2013; effective October 14, 2013. Amended: Filed July 12, 2016; effective August 26, 2016. Amended: Filed July 16, 2020; effective September 14, 2020. Amended: Published November 30, 2021; effective January 14, 2021.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.127 Special Hunting Seasons For Blowing Springs Cave Tract (Forever Wild Lands), Lauderdale County

(1) The following special hunting seasons, in accordance with the below-stated times, places, manners, and means, are hereby established:

(a) The hunting seasons as established in Rules 220-2-.01 and 220-2-.77, as they apply to that portion of Lauderdale County known as the Blowing Springs Cave Tract (Forever Wild Lands), and as they apply to "Open Permit-Public Land" in that portion of Lauderdale County, shall apply to hunting on the Blowing Springs Cave Tract (Forever Wild Lands), except as otherwise provided herein:

1. There shall be no open season for deer or turkey.

2. The only legal firearms or weapons shall be black powder firearms otherwise legal for hunting and long bows, compound bows, and crossbows otherwise legal for hunting.

Note: This prohibition shall not apply to the possession of handguns by lawfully authorized person for their personal protection, provided the handguns are not used to hunt or take or attempt to take wildlife except as otherwise provided by this regulation.

3. No trapping shall be allowed.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-235, 9-11-240.
• New Rule (PE): Filed November 15, 2002; effective November 15, 2002. Amended (PE): Filed July 18, 2003; effective July 18, 2003. Amended (PE): Filed August 17, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Amended (PE): Filed August 18, 2005; effective August 18, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed August 29, 2006; effective August 29, 2006. Amended (PE): Filed October 25, 2007; effective October 25, 2007. Amended (PE): Filed October 27, 2008; effective October 27, 2008. Amended (PE): Filed October 1, 2009; effective October 1, 2009. Amended (PE): Filed August 30, 2010; effective August 30, 2010. Amended (PE): Filed September 21, 2012; effective September 21, 2012. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 30, 2013; effective August 30, 2013. Amended (PE): Filed July 29, 2014; effective July 29, 2014. Amended (PE): Filed July 6, 2015; effective July 6, 2015. Amended (PE): Filed May 24, 2016; effective September 1, 2016. Amended (PE): Filed September 8, 2017; effective September 8, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed August 8, 2018; effective August 8, 2018. Amended (PE): Filed August 30, 2019; effective September 1, 2019. Amended (PE): Filed September 8, 2020; effective September 8, 2020.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.128 Special 2006-2007 Hunting Seasons For Coon Creek Tract (Forever Wild Lands), Tallapoosa Country (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-235, 9-11-240.
• New Rule (PE): Filed November 15, 2002; effective November 15, 2002. Amended (PE): Filed July 18, 2003; effective July 18, 2003. Amended (PE): Filed August 17, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Amended (PE): Filed August 17, 2005; effective August 17, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed August 29, 2006; effective August 29, 2006. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.129 Public Water Stocking

It shall be unlawful to intentionally stock or release any fish, mussel, snail, crayfish or their embryos including bait fish into the public waters of Alabama under the jurisdiction of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries as provided in Rule 220-2-.42 except those waters from which it came without the written permission of a designated employee of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources authorized by the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries to issue such permit. The provisions of this rule shall not apply to the incidental release of bait into the water during the normal process of fishing.

History

• Author: Richard C. Liles
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed March 14, 2003; effective April 18, 2003.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.130 Prohibition Of Commercial Or Non-Game Fish Sales And Commercial Gear Use In Specific Advisory Areas

(a) It shall be illegal to fish with the aid of commercial gear in any specific portion of the public waters of the State under the jurisdiction of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries as provided in Rule 220-2-.42 where there has been a fish consumption advisory issued by the State Department of Public Health on any commercial or non-game fish species. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to persons taking fish pursuant to a valid permit issued pursuant to Section 9-11-231, Code of Ala. 1975.

(b) In addition, it shall be illegal to sell or offer for sale any fish taken from such waters regardless of the method by which the fish are taken.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed June 16, 2003; effective July 20, 2003.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.131 Establishment Of Youth Turkey Hunting Area

(1) The following area is hereby designated and established as “Youth Turkey Hunting Area”:

(a) “USA Foundation Hunting Area” as indicated on the attached map.

(2) It shall be unlawful on any area designated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a “Youth Turkey Hunting Area”:

(a) To hunt, trap, use dogs, possess firearms, traps or bow and arrow, without a valid permit. A permit is valid only during scheduled area spring turkey season during legal hunting hours and only with the required hunting license(s) and stamps and only with weapons and ammunition permitted for hunting turkey. See (4) for limited exception for certain lawfully authorized handguns possessed for personal protection.

(b) To have in possession any firearms, ammunition or bow and arrow except as allowed by law for the species hunted. See (4) for limited exception for certain lawfully authorized handguns possessed for personal protection.

(c) For any person to hunt without having in possession all required hunting licenses.

(d) For any person to carry firearms in or on vehicle with ammunition in the magazine, breech or clip attached to firearms, or black powder weapons with primer, cap or flash powder in place.

(e) To camp in the area.

(f) To kill or willfully molest any species of wildlife except those designated for hunting. However, this regulation shall not apply to bobcat, coyote, or fox, which may be killed during all scheduled area hunts that occur during the dates of the spring turkey season.

(g) To discharge fireworks at any time.

(h) To discharge firearms for target practice.

(i) To use fire to smoke out game.

(j) To transport turkey killed from the area before recording pertinent data at the designated checking station.

(k) For any person except those authorized to operate any motor driven vehicle behind, under or around any locked gate, barricaded road or sign which prohibits vehicular traffic.

(l) For any person except authorized personnel to block or otherwise stop traffic on any road or at any gate by parking a vehicle in such a way that passage around the vehicle is impossible.

(m) To damage or remove any trees, crops, or other plants, dirt, gravel or sod without legal authorization.

(n) To hunt from an elevated platform.

(o) To hunt without first making a reservation for the particular hunt.

(p) To hunt more often than two days every week. Failure to cancel a reservation at least 48 hours prior to the hunt dates will be considered the same as if the individual hunted in determining when that person could reserve other dates.

(3) Individuals must follow the listed rules to participate in the scheduled youth turkey hunts.

(a) Each youth participant must be accompanied by an adult supervisor. The adult supervisor is to remain within arm’s length of the youth at all times.

(b) Youth is defined as those individuals who have not reached their sixteenth birthday. Adult is defined as those individuals twenty-five years old or older who are in possession of all state hunting licenses required to hunt turkey on a wildlife management area.

(d) Only one firearm will be allowed per youth. Only the youth hunter will be permitted to utilize the firearm for hunting. The adult is to review with the youth the rules of firearm safety and to ensure they are followed.

(e) The adult-youth pair is to check in and out at the check station as a single unit.

(f) Hunting hours will be daylight until 1:00 P.M. on Saturdays and other dates established by the District Wildlife supervisor of the spring turkey season.

(g) All other rules, laws, and regulations are in effect.

(4) Nothing in this regulation prohibits the possession of handguns by lawfully authorized persons for personal protection, provided the handguns are not used to hunt or take or to attempt to take wildlife in violation of law.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed February 10, 2004; effective March 16, 2004. Amended (map also): Filed September 12, 2007; effective October 17, 2007. Amended (map also): Filed September 11, 2008; effective October 16, 2008. Amended: Filed September 15, 2009; effective October 20, 2009. Amended: Filed September 9, 2013; effective October 14, 2013.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.134 Special State Park Hunting Regulation

(1) The following rules and regulations shall apply at any state park area authorized by the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources for hunting:

(a) BOW AND ARROW (including crossbows) will be legal on all specially scheduled hunts. Broadhead points only must be utilized. Bow and Arrow equipment must meet the specifications of Rule 220-2-.03. All arrows used must contain the name of the hunter thereon. Bow and Arrow will also be permitted in the park for use during authorized official proficiency testing prior to the hunt;

(b) It shall be unlawful:

(1) to hunt without a valid permit. Hunters must comply with all terms and conditions of the permit. A permit is valid only during scheduled Special State Park Hunting Seasons for the particular state park area, only during legal hunting hours, only with the required hunting license(s) and stamps, and only with weapons and ammunition permitted for hunting the wildlife listed on permit;

(2) to use dogs for stalk hunting of deer;

(3) to hunt deer without first presenting his or her required hunting licenses at the checking station;

(4) to possess any firearms;

(5) to hunt within one hundred (100) yards of any campground, house, building or enclosed structure, excluding structures on the Oak Mountain State Park golf course;

(6) to camp on any area except in designated sites. Campfires must be extinguished before departing. No warming fires shall be permitted away from camping area;

(7) to kill or willfully molest any species of wildlife except those designated for hunting;

(8) to use fire to smoke out game;

(9) to transport deer killed during any hunts before being checked at the designated checking station for scientific data;

(10) for any person except authorized personnel to operate any motor driven vehicle behind, under or around any locked gate, barricaded road or sign which prohibits vehicular traffic;

(11) for any unauthorized person at any time to operate a motor scooter, motorcycle, trail bike, or any motor driven vehicle except on regularly used roads open for public use by four-wheel vehicle traffic and except as otherwise authorized;

(12) for any person to hunt without wearing an outer garment above the waist containing a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange color or either a full-size hunter orange hat or cap. Hunters are not required to wear hunter orange when hunting from a stand elevated twelve (12) feet or more above the ground. The hunter orange must be of solid color, except for a small logo and/or printing on the front of the cap, and visible from any angle;

(13) for any person except authorized personnel to block or otherwise stop traffic on any road by parking a vehicle in such a way that passage around the vehicle is impossible;

(14) for any person to deposit, distribute or scatter grain, salt, litter, or any other materials on any area maintained by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources prior to receiving approval from said Department;

(15) to damage or remove any trees, crops, or other plants, dirt, gravel or sod without legal authorization;

(16) to erect or use a permanent tree stand or scaffold;

(17) to cast a light of any kind, either hand held, affixed to a vehicle, or otherwise, between the hours of sunset and sunrise. This paragraph does not apply to the headlights of vehicles traveling in a normal manner on an open established road;

(18) to hunt from an elevated stand or platform without attaching themselves to the tree or platform with a safety harness capable of supporting their weight; or

(19) to violate any posted restrictions on entry, hunting, fishing, or other conduct.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed June 8, 2004; effective July 13, 2004. Amended: Filed January 26, 2006; effective March 2, 2006.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.135 Special State Park Hunting Season (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule (PE): Filed January 6, 2004; effective January 6, 2004. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.136 Establishment Of 2005-2006 Feral Hog Season In Lowndes Wildlife Management Area (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-235, 9-11-240, 9-11-301.
• New Rule (PE): Filed August 12, 2004; effective August 12, 2004. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed August 17, 2005; effective August 17, 2005. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.137 Special State Park Hunting Seasons (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule (PE): Filed September 30, 2004; effective September 30, 2004. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.138 Licensed Game Breeders

All persons, firms or corporations licensed under Section 9-11-30 to engage in the business of raising game birds, game animals, or fur bearing animals shall:

(1) Submit to the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, (hereinafter referenced as “the Division” or “Division”), accurate records of stock and inventory changes caused by births, deaths, escapes, transports, releases, transfers, sales, purchases or other causes; provided however, holders of the nonindigenous game breeder option who are not engaged in the breeding and handling of such animals may submit a good faith estimate of stock inventory and inventory changes as to such animals. Effective June 1, 2018, all inventory records and changes described above relating to game animals shall be submitted via the Division’s electronic database through individual user accounts, or by phone utilizing a Division approved call center through individual user accounts. Initial inventory records submissions may also be established by mailing a letter, signed by the license holder, identifying the number of game animals currently in inventory, and a copy of each animal’s current Cervidae Possession/Transfer Form to the Division through the U.S. Postal Service utilizing certified mail. Inventory changes caused by births on a license holder’s facility may also be established by mailing a letter, signed by the license holder, identifying the number of game animals to be added due to birth, and a copy of each animal’s Cervidae Possession/Transfer Form to the Division through the U.S. Postal Service utilizing certified mail.

(a) For the purposes of this rule, the following words shall have the meanings given to them in this rule when related to the physical movement of game animals.

1. “Transport” means to take, carry, or move a game animal from one location to another.

2. “Transfer” means the transport of any game animal from a licensed game breeder facility to another licensed game breeder facility or to another individual or facility that is licensed or permitted to possess game animals, where the transport results in a change in inventory.

3. “Release” means the transport of any game animal from a licensed game breeder facility to an enclosure that is not a licensed game breeder facility, where the transport results in a change in inventory.

(2) Allow inspection by agents authorized by the Division and Department of Agriculture and Industries, of stock, facilities and records at all reasonable times.

(3) Each fawn shall be marked with an assigned ear tag, as specified by the Division, which identifies each animal, at the earliest of the following dates: the date it is transported, the date it is transferred, the date it is released, or by April 1 of the year immediately following the fawn’s birth. The fawn’s species, sex, date of birth, ear tag number, and other identifying features shall be submitted, as required in paragraph (1), via the user’s account on the database, by certified mail, or by phone. Such tags shall not be reassigned to or reused on another animal. Tags shall not be removed, except during transport when the animal is being released, provided the tag shall be in possession during transport. Animals which lose tags shall be reassigned a replacement tag number and be remarked before sale or transfer.

(4) Identify the location of each facility by physical address and notify designated Division personnel of any changes in size or location of the facility. The entire perimeter of a licensed game breeder facility shall be enclosed on all sides by either: a single fence that is a minimum of eight feet (8’) high, or a double fence with each single fence being a minimum of eight feet (8’) high and a minimum separation of ten feet (10’) between the two single fences. Single fences and double fences must be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to adequately prevent ingress and egress by cervids.

(5) Within 24 hours of discovery, notify designated Division personnel of any deaths via the database or telephone. Any animals twelve (12) months of age or older that have died must be submitted to an ADAI authorized laboratory for postmortem Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing within ten (10) days of reported death. Disease testing of any captive game animal will be at the expense of the licensee.

(6) Within 24 hours of discovery, notify designated Division personnel of escapes via the database or phone and coordinate recapture efforts as directed by Division personnel. The licensed game breeder shall have ten days from the date of such report to recapture only those escaped deer that are listed on the breeder’s inventory. All recaptured deer must be returned to the facility from which the deer escaped. If after ten days the licensed game breeder is unable to recapture escaped deer that have been reported in accordance with this regulation, the Division may grant an additional ten-day period for recapture efforts to continue, contingent upon the licensed game breeder proving to the Division's satisfaction that reasonable efforts were made to effect the recapture during the first ten-day period.

(7) Any releases, transfers, sales, or purchases of inventoried game animals that results in a change in inventory shall be reported via the user’s account on the database or by phone. This includes providing the date and location of the event. In addition, the recipient’s serial number, commonly referred to as an Alabama Game Breeder number, shall be reported if the recipient is a licensed game breeder. Licensed Game Breeders who are recipients of transfers must accept or decline the transfer via the database or phone within ten days.

(8) Game animals shall not be transported without being accompanied by a valid transport number issued by the Division. To receive a transport number, a game breeder must identify the animals to be transported and provide the destination location of the transport via the database or phone. Once issued, the transport number will be valid for ten days.

(9) Upon notification by authorized Division personnel of a documented disease risk, not remove from any licensed game breeder facility any animals alive or dead until approved by authorized Division personnel.

(10) For species of the family Cervidae, obtain a premises registration number and comply with the conditions set forth in any herd health or monitoring plan that may be designated by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.

(11) Acquire animals only from licensed game breeders, except by written approval from authorized Division personnel.

The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, may order the confiscation and destruction of any animal that is deemed to be a substantial disease risk to other wildlife, domestic animals, or the public without compensation to the owner of such animal. This shall not affect the authority of other state or federal agencies with respect to confiscation, destruction or condemnation of or compensation for such animals.

Nothing in this regulation is intended to authorize the importation into this state of any live animal, or their eggs or embryos which is otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §9-11-30.
• New Rule: Filed June 6, 2006; effective July 11, 2006. Amended: Filed March 16, 2009, effective April 20, 2009. Amended: Filed February 5, 2018, effective March 22, 2018. Amended: Published February 27, 2026; effective April 13, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.139 Hunting Or Discharging A Firearm Near A Dwelling, Etc.

It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or attempt to hunt within 100 yards of any dwelling belonging to another, whether occupied or not, without the permission or the owner or lessee of said dwelling. Provided further, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm while hunting in such a manner that any projectile strikes any dwelling or building used for human occupation, whether occupied or not, or any commercial vessel, without the permission of the owner or lessee of said dwelling, building or vessel. This regulation shall not apply to a landowner or member of his or her immediate family hunting on his or her own property provided that no projectile strikes any of the above stated property of another without the permission of the owner or lessee of said property.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed July 18, 2005; effective August 22, 2005.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.140 Special State Park Hunting Seasons

There are hereby established Special State Park Hunting Seasons for the following parks:

(1) Oak Mountain State Park – Whitetail Deer Hunt by bow and arrow (including crossbows)only. Hunting will be permitted through a limited quota permit system selected by random computerized selection for designated areas of the park November 2, 2026 – February 10, 2027. Permit holders and their properly licensed guest must be 16 years of age or older. Hunters may only hunt in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Stalk hunting only, no dogs. Hunters will be allowed to take up to four deer total during the permitted hunt, only one of which may be an antlered buck. All four deer may be harvested the same day. Antlered bucks must have at least four (4) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one main beam. State buck harvest limits will apply.

An Adult Mentored Hunt administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will take place January 15, 2027 – January 17, 2027.

(2) Frank Jackson State Park – Whitetail Deer Hunt by bow and arrow (including crossbows) only. Hunting will be permitted through a limited quota permit system selected by random computerized selection for designated areas of the park November 5, 2026 - February 8, 2027. Permit holder may be accompanied by one youth guest or one properly licensed guest 16 years of age or older. If bringing a youth guest, permit holder must be at least 21 year of age or the parent of the youth guest. Hunter may only hunt in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Stalk hunting only, no dogs. State harvest limits will apply.

(a) Frank Jackson State Park - Small game hunt permitted through an Adult Mentored Hunt administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will take place February 13, 2027.

(3) Lake Guntersville State Park – Whitetail Deer Hunt by bow and arrow (including crossbows) only. Hunting will only be permitted exclusively through an Adult Mentored Hunt administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources which will take place December 18-20, 2026 and January 29-31, 2027.

(4) Alligator: The following State Park will be open for Alligator season in accordance with state laws and regulations as set forth in 220-2-.143 and 220-2-.01.

(a) Frank Jackson State Park is open to those possessing an Alligator Possession Tag for the Southeast Management Area.

(5) Coyote: Open during any scheduled State Park Special Opportunity Hunting Season at Oak Mountain State Park, Frank Jackson State Park, and Lake Guntersville State Park using weapons and ammunition approved for those hunts. No dogs allowed. Daylight hours only. Limited to those limited quota permit holders for the specified permit days and units.

(6) Falconry: The following State Parks will allow falconry in accordance with state laws and regulations during squirrel and rabbit hunting seasons as set forth in Rules 220-2-.01 and 220-2-.02: DeSoto State Park, Joe Wheeler State Park, Lake Guntersville State Park, Lakepoint Resort State Park, Chewacla State Park, Bucks Pocket State Park, Lake Lurleen State Park, Monte Sano State Park, Oak Mountain State Park, Paul M. Grist State Park, Wind Creek State Park, Frank Jackson State Park, Cheaha State Park, Cathedral Caverns State Park, Rickwood State Park, Meaher State Park, and Blue Springs State Park.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule (PE): Filed October 18, 2005; effective October 18, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed October 12, 2006; effective October 12, 2006. Amended (PE): Filed October 29, 2007; effective October 29, 2007. Amended (PE): Filed December 4, 2008; effective December 4, 2008. Amended (PE): Filed October 14, 2009; effective October 14, 2009. Amended (PE): Filed November 16, 2010; effective November 16, 2010. Amended (PE): Filed October 28, 2011; effective October 28, 2011. Amended (PE): Filed August 19, 2014; effective August 19, 2014. Amended: Filed September 8, 2015; effective October 13, 2015. Amended (PE): Filed August 18, 2016; effective August 18, 2016. Amended (PE): Filed September 27, 2017; effective September 27, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed November 21, 2017; effective November 21, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed August 16, 2018; effective August 16, 2018. Amended (PE): Filed September 5, 2018; effective September 5, 2018. Amended (PE): Filed September 16, 2019; effective September 16, 2019. Amended (PE): Filed July 21, 2020; effective July 21, 2020. Amended (PE): Published August 31, 2021; effective July 22, 2021. Amended (PE): Published August 31, 2022; effective August 1, 2022. Amended (PE): Published August 31, 2023; effective July 26, 2023. Amended (PE): Published August 30, 2024; effective July 31, 2024. Amended (PE): Published July 31, 2025; effective July 3, 2025. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2026; effective June 17, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.141 Special 2006-2007 Hunting Seasons For Shoal Creek Preserve Tract (Forever Wild Lands), Lauderdale County (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-235, 9-11-240.
• New Rule (PE): Filed October 17, 2005; effective October 17, 2005. Amended (PE): Filed August 29, 2006; effective August 29, 2006. Amended (PE): Filed October 12, 2006; effective October 12, 2006. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective September 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.142 Turtle Dealer/Farmer Regulation

(1) Definitions:

(a) “Division” - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(b) “Director” - The Director of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(c) “Turtle Farmer” - Any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of propagating legally acquired captive indigenous turtles or turtle eggs for commercial purposes.

(d) “Turtle Dealer” - Any person, firm, or corporation who purchases, imports or exports turtles or turtle eggs for resale or stocking purposes or who sells, offers for sale, or trades for anything of value legally acquired live turtles.

(e) “Nonindigenous Animal” – A species of animal, other than birds, that does not exist historically and naturally in the wild within the state or does not exist within the state as a result of the natural expansion of its range. Ref. Section 9-11-500(2)

(2)(a) No person shall take, attempt to take, sell or possess any turtle egg or turtle or parts thereof from the wild in this state, to include public and private waters, for commercial purposes, except those turtle farmers who may take nuisance turtles from privately constructed farm ponds for use as breeder turtles only under specially issued permits from the Director or his designee. Turtles taken under the specially issued nuisance permits shall not be sold or bartered. This is not to prohibit the operations of properly permitted “Turtle Farmers” or “Turtle Dealers” as defined in paragraph (1) as long as those turtles are not taken from the wild.

(b) Nothing in this regulation prohibits the taking for personal use of up to two legal turtles per day by hand, dip net or hook and line from the wild in this state, to include public and private waters.

(3)(a) Any person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of propagating captive turtles or incubating and hatching turtle eggs for restocking, sale, or other commercial purposes must first obtain a turtle farmer’s permit from the Director. Each turtle farmer permittee must agree to meet designated standards for enclosure construction and animal care prior to being permitted.

(b) Each permittee will file the following annual reports on forms provided by the Division prior to renewal of their farmer permit:

(i) Each permittee will file a WFF Turtle Farmer Inventory Report Form on form provided by the Division prior to renewal of their farmer permit.

(ii) All turtles imported into or exported out of the state of Alabama for commercial purposes shall be accompanied by a bill of lading which provides the following information: (1) name of person importing/exporting the turtles; (2) permit number of person importing/exporting the turtles; (3) date of shipment; (4) quantity and species of turtles; (5) origin (state and body of water) of shipment; (6) destination of shipment; (7) total value of shipment; and (8) signature of owner/transporter. A copy of the bill of lading shall remain with the shipment. A copy of the bill of lading or a copy of the WFF Bill of Lading Form must be sent to the Division.

(iii) Each WFF Turtle Farmer Report required in this regulation must be filed with the Division prior to renewing their annual permit and must include the following and any other information specified by the Director: (1) permit holder’s name and permit number; (2) buyer/seller’s name and address; (3) date of transaction; (4) origin (state ) of turtles purchased/sold; (5) quantity and species of turtles purchased/sold/caught; (6) amount received/paid for turtles and; (7) signature of permit holder.

(c) No person, firm or corporation shall import or cause to be imported, any nonindigenous turtle species for the purpose of propagation. Nonindigenous turtle species may not be propagated within the state.

(d) Standards of care for turtle breeder facilities.

1. Outdoor facilities, including, but not limited to, breeding ponds, grow-out ponds, holding ponds, and nesting areas shall meet the following conditions: 1. All facilities shall have perimeter fencing not less than 24 inches in height from ground level and be sufficient to prevent egress and ingress of any turtle. 2. All ponds shall be permanent earthen structures unless otherwise stipulated by the Director. 3. Turtle nesting areas shall consist of non-compacted soil of sufficient depth and area to meet the reproductive needs of species being bred and accommodate the density of the facility’s breeding stock.
2. Indoor facilities shall meet the following conditions: 1. All indoor facilities shall have a structurally sound barrier to prevent egress or ingress of any turtle. 2. Suitable sanitary methods shall provide for rapid elimination of excess water and shall be properly constructed, and kept in good repair, to ensure the health of the turtles at all times. The method of drainage shall comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to pollution control or the protection of the environment. 3. Turtle nesting areas shall consist of non-compacted soil of sufficient depth and area to meet the reproductive needs of species being bred and accommodate the density of the facility’s breeding stock.
3. When shipping and transporting turtles, the following conditions must be met: 1. Containers used for live transport should be designed, constructed, and fitted as appropriate to the species, size, and weight of the animals being transported. Containers should have adequate ventilation for the animals.

b. Animals may not be stacked upon one another in a container during transport.

c. Animals shall be protected from adverse weather conditions while transporting.

(4)(a) Any person, firm or corporation engaged in the import, export, sale or trade of live turtles or turtle eggs must first obtain a “Turtle Dealers” permit from the Director or his designee. Each turtle dealer permittee must agree to meet designated standards for enclosure construction and animal care prior to being permitted.

(b) Each permittee will file the following annual reports on forms provided by the Division prior to renewal of their dealer permit:

i. Each permittee will file a WFF Turtle Dealer Inventory Report Form on form provided by the Division prior to renewal of their dealer permit.

ii. All turtles imported into or exported out of the state shall be accompanied by a bill of lading which provides the following information: (1) name of person importing/exporting the turtles; (2) permit number of person importing/exporting the turtles; (3) date of shipment; (4) quantity and species of turtles; (5) origin (state and body of water) of shipment; (6) destination of shipment; (7) total value of shipment; and (8) signature of owner/transporter. A copy of the bill of lading shall remain with the shipment. A copy of the bill of lading or a copy of the WFF Bill of Lading Form must be sent to the Division.

iii. Each WFF Turtle Dealer Report required in this regulation must be filed with the Division prior to renewing their annual permit and must include the following and any other information specified by the Director: (1) Permit holder’s name and permit number; (2) buyer/seller’s name and address; (3) date of transaction; (4) origin (state and body of water) of shipment; (5) quantity and species of turtles purchased/sold; (6) amount received/paid for turtles and; (7) signature of owner/transporter.

(c) Turtle dealers may import, export, sell, or trade live nonindigenous turtle species. Nonindigenous turtle species may not be propagated within the state.

(d) Standards of Care for Turtle Dealer Facilities

1. Outdoor facilities, including, but not limited to, grow-out ponds and holding ponds, shall meet the following conditions: 1. All facilities shall have perimeter fencing not less than 24 inches in height from ground level and be sufficient to prevent egress and ingress of any turtle. 2. All ponds shall be permanent earthen structures unless otherwise stipulated by the Director. 3. All turtles housed in outdoor facilities should be segregated by sex as to not allow reproduction.
2. Indoor facilities shall meet the following conditions: 1. All indoor facilities shall have a structurally sound barrier to prevent egress or ingress of any turtle. 2. Suitable sanitary methods shall provide for rapid elimination of excess water and shall be properly constructed, and kept in good repair, to ensure the health of the turtles at all times. The method of drainage shall comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to pollution control or the protection of the environment. 3. Indoor facilities shall provide appropriate lighting, temperatures, humidity, and clean water to meet the physical requirement of each species. Fresh food and clean water should be provided to turtles to fulfill their dietary requirements. 4. Effective measures must be provided to prevent and control infection, disease, parasites, or vermin. 5. All turtles housed in indoor facilities should be segregated by sex as to not allow reproduction.
3. When shipping and transporting turtles, the following conditions must be met: 1. Containers used for live transport should be designed, constructed, and fitted as appropriate to the species, size, and weight of the animals being transported. Containers should have adequate ventilation for the animals. 2. Animals may not be stacked upon one another in a container during transport. 3. Animals shall be protected from adverse weather conditions while transporting. (5) The Director or other persons as designated for such purposes shall have the power and authority to inspect and examine the books, records, turtles or facilities of each permit holder.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed August 10, 2006; effective September 14, 2006. Rule: Filed August 26, 2011; effective September 30, 2011. Amended: Filed June 15, 2012; effective July 20, 2012. Amended: Filed September 9, 2013; effective October 14, 2013. Amended: Filed June 20, 2016; effective August 4, 2016. Amended: Filed May 9, 2017; effective June 23, 2017. Amended: Published July 31, 2025; effective September 14, 2025.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.143 Alligator Management Areas and Seasons Established

(1) A hunting season for American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is hereby established in five areas of Alabama, as provided for below. These areas hereafter are referred to as Alligator Management Areas (AMAs) and are hereby established as, and shall constitute special “wildlife management areas,” in accordance with Sections 9-11-300, 301, Code of Ala. 1975. Five AMAs shall be in portions of Baldwin, Mobile, Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Choctaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Marengo, Russell, Dallas, and Wilcox Counties. Hunting of alligator for the purpose of harvest management of wildlife are subject to these regulations.

(2) Locations of AMAs:

(a) SOUTHWEST MANAGEMENT AREA – The private and public waters in Baldwin and Mobile Counties that lie north of I-10 and private and public waters in Washington, Choctaw, Clarke, and Monroe Counties that lie south of U.S. Highway 84.

(b) COASTAL MANAGEMENT AREA – The private and public waters in Baldwin and Mobile Counties that lie south of I-10.

(c) SOUTHEAST MANAGEMENT AREA – The private and public waters in Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Russell Counties (excluding public Alabama state waters in Walter F. George Reservoir (Lake Eufaula) and its navigable tributaries).

(d) WEST CENTRAL MANAGEMENT AREA – The private and public waters in Monroe, Clarke and Choctaw Counties north of U.S. Highway 84; Marengo County west of State Highway 28 and South of U.S. Highway 80; and Wilcox and Dallas Counties (excluding Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge).

(e) LAKE EUFAULA MANAGEMENT AREA – The public Alabama state waters only in the Walter F. George Reservoir (Lake Eufaula) and its navigable tributaries (excluding main channel of the Chattahoochee River), south of 13th Street Bridge in Phenix City(excluding Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge).

(3) Season:

(a) SOUTHWEST MANAGEMENT AREA – From Official Sunset Time on the second Thursday in August until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the second Thursday in August; from Official Sunset Time on the third Thursday in August until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the third Thursday in August; and from Official Sunset Time on the second Thursday in September until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the second Thursday in September.

(b) COASTAL MANAGEMENT AREA – From Official Sunset Time on the second Thursday in August until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the second Thursday in August; from Official Sunset Time on the third Thursday in August until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the third Thursday in August; and from Official Sunset Time on the second Thursday in September until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the second Thursday in September.

(c) SOUTHEAST MANAGEMENT AREA – From Official Sunset Time on the second Saturday in August until the Official Sunrise Time on the first Monday of September.

(d) WEST CENTRAL MANAGEMENT AREA – From Official Sunset Time on the second Thursday in August until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the second Thursday in August; and from Official Sunset Time on the third Thursday in August until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the third Thursday in August; and from the Official Sunset Time on the second Thursday in September until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the second Thursday in September.

(e) LAKE EUFAULA MANAGEMENT AREA – From Official Sunset Time on the second Thursday in August until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the second Thursday in August; from Official Sunset Time on the third Thursday in August until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the third Thursday in August; and from Official Sunset Time on the second Thursday in September until Official Sunrise Time on the Sunday immediately following the second Thursday in September.

(4) Hunting Hours:

(a) Southwest, Coastal, Southeast, Lake Eufaula, and West Central Management Areas – Official Sunset until Official Sunrise.

(5) Persons Eligible:

(a) Alabama Residents and Lifetime Hunting License holders of the State of Alabama who are sixteen (16) years of age or older holding any valid all game or small game Alabama Hunting License may apply for Resident Alligator Harvest Permit (see License Requirements).

(b) Non-residents who are sixteen (16) years of age or older holding any valid all game or small game Alabama Non-resident Hunting License may apply for an Alligator Harvest Permit (see License Requirements).

(c) Hunting Assistants (Residents and Non-Residents) sixteen (16) years of age or older must hold any valid all game or small game Alabama Hunting License.

(6) Harvest Permits:

(a) Permit Holders – The following permits and tags are established and required to hunt and harvest alligator in the State of Alabama. Each Permit Holder can receive up to two (2) Alligator Possession Tags.

1. Alabama Residents.

(i) Resident Alligator Harvest Permit [$250.00]. This Permit is required for residents to hunt and take alligators in a designated Alligator Management Area. A valid all game or small game Alabama Hunting License is required in addition to the Alligator Harvest Permit to harvest and possess alligators.

(ii) Resident Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit [$125.00]. This permit is required for residents to hunt and take a bonus alligator in a designated Alligator Management Area. Holders of a Resident Alligator Harvest Permit are eligible to purchase one (1) Resident Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit. A valid all game or small game Alabama Hunting License is required in addition to the Alligator Harvest Permit to harvest and possess alligators.

2. Non-residents.

(i) Non-resident Alligator Harvest Permit [$1000.00]. This Permit is required for non-residents to hunt and take alligators in a designated Alligator Management Area. A valid all game or small game Non-resident Alabama Hunting License is required in addition to the Non-resident Alligator Harvest Permit to harvest and possess alligators.

(ii) Non-resident Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit [$500.00]. This permit is required for non-residents to hunt and take a bonus alligator in a designated Alligator Management Area. Holders of a Non-resident Alligator Harvest Permit are eligible to purchase one (1) Non-resident Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit. A valid all game or small game Non-resident Alabama Hunting License is required in addition to the Non-resident Alligator Harvest Permit to harvest and possess alligators.

(b) Possession Tag – All harvested alligators must have a Temporary Alligator Possession Tag attached to the alligator immediately after being dispatched and prior to moving. Hunters must bring alligator carcass or alligator hides, their attached Temporary Alligator Possession Tag, and information regarding length, weight, girth, and sex to a Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District check station or office as specified by the designated AMAs harvest reporting requirements to receive their permanent Federal CITES Alligator Possession Tag. Temporary Alligator Possession Tag will be mailed to the Alligator Harvest Permittee prior to their selected AMA season.

(c) If a person is selected for an Alligator Harvest Permit and Possession Tag at two or more Management Areas, they will be allowed to select which Management Area they would like to hunt. The other spot(s) not selected will be filled from the Alternates list.

(d) Harvest Permit and Possession Tag. Harvest Permits and Bonus Management Harvest Permits (Resident and Non-resident) and Possession Tags are non-transferable.

(7) Bag Limit and Size:

(a) Bag Limit- Each person receiving an Alligator Harvest Permit (Resident and Non-Resident) or an Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit (Resident or Non-resident) will be allowed to harvest one (1) alligator per permit.

(b) Size- Alligators harvested in the Lake Eufaula Management Area must be a minimum of eight (8) feet in length. The remaining Management Areas have no length requirement on alligators harvested with an Alligator Harvest Permit (Resident or Non-resident). All Alligators harvested with an Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit (Resident or Non-resident) shall be no larger than six (6) feet in length.

(8) Applications: Applications for Alligator Harvest Permits will be accepted only at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Website at www.outdooralabama.com beginning at 8:00 AM on the first Tuesday in June. There is no charge for each Management Area application submitted. Registration will end at 8:00 AM on the last Tuesday of June. The drawings for each Management Area will be held on the Wednesday immediately following the last Tuesday of June. All applicants will be able to check for their results on the same website that they registered. Selected applicants must complete the Mandatory Training Course and purchase the Alligator Harvest Permit prior to accepting their hunter status. Selected applicant’s acceptance is required by 8:00 AM on the next consecutive Wednesday immediately following the drawing. If a Permit is not accepted, the next applicant on the list will be notified and given 24 hours to respond. These notifications will continue until all Permit vacancies have been obligated. Only one (1) application shall be allowed per person per Management Area. Applications shall be in accordance with the procedure set out at www.outdooralabama.com.

(9) Preference Points: The random selection process will utilize a preference point system. The system increases the likelihood of repeat applicants being selected for an Alligator Harvest Permit as long as the applicant continues to apply. The more years an applicant participates in the registration, the higher the likelihood of being selected. If an applicant ceases to register for the Alligator Harvest Permit in a given year or is selected and accepts a tag for an AMA hunt, the preference point status is forfeited.

(10) Mandatory Training Course: All successful applicants will be required to complete the online Alligator Training Course prior to accepting their hunter/alternate status. The video will be available for viewing at www.outdooralabama.com. The official course will be available on the applicant’s status page upon login.

(11) Capture and Dispatch Methods:

(a) For All Management Areas

1. Alligators must be captured and brought adjacent to the boat, bank or dock prior to shooting or otherwise dispatching the animal. It is unlawful to shoot at or kill an unrestrained alligator. Restrained is defined as an alligator that has a noose or snare secured around the neck or leg in a manner that the alligator is controlled. Capture methods are restricted to hand-held snares, snatch hooks (hand-held or rod/reel), harpoons (with attached line), and bowfishing equipment (with line attached from arrow to bow or crossbow). No use of bait is allowed.

2. All alligators must be captured and dispatched from the Alligator Permit holder’s boat. No capture or dispatch equipment is allowed in assisting boats.

3. All alligators of legal length must be dispatched immediately once boatside and restrained, as defined above. Culling is prohibited. No alligators should be captured for photographic or any other purposes and released. Firearms used for dispatching an alligator are restricted to shotguns with shot size no larger than #4 and bangsticks chambered in .38 caliber or larger or shotgun (using #4 shot or smaller). All shotguns and bangsticks must be cased and unloaded at all times until a restraining line has been attached to the alligator. Except as otherwise provided herein, no other firearm or ammunition may be in possession of the permittee or hunting party. No firearm or bangstick may be discharged within 100 yards of any residence, building, boat ramp, or occupied campsite in Mobile/Baldwin Counties and on the Alabama River, Claiborne Lake, William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir and Lake Walter F. George (Lake Eufaula). The Temporary Alligator Possession Tag supplied by Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries must be attached to the alligator’s tail, as demonstrated in the training video, immediately after being dispatched and prior to moving or transporting.

(12) Mandatory Check Station:

(a) SOUTHWEST, COASTAL, WEST CENTRAL, AND LAKE EUFAULA MANAGEMENT AREAS – All successful permittees must bring their harvested alligators from these Management Areas to a designated mandatory check station on scheduled dates of the designated AMA season. Check station locations and scheduled dates will be posted to the website https://www.outdooralabama.com/seasons-and-bag-limits/alligator-season. All harvested alligators must have a Temporary Alligator Possession Tag attached to the alligator immediately after being dispatched and prior to moving. The permanent Federal CITES Alligator Possession Tag will be affixed to the harvested alligator by Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries personnel at the check station.

(b) SOUTHEAST MANAGEMENT AREA – All successful permittees must bring their harvested alligator hides, their Temporary Alligator Possession Tag, and information regarding length, weight, girth, and sex to a Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries district office within 10 business days of their harvest. Alligator harvest record sheets detailing the required information will be mailed with the Temporary Alligator Possession Tag to the Permittee. Upon validation of the alligator harvest data by WFF personnel, a permanent Federal CITES Alligator Possession Tag will be attached to the alligator.

(13) Harvest Reporting and Tagging:

(a) SOUTHWEST, COASTAL, WEST CENTRAL, and LAKE EUFAULA MANAGEMENT AREAS – All successful permittees must bring their harvested alligators from these Management Areas to a designated mandatory check station on scheduled dates of the designated AMA season. All harvested alligators must have a Temporary Alligator Possession Tag attached to the alligator immediately after being dispatched and prior to moving. The permanent Federal CITES Alligator Possession Tag will be affixed to the harvested alligator by Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries personnel at the check station.

(b) SOUTHEAST MANAGEMENT AREA– All successful permittees from these management areas must bring their harvested alligator hides, their Temporary Alligator Possession Tag, and Alligator harvest record sheet regarding length, weight, girth, and sex to a Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries district office within 10 business days of their harvest. Alligator harvest record sheets detailing the required information will be mailed with the Temporary Alligator Possession Tag to the Permittee. Upon validation of the alligator harvest data by WFF personnel, a permanent Federal CITES Alligator Possession Tag will be attached to the alligator by Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries personnel.

(14) License Requirements:

(a) Alligator Harvest Permittee: Holders of an Alligator Harvest Permit (Resident or Non-Resident) must be in possession of a government issued picture identification and a valid Alabama Resident or Non-Resident all game or small game Hunting License as required by Alabama law. The aforementioned permits and valid hunting license must be in possession during the season while hunting and possessing alligator.

(b) Alligator Hunting Assistant: All assistants, either resident or non-resident, in the hunting party sixteen (16) years of age or older are required to purchase and be in possession of a valid Alabama all game or small game Hunting License as required by Alabama law. All persons in the boat or assisting boats that are not the Alligator Harvest Permittee are considered Hunting Assistants.

(15) General:

(a) Nothing in this regulation prohibits the possession of handguns by lawfully authorized persons for personal protection, provided the handguns are not used to hunt or take or to attempt to take wildlife in violation of law.

(b) ALL ALABAMA BOATING AND HUNTING REGULATIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED.

(c) For the purposes of this regulation the term “animal protected by the laws of this state” as used in Section 9-11-235 of the Code of Ala. 1975, shall mean game animals as designated by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-11-300, 9-11-301.
• New Rule: Filed August 10, 2006; effective September 14, 2006. Repealed and New Rule: Filed September 9, 2009; effective October 14, 2009. Amended: Filed August 26, 2011; effective September 30, 2011. Amended: Filed August 20, 2012; effective September 24, 2012. Amended: Filed September 9, 2013; effective October 14, 2013. Amended: Filed July 16, 2014; effective August 20, 2014. Amended: Filed July 10, 2015; effective August 14, 2015. Amended: Filed May 20, 2016; effective May 20, 2016. Amended (PE): Filed May 22, 2017; effective May 22, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective June 19, 2018. Amended (PE): Filed May 28, 2019; effective May 28, 2019. Amended (PE): Filed May 6, 2020; effective May 6, 2020. Amended (PE): Filed May 26, 2020; effective May 26, 2020. Amended (PE): Published August 31, 2021; effective July 22, 2021. Repealed and New Rule (PE): Filed May 18, 2023; effective May 18, 2023. Amended (PE): Published June 28, 2024; effective June 28, 2024. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2026; effective June 16, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.145 Special 2006 Hunting Season For Certain hunting Event At Dreamwood Property, Bigbee, Alabama, Washington Country (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-11-240.
• New Rule (PE): Filed September 26, 2006; effective September 26, 2006. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective June 19, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.146 Game Check System - Deer And Turkey Harvest Record And Reporting Requirement

(1) For the purpose of this regulation:

(a) “Deer” shall be defined as a white-tailed deer.

(b) “Antlered Deer” shall be defined as a white-tailed deer with antlers visible above the natural hairline.

(c) “Unantlered Deer” shall be defined as all other white-tailed deer.

(2) DEER AND TURKEY HARVEST RECORD FORM:

(a) Any person hunting deer or turkey, whether required to be licensed or not, shall maintain and have in his/her possession either:

1. A “Deer and Turkey Harvest Record” which shall be in substantially the following form and contain the same information:

HARVEST RECORD

| NAME:__________________________________________ LICENSE NO. (IF APPLICABLE):____________________________ ANTLERED DEER– One of the three must have 4 pts, 1” or longer on one side | Season Year | UNANTLERED DEER USE BACK OR ATTACH HANDWRITTEN VERSION TO RECORD ADDITIONAL UNANTLERED DEER. | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Harvest Date | Points | Confirmation # | Harvest Date | Confirmation # | | | | | | //___ | R: | L: | | //___ | | | | | | //___ | R: | L: | | | | //___ | | | | //___ | R: | L: | | | //___ | | | | | NOTE: For Barbour County – minimum of 3 points, 1” or longer, on one antler for all antlered deer. Further restrictions apply on certain management areas. See Wildlife Management Area information. | | //___ | | | | | | | | //___ | | | | | | | | | | | | | //___ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | TURKEY | | | | | | | | | | Harvest Date | //___ | //___ | //___ | //___ | | | | | | Confirmation # | | | | | | | | |

2. The State of Alabama, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (“DCNR”) approved App on a hand-held device capable of recording the harvest in the Game Check System as set forth in paragraph (3).

NOTE: Harvest Record must be in possession when hunting. See paragraph 2(a). Hunter must record before field dressing or moving carcass. See paragraph 2(b). Hunter must obtain confirmation number within 48 hours. See paragraph 3.

(b) All deer or turkey harvested shall be recorded completely on either the harvest record form as identified in paragraph (2)(a) above or the DCNR approved App by the hunter harvesting the deer or turkey before the deer or turkey is moved or field dressed; provided however, that confirmation numbers for each deer or turkey harvested shall be obtained by following the procedures set forth in paragraph (3) hereof, and shall be entered on the harvest record within forty-eight (48) hours of harvest.

(c) Any person who harvests a deer or turkey shall have in their possession either the completed harvest record form as identified in paragraph (2)(a) above or the DCNR approved App. In addition, any other person who is in possession of a deer or turkey not harvested by that person shall have in their possession either: (1) written documentation including the name and Conservation Identification Number (CID) of the person(s) who harvested the deer or turkey, as well as the dates(s) of harvest and Game Check confirmation number(s) of all deer and/or turkeys in their possession or (2) a DCNR Transfer of Possession Certificate, available at www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/hunter-resources.

(3) DEER AND TURKEY HARVEST REPORTING REQUIREMENT:

(a) All hunters shall report to the DCNR, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, their harvest of each and every deer or turkey within forty-eight (48) hours of harvest, by using one of the following methods, as further described herein: (1) the DCNR “Game Check” reporting site at www.OutdoorAlabama.com/Gamecheck; or (2) the OutdoorAlabama App on a hand-held device; or (3) the DCNR approved Toll-Free Number.

(b) Online reporting shall be done by: (1) accessing the web site stated above; (2) using the OutdoorAlabama App on a hand-held device; or (3) by any other means of accessing the DCNR “Game Check” reporting site on the internet.

On the Deer Harvest Reporting page, the hunter shall be required to provide: (1) his or her 16-digit hunting license number or lifetime license number or other authorized identification number; (2) whether the deer is an “antlered deer” or an “unantlered deer;” (3) whether the harvest location is public or private land; (4) date of the harvest; and (5) the county of harvest.

On the Turkey Harvest Reporting page, the hunter shall be required to provide: (1) his or her 16-digit hunting license number or lifetime license number or other authorized identification number; (2) the turkey’s age (whether a jake or adult); (3) whether the harvest location is public or private land; (4) the date of the harvest; and (5) the county of harvest.

A confirmation number shall be provided which shall be entered in the appropriate corresponding space on the harvest record form within forty-eight (48) hours of harvest or the DCNR approved App. Once data is submitted and a confirmation number provided, the data cannot be changed.

(4) It shall be a violation of this regulation for any person to fail to comply with the requirements of this regulation. Further, it shall be a violation of this regulation to present an incomplete deer and turkey harvest record for inspection, or to intentionally enter false information into the deer and turkey harvest record form provided for in paragraph (2) hereof or into the deer and turkey harvest reporting database provided for in paragraph (3) hereof.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed September 6, 2007; effective October 11, 2007. Amended: Filed September 9, 2009; effective October 14, 2009. Amended: Filed June 3, 2016; effective July 18, 2016. Amended: Filed July 16, 2020; effective September 14, 2020. Amended (PE): Published September 30, 2021; effective September 21, 2021.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.147 Deer Enclosure Regulation

(1) The season for hunting all species of deer shall be closed within any enclosure capable of confining deer, where: (1) there exists or has existed any man-made point of access that allows deer to enter the enclosure but restricts their ability to exit the enclosure, including, but not limited to, any man-made ramp, platform, funnel, maze, or one-way gate; or (2) any bait has been placed so as to lure deer through any man-made opening into any such completed enclosure.

(2) The deer season shall be closed within any such enclosure from the date the owner or operator of the enclosure is notified by Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Enforcement personnel. The deer season shall remain closed for two years after such devices are removed or such conditions no longer exist. The owner or operator shall notify any persons who may hunt within the enclosure of the closed deer season.

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• Filed September 12, 2007; effective October 17, 2007.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.148 Special Creel/Size Limit At Tuskegee City Lake (Repealed 8/22/14)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule (PE): Filed September 14, 2007; effective September 14, 2007. Repealed (PE): Filed August 22, 2014; effective August 22, 2014.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.150 2008 Alligator Hunting Season (Repealed 6/19/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: M. Barnett Lawley
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule (PE): Filed August 15, 2008; effective August 15, 2008. Repealed (PE): Filed June 19, 2018; effective June 19, 2018.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.151 Archery Range Regulation

(1) It shall be unlawful to shoot any type of bow or crossbow on any archery range operated now or in the future by, or in partnership with, the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, except in accordance with the following regulations. All range users shall abide by the listed regulations and posted rules pertinent to the range in use. Permits for excepted uses will be issued by the Hunter Education Coordinator or his designee. The range may be closed as necessary.

(a) The range is open during daylight hours only, except by permit by the Hunter Education Coordinator or a designee.

(b) No alcoholic beverages allowed.

(c) Arrows may only be nocked onto the bowstring when standing on the shooting line preparing to shoot.

(d) Shooting allowed only from the shooting line and only into the designated targets.

(e) Shooters are allowed to bring and shoot at a paper target placed on an existing target and is to be removed from the range once an individual has finished shooting. Personal targets are not allowed on range, except by permit.

(f) Bows must be hung on the bowhanger behind the shooting line when waiting to shoot or while archers are down range retrieving arrows. No shooting shall be allowed while anyone is down range.

(g) All persons are to remain behind the shooting line while shooting is taking place.

(h) Arrows from bows of 30-pound draw weight or more may only be shot into the targets on the adult range. Arrows from bows less than 30-pound draw weight may be shot into targets on the youth or adult range.

(i) Only arrows with field or target points may be used or possessed on range. No broadheads may be possessed on the range, except by permit by the Hunter Education Coordinator or a designee.

(j) All individuals standing on or utilizing the elevated platform must wear a full body harness, including shoulder and leg straps, and attach themselves to the appropriate safety cable carabineer.

(k) All used paper target faces and other trash shall be placed in a trash receptacle or removed by the user from the range.

(l) All Alabama residents 16 through 64 years of age are required to have either a valid Alabama: state hunting license, state wildlife management area license, or a state wildlife heritage license to use the range. All non-residents 16 of age and over are required to have either a valid Alabama: state hunting license or state wildlife management area license to use the range.

(m) Bows will only be drawn in such a manner as to prevent accidental or intentional loss of an arrow from range property.

(n) It shall be unlawful to violate any posted restriction.

(2) The penalty for the violation of any of the provisions of this regulation shall be as provided by law.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed March 16, 2009; effective April 20, 2009. Amended: Filed September 9, 2009; effective October 14, 2009. Amended: Filed October 12, 2011; effective November 16, 2011. Amended: Filed August 20, 2012; effective September 24, 2012. Amended: Filed July 12, 2016; effective August 26, 2016. Amended: Filed July 16, 2020; effective September 14, 2020. Amended: Published November 30, 2021; effective January 14, 2021.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.154 Standards Of Care For Wildlife Used For Public Exhibition Purposes

Pursuant to Sections 9-11-321 and 9-11-323 Code of Ala. 1975, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation permitted under Section 9-11-324 Code of Ala. 1975, to possess wildlife for public exhibition purposes except in accordance with this regulation.

(1) For the purpose of this regulation wildlife shall be classified as follows:

(a) Class I - Wildlife which, because of its nature, habits, or status, requires the exhibitor to possess exceptional knowledge and facilities to ensure the safety of the public and the comfort and well-being of the animal.

• Chimpanzees (genus Pan)

• Gorillas (genus Gorilla)

• Gibbons (genus Hylobates)

• Drills and mandrills (genus Mandrillus)

• Orangutans (genus Pongo)

• Baboons (genus Papaio)

• Macaques (genus Macaca)

• Siamangs (genus Symphalangus)

• Gelada baboons (genus Theropithecus)

• Celebes black apes (genus Colobus)

• Snow leopards (Panthera uncia)

• Leopards (Panthera pardus)

• Jaguars (Panthera onca)

• Tigers (Panthera tigris)

• Lions (Panthera leo)

• Bears (family Ursidae)

• Rhinoceros (family Rhinocerotidae)

• Elephants (family Elephantidae)

• Hippopotamuses (family Hippopotamidae)

• Cape buffalos (Syncerus caffer caffer)

• Crocodiles (except dwarf and Congo) (family Crocodilidae)

• Gavials (family Gavialidae)

• Black caimans (Melanosuchus niger)

• Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis)

• Hyenas (all species) (family Hyaenidae)

• Wolves (Canis sp.)

• Clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa)

• Cheetahs (Acinonyx jabatus)

• Cougars, panthers (Puma concolor)

• Alligators (family Alligatoridae)

• African hunting dogs (Lycaon pictus)

• Venomous reptiles

(b) Class II - Wildlife which poses a real or potential threat to human safety

• Howler monkeys (genus Alouatta)

• Uakaris (genus Cacajao)

• Mangabeys (genus Cercocebus)

• Guenons (genus Ceropithecus)

• Bearded sakis (genus Chiropotes)

• Guereza monkeys (genus Colobus)

• Idris (genus Indri)

• Langur (genus Presbytis)

• Douc langur (genus Pygathrix)

• Snub-nosed langur (genus Phinopithecus)

• Proboscis monkeys (genus Nasalis)

• Servals (Leptailurus serval)

• European and Canadian lynx (Lynx lynx)

• Bobcats (Lynx rufus)

• Caracals (Caracal caracal)

• African golden cats (Profelis aurata)

• Temminck's golden cats (Profelis temmincki)

• Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrina)

• Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)

• Coyotes (Canis latrans)

• Asiatic jackals (Canis aureus)

• Black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas)

• Side-striped jackals (Canis adustus)

• Indian dholes (Cuon alpinus)

• Wolverines (Gulo gulo)

• Honey badgers (Mellivora capensis)

• American badgers (Taxides taxus)

• Old World badgers (Meles meles)

• Binturongs (Arcitictis binturong)

• Dwarf crocodiles (Osteolanemus tetraspis)

• Cassowary (Casuarius spp.)

• Caimans

(c) Any hybrids of Class I and II wildlife shall be listed in the Class of the more restrictive parent

(d) Class III. All other wildlife not included in Class I or Class II

(2) Qualification Requirements for Permit to Exhibit Wildlife:

(a) Applicants for permit to exhibit wildlife must be at least 21 years of age.

(b) Applicants shall not have been convicted, after the effective date of this regulation, of any violation of captive wildlife regulations, any offense involving the illegal commercialization of wildlife, any offense involving the illegal importation of prohibited species, or offenses involving cruelty to animals.

(c) For Class I or II wildlife, applicants shall be licensed by USDA and demonstrate no less than one (1) year of substantial practical experience (to consist of no less than 1000 hours) in the care, feeding, handling and husbandry of the species for which the permit is sought, or other species, within the same biological order (except ratites which shall be in the same biological sub-order) which are substantially similar in size, characteristics, care and nutritional requirements to the species for which the permit is sought. Two years of documented educational experience in zoology or other relevant biological sciences, obtained at the college or technical school level or above may substitute for 500 hours or six (6) months of required practical experience.

(d) For Class III wildlife, applicants shall demonstrate no less than six (6) months of substantial practical experience (to consist of no less than 500 hours) in the care, feeding, handling and husbandry of the species for which the permit is sought, or other species, within the same biological order (except ratites which shall be in the same biological sub-order) which are substantially similar in size, characteristics, care and nutritional requirements to the species for which the permit is sought. One year of documented educational experience in zoology or other relevant biological sciences, obtained at the college or technical school level or above may substitute for 250 hours or three (3) months of required practical experience.

(e) For purposes of demonstrating compliance applicants shall submit documentation of such experience, including;

1. A description of the specific experience acquired.

2. The dates the experience was obtained and the specific location(s) where acquired,

3. References of no less than two (2) individuals having owner/manager knowledge of the applicant's stated experience. Additional documentation may include records of prior permits for the keeping of captive wildlife, employment records, and any other competent documentation of the requisite experience.

(f) In lieu of the required experience, applicants for any class wildlife may satisfactorily complete an examination administered by the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries that assesses the applicant’s knowledge of general husbandry, nutritional, and behavioral characteristics.

1. Arrangements must be made with the Division as to time and place where the test will be given.

2. Scoring - There will be a maximum of 100 questions on the test and each will have equal value. The point value will be announced before the test. A score of 80% correct will be satisfactory.

3. No copies of the test questions can be taken from the testing area by the person taking the test.

4. The test will be scored immediately and the applicant will be notified of the score.

5. If the applicant fails to pass the test, he may request to retake the test at a later date.

6. There shall be at least ten days between tests.

7. The test may be taken a maximum of three times per calendar year.

(g) Applicants must demonstrate that the conditions under which the wildlife will be held shall not constitute a threat to the public or to the animal.

(3) General Regulations Governing Exhibit of Captive Wildlife

(a) No permittee shall exhibit captive wildlife in any unsafe or unsanitary condition, or in a manner which results in threats to public safety, or the maltreatment or neglect of such wildlife.

(b) Breeding of native species protected by Alabama law or regulation is prohibited except by special permit issued by the Division. No permit will be issued which allows the sale or transfer of native protected species to persons other than licensed exhibitors.

(c) Permittee shall submit to the Division an accurate inventory of all stock and maintain a record of inventory changes caused by births, deaths, escapes, sales, purchases or other causes.

(d) Permittee shall notify the Division of the origin, species and number of animals at least 10 days prior to importing any member of the Cervidae family into Alabama from any area outside the state.

(e) No member of the Cervidae family may be imported into Alabama from any state or area where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been found to exist.

(f) Sick animals, new arrivals or animals of unknown disease status shall be quarantined until a licensed veterinarian determines said animals to be free of contagious disease.

(g) Upon notification by authorized Division personnel of a documented disease risk, not remove from any facility any animals alive or dead until approved by authorized Division personnel.

(h) The possession of any state or federally threatened or endangered species is permitted only when such species have been legally obtained in the state or country of origin.

(i) No permittee may possess wildlife taken from the wild in Alabama except as provided for by statute, regulation, or permit.

(j) Unconfined captive wildlife shall be maintained under rigid supervision and control, so as to prevent injuries to members of the public. No captive wildlife shall be tethered outdoors unsupervised.

(k) Permittee shall notify the Department immediately upon discovery of the escape of any wildlife.

(l) Permittee shall notify the Department within 24 hours of any animal attacking a human.

(4) Location of Facilities

(a) Applicants for permits to possess wildlife for exhibit shall identify the location of each facility by physical address at which captive wildlife shall be maintained.

(b) Allow inspection of stock, facilities and records prior to issuance of the permit and at all other reasonable times by agents authorized by the Division.

(c) Each facility, its cages and enclosures shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with all county ordinances and, if within a municipality, municipal ordinances.

(d) No permitted facility shall be located on property zoned for residential use only. This paragraph shall not apply to those facilities permitted prior to the effective date of this regulation.

(e) No facility permitted for Class I or II mammals shall be located on less than five (5) contiguous acres of property owned or leased by the permit holder. Any facility housing Class III wildlife must be located on no less than 2.5 contiguous acres owned or leased by the permit holder. Exemption to the land area requirement may be granted by special permit from the Division.

(f) Permit holders must notify the Division of any changes in size or location of such facility at least 30 days in advance of any such changes.

(5) Security and Structural Requirements for facilities housing Class I or II Wildlife. Class I and II mammals shall be caged in accordance with the following requirements and meet the minimum housing standards described in paragraph 10:

(a) The facility shall have a buffer zone of not less than 35 feet between the caging and the facility property line.

(b) Caging shall be bounded by a perimeter fence of not less than eight (8) feet in height, constructed of not less than 11½ gauge chain link or equivalent strength material and a minimum of three (3) feet from cages holding animals, or such other fencing, building or other protection of the enclosure where the animal is kept, sufficient to deter entry by the public, and also to prevent escape from the property of any wildlife that may escape the primary caging. Perimeter fencing around Class II mammals may angle in to the top of the caging from a height of at least four feet. All gates to such perimeter fence shall be locked. Permit holders as of the effective date of this regulation shall be granted an exemption for existing perimeter fencing. All new perimeter fence construction after the effective date of this regulation must meet the requirements set forth in this paragraph.

(c) All cages or enclosures of Class I and II wildlife shall be locked. Class I or II mammals shall not be kept in uncovered enclosures that are less than 1000 square feet, except as specified.

(d) All cages containing Class I or II mammals shall be constructed with a den, nest box or other connected housing unit that can be closed off and locked with the animal inside for the safe servicing and cleaning of the open area. In lieu of a nest box, a divided cage with a door between the two compartments may be used. No entry into cages containing Class I or II mammals shall be allowed without first locking the animal into the den, nest box or other connected housing.

(e) All cages or enclosures constructed of chain link or other approved materials shall be well braced and securely anchored at or below ground level to prevent escape by digging or erosion. Cages shall be constructed using steel clamps, steel ties or steel braces of equivalent strength as the material required for cage construction for the particular species. See species listings below for additional requirements.

(f) A temporary variance for the provisions of paragraph 5 may be issued upon application to the Division for juveniles of Class I or II species less than 25 pounds and less than three months of age. Adequate safeguards must be taken to prevent escape or potential injury to the animal or public.

(6) Security and Structural Requirements for Class III Wildlife

(a) All cages or enclosures of Class III animals shall be locked.

(b) Class III mammals: 14 gauge wire or strength equivalent material. All cages or enclosures containing wildlife with the potential to escape by digging shall be constructed of chain link or other approved materials and shall be well braced and securely anchored at or below ground level to prevent escape by digging or erosion. Cages shall be constructed using steel clamps, steel ties or steel braces of equivalent strength as the material required for cage construction for the particular species. See species listings below for additional requirements.

(7) Safety Requirements for Animals on Display:

(a) A management plan detailing safety measures for both humans and animals maintained at each facility housing Class I or II wildlife. Appropriate safety precautions shall be provided in the plan to account for any emergency. A first-aid kit and fire extinguisher must also be held close to where the animals are maintained.

(b) Applicants for permit to exhibit Class I or II wildlife shall submit with the permit application a written plan of action for use in the following emergencies:

1. Animal attacking and/or injuring humans: Plans shall include a list of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, darting equipment, and pepper spray, or lethal control measures which will be available for use.

2. Escape of an animal from its enclosure: Recapture plans shall outline procedures for handling and recapturing escaped Class I or II wildlife.

3. Sickness or injury of an animal: the name, address, phone number and signature of the veterinarian who has agreed to care for the animal must be provided.

4. Natural Disasters: Plans shall outline procedures for handling, moving and recapturing escaped Class I or II wildlife.

5. Lost Child: Plans shall outline procedures for handling lost child situations.

(8) Husbandry Requirements

(a) The following guidelines shall be used to meet the sanitation and nutritional needs of any wildlife held under this permit:

1. Nutrition: Food suitable for the particular species shall be provided in a manner which is consistent with the species requirements to maintain good health and to encourage the natural feeding behaviors of the species. Sufficient feeding sites shall be provided to cater for all specimens in an enclosure. For example, dominant primates may monopolize feeding sites and to prevent this, food shall be cut small and scattered around the enclosure. Diets shall be complete and balanced and food items provided in quantities necessary for growth and the maintenance of healthy body condition. Animal species which are regarded as grazing species shall have daily access to permanent pasture or be supplemented with fresh greens or pasture derivatives, for example hay.

2. Food Storage: All fresh and dry food items shall be kept in suitable storage areas. Refrigerators and freezers shall maintain fish, meat and vegetables at the appropriate temperature. Grains and pellets shall be kept dry and food containers shall be labeled and the shelf life of the contents monitored.

3. Water: Clean, cool water shall be available at all times. Daily water changes are necessary to maintain optimal water quality for aquatic species and to prevent contamination of the animal’s captive environment. Water containers shall not be located in direct sunlight and shall be designed to suit the animals’ needs which may include swimming, sloughing, wallowing, bathing and drinking.

4. Hygiene: Animal holding facilities shall be cleaned daily. Pens shall be well drained to prevent standing water. Cages or enclosures with dirt floors shall be raked a minimum of once every three days and all waste material shall be removed. Hard floors must be cleaned daily. Sick or injured animals shall be removed from public viewing areas into isolation or treatment facilities supervised by the veterinarian.

5. Health: A program to monitor the health and well being of animals shall be implemented and overseen by a veterinarian. A preventive medicine program shall be designed and implemented to protect animals from disease. Primates in particular are vulnerable to many human diseases and their exposure to people with common complaints such as colds and influenza shall be avoided.

6. Euthanasia: This is the responsibility of the veterinarian and shall be performed at the discretion of the veterinarian in consultation with the permit holder. The preferred method of euthanasia is barbiturate overdose and this method shall be used unless otherwise authorized by the Division.

(9) Standard Caging Requirements for Captive Wildlife

(a) Definitions - Where specified in this section, wildlife cages and enclosures shall be equipped to provide for the protection and welfare of the animals. Such equipment includes, but is not limited to:

1. Shelter: A structure which shall provide protection from the elements and from extremes in temperature. Such structures may vary in size depending on the security and biological needs of the species. When vegetation and landscaping is available to serve as protection from the elements, access to a shelter shall also be provided during inclement weather conditions. Such shelter shall be attached to or adjacent to the habitat or enclosure.

2. Paddock: Area enclosed by fencing, railing or other Department approved structures which allow animals to graze or browse.

3. Nest box/den: An enclosed shelter that provides a retreat area within, attached to, or adjacent to a cage or enclosure of specified size, which shall provide protection from the elements and from extremes in temperature. The doors to nest or den boxes must be able to be operated from outside the facility.

4. Elevated platform/perching area: A surface or structure, either natural or manmade positioned above the floor, or above the grade level of the cage or enclosure, that will provide a resting area for the animal(s).

5. Gnawing and chewing items: Natural or artificial materials that provide for the health of teeth so as to keep teeth sharp, wear down enamel, promote general oral hygiene. Gnawing items include, but are not limited to, logs and trees. Chewing items include, but are not limited to, woody stems, knuckle bones, and rawhide objects; suitability dependent upon species.

6. Devices for stimulation or manipulation: Each cage or enclosure shall have appropriate devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but are not limited to, tree branches, logs, digging areas, pools, pvc pipes, boxes, balls, mirrors, foraging items, etc.

(b) Cages or enclosures housing captive wildlife shall be sufficiently strong to prevent escape and to protect the caged animal(s) from injury, and shall be equipped with structural safety barriers to prevent any physical contact with the caged animal(s) by the public. Animals on display or being transported must also be protected from human harassment and attack by other animals. Except as specified below, all cages or enclosures less than one thousand square feet shall be covered at the top to prevent escape and also to exclude predators. Adjacent cages shall be far enough apart to prevent one animal from causing injury to another.

1. Caging not in compliance herewith shall be reconstructed or repaired within 30 days after notification of such condition. In the event such condition results in a threat to human safety or the safety of the wildlife maintained therein, the wildlife maintained therein shall, at the direction of the Division, be immediately placed in a suitable facility, at the expense of the permittee, owner, or possessor, until such time as the compliance issue is remedied. In instances where wildlife is seized or taken into custody by the Division, said permittee, owner, or possessor of such wildlife shall be responsible for payment of all expenses relative to the animal’s capture, transport, boarding, veterinary care, or other costs associated with or incurred due to such seizures or custody. Such expenses shall be paid by said permittee, owner, or possessor upon any conviction for a criminal violation. Failure to pay such expenses may be grounds for revocation or denial of permits to such individuals to possess wildlife.

(c) Any cage or other enclosure which contains more than two individual chimpanzees, gorillas or orangutans must be enlarged by 50% for each additional animal. Cages or enclosures containing all other species must be enlarged by 25% for each additional animal.

1. No captive wildlife shall be confined in any cage or other enclosure which is smaller in dimension than as specified in this section, or is not equipped as specified in this section, except as authorized in accordance with the following: Requests for deviations from standard caging or enclosure requirements may be granted to allow for different size configuration (length, width and height) if the required square footage is adequate and if the locomotory needs of the animal(s) are not compromised. Any proposed deviations from the standard caging or enclosure requirements, or proposals to use wet or dry moats to substitute for fencing, shall be approved in writing by the Division prior to the use of the cage or enclosure for housing animals.

2. Permit holders as of the effective date of this regulation shall be granted an exemption for existing caging.

3. All new cage construction after the effective date of this regulation must meet the materials, height and square footage specifications.

(d) Wildlife may be temporarily housed in cages or enclosures smaller than the sizes set forth under this regulation, only under the following circumstances:

1. For transport.

2. For Veterinarian care or quarantine may be temporarily caged or housed in smaller cages or enclosures for a period not to exceed 60 days. With written notification to the Department, this period may be extended in circumstances where a licensed veterinarian has certified that a longer holding period is medically necessary in the interests of health, safety and welfare of the subject animal or public.

3. For juveniles of any species until weaned from the mother or bottle.

4. By special permit from the Department.

(10) Minimum Housing Requirements by Species:

(a) Lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cheetahs, cougars and bears: For one to two animals, a cage 480 square feet, 8 feet high.

1. Outdoor cages for lions and tigers over 1,000 square feet (uncovered) shall have vertical jump walls at least 10 feet high, with a 2-foot, 45 degree, inward angle overhang or jump walls at least 12 feet high, without an overhang. Vertical walls shall be constructed with a minimum of 9 gauge chain link or equivalent strength material. The inward angle fencing shall be constructed with a minimum of 11 ½ gauge chain link or equivalent strength material. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing provided prior approval has been obtained in writing from Division.

2. Outdoor cages for bears over 1,000 square feet (uncovered) shall have vertical jump walls at least 10 feet high, with a 4-foot, 45 degree, inward angle overhang. Vertical walls shall be constructed with a minimum of 9 gauge chain link or equivalent strength material. The inward angle fencing shall be constructed with a minimum of 11 ½ gauge chain link or equivalent strength material.

3. Leopards, cougars and jaguars shall not be kept in uncovered enclosures. Cages containing Leopards and jaguars shall be constructed with a minimum of 9 gauge chain link or equivalent strength material. Cages containing cougars shall be constructed with a minimum of 11 ½ gauge chain link or equivalent strength material.

4. Required Cage Furnishings: Den boxes and elevated platform(s) that will accommodate all animal(s) simultaneously; devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species, such as boxes, balls, bones, barrels, drums, foraging items, etc. Several logs for clawing, climbing, etc. shall be provided.

5. Bears and tigers require a 4 foot by 6 foot pool, 2 feet deep or a 100 gallon tub or larger for each animal in the cage.

(b) Gray wolf, red wolf, coyote: For one to two animals, a cage 288 square feet, 8 feet high with concrete footings or buried wire mesh to prevent escape by digging. Outdoor cages over 1,000 square feet (uncovered) shall have vertical jump walls at least 8 feet high with a 45 degree, inward angle overhang 2 feet wide or, jump walls 10 feet high without an overhang. Vertical walls shall be constructed with a minimum of 11 1/2 gauge chain link or equivalent strength material.

1. Required cage furnishings: den boxes and elevated platform(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously; several logs; protected shelf areas at no more than 1 foot above ground level; gnawing items, tree branches, boxes, balls, bones, barrels, drums, rawhide, pools, etc.

(c) Bobcats, lynx, badgers, servals, ocelots, jaguarundis, leopard cats, grey fox, red fox: For one to two animals, a cage 72 square feet, 6 feet high. Foxes and badgers require concrete footings or buried wire mesh to prevent escape by digging.

1. Required Cage Furnishings: Den boxes of appropriate size that will accommodate all animals simultaneously; non-injurious devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation such as tree branches, boxes, balls, bones and other chewing items, barrels, drums, foraging items, etc.

2. For climbing animals: a climbing tree with 3 or more 4-inch diameter branches shall be available for each animal; a 14-inch by 36-inch protected shelf area shall be provided for each animal, situated at least 3 feet above the floor.

3. For non-climbing animals: several logs shall be provided, as well as protected shelf areas at no more than 1 foot above ground level.

4. Badgers require gnawing items, and an area of clean soil of sufficient depth to provide for digging.

(d) Fennec fox, raccoons, coati-mundis, kinkajous, cacomistles, and other species of the same families: For one to two animals, a cage 48 square feet, 6 feet high. Foxes and badgers require concrete footings or buried wire mesh to prevent escape by digging.

1. Required Cage Furnishings: Den boxes of appropriate size that will accommodate all animals simultaneously; non-injurious devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation such as tree branches, boxes, balls, bones and other chewing items, barrels, drums, foraging items, etc.

2. For climbing animals: a climbing tree with 3 or more 4-inch diameter branches shall be available for each animal; a 14-inch by 36-inch protected shelf area shall be provided for each animal, situated at least 3 feet above the floor.

3. For non-climbing animals: several logs shall be provided, as well as protected shelf areas at no more than 1 foot above ground level.

(e) River otters, beavers: For one or two animals, a cage 256 square feet, 6 feet high. Each cage shall have an 8 foot by 8 foot pool of clean water, 3 feet deep.

1. Required Cage Furnishings: Otter must have a variety of climbing surfaces, a slide, and a dry place with nest box for sleeping and retreat; noninjurious devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation boxes, balls, bones and other chewing items, barrels, logs, drums, foraging items, etc.

2. Beavers must have a well-drained den box of appropriate size to accommodate all individuals simultaneously; Bark-covered branches must be available at all times for gnawing.

(f) Smaller aquatic animals such as mink, muskrat and nutria: For one or two animals, a cage 36 square feet, 6 feet high.

1. Required cage furnishings: a pool 2 feet by 4 feet, 2 feet deep; den boxes of appropriate size to accommodate all individuals simultaneously; gnawing material and chewing material.

2. Mink require a tree for climbing, and an elevated shelf for loafing.

(g) Ferrets, weasels, skunks, prairie dogs, woodchucks, armadillos, squirrels and rabbits:

1. For one or two animals, a cage 36 square feet, 6 feet high.

2. Required cage furnishings: nest boxes that will accommodate all animals simultaneously; gnawing items; chewing items; non-injurious devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species, such as branches, logs, boxes, balls, PVC tubing, etc.

3. Arboreal squirrels require a nest box, elevated 5 feet off the ground, of appropriate size to accommodate all individuals simultaneously; a central climbing tree with at least 3-inch branches and appropriate gnawing items.

4. Armadillos, prairie dogs, and woodchucks require concrete footings or buried wire mesh to prevent escape by digging, and an area of clean soil of sufficient depth to provide for digging.

(h) Cervidae: For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 1000 square feet, 8 feet high.

(i) Equidae and Camelids: For one or two animals, a paddock enclosing 1000 square feet

(j) Small Primates such as bush babies, loris, mouse lemurs, tamarins, marmosets and squirrel monkeys: For one or two animals, a cage 36 square feet, 6 feet high. Each cage shall have a heated indoor enclosure with wooden perching shelves large enough to accommodate all individuals. Heat must be provided if the temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Required cage furnishings: Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall also have tree branches and other climbing apparatus and devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species, such as boxes, balls, mirrors, foraging items, etc.

2. Outdoor facilities - Construction material shall consist of 14-gauge, ½” mesh fencing or equivalent to prevent escape and provide protection from predators. If a larger mesh is used, the cage must be lined with a second layer of ½” hardware cloth to prevent injuries caused by predators reaching into the cage.

3. Indoor facilities - Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating not less than 14 gauge or equivalent.

(k) Medium-sized lemurs such as ruffed, cata, gentle, and new world monkeys such as capuchins, sakis, uakaris, and other family members: For one or two animals, a cage 49 square feet, 6 feet high. Each cage shall have a heated indoor enclosure with wooden perching shelves large enough to accommodate all individuals. Heat must be provided if the temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cages shall be constructed with a minimum of 11 1/2 gauge chain link or equivalent strength material.

1. Required cage furnishings: Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosures simultaneously. Each cage shall also have tree branches and other climbing apparatus and devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species, such as boxes, balls, mirrors, foraging items, etc.

2. Outdoor facilities - Construction material shall consist of not less than 11-1/2-gauge chain link or equivalent.

3. Indoor facilities - Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating not less than 11-1/2 gauge or equivalent.

(l) Large prosimians such as sifakas, and indris, large arboreal monkeys such as howlers, spiders, and woolly, and large old world monkeys such as macaques, guenons, mangabeys, colobus, and other family members: For one or two animals, a cage 256 square feet, 12 feet high. Each cage shall have a heated indoor enclosure with wooden perching shelves large enough to accommodate all individuals. Heat must be provided if the temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cages shall be constructed with a minimum of 11 1/2 gauge chain link or equivalent strength material.

1. Required cage furnishings: Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosures simultaneously. Each cage shall also have tree branches and other climbing apparatus and devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species, such as boxes, balls, mirrors, foraging items, etc.

2. Outdoor facilities - Construction material shall consist of not less than 11-1/2-gauge chain link or equivalent.

3. Indoor facilities -Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating not less than 11-1/2 gauge or equivalent.

(m) Baboons, mandrills and drills: For one or two animals, a cage 400 square feet, 8 feet high. Each cage shall have a heated indoor enclosure with wooden perching shelves large enough to accommodate all individuals. Heat must be provided if the temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cages shall be constructed with a minimum of 9 gauge chain link or equivalent strength material.

1. Required cage furnishings: Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal climbing logs and tree branches and devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species, such as boxes, balls, mirrors, foraging items, etc.

2. Outdoor facilities - Construction material shall consist of not less than 9-gauge chain link or equivalent.

3. Indoor facilities - Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating not less than 9-gauge or equivalent.

(n) Gibbons and siamangs: For one or two animals, a cage 900 square feet, 12 feet high. Each cage shall have a heated indoor enclosure with wooden perching shelves large enough to accommodate all individuals. Heat must be provided if the temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cages shall be constructed with a minimum of 9 gauge chain link or equivalent strength material.

1. Required cage furnishings: Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have horizontal bars across the cage at least 8 feet above the ground, and tree branches and other climbing apparatus and devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species, such as boxes, balls, mirrors, foraging items, etc.

2. Outdoor facilities - Construction material shall consist of not less than 9-gauge chain link or equivalent.

3. Indoor facilities - Potential escape routes shall be equipped with wire or grating not less than 9-gauge or equivalent.

4. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing with the written approval of the Division. For island exhibits, wet moats shall be used that are no less than 24 feet wide, with 50 percent of the water having a depth twice the height of the tallest animal.

(o) Chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans: For one or two animals, a cage 900 square feet, 10 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 50 percent of original floor area. Each cage shall have a heated indoor enclosure with wooden platforms or perching shelves large enough to accommodate all individuals. Heat must be provided if the temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Required cage furnishings: Each cage shall have perching area(s) and shelter(s) horizontal climbing apparatus, tree branches and other climbing apparatus and devices to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species, such as boxes, balls, mirrors, foraging items, etc.

2. For gorillas: Each cage shall have a platform(s) large enough to accommodate all animals simultaneously; such platform (s) shall be elevated three feet.

3. Outdoor facilities - Cage construction materials shall consist of steel bars at least 1 inch in diameter, two-inch galvanized pipe, masonry block or their equivalent.

4. Indoor facilities - In rooms where the wildlife is maintained, potential escape routes shall be equipped with steel bars at least 1 inch in diameter, two-inch galvanized pipe or their equivalent.

5. Wet or dry moats may be substituted for the required fencing with the written approval of the Division. For island exhibits, wet moats shall be used that are no less than 24 feet wide, with 50 percent of the water having a depth twice the height of the tallest animal.

(11) Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation

(a) The other provisions of this regulation notwithstanding, current accreditation of an exhibitor by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) shall be accepted as full compliance with all provisions of this regulation.

(12) The penalty for the violation of any provision of this rule shall be as provided by Section 9-11-327, Code of Ala. 1975.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-11-323, 9-11-321.
• New Rule: Filed February 3, 2011; effective March 10, 2011. Amended: Filed May 9, 2017; effective June 23, 2017.
• Penalty: As provided by Section 9-11-327, Code of Ala. 1975.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.155 Paddlefish Management Areas And Season Established (Repealed 12/30/18)

(Repealed)

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-11-140, 9-11-300, 9-11-301.
• New Rule: Filed November 22, 2013; effective December 27, 2013. Repealed and New Rule: Filed February 26, 2015; effective April 2, 2015. Amended: Filed November 17, 2017; effective January 1, 2018. Repealed: Filed November 15, 2018; effective December 30, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.156 Release Of Captive Raised Cervidae

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation licensed under 9-11-30 or 9-11-261, or any buyer or recipient from any of such persons, to knowingly or intentionally release any captive raised member of the family Cervidae into the wild except those areas bounded by enclosures which effectively restrict the egress of such animals.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed April 15, 2013; effective May 20, 2013.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.157 Definition Of Area Regulation

For the purposes of Section 9-11-244, Code of Ala. 1975, and Rule 220-2-.11, Alabama Administrative Code, as it applies to the hunting of deer and feral swine, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that any bait or feed (as defined in Section 9-11-244) located beyond 100 yards from the hunter and not within the line of sight of the hunter, is not a lure, attraction or enticement to, on or over the area where the hunter is attempting to kill or take the deer or feral swine. For the purpose of this regulation, “not within the line of sight” means being hidden from view by natural vegetation or naturally occurring terrain features. This regulation shall not apply on public lands.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed May 23, 2013; effective June 27, 2013.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.158 Guntersville Reservoir Paddlefish Management Area And Season Established

(1) An experimental one-year commercial fishing season for paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is hereby established for one area in Guntersville Reservoir, Alabama, in 2017, as provided for below. This area is hereafter referred to as a Paddlefish Management Area (PMA), and is hereby established as, and shall constitute, a special fishery “wildlife management area”, in accordance with Sections 9-11-300 and 9-11-301 of the Code of Ala. 1975. This PMA will occur in the upper portion of Guntersville Reservoir in Jackson County, as described below. These rules shall govern according to the following restrictions and regulations:

(2) Location.

(a) Upper Guntersville Reservoir Paddlefish Management Area (UGR) (Jackson County): The public waters of the mainstem portion (tributaries excluded) of the Tennessee River (Upper Guntersville Reservoir) from TRM 414.5 (34.9532382oN 85.7019227oW) to TRM 385.9 (34.6402099oN 85.9757707oW). This is from the railroad bridge at Bridgeport that crosses Long Island to the HWY 35 Bridge at Scottsboro. A total of 28.6 river miles will be open for commercial harvest of paddlefish.

(3) Season.

(a) UGR: March 6 (Monday) – March 21 (Tuesday), 2017. Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) commercial paddlefish fishing is not permitted.

(4) Fishing Hours.

(a) UGR: Gill nets can be set, checked, and handled between legal sunrise and sunset hours; Monday - Friday. Gill nets can be set overnight; however, it is illegal to set, check, or handle gill nets between legal sunset and sunrise hours. Gill nets must be removed from the water by legal sunset hour each Friday.

(5) Persons Eligible. Due to the need for the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (ADWFF) to collect reliable fishery-dependent harvest data from this experimental one-year season, only Alabama residents and non-residents that have held a valid paddlefish harvester permit for the previous 2013 through 2016 Alabama River Paddlefish Management Area seasons are eligible to enter the drawing for a separate harvester permit for the UGR Paddlefish Management Area. Not less than fifty percent (50%) of the available permits shall be made available to eligible Alabama residents. In no event shall the percentage of available permits for nonresidents of any other state exceed any percentage restriction placed on that state’s nonresidents to commercially harvest paddlefish in that state.

(6) Harvest Permits. The following permits and tags are established and required to commercially harvest paddlefish in Alabama:

(a) Alabama Residents. Commercial Paddlefish Harvester Permit [$750.00]. This permit is required for the holder to fish and take paddlefish in a designated paddlefish management area for the purpose of harvesting flesh and roe during designated commercial paddlefish seasons. This permit also allows one commercial fishing helper per permit holder. An Alabama Commercial Freshwater Fishing License is required in addition to the Commercial Paddlefish Harvester Permit to harvest and possess paddlefish.

(b) Nonresidents. Nonresident Commercial Paddlefish Harvester Permit — The cost for the permit will be same as what the applicant’s State of residency would charge an Alabama resident to commercially fish for paddlefish in that State but in no event shall the cost be less than the fee charged to a resident of Alabama. This permit is required for the holder to fish and take paddlefish in a designated paddlefish management area for the purpose of harvesting flesh and roe during designated seasons. This permit also allows one commercial fishing helper per permit holder. An Alabama Commercial Freshwater Nonresident Fishing License is required in addition to the Nonresident Commercial Paddlefish Harvester Permit to harvest and possess paddlefish.

(c) Carcass Tags. It shall be required that all harvested paddlefish possess an Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (ADWFF) issued serial tag attached through the dorsal fin. Paddlefish harvesters will tag each harvested paddlefish after the fish is removed from the net and placed in their fishing vessel. The tag is to remain on the fish until the flesh is processed and packaged for retail sale.

(7) Dealer’s Licenses. (Required by Section 9-11-153, Code of Ala. 1975, as amended by Act No. 2012-471).

(a) Alabama Residents. Commercial Paddlefish Dealer’s License [$750.00]. This license is required of every resident person, firm, association, or corporation to buy, sell, process, or ship paddlefish roe or flesh acquired from a permitted paddlefish harvester. Any employee or agent of a dealer shall be required to possess a copy of the dealer license, signed by the dealer, at all times he is performing any activities pursuant to such license. This license is not required for a permitted paddlefish harvester to sell or ship within Alabama paddlefish roe or flesh that the harvester has caught, to an Alabama licensed commercial paddlefish dealer. An Alabama wholesale freshwater fish dealer license is required in addition to the Commercial Paddlefish Dealer’s License to buy, process, sell, or ship paddlefish roe and flesh.

(b) Nonresidents. Commercial Paddlefish Dealer’s License—The cost for this license will be same as what the applicant’s State of residency would charge an Alabama resident to buy, sell, process, or ship paddlefish roe or flesh within that State but in no event shall the cost be less than the fee charged to a resident of Alabama. This license is required of every nonresident person, firm, association, or corporation to buy, sell, process, or ship paddlefish roe or flesh acquired from a permitted paddlefish harvester. Any employee or agent of a dealer shall be required to possess a copy of the dealer license, signed by the dealer, at all times he is performing any activities pursuant to such license. This license is not required for a permitted paddlefish harvester to sell or ship within Alabama paddlefish roe or flesh that the harvester has caught, to an Alabama licensed commercial paddlefish dealer. An Alabama wholesale freshwater fish dealer license is required in addition to the Commercial Paddlefish Dealer’s License to buy, process, sell, or ship paddlefish roe and flesh.

(8) Size Limit.

(a) The minimum length to possess and harvest paddlefish is 38” (965.2 mm) eye-to-fork (EFL) and only egg-bearing females are legal. The EFL is the length from the anterior portion of the eye (front of eye) to the fork of the tail measured with a flexible tape measured along curvature of the body. The possession and harvest of any male paddlefish, female paddlefish with no eggs, and female paddlefish under 38” EFL is prohibited.

(b) Prior to sale to a commercial paddlefish dealer, paddlefish carcasses may not be altered in a manner that the length of the fish cannot be determined. If a paddlefish has been altered to not allow the minimum length determination, then the carcass and roe are subject to confiscation.

(9) Applications.

(a) Commercial paddlefish harvester permit applications for all of the 2017 Paddlefish Management Areas will automatically be sent to all commercial freshwater fishers who held an Alabama commercial freshwater fishing license from October 1, to September 30, of the previous year. Eligible nonresident commercial freshwater fishers that wish to apply for an Alabama commercial paddlefish permit may obtain the necessary forms and information by contacting ADWFF at (334) 242-3471.

(b) A total of 5 separate eligible applicants will be randomly selected for the opportunity to purchase a permit for the UGR Paddlefish Management Area.

(c) Commercial paddlefish harvester permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

(10) Mandatory Training Course. All permitted commercial paddlefish harvesters will be required to attend a pre-season briefing and instruction meeting prior to the paddlefish fishing season. This meeting will be held for commercial paddlefish harvester permit holders with the date, time, and location to be announced prior to the season opening. This meeting will only be open to valid commercial paddlefish harvester permit holders and not to the public. Each commercial paddlefish harvester permit will be endorsed by a fisheries biologist after the meeting. This endorsement is required and must be shown to a Conservation Officer or ADWFF fisheries biologist if requested.

(11) Designated Boat Ramp and Mandatory Check Station. All commercial paddlefish harvesters and helpers can only launch and take out from the designated boat ramp and all harvested fish are to be checked by an ADWFF biologist before the fish is processed at the following designated ramp:

(a) UGR Paddlefish Management Area.

1. State boat ramp off of HWY 117 bridge west side of the Tennessee River.

(12) Gear and Fishing Restrictions: UGR Paddlefish Management Area.

(a) Paddlefish may only be harvested by the use of gill nets, as provided for below.

(b) A gill net (may be referred to hereafter within as “net” or “nets”) is defined as a single net attached to float and lead lines.

(c) The use of tied-down gill nets (hobbled) is prohibited.

(d) The use of monofilament and multifilament (nylon) nets are permitted.

(e) The maximum number of gill nets permitted to fish concurrently is five and only five gill nets may be in possession on the water and during commercial paddlefish fishing.

(f) The use of mechanical gear (rollers) to deploy and retrieve gill nets is permitted.

(g) A fluorescent orange float is required on each float end. The float size must be approximately the size of a 1-gallon milk container or similar to a bullet-type float measuring 5” in diameter and 11” in length.

(h) Total length of each gill net cannot exceed 300 feet.

(i) There is no restriction on gill net depth.

(j) Gill nets must have a minimum mesh size of 6-inch bar measure (knot to knot).

(k) Gill nets (i.e., beginning with the float line) must be submerged three feet or more beneath the surface. Clip on floats (buoys) are not considered part of the net for depth purposes only.

(l) Gill nets must be checked at least 2 times in a 24-hour period to prevent bycatch mortality.

(m) The “tying up” of any harvested paddlefish to a tree or limb is prohibited.

(n) A large live well is permitted if the harvesters wish to keep the fish alive while on the water.

(o) All harvested paddlefish must be kept in the harvester’s boat until they reach land for processing.

(p) Paddlefish eggs may not be removed outside of the fish’s body cavity while on the water or adjacent bank. Eggs can only be removed at the boat ramp (on land) or processing facility after the fish has been checked by a ADWFF fisheries biologist.

(q) No processed paddlefish and/or eggs outside of the body cavity can be in possession while on the water.

(r) A 12-gauge needle may be inserted into the abdomen between the pectoral and pelvic fins to determine the presence of eggs in paddlefish over 38 inch EFL. Paddlefish may be checked once with a needle on either side of the abdomen for a total of 2 times per paddlefish season. Repeated checking of paddlefish is not permitted. This needle and syringe device must be on board every commercial paddlefish harvester fishing vessel and kept in a sanitary manner. Paddlefish less than 38 inch EFL must be returned immediately to the water without being checked. It shall be illegal to harvest or possess any paddlefish with more than 2 punctures.

(s) A 2-inch portion of ovary (including some eggs) must remain attached to each harvested paddlefish until the fish and eggs are received by a licensed commercial paddlefish dealer.

(t) Paddlefish eggs removed from the fish must be kept in separate containers—eggs from one fish per container. Each container must be labeled with the paddlefish tag number and as paddlefish roe. One container must match one harvested paddlefish.

(u) Blocking of harvested paddlefish is not permitted.

(v) Paddlefish may not be possessed alive away from harvested waters.

(w) The gill rakers inside the mouth can be cut to bleed the fish.

(x) The harvest of Asian carp species is permitted. These species include: Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) and Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). If not harvested, the release of live bighead, silver, and black carps is not permitted. Each fish should be dispatched in a humane manner.

(y) Commercially harvested paddlefish (or parts thereof) taken from an authorized PMA and sold must be marketed to a licensed wholesale fish dealer who has a valid Alabama commercial paddlefish dealer license; provided however, that all parts other than roe may be sold within Alabama by the harvester to other individuals for their personal consumption.

(z) All commercial paddlefish harvester permit holders are required to allow boarding of their vessel if requested by an ADWFF conservation officer, agent, or biologist to examine their catch.

(aa) Citations for the violation of any commercial fishing laws or regulations during the paddlefish season may result in confiscation of fishing equipment (i.e., boat, boat motor, boat trailer, gillnets and associated gear) and paddlefish roe and flesh as evidence.

(bb) Conviction of any laws or regulations from a paddlefish season may result in the loss of opportunity to apply for a future commercial paddlefish harvester permit and forfeiture of confiscated fish equipment, paddlefish roe and flesh.

(cc) Each gill net must be fished independent of other nets and cannot be tied together.

(dd) During the commercial paddlefish season it is prohibited for any person to possess, buy, sell, or ship across Alabama state lines whole paddlefish, paddlefish parts or eggs without proper permits and documentation as determined by the ADWFF.

1. Exceptions:

(i) Persons who have purchased paddlefish flesh or processed and packaged paddlefish eggs for consumption.

(ii) Restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, retail fish markets, and wholesale food suppliers selling paddlefish roe or paddlefish parts fully processed, packaged and ready for retail sale in sealed containers.

(iii) Commercial shipping firms or authorized agents may possess legally taken paddlefish and/or paddlefish eggs or flesh shipped by person having an Alabama commercial roe dealer/buyer license.

(13) Informational Note. Regulations Already in Effect that Apply to the Commercial Harvest of Paddlefish: Tennessee River

(a) All gill nets shall be affixed with a tag which has the name, address, and license number of the commercial paddlefish harvester on the tag.

(b) At least one buoy per gill net must bear the name, address, and license number of the commercial paddlefish harvester.

(c) Nets must be staggered when set and cannot be placed closer than 50’ to any other net.

(d) Nets must be fished in a stationary manner.

(e) Nets cannot be placed 100’ or closer to the water’s edge.

(f) Nets cannot be set in a way that the net extends more than half way across any river.

(g) All fish species designated as game fish must be immediately returned to the waters from whence they were taken.

(h) Other fish species designated as commercial or non-game caught in permitted paddlefish gill nets can be harvested during the paddlefish season.

(i) The cutting or mutilating of paddlefish to check for eggs is prohibited. Except by the use of a 12-gauge needle to check for eggs (see 12 r).

(14) Harvest, Sale and Shipping Reporting. Commercial paddlefish harvesters and commercial paddlefish dealers will be required to submit paddlefish daily catch and harvest reports, commercial paddlefish roe buyer’s weekly reports, and/or other reports as determined by the ADWFF. Falsification of, or failure to submit by the specified time or date, the required paddlefish reports to the ADWFF is a violation of this regulation and subjects the person to denial of future fishing privileges.

(15) License Requirements. Holders of a commercial paddlefish harvester permit and commercial paddlefish dealer’s license must have government issued picture identification on their person during the commercial paddlefish season and while possessing paddlefish eggs, flesh, and parts. The aforementioned permit and license must also be on their person during the season while possessing paddlefish eggs, flesh, and parts.

History

• Author: N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-11-140, 9-11-300, 9-11-301.
• New Rule: Filed December 13, 2016; effective January 27, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed February 23, 2017; effective February 23, 2017. Amended (PE): Filed March 6, 2017; effective March 6, 2017. Amended: Filed May 9, 2017; effective June 23, 2017.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.159 Special Duck River Reservoir Daily Creel And Possession Limits For Sport Fish

(1) The following special daily creel and possession limits for taking fish in the Duck River Reservoir are hereby established. All other applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources apply.

(a) Black Bass .................................10

It is illegal to possess any black bass between 14 inches and 22 inches in total length. Only one of the ten fish can be over 22 inches in total length.

(b) Bream: .................................... 20

(c) Crappie: .................................. 30

It is illegal to possess any crappie less than nine inches in total length.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule (PE): Filed July 10, 2018; effective July 10, 2018. Amended (PE): Filed May 19, 2023; effective May 19, 2023. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2026; effective June 16, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.160 Definition Of Immediate Family

For purposes of 9-11-44(d), Code of Ala. 1975, “immediate family” is defined as: a landowner’s spouse, children, parents, brothers, and sisters.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule (PE): Filed July 10, 2018; effective July 10, 2018. New Rule: Filed October 11, 2018; effective November 25, 2018.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.161 Cervid Urine Ban

(1) The use or possession of natural cervid urine from cervids outside of Alabama while hunting is prohibited except that cervid urine may be used if produced in a facility that the department determines:

(a) complies with a federal or a federally approved chronic wasting disease herd certification program and any federal chronic wasting disease protocols and record requirements;

(b) does not allow importation of live cervids;

(c) requires that all cervids exported from the facility be tested for chronic wasting disease upon death and the results are reported to the facility;

(d) is inspected annually by an accredited veterinarian, including inspection of the herd and applicable records; and

(e) maintains a fence at least 8 feet high around the facility and, if the facility is located within 30 miles of a confirmed positive occurrence of chronic wasting disease, is double fenced to prevent direct contact between captive and wild cervids.

(2) Nothing in this regulation shall prohibit the use, collection, or sale of cervid urine products originating from within the State of Alabama.

(3) This regulation shall not apply to those urine products which are fully synthetic in composition.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12.
• New Rule: Filed January 25, 2019; effective March 11, 2019.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.162 Wild Baitfish Regulation

Within the jurisdiction of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, it shall be unlawful to transport any live baitfish, having been caught or harvested from streams, rivers, public lakes or reservoirs in Alabama, away from the waters in which they are caught. Further, it is unlawful to import any live baitfish, having been caught or harvested from streams, rivers, public lakes, or reservoirs from any area outside the State of Alabama. For the purposes of this regulation, baitfish are defined as any species of fish or crayfish (Superfamily Astacoidea) that are legal to use as bait for recreational or commercial fishing in Alabama.

This regulation does not prohibit the possession or the use of live baitfish on or within the waters from which they have been caught or harvested. Nor does it prohibit the possession, importation, or use of live baitfish acquired from commercial producers and bait shops located within or outside the State of Alabama, provided the origin of these fish was not from a wild caught source.

For purposes of this regulation, refer to 220-2-.42(1) for a description of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries jurisdictional line.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-2-13.
• New Rule: Filed July 11, 2019; effective August 25, 2019. Amended: Filed July 16, 2020; effective September 14, 2020.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.163 Restrictions Onn Certain Species Of Asian Carp

No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association shall possess, sell, offer for sale, release, or cause to be distributed within the State of Alabama any live fish of the genus Hypophthalmichthys spp. (silver carp, bighead carp, largescale silver carp) except for holders of valid commercial fishing licenses engaged in harvesting individuals of these species from the public waters of Alabama for sale to licensed fish dealers and/or processors and aquaculture producers holding a valid written permit issued by the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12, 9-2-13.
• New Rule: Filed July 11, 2019; effective August 25, 2019.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.164 Crow Creek, Mud Creek, And Raccoon Creek Wildlife Management Areas Waterfowl Hunting

(1) In addition to 220-2-.55, it shall be unlawful on Crow Creek, Mud Creek and Raccoon Creek Wildlife Management Areas (WMA):

(a) For any person to leave any vehicle parked at the established launching sites. Hunters must use the designated parking areas. However, physically disabled persons with approved handicapped vehicles may be parked at the designated handicap parking locations.

(b) For any person to create or hunt from any dug-out or excavated area.

(c) To construct and/or utilize permanent waterfowl hunting blinds (those using building materials, flooring, or flotation and/or remaining in position overnight) anywhere on the Jackson County Waterfowl (Mud Creek, Crow Creek, and Raccoon Creek) WMAs.

(d) For any blinds to be left in said areas for more than one (1) day. All such blinds shall be disposed of as deemed advisable by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(e) For any person to leave waterfowl decoys overnight.

(f) To have more than 25 shotgun shells in the possession of each hunter (excluding youth hunters during the designated youth hunt days) while hunting waterfowl on all Jackson County Waterfowl Management Areas (Crow Creek WMA, Mud Creek WMA, and Raccoon Creek WMA).

(g) For any person to operate airboats or air-cooled motors (go-devil type motors) on all portions of Mud Creek WMA lying west of Highway 72 from the beginning of youth/Veteran waterfowl season in November to the first Saturday in February.

(2) The following shall apply to the DEWATERING UNITS on Mud Creek and Raccoon Creek WMAs:

(a) All boats and/or boat blinds used for hunting waterfowl shall be launched and removed daily or shall be floated to an approved launching site for overnight mooring.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to use commercial fishing gear from October 31st through the second Saturday in February.

(c) Temporary blinds may be used for one (1) day only and removed by the hunter. All such blinds, except boat blinds, left for more than one (1) day shall be disposed of as deemed advisable by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(d) All activity is prohibited from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM during the period of Nov. 1 – Feb. 15 and 48 hours prior to waterfowl season openings.

(e) It is unlawful to use airboats.

(f) It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, except during the Special Teal Season, the Special Early Goose Season, and the last two weeks of waterfowl season. All waterfowl hunting activity in the Mud Creek (Wannville) and Raccoon Creek dewatering units is prohibited on those days unless authorized by the personnel of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(g) It is unlawful to use air-cooled motors (go-devil type motors) in Mud Creek (Wannville) dewatering unit and Raccoon Creek dewatering unit (North of Highway 117).

(h) It is unlawful to launch any vessel prior to 3:00 AM daily. All hunters preparing to hunt waterfowl are not allowed in the water prior to 3:00 AM daily.

(3) It is unlawful to operate airboats and air-cooled motors (go-devil type motors) on all portions of Crow Creek Refuge and North Sauty Refuge from November 1 to March 31 of each year. Airboats are prohibited on the Green Tree Reservoir in the Mud Creek WMA at all times.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §9-11-301.
• New Rule: Published June 30, 2021; effective August 14, 2021. Amended (PE): Published July 29, 2022; effective July 19, 2022. Amended: Published August 30, 2024; effective October 14, 2024.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.165 Mallard-Fox And Swan Creek Wildlife Management Areas Waterfowl Hunting

(1) In addition to 220-2-.55, it shall be unlawful on Swan Creek and Mallard-Fox Creek Wildlife Management Areas (WMA):

(a) For any person to leave any vehicle parked at the established launching sites. Hunters must use the designated parking areas. However, physically disabled persons with approved handicapped vehicles may be parked at the designated handicapped parking location at the main launch only.

(b) For any person to create or hunt from any dug-out or excavated area.

(c) To construct and/or utilize permanent waterfowl hunting blinds (those using building materials, flooring, or floatation and/or remaining in position overnight) anywhere on the Swan Creek or Mallard-Fox Creek WMAs. All such blinds shall be disposed of as deemed advisable by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(d) For any person using waterfowl decoys on Swan Creek WMA to leave said decoys out overnight.

(e) Floating blinds must meet all U.S. Coast Guard Minimum Requirements for Recreational Boats. Life vests and kill switches must be worn at all times when the boat is under power and in motion.

(f) Waterfowl hunters may not enter the water until 4:30 am.

(2) The following shall apply to the dewatering unit on Swan Creek WMA:

(a) Blinds and decoys may be left overnight on weekend hunts only. All items must be removed from each location by 1:30 p.m. the last day of the weekend hunt. All items must be removed daily for weekday draw hunts.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish from October 31st through the second Saturday in February.

(c) All activity is prohibited in the DWU when gates are closed. There shall be no activity from 7:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., during the periods when gates are open. Gates to the main launch Road and West Dike Road will close October 31^st at 8 a.m. In addition to this, the gates to Main Launch Road and West Dike Road will be closed between the end of the regular waterfowl season and the youth/military waterfowl day.

(d) It shall be unlawful to use airboats.

(e) All limited quota walk-in and boat blind locations within the Swan Creek WMA DWU will be permitted through a limited quota permit system determined by random computerized drawing for weekend hunts or in-person drawings on the Tuesday of each week for Tuesday and Thursday hunts. With the following conditions:

1. In order to apply, ALL applicants are required to obtain a Conservation Identification Number (CID); registration is restricted to individuals 16 years of age and older; those residents who are aged 16 to 64 and non-residents aged 16 years or older must have a valid WMA license to register for the Swan Creek WMA hunt selection process.

Successful resident applicants and hunting guests aged 16 to 64 and non-residents aged 16 or older must obtain and have in possession a valid Alabama hunting license, WMA license, HIP, and state and federal duck stamps if applicable. Any violation of any rules, regulations, or laws by permit holder or guests while hunting on Swan Creek WMA will result in those individuals forfeiting the remainder of their hunt and forfeiting their Swan Creek WMA hunt eligibility for the remainder of the current season and the entire following season. Failure to participate in solicited hunt without providing Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries 7 day prior notice by email to hunt coordinator of cancellation will result in that individual losing their eligibility for future Swan Creek WMA DWU limited quota hunts for the present and following year.

2. Floating blinds must meet all U.S. Coast Guard Minimum Requirements for Recreational Boats. Life vests and kill switches must be worn at all times when the boat is under power and in motion.

3. Permit holders and guests shall only hunt on their assigned dates and within thirty (30) feet of their assigned hunt location marker.

4. It shall be unlawful for any limited quota permitted hunter to hunt without checking in and out of Swan Creek WMA on each hunt using the Outdoor Alabama WMA check-in Application and reporting harvest OR with a daily permit from the self-service kiosk. When using daily permit, the tear-off stub with number matching daily permits must be filled out and deposited in the return slot of self-service box. The Harvest Report portion of the permit is to be retained in possession of the hunter until the end of the day, then filled out and deposited in the self-service box before leaving Swan Creek WMA each hunt.

5. It shall be unlawful to access or hunt on Swan Creek DWU unless selected for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates and hunt location. The permit holder and three properly licensed guest(s) may only access and hunt the DWU permitted hunt location and on permitted times and days. The guests may be different individuals each hunt day. Permit holder must be present with hunting party each hunt.

6. Permitted walk-in and boat blind hunters must be anchored or stationed to hunt within 30 feet of the appropriate hunt location marker for the duration of the limited quota hunt. Hunt location markers shall not be moved or otherwise altered or tampered with. No blind may be attached to the location marker in any way. If a boat or blind is found to be attached to a marker, all hunters in the blind will be deemed in violation of this regulation.

7. Permitted hunters and guests may enter Swan Creek DWU at 4:30 a.m.; Hunting may begin at legal shooting hours; all hunting activity is prohibited after noon; and all parties must exit the DWU no later than 1:30 p.m. It shall be unlawful to leave assigned hunt location except when retrieving a downed bird or departing the DWU for the day.

8. Limited quota hunt selections will be conducted by:

(i) Special early teal season will be on a first come first served basis and will be open daily during the state season. No noon closure during this season.

(ii) Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and Special Youth and Veteran Hunts, applicants will register pre-season on the limited quota hunt platform on www.outdooralabama.com. Randomized computer selections will occur prior to the season opening. Successful permit holders will be able to hunt both days.

(iii) Weekdays (Tuesdays and Thursdays), applicants will register in person on the Tuesday of each hunt week. Drawing will occur at the District I Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Office (21453 Harris Station Road, Tanner, AL 35671) each Tuesday during waterfowl season. Registration begins at 4:00 a.m., registration ends at 4:25 a.m. and drawing will occur at 4:30 a.m. Successful permit holders can hunt only the day they are successfully selected.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §9-11-301.
• New Rule: Published June 30, 2021; effective August 14, 2021. Amended (PE): Published August 31, 2022; effective August 1, 2022. Amended (PE): Published June 28, 2024; effective June 28, 2024. Amended (PE): Published June 30, 2025; effective June 17, 2025. Amended (PE): Published July 31, 2026; effective July 16, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.167 Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone Rule

(1) Hunters SHALL submit samples for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing from all deer harvested on any Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Special Opportunity Area (SOA), Community Hunting Area (CHA), State Waterfowl Refuges, or Physically Disabled Hunting Area (PHDA) located within a CWD High Risk Zone (HRZ) or Buffer Zone (BZ) at the WMA Check Station, or Drop-off Sampling freezer locations, or a scheduled DCNR Mobile Sampling location.

(2) Hunters SHALL submit samples for CWD testing from all deer harvested within a High Risk Zone (HRZ) of a Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CMZ) at DCNR mobile sampling locations or Drop-off Sampling freezer locations on scheduled dates announced by press release and posted to the website below. All other days, hunters are encouraged to submit samples for CWD testing. www.outdooralabama.com/CWD-Info. As an incentive to increase CWD samples submitted for testing on scheduled dates, hunters shall receive a CWD Sampling Permit to harvest one additional antlered deer from within a CMZ for each CWD sample submitted for testing from deer harvested within a HRZ. No more than two additional CWD Sampling Permits will be issued per hunter above the season bag limit, combined for an HRZ and BZ. CWD Sampling Permits are non-transferrable. CWD Sampling Permits are only available at WMA Check Stations and DCNR Mobile sampling locations on scheduled dates.

(3) Hunters SHALL submit samples for CWD testing from all deer harvested within a Buffer Zone (BZ) of a CMZ at DCNR mobile sampling locations or Drop-off Sampling freezer locations on scheduled dates announced by press release and posted to the website below. All other days, hunters are encouraged to submit samples for CWD testing. www.outdooralabama.com/CWD-Info. As an incentive to increase CWD samples submitted for testing on scheduled dates, hunters shall receive a CWD Sampling Permit to harvest one additional antlered deer from within a CMZ for each CWD sample submitted for testing from deer harvested within a BZ. No more than two additional CWD Sampling Permits will be issued per hunter above the season bag limit, combined for the HRZ and BZ. CWD Sampling Permits are non-transferable. CWD Sampling Permits are only available at WMA Check Stations and DCNR Mobile sampling locations on scheduled dates.

(4) All deer harvested in a CMZ must be properly recorded and reported through the Game Check System pursuant to Regulation 220-2-.146.

(5) No cervid or cervid body parts taken from an HRZ shall be transported outside of an HRZ. This restriction shall not apply to meat of a cervid species that has been completely deboned; cleaned skull plates with attached bare antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; unattached bare antlers or sheds; raw capes, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if no root structure or other soft tissue is present; and finished taxidermy products or tanned hides.

(6) No cervid or cervid body parts taken from a BZ shall be transported outside a CMZ. This restriction shall not apply to meat of a cervid species that has been completely deboned; cleaned skull plates with attached bare antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; unattached bare antlers or sheds; raw capes, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if no root structure or other soft tissue is present; and finished taxidermy products or tanned hides.

(7) Deer processors or taxidermists shall apply for a DCNR Carcass Disposal Transport permit when transporting outside of the designated zones, as applicable. www.outdooralabama.com/CWD-Info

(8) Cervid rehabilitation shall not be permitted within a CMZ nor shall Cervid be transported out of a CMZ for rehabilitation purposes.

(9) Hunters may find DCNR Best Management Practices for carcass disposal at the following link: www.outdooralabama.com/CWD-Info.

(10) There shall be no baiting or supplemental feeding of wildlife within a CMZ. Grain, salt products, minerals, or consumable natural and manufactured products may not be placed or put out for wildlife with the following exceptions:

(a) Seed or grain used solely for normal agricultural, forest management, or wildlife food plot production purposes.

(b) Feed solely placed inside an active hog trap.

(c) Feed for attracting birds and squirrels with common bird and squirrel feeders placed within 100 feet of a residence or occupied building.

(d) Feed as permitted by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(e)Following any positive that results in a new CMZ or an expanded area within an existing CMZ, deer hunting by the aid of bait shall be allowed within a CMZ or expanded area until the last day of the current CMZ deer season.

(11) Any licensed game breeder facility, permitted propagator, or the holder of a public display of captive wildlife permit within a CMZ will be allowed movement within that CMZ only.

(12) A licensed game breeder or permitted propagator facility located within a CMZ is prohibited from transferring or releasing captive cervids outside a CMZ unless all of the following are met pursuant to Ala. Code § 9-11-30(e):

(a) Compliance with all postmortem testing requirements defined in regulation 220-2-.138 and all conditions set forth in the CWD Monitoring Program designated by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI).

(b) Compliance with one of the following options:

I. Facilities shall test every three (3) years a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of all cervids 12 months of age or older within the facility at time of annual inspection using a State Veterinarian approved CWD diagnostic antemortem test and have results of "not-detected." Any individual cervid being transported must have received results of "not-detected" from the State Veterinarian approved CWD diagnostic antemortem test within two-hundred and forty (240) days prior to movement;

II. Facilities that maintain continuous double fencing, as defined in 220-2-.138, shall test every three (3) years a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of all cervids 12 months of age or older within the facility at time of the annual inspection using a State Veterinarian approved CWD diagnostic antemortem test and have results of “not-detected.” Any individual cervid being transported must have received results of “not-detected” from the State Veterinarian approved CWD diagnostic antemortem test within two-hundred and forty days (240) days prior to movement; or

III. An individual cervid with a USDA established GEBV score at or less than -0.056, with proof of certificate from the North American Deer Registry (NADR), is eligible for movement without additional herd testing provided the cervid has received results of “not-detected” from the State Veterinarian approved CWD diagnostic antemortem test within two-hundred and forty days (240) days prior to movement.

(c) Written authorization is received from DCNR.

(13) Pursuant to Ala. Code § 9-11-30(e), the State Veterinarian has designated a rectal anal mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (RAMALT) biopsy tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) as the approved CWD diagnostic antemortem live test. In order for a sample to be valid, the antemortem CWD test shall be taken by an accredited veterinarian in accordance with USDA CWD Program Standards antemortem collection procedures and submitted within ten (10) days of collection to an ADAI diagnostic laboratory, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), or a diagnostic laboratory authorized by the State Veterinarian. Any cervid requested for transfer or release must have results of “not-detected” from the State Veterinarian approved diagnostic antemortem CWD test prior to movement.

(14) If the postmortem testing requirements in regulation 220-2-.138 have not been met, annual postmortem testing compliance may be achieved by the following:

(a) If a cervid 12 months of age or older dies and is submitted within ten (10) days of death for postmortem testing, and the ADAI lab determines the sample was untestable, a licensed game breeder may submit one State Veterinarian approved CWD diagnostic antemortem test from cervids 12 months of age or older and receive a “not-detected” result for the antemortem test to be considered postmortem testing compliant.

(b) If a cervid 12 months of age or older dies and no sample was submitted to an ADAI lab:

I. The licensed game breeder facility may submit three State Veterinarian approved CWD diagnostic antemortem tests from cervids 12 months of age or older for each missed postmortem test and receive a “not-detected” result for those antemortem tests to be considered postmortem testing compliant for purposes of movement for the following license year beginning October 1; or

II. Demonstrate compliance with all postmortem testing for the remainder of current license year and the subsequent license year to be considered as compliant with postmortem testing requirements.

(15) If CWD is detected in a licensed game breeder facility or permitted propagator facility, all facilities will be placed on non-movement qualified status. The process of trace-back and trace-forward will be performed to identify potential CWD-exposed facilities that will require CWD testing. Any facility identified as CWD-exposed will be placed on non-movement qualified status until testing can confirm CWD prevalence. Pursuant to Ala. Code § 9-11-30(d), the department may require the postmortem testing of a captive cervid if CWD has been detected in a cervid possessed by the licensee or a cervid has been transferred to the licensee from another licensee and is epidemiologically linked to a CWD detected cervid possessed by the transferring licensee. Each CWD-exposed facility will be treated as an individual population and a CMZ. Pursuant to Ala. Code 9-11-30(d), each cervid identified as epidemiologically linked to a CWD-detected cervid shall require postmortem testing. If the epidemiologically linked cervid is not able to be located, then the facility shall conduct antemortem testing on all cervids (whole herd) in the facility to determine CWD prevalence within the facility. The antemortem testing must be done within 60 days from notification of a CWD detection using a State Veterinarian approved CWD diagnostic antemortem test.

Informational Note: Cervids in a double fenced facility shall at all times be contained within the innermost fence unless the cervids are being moved between pens or structures within the facility.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-2, 9-2-6, 9-2-7, 9-2-12, 9-11-30, 9-11-244.
• New Rule: Published May 31, 2022; effective July 15, 2022. Amended: Published November 30, 2023; effective January 14, 2024. Amended: Published May 30, 2025; effective July 14, 2025. Amended: Published February 27, 2026; effective April 13, 2026.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.168 Fees

Act 2015-441 authorizes any state agency that statutorily levies or assesses fees to fund its operations and programs to increase those fees by means provided in the Act. Pursuant to the authority of Act 2015-441, certain statutory fees related to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division have been increased. See the table below for a list of increased fees. The statutory fees in column three are increased to the amounts in column four.

FEES

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Authorizing Statutes | Description | Statutory Fee | New fee Authorized by Act 2015-441 | | 9-11-413 | Commercial Fowl Hunt Preserve - Nonexempt | $25 | $30 | | 9-11-413 | Commercial Fowl Hunt Preserve – Additional Acres - Nonexempt | $5 | $6 | | 9-11-413 | Commercial Fowl Hunt Preserve – Exempt | $500 | $600 | | 9-12-202 | Alligator Farmer | $1000 | $1,200 | | 9-12-206 | Alligator Parts Dealer | $100 | $120 | | 9-12-206 | Alligator Retailer | $5 | $6 | | 9-11-342 | Commercial Quail Breeders | $25 | $30 | | 9-11-261 | Propagation Permit | $1 | $1 | | 9-11-63 | Non-Resident Fur Dealer | $300 | $360 | | 9-11-143 | Resident Freshwater Commercial | $99 | $118 | | 9-11-373 | Resident Mussel Buyers | $100 | $120 | | 9-11-372 | Resident Mussel Catchers | $250 | $300 | | 9-11-153 | Freshwater Non-Game Retail | $10 | $12 | | | Fish Dealers | | | | 9-11-153 | Freshwater Non-game Wholesale Fish Dealers | $25 | $30 | | 9-11-373 | Non-Resident Mussel Buyers | $300 | $360 | | 9-11-372 | Non-Resident Mussel Catchers | $750 | $900 | | 9-11-58 | Non-Resident Minnows and Live Fish Retail | $200 | $240 | | 9-11-58 | Non-Resident Minnows and Live Fish Wholesale | $250 | $300 |

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-8, 9-2-12; Alabama Act 2015-441.
• New Rule: Published July 29, 2022; effective September 12, 2022.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.169 Deer Enclosure Registration License

(1) Any person, firm, corporation, or association that operates an enclosure for a game animal of the species of the family Cervidae defined in Ala. Code Section 9-11-500(1) and that complies with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations may apply for registration of each enclosure with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(2) Registration forms must be submitted for each enclosure, by location on or before July 1 of each year for the upcoming hunting season. The forms are available at www.outdooralabama.com.

(3) Registrants may hunt deer by gun deer stalk hunting methods during the period of October 15 thru January 6, unless a different period is designated by the Department. Outside of designated dates, deer can only be hunted by bow and arrow stalk hunting methods that are applicable to the deer zone where the property is located as described in 220-2-.01 Hunting Seasons.

(4) Each individual enclosure must be in full compliance with applicable laws, county and municipal ordinances, and Department rules and regulations, specifically Ala. Admin. Code R. 220-2-.147 and 220-2-.156. Such enclosures must contain only species of the family Cervidae as defined in Section 9-11-500(1).

(5) Enclosures must at all times be open for entry and inspection by Conservation Officers and other duly authorized agents of the Department.

(6) Deer hunters permitted to hunt under this registration must adhere to all applicable state and local laws and ordinances, as well as Department rules and regulations.

(7) A violation of any provision of this rule is subject to the revocation, suspension, or denial of registration, and may also be subject to civil and criminal sanctions imposed by Alabama Act No. 2022-423.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-2-7, 9-2-8, 9-2-12; Alabama Act 2022-423.
• New Rule (PE): Published May 31, 2022; effective May 20, 2022.
• Penalty: As provided by law.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.170 Selling Of Skipjack Herring Prohibited

It shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or trade anything of value for any Skipjack Herring (Alosa chrysochloris) taken from the public waters of the Tennessee River and its Impoundments and Tributaries within the State of Alabama. This regulation shall expire on December 31, 2029, to allow adequate time for additional biological analysis to be performed to determine if the continued harvest and sale of Skipjack Herring is sustainable.

History

• Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §9-2-7 .
• New Rule: Published August 30, 2024; effective October 14, 2024.
• Penalty: As provided by law.