Talladega County - Talladega National Forest Dog Deer Hunting Permit
Pursuant to the regulations established by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division, this page serves as the official public notice regarding dog deer hunting on United States Forest Service (USFS) Lands within Talladega County.
Dog deer hunting is strictly regulated to ensure public safety, conservation management, and the ethical pursuit of game. All individuals, hunting groups, and clubs operating within the Talladega National Forest must adhere to the specific season dates, mandatory permitting processes, and dog tracking requirements outlined below. Failure to comply with these provisions may result in the immediate revocation of hunting privileges and criminal prosecution.
Key Hunting Schedule & Bag Limits
General Rule: Dog deer hunting is prohibited across the state, except on USFS lands within Talladega County (by permit only) during the designated Dog Deer Season, on open permit-public lands.
Daily Bag Limit: 1 deer per day.
Weekly Schedule & Hours:
- Thursdays & Fridays: Hunting is allowed until 2:00 p.m.
- Saturdays & Sundays: Hunting is allowed during legal shooting hours.
- Mondays & Wednesdays: Closed to dog deer hunting unless Christmas Day or New Year's Day falls on one of these days. (No other holidays apply to this exception).
Permit Requirements
All individuals, clubs, or groups hunting with dogs—or training dogs—on open areas within the Talladega National Forest in Talladega County must obtain a valid permit.
- Who Needs a Permit: Every individual hunter must carry a permit (either digitally or on paper) while hunting.
- Exception: Youth hunters aged 15 or younger do not need their own permit if hunting with a permitted adult/group.
- How to Apply: Applicants must submit their name, address, phone number, date of birth, and the number of dogs they plan to use. Applications are evaluated by the local WFF Law Enforcement District II.
- Where to Get a Permit: Available online at OutdoorAlabama.com/DogDeerPermit or in person at the WFF Law Enforcement District II office in Jacksonville, AL.
- Vehicle Display: Your unique permit number must be displayed in the back window of all group and individual vehicles using 3-inch block numbers that contrast with the background color.
Dog Tracking & Identification Rules
To ensure dogs remain within permitted hunting boundaries:
- All deer hunting or training dogs must wear a functional GPS-enabled tracking and correction collar.
- Dogs must be identified at all times with the owner’s contact information and the valid permit number.
- Hunters must keep their dogs within the designated Talladega National Forest Lands in Talladega County, where dog deer hunting is permitted.
