Deer Hunting in Alabama

The White-tailed deer is the number one game animal hunted in Alabama. Approximately 180,000 deer hunters account for more than 4 million man-days of hunting activity annually and have a significant impact on the local economy of rural Alabama. The harvest varies from year to year but hunters typically harvest in excess of 300,000 deer annually.

Visit the Seasons and Bag Limits page for dates, bag limits and zones.

Deer Season Zone Map

Where to Hunt Deer in Alabama

License Requirements
To hunt white-tailed deer in Alabama, residents and non-residents must have the following:

• All Game Hunting License (unless exempt)
• Harvest Record (paper form or on the app)
• Wildlife Management License and map permit IF hunting on a WMA
• If you harvest a deer, you have 48 hours to report it through Game Check

Hunt the Rut in Alabama.

The “rut” is a term most often associated with the time of year when breeding occurs within deer populations. In most well-managed white-tailed deer populations, nearly all breeding will take place during a relatively narrow 14-20 day window. Just prior to and during this time of active breeding, buck movements typically increase in frequency and duration while they search for receptive does. These increased movements make bucks more vulnerable and often provide hunters their best opportunity to see and harvest adult bucks during Alabama’s long deer season. If you would like to know more about when rut activity usually occurs on Alabama’s WMAs, SOAs, or statewide, download the Alabama Rut Map to plan your hunt this year.   

Do You Hunt in Other States?
Hunters who harvest white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose in other states are not allowed to bring the whole deer carcass back to Alabama.

Importation of the following is allowed:

• Deer meat that has been completely deboned.
• Cleaned skull plates with attached antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present.
• 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.
• Finished taxidermy products or tanned hides.

Chronic Wasting Disease - What You Should Know

Articles of Interest
Tips on Locating Wounded Deer
Multi-tasking While Deer Hunting
Don't Spoil Deer Woods with Human Scent
Tips for Selecting a Deer Rifle

If you are a landowner, you may be interested in the Deer Management Assistance Program.

Visit the Hunter Resource page for additional downloads and information