WMA Rules and Regulations | Outdoor Alabama

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, possess firearms, traps, or bow and arrow, except on open designated target ranges and except bow fishing equipment, without a valid AREA permit or by using the Outdoor Alabama Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Check-In application. An AREA permit or Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In application 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. See (hh) for limited exception for certain lawfully authorized handguns possessed for personal protection.

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

(c) 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).

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

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

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

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

1. DEER: Stalk Hunting – Centerfire rifles using mushrooming and/or expanding type 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 using slugs or single round balls, muzzle-loading firearms .40 caliber or larger, centerfire handguns with a minimum of 4 inch barrel length using mushrooming and/or expanding type ammunition. All applicable laws regarding possessing and carrying handguns must be followed.

2. DEER: Stalk Hunting - Primitive Weapons Hunt – Muzzle-loading rifles 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, or bow and arrow (including crossbow).

3. DEER: Stalk Hunting – Archery – bow and arrow (including crossbows): Conforming to the provisions of Rule 220-2-.03.

4. DEER: Dog Hunts – Shotguns using buckshot only.

5. FERAL SWINE SPECIAL SEASONS: The same provisions as set out in (1)(g)1. and (1)(g)2. above, except at Seven Mile Island where Primitive Weapons Stalk Deer Hunt provisions only apply, as set out in (1)(g)2. above, with the addition of shotguns with slugs.

6. TURKEY: Shotguns using No. 2 shot or smaller and bow and arrow (including crossbows).

7. DOVE, WOODCOCK, SNIPE, AND RAIL: Shotguns using No. 2 shot or smaller and bow and arrow (including crossbows).

8. WATERFOWL & SANDHILL CRANE: Shotguns using steel shot, T size or smaller and bow and arrow (including crossbows). Waterfowl may also be hunted with other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved shot and sizes.

9. QUAIL: Shotguns using No. 4 shot or smaller and bow and arrow (including crossbows).

10. SQUIRREL, CROW, AND RABBIT: Shotguns using No. 4 shot or smaller, rimfire firearms, muzzle-loading rifles and muzzle-loading handguns .40 caliber
or smaller, rifles operated by air, and bow and arrow (including crossbows).

11. RACCOON AND OPOSSUM – Daylight hours: Shotguns using No. 4 shot or smaller, rimfire firearms, and bow and arrow (including crossbows) only. Nighttime hours: Shotguns using No. 4 shot or smaller or .22 caliber rimfire firearms.

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

13. BOW AND ARROW (including Crossbows): Conforming to the provisions of Rule 220-2-.03, will be legal on all AREA scheduled hunts. Crossbows will be legal during any open bow and arrow season dates for any species (including turkey). 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 hunts for legally permitted falconers. Falconers may take migratory game birds (not more than three (3) a
day) and resident game birds and animals on dates those seasons are open on each AREA.

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

(h) To trap furbearers except as permitted under 220-2-.30.

(i) For any person 16 years of age or older to hunt on any WMA without possessing a WMA daily permit (obtained from a check station or kiosk self-service boxes
located on WMA) or by using the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In application to check in and out each hunt day. (See map permit for check station and kiosk locations. Possession of the WMA Map Permit is not required if using the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In application.) 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 self-service box. The remaining permit portion is to be retained in possession of the hunter while hunting and filled out completely and deposited into the return slot of the self-service box at a check station or kiosk for each day hunted.

(j) 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 (hh)] 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. See (hh) for limited exception for certain lawfully authorized handguns possessed for personal protection.

(k) For hunters on dog deer hunts to leave stand assigned to them until instructed. The Geneva State Forest WMA dog hunt will be limited to 100 standers, registered and permitted through a permit system selected by an online random selection process. 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 hunt.

(l) To camp on any AREA except in designated sites. Campers using generators must camp in site 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 unit – see local Forest Service rules. 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 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 WMA at the owner’s expense; or, may be relocated to another portion of the WMA 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 special 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.

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

(n) To discharge fireworks at any time.

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

(p) To hunt or discharge firearms within 150 yards of any camping area, dwelling, dam or timber operation, 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. 5 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 unit – see local U.S. Forest Service rules.

(q) To transport harvested deer or turkey from any AREA before recording harvest on the Outdoor Alabama WMA Application or WMA daily permit and checking such harvest 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 WMA map permit. All other harvested game must be recorded on the Outdoor Alabama WMA Application or WMA daily permit.

(r) 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. 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.

(s) For any unauthorized person to possess and/or operate ANY UNLICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE (i.e. ATV, UTV, motorcycle, or electricpowered bike) on Charles D. Kelley-Autauga, Black Warrior, William R. Ireland, Sr. - Cahaba River, Choccolocco, Coosa, David K. Nelson, Hollins, Jackson County Waterfowl Areas except Coon Gulf Tract, Little River (within Little River Canyon National Preserve), Lowndes, Martin Community Hunting Area, Mulberry Fork, Oakmulgee, Perdido River, and Forever Wild Gothard – AWF Yates Lake AREAS.

(t) For any unauthorized person to possess or operate ANY UNLICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE on Barbour, 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 public four-wheel motorized vehicle traffic (excluding Geneva State Forest Zone B).

(u) For any unauthorized person to possess or operate ANY LICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE on any AREA, except when utilized for the express purposed of hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, or related activities; and when operated only on regularly used roads depicted on WMA map to be open for public four-wheel motorized vehicle traffic.

(v) For any unauthorized person to ride or possess horses on any AREA except:

(1) on roads open to four-wheel motorized vehicles, excluding Charles D. Kelley-Autauga
and Geneva State Forest Zone A (where no horses are permitted);

and (2) in areas, roads, and trails, designated as open to horses, excluding Charles D. Kelley-Autauga and Geneva State Forest Zone A (where no horses are permitted). On Coosa horses are not permitted in the campgrounds from October 1 until after the last day of turkey season.

(w) 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 WMA permit.

(x) For any person to hunt or trap any wildlife species (except turkey, migratory birds, 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; otherwise, 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.

(y) 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.

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

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

(bb) To erect any permanent tree stand; install any screw-in type steps, spikes, or nails; or otherwise damage any tree.

(cc) 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.

(dd) 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.

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

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

(gg) To possess any open alcoholic beverages outside designated camping areas. Possession of alcoholic beverages shall be prohibited on the campgrounds of the Coosa WMA.

(hh) 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 or take or to attempt to take wildlife except as otherwise provided by this regulation.

(ii) To hunt small game during youth gun deer and primitive weapon hunts on any AREA except on Grand Bay Savanna, W.L. Holland, and Mobile-Tensaw Delta WMAs, and except waterfowl in Upper Delta (Zone B) WMA.

(2) Individuals must follow the listed rules to participate in the scheduled youth deer, turkey, or waterfowl hunts on any AREA.

(a) Up to two (2) 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 sixteenth (16th) birthday.

(c) Adult is defined as those individuals 21 years old or older or the parent of the youth who are in possession of all required state hunting licenses (and state and federal waterfowl stamps if required to hunt waterfowl) and WMA map permit.

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

(3) All deer and turkeys harvested must be properly recorded and reported pursuant to paragraph (1)(q) above and through Game Check pursuant to Regulation 220- 2-.146.

(4) Hunting on Blackwater River, Cedar Creek, Crow Creek, Fred T. Stimpson, Portland Landing, Prairie Glades, Uchee Creek, Upper State, and Thigpen Hill Special Opportunity Areas (SOA) will be permitted through a limited quota permit system selected by random computerized selection. Participants are required to obtain a Conservation Identification Number (CID) and apply through www.outdooralabama.com to register for a limited number of quota permits available for hunts on these AREAS. All successful applicants must obtain and have in possession a valid Alabama hunting license, WMA license, 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 that individual forfeiting the remainder of their hunt and losing their eligibility for future SOA hunts. Failure to participate in solicited hunt without providing Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries 7 days prior notice of cancellation will result in that individual losing their eligibility for future SOA hunts. Permit holders and guests shall only hunt and scout in their assigned hunt unit(s). All other access on any SOA is restricted to foot traffic and non-motorized vehicles only and only during daylight hours from May 15 to September 1 (excluding Crow Creek, Fred T. Stimpson, Upper State, and Prairie Glades). All deer and turkey hunters are required to report all harvests pursuant to the Game Check requirements in regulation 220-2-.146. Other requirements for hunters participating in limited quota hunts on the SOAs include:

(a) On Cedar Creek, Portland Landing, and Uchee Creek SOA:

1. It shall be unlawful to hunt on Cedar Creek, Portland Landing, or Uchee Creek SOA unless selected by random draw 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. No substitutions will be allowed.

2. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist.

3. Each hunter must sign in and out at kiosk each hunt day.

4. Deer Hunts:

a. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one (1) and ends at 12:00 noon on day four (4). With the exception of the day one (1) start time and day four (4)
end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1 ½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1 ½ 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.

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

c. One (1) antlered buck and three (3) antlerless deer allowed each permit duration for permit holder and also for one (1) guest. Permit holder is allowed one (1) properly licensed guest each day. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

d. 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.

5. Turkey Hunts:

a. Each turkey hunt begins at one (1) hour before sunrise on day one (1) and ends at 1:30 PM on the last day.

c. 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.

6. Small Game Hunts:

a. Each small game hunt begins 30 minutes prior to legal sunrise on day one (1) and ends 30 minutes after legal sunset on the last day. No scouting days prior to hunt dates.

b. Permit holder may be accompanied by up to three (3) properly licensed guests. The guests may be different people each hunt day.

(b) On Crow Creek SOA:

1. Waterfowl Hunting:

a. It shall be unlawful to access or hunt on Crow Creek SOA unless selected by random draw for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and four (4) 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. No substitutions will be allowed.

b. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorized vehicle on the SOA without authorization.
c. It shall be unlawful to use gasoline-powered motors on the SOA.

d. Unauthorized activity is prohibited in the SOA. In addition, hunters may enter the Crow Creek SOA at 4:00 AM; all hunting activity is prohibited after 12:00 noon; and all parties should be off the SOA no later than 1:30 PM.

e. It shall be unlawful to leave assigned hunt unit for any reason except when departing the SOA for the day.

f. Temporary blinds may be used for the duration of the hunt and removed by permit holder. All such blinds left in said SOA after the hunt will be disposed of as deemed advisable by WFF.

g. It shall be unlawful to have more than 25 shotgun shells in the possession of each hunter while hunting waterfowl on the SOA. This does not apply to Youth
Waterfowl Days.

h. Each hunter may take a daily state bag limit of waterfowl.

i. It shall be unlawful for any limited quota permitted hunter to hunt without possessing a daily permit from kiosk self-service box located at entrance. When obtaining permit, the tear-off stub with number matching daily permit must 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 hunter until the end of the day. The harvest report portion of the permit is to be filled out and deposited in return slot of the self-service box no later than 1:30 PM after each day.

2. Archery Deer Hunts:

a. It shall be unlawful to hunt on Crow Creek SOA unless selected by random draw for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned hunt unit. The permit holder and one (1) properly licensed guest may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned hunt unit for those permitted times and days. No substitutions will be allowed.

b. Each deer hunt begins at legal shooting hours, hunters may enter the Crow Creek SOA 1 ½ hour prior to legal sunrise and must exit the AREA by 1 ½ hour after legal sunset. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit(s) may also occur between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

c. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorized vehicle on the SOA without authorization.

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

e. Unauthorized activity is prohibited in the SOA.

f. It shall be unlawful for any limited quota permitted hunter to hunt without possessing a daily permit from kiosk self-service box located at entrance. When obtaining permit, the tear-off stub with number matching daily permit must 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 hunter until the end of the day. The harvest report portion of the permit is to be filled out and deposited in return slot of the self-service box no later than 6:30 PM after each day.

g. One (1) antlered buck and two (2) unantlered deer allowed each permit duration for permit holder and also for one (1) guest. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

i. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist.

c. Each hunter may take daily state bag limit of rabbit, squirrel, quail, coyote, feral swine, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, and fox.

(c) On Fred T. Stimpson SOA:

1. It shall be unlawful to access or hunt on Fred T. Stimpson SOA unless selected by random draw for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned 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 times and days. No substitutions will be allowed.

2. It shall be unlawful for any limited quota permitted hunter and/or guest(s) to hunt without possessing a daily permit from the kiosk self-service permit box located at the entrance. When obtaining the permit, the tear-off stub with the number matching the daily permit must be filled out and deposited in the return slot of the self-service box. The Harvest Report portion of the permit is to remain in the possession of the hunter until the end of the day when the Harvest Report portion is to be filled out and deposited in the return slot of the self-service permit box upon departure from the SOA.

3. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist.

4. Archery Deer Hunts:

a. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one (1) and ends at 1:30 PM on day four (4) of the hunt. With the exception of the day one (1) start time and day four (4) end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1 ½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1 ½ 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. AREA biologist will make one (1) scouting day available to each permit holder.

b. One (1) antlered buck and three (3) unantlered deer allowed each permit duration for permit holder and allowed guest. Permit holder is allowed one (1) properly licensed guest each day. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative.

c. 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.

5. Youth Gun Deer Hunts:

a. The permit holder may be accompanied by two (2) youth guest hunters and a properly licensed supervising adult 21 years old or older or parent of the youth. Hunters may only hunt in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. Only the youth may hunt.

b. 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 1 ½ 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. AREA biologist will make one (1) scouting day available to each permit holder.

c. One (1) antlered buck and two (2) unantlered deer allowed for each youth hunter for each permit duration.

d. Youth deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, lactation status of doe, body weight, and antler measurement 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.

6. Youth Squirrel Hunts:

a. Permit holder 21 years old or older must be accompanied by one (1) youth hunter and will be allowed to have two (2) additional youth guest hunters and one (1) properly licensed supervising adult 21 years old or older or parent of the youth, for a maximum of five (5) 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.

b. Permits will be issued at the check station beginning at 6:00 AM. Permitted hunters must exit the area within one (1) hour after legal sunset. All squirrels harvested must be recorded at check station prior to leaving the SOA.

7. Turkey Hunts:

a. Each turkey hunt begins one (1) hour before legal sunrise on day one (1) and ends at 1:30 PM on the last day.

b. Bag limit of one (1) gobbler for each hunt duration for the permit holder and also for one (1) guest. Permit holder is allowed one (1) properly licensed guest each day. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative. c. Turkey hunters are required to record the harvest date, weight, spur length, and beard length of all harvested turkeys on provided data forms, as well as complete the provided hunter observation data sheet.

(d) On Upper State SOA:

1. It shall be unlawful to access or hunt on Upper State SOA unless selected by random draw for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned 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 times and days. No substitutions will be allowed.

2. It shall be unlawful for any limited quota permitted hunter and/or guest(s) to hunt without possessing a daily permit from the kiosk self-service box located at the entrance. When obtaining the permit, the tear-off stub with the number matching the daily permit must be filled out and deposited in the return slot of the self-service box. The Harvest Report portion of the permit is to be retained in the possession of the hunter until the end of the day when the Harvest Report portion is to be filled out and deposited in the return slot of the self-service box upon departure from the SOA.

3. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist.

4. Archery Deer Hunts:

a. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one (1) and ends at 1:30 PM on day four (4) of the hunt. With the exception of the day one (1) start time and day four (4) end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1 ½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1 ½ hours after legal sunset each day. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit will be allowed between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. AREA biologist will make one (1) scouting day available to each permit holder.

5. Turkey Hunts:

a. Each turkey hunt begins at one (1) hour before legal sunrise on day one (1) and ends at 1:30 PM on the last day.

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

(e) On Thigpen Hill SOA:

1. It shall be unlawful to hunt on Thigpen Hill SOA unless selected by random draw for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and one (1) guest may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted days. No substitutions will be allowed.

2. It shall be unlawful for any limited quota permitted hunter and/or guest to hunt without possessing a daily permit from the kiosk self-service permit box located at entrance. When obtaining the permit, the tear-off stub with the number matching the daily permit must be filled out and deposited in the return slot of the self-service box. The Harvest Report portion of the permit is to remain in the possession of the hunter until the end of the day when the Harvest Report portion is to be filled out and deposited in the return slot of the self-service permit box upon departure from the SOA.

3. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist.

4. Deer Hunts:

a. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one (1) and ends at 1:30 PM on day four (4) of the hunt. With the exception of the day one (1) start time and day four (4) end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1 ½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1 ½ hours after legal sunset each day. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit will be allowed between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. AREA biologist will make one (1) scouting day available to each permit holder.

b. Antlered bucks harvested are required to have at least three (3) antler points (1 inch or longer) on at least one (1) main antler. One (1) antlered buck and two (2) unantlered deer allowed each permit duration for permit holder and allowed guest. Permit holder is allowed one (1) properly licensed guest each day. The guest may be a different person each hunt day, but the guest bag is cumulative. c. 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 hunter are also required to extract a lower jawbone from each deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

5. Turkey Hunts:

a. Each turkey hunt begins at one (1) hour before legal sunrise on day one (1) and ends at 1:30 PM on the last day.

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

(f) On Blackwater River SOA:

1. It shall be unlawful to hunt on Blackwater River SOA unless selected by random draw for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and one (1) guest may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). for those permitted days. No substitutions will be allowed.

3. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist.

4. Deer Hunts:

a. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one (1) and ends at 1:30 PM on day four (4) of the hunt. With the exception of the day one (1) start time and day four (4) end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1 ½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1 ½ hours after legal sunset each day. AREA biologist will make one (1) scouting day available to each permit holder.

c. 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 hunter are also required to extract a lower jawbone from each deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

3. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist.

4. Deer Hunts:

a. Each deer hunt begins at 12:00 noon on day one (1) and ends at 1:30 PM on day four (4) of the hunt. With the exception of the day one (1) start time and day four (4) end time, hunters may enter the SOA 1 ½ hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the SOA by 1 ½ hours after legal sunset each day. AREA biologist will make one (1) scouting day available to each permit holder.

c. 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 hunter are also required to extract a lower jawbone from each deer harvested and leave it at SOA kiosk.

(g) On Prairie Glades SOA:

1. It shall be unlawful to access or hunt on Prairie Glades SOA unless selected by random draw for a limited quota permit for specific hunt dates on the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s). The permit holder and one (1) guest may only access (excluding approved scouting days) and hunt the assigned SOA and hunt unit(s) for those permitted days. No substitutions will be allowed.

3. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist.

4. Dove Hunts:

a. During dove hunts, 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.
b. Bag limit of 15 Mourning or White-Winged Doves in combination for the permit holder and also for one (1) guest. Rock Doves (pigeons) and Eurasian Collared Doves may be harvested with no bag limit. Permit holder is allowed one (1) properly licensed guest.

(5) A Wildlife Management Area 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 and for non-residents 16 years of age and older], PLUS a Wildlife Management Area Permit [free of charge], are required for hunting on AREAS; 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. PLUS, in order to hunt waterfowl on AREAS, all persons must have, in addition to the otherwise required licenses and permit, a HIP and valid State (if required) and a valid Federal (if required) Waterfowl Stamp.

Author: Christopher M. Blankenship

Statutory Authority: §§ 9-11-301 and 9-11-305, Code of Alabama, 1975.

Penalty: As provided by law.

History: 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: Filed August 7, 2020; effective October 15, 2020. Amended: Filed June 15, 2021; effective August 14, 2021.