WMA Rules and Regulations

220-2-.55 Wildlife Management Areas, Community Hunting Areas, Public Hunting Areas, and Refuges of Alabama
(1) It shall be unlawful on ALL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS, COMMUNITY HUNTING AREAS, SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREAS, PUBLIC 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 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. See (r) and (ii) 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 expressed purpose of retrieving wounded deer, limited to two dogs per 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 purpose from March 9 until August 31.
(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 a WMA.
(g) To use or possess any firearm, weapon or weapon for hunting [with exception as specified in (r) or (ii)] that does not conform with Regulation 220-2-.02 and 220-2-.03 except that:
1. DEER: Stalk Hunting - shotguns are restricted to slugs (no buckshot)
2. DEER: Stalk Hunting on Grand Bay WMA is restricted to archery, primitive weapons and shotguns with slugs.
3. DEER: Stalk Hunting - Primitive Weapons Hunts are restricted to muzzle-loading rifles and muzzle-loading handguns (.40 caliber or larger), muzzle-loading shotguns, pre-charged pneumatic air-powered guns (.30 caliber or larger) or bow and arrow (including crossbow).
4. DEER: Dog Hunts are restricted to shotguns using buckshot only.
5. FERAL SWINE SPECIAL SEASONS: the same provisions as established in (1)(g), and (1)(g)2. above, except at Seven Mile Island where only (1)(g)2. and (1)(g)3. apply. Feral Swine may also be hunted with legal arms permitted for other game birds and animals during scheduled WMA hunts.
6. Turkey: Turkey Hunts are restricted to shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller, using number 2 shot or smaller and archery equipment conforming to regulation 220-2-.03.
7. Bobcat, Coyote and Fox may only be hunted with legal arms permitted for other game birds or animals during those scheduled WMA seasons.
(h) To trap furbearers except as permitted under 220-2-.30.
(i) For any person to hunt deer with gun without first obtaining and possessing a daily permit from check station on specific deer hunt dates as designated on WMA map permit except on Grand Bay Savanna, Martin Community Hunting Area, Riverton, Upper Delta, W. L. Holland and Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Forever Wild Gothard – AWF Yates Lake AREAS and all Special Opportunity Areas.
(j) For any person to hunt on Boggy Hollow, Coosa, Choccolocco, Hollins, Jackson County, James D. Martin Skyline and Little River, AREAS without possessing a daily permit from check station or kiosk self-service boxes located on WMA (See map permit for check station and kiosk locations). The tear-off stub with number matching daily permit must be deposited in return slot of self-service box. Remaining permit portion is to be retained in possession of hunter while hunting and completely filled out and deposited into self-service box at kiosk for each day hunted.
(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 (r) and (ii)] 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 (r) and (ii) for limited exception for certain lawfully authorized handguns possessed for personal protection.
(l) For hunters on dog deer hunts to leave stand assigned to them until instructed. The Geneva WMA dog hunt will be limited to 100 standers, registered and permitted through a permit system selected by an on-line random selection process. Further, it shall be unlawful for any hunter to release a dog not approved by DCNR personnel on the Geneva WMA during the hunt referenced in the preceding sentence.
(m) 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 AREAS by sundown on the 3 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 AREA personnel being responsible for any damages and the owner assessed a $10.00 per day storage fee without the State or AREA personnel responsible for any damage, loss, etc. No campers are permitted on Barbour or Freedom Hills AREAS, 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.
(n) To kill or willfully molest any species of wildlife except those designated for 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. Permits for excepted uses may be issued by the AREA biologist. The range may be closed as necessary by the AREA biologist. It shall be unlawful for target range users to:
1. Use range without a hunting, fishing, WMA or Heritage license.
2. Use range except during daylight hours within posted times and dates.
3. Possess any alcoholic beverages.
4. Use armor-piercing or tracer ammunition or exploding targets.
5. Point firearms in an unsafe direction or possess a loaded weapon outside the firing line.
6. Stand on or in front of the firing line except when shooting. 7. Shoot while persons are down range.
8. Discharge firearms (except as noted below in #9.) anywhere other than designated stations on the concrete shooting line into the embankment at stationary paper targets, Self-healing, or metal automatic reset targets. Targets must be placed so shots will impact the embankment no higher than 5’ above ground level at the base of the embankment. Only one person may shoot from each designated location at any given time.
9. Shoot clays except in designated areas.
10. Fail to place targets, hulls and trash in trash can or fail to remove same from area.
11. Violate any posted restriction.
(q) 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, 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 and Upper Delta AREAS are allowed during scheduled dog deer hunts]; within a posted safety zone or on Sunday within one/half mile of any church.
(r) For any person to possess any firearm while hunting with bow and arrow or crossbow, except on days of either sex gun deer hunts. 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 this regulation.
(s) To transport deer or turkey killed during hunts from any AREA before being checked at the designated checking station or kiosk or reported as specified for each Area Map Permit.
(t) 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 state-owned lands under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. 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.
(u) For any unauthorized person to possess and/or operate ANY UNLICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE on Autauga, Black Warrior, William R. Ireland, Sr. - Cahaba River, Choccolocco, Coosa, David K. Nelson, Hollins, 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.
(v) For any unauthorized person to possess and/or operate ANY UNLICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE on any AREA, except when engaged in the act of hunting (not scouting locations to hunt) or retrieving deer; and utilized only on regularly used roads open for public use by four-wheel motorized vehicle traffic (or on designated hunter access trails in Skyline WMA) and excluding Geneva State Forest Zone B. ALL VEHICLES, whether licensed or unlicensed must remain on regularly used roads open for public use by four-wheel vehicle traffic (unless noted as prohibited above in u).
(w) For any unauthorized person to ride or possess horses on any AREA except: (1) on roads open to four-wheel motorized vehicles, excluding Autauga and Geneva Zone A (where no horses are permitted); and (2) in areas, roads, and trails, designated as open to horses, excluding Autauga and Geneva Zone A (where no horses are permitted). On Coosa horses are not permitted in the campgrounds from Oct. 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 and James D. Martin-Skyline AREAS where horses are only allowed on designated horse trails. At Freedom Hills and 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 4 to September 14. Riding or possession of horses on any AREAS, except those on National Park Service lands, U.S. Forest Service lands and Geneva State Forest, shall be restricted to holders of a valid Wildlife Management Area license and a valid wildlife management area permit.
(y) For any person to hunt any wildlife species (except turkey, migratory birds and while hunting legally designated species during legal nighttime hours) without wearing the minimum requirement of hunter orange as described in 220-2-.85.
(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 is impossible.
(aa) For any person to possess, deposit, distribute or scatter grain/corn, 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.
(bb) To damage or remove any artifacts, trees, firewood, plants, dirt, gravel or sod without legal authorization.
(cc) To erect any permanent tree stand or install any screw-in type steps, spikes, nails or otherwise damage any standing live tree.
(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.
(ff) To violate any posted restrictions on entry, hunting, fishing, or other conduct.
(gg) To release any animal, bird, fish, or other wildlife on any WMA, Refuge or Public Lands without first obtaining written permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.
(hh) To possess any open alcoholic beverages outside designated camping areas. Possession of alcoholic beverages shall be prohibited on any AREA in counties that prohibit the possession of alcohol and on campgrounds of Coosa WMA.
(ii) Nothing in this regulation prohibits or requires a wildlife management area permit for 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.
(jj) To hunt small game during gun deer hunts and primitive weapon hunts except on Grand Bay Savanna, and the W.L. Holland and Mobile-Tensaw Delta AREAS, and except waterfowl in Upper Delta (Zone B) AREAS.
(2) Individuals must follow the listed rules to participate in the scheduled youth deer or turkey 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 birthday.
(c) Adult is defined as those individuals twenty-one 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 per youth. Only the youth hunter will be permitted to utilize the firearm for hunting.
(e) The adult/youth group is to sign in and out at the AREA checking station as a single unit, except at David K. Nelson, Grand Bay Savanna, Upper Delta, W.L. Holland and Mobile-Tensaw Delta AREAS.
(f) Both the adult and youth will be required to wear hunter orange while deer hunting, as defined in 220-2-.85.
(3) All deer and turkeys harvested must be properly recorded and reported through per Gamecheck Program requirements per Regulation 220-2-.146.
(4) It shall be unlawful on Swan Creek, Crow Creek, Mud Creek and Raccoon Creek AREAS:
(a) For any person to leave his vehicle parked at the approved 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 location at the main launch only.
(b) For any person to excavate, to hunt or attempt to hunt from any dug-out or excavated area.
(c) For all blinds (excluding Swan Creek limited quota blinds), to be left in said areas for more than one 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.
(5) The following shall apply to the dewatering units on Swan Creek, Mud Creek and Raccoon Creek AREAS:
(a) All boats and/or boat blinds used for the hunting of waterfowl on said dewatering units shall be launched and removed daily or shall be floated to an approved launching site for overnight mooring. [For the Swan Creek AREA, see (7).]
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to use commercial fishing gear within said dewatering units from November 1 through January 31.
(c) Temporary blinds may be used for one day only and removed by the hunter. All such blinds, except boat blinds, left in said areas for more than one day shall be disposed of as deemed advisable by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
(d) The use of permanent blinds constructed with building material, flooring and/or flotation materials shall be prohibited in, or within 150 yards of, the Mud Creek and Raccoon Creek dewatering units.
(e) It shall be unlawful for any person using waterfowl decoys in the Mud Creek and Raccoon Creek dewatering units to leave said decoys overnight. In addition, all unauthorized activity is prohibited from the herein mentioned dewatering units; from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM during the period of Nov. 1 – Feb. 15; and, 48 hours prior to waterfowl season openings.
(f) It shall be unlawful to use airboats.
(g) It shall be unlawful to hunt waterfowl in Mud Creek (Wannville) and Raccoon Creek dewatering units, and Crow Creek AREAS on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, except for the last two weeks of waterfowl season. All activity in the Mud Creek (Wannville), Raccoon Creek dewatering units and Crow Creek AREAS is prohibited on those days unless authorized by WFF personnel.
(h) It shall be unlawful to hunt waterfowl in Swan Creek WMA Dewatering Unit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, except for the last two weeks of waterfowl season. All activity in the Swan Creek WMA dewatering unit is prohibited on those days unless authorized by WFF personnel. During the dates between the youth season and regular season gates to West Dike Road and the Main Launch Road will be locked. All activity in and around the dewatering unit during this time is prohibited.
(i) It shall be unlawful to have more than 25 shotgun shells per hunter in possession while hunting waterfowl on all Jackson County Waterfowl Management Areas (Crow Creek, Mud Creek and Raccoon Creek), Swan Creek WMA and Mallard-Fox AREAS
(j) It shall be unlawful to use gasoline-powered motors in Mud Creek (Wannville) dewatering unit and Raccoon Creek dewatering unit (North of Hwy 117).
(j) It shall be unlawful to launch any vessel in Mud Creek (Wannville) and Raccoon Creek dewatering units and Crow Creek WMA prior to 3:00 AM daily. All hunters preparing to hunt waterfowl are not allowed in the water prior to 3:00 AM daily.
(6) It shall be unlawful to operate airboats and air-cooled motors (go-devil type motors) on those portions of Crow Creek and North Sauty Refuges lying north of U.S. Hwy 72 and the Green Tree Reservoir on Mud Creek from November 1 to April 30 of each year.
(7) It shall be unlawful to install permanent waterfowl hunting blinds (those using building materials and/or remaining in position overnight) anywhere on the Swan Creek, Mallard-Fox Creek or Jackson County Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) except on the Swan Creek WMA dewatering unit where specified. All such blinds to be placed in the Swan Creek WMA dewatering unit must be in accordance with the following conditions:
(a) The allocation of blinds will be determined through a limited quota system by random selection for individuals 16 years of age or older. In order to apply, ALL applicants are required to obtain a Conservation Identification Number (CID); those who are 16 to 64 years of age must have a small game license, State Duck Stamp, and a WMA License. Applications will be processed through www.outdooralabama.com. Any violation of rules, regulations or law, by permit holder or guest, while hunting the dewatering unit will result in that individual losing their eligibility for the remainder of the waterfowl season and will not be eligible for future online blind draws. All waterfowl hunting blinds of selected applicants must be at Swan Creek WMA between the hours of 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM on the third Saturday of October for inspection. Only thirty (30) selected blinds will be installed at predetermined sites in the dewatering area. All registered blinds receiving one of the 30 predetermined sites must be installed at the predetermined blind location marker prior to gate closing on the first Saturday of November. See also subsection (k).
(b) Blinds must meet "Selected Blind Specifications" established by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and deemed acceptable by an inspecting team in order to be approved for use. For information or a copy of the procedures, call (256) 353-2634.
(c) All blinds passing inspection will be tagged by a Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries employee. The tag must remain attached to the blind for the duration of the blind's stay on the Area. Tags shall not be moved to a different blind. It is the hunter's responsibility to make sure the blind they hunt from is properly tagged. No person may hunt from an untagged blind. See also subsection (k).
(d) The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division's Blind Governing Committee shall be the final authority in resolving any dispute concerning selected waterfowl blinds. The Blind Governing Committee shall be made up of the following people: District I Conservation Enforcement Supervisor; two Conservation Enforcement Officers; District I Supervising Wildlife Biologist, and the Area Wildlife Biologist for Swan Creek AREA. See also subsection (k) concerning the authority of the Blind Governing Committee.
(e) Each selected blind must be completely camouflaged with natural material (cane, oak limbs, or other similar materials) except for the boat entrance and the shooting holes before being placed in the dewatering unit. Camouflaged netting, burlap or other similar materials will not be accepted as camouflage, except when used to cover the boat entrance and/or shooting holes. See also subsection (k).
(f) Selected blinds must be anchored within 10 feet of the appropriate blind location marker. Blinds must remain within 10 feet of the blind location marker during the entire waterfowl season. Blind 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 blind is found to be attached to a marker, all hunters in the blind will be deemed to be in violation of this regulation. If it is determined by the blind governing committee that a blind marker has been moved or otherwise altered or tampered with, that blind shall be subject to disqualification from hunting by the Blind Governing Committee. See also subsection (k).
(g)Blinds may not be locked at any time. Any blind unoccupied by the selected party 30 minutes prior to legal shooting hours may be utilized by the public.
(h) Blinds must be completely removed from the WMA no later than the second Sunday in February.
(i) Anyone launching a boat or preparing to hunt waterfowl within the dewatering unit may not depart any launch site or enter the water before 3:00 AM daily and must be out of the water no later than 7:00 PM daily.
(j) Dewatering area access gates will be closed on the first Saturday in November at sunset and will be opened by 3:00 AM the opening day of waterfowl season. No activity is allowed in or around the dewatering unit during the period gates are closed.
(k) The committee shall have the authority to disqualify any blind if a dispute occurs and it cannot be resolved; or for any violation involving Selected Blind Specifications; or for any violation of any portion of this section of the regulation pertaining to the Swan Creek dewatering area. Any blind that is disqualified by the committee shall be deemed immediately ineligible to be hunted from and shall be removed from the dewatering unit for the remainder of the waterfowl season following notification of the blind owner. The blind owner will have 48 hours in which to move the blind to an approved launch site for mooring and no more than seven-days following notification of disqualification, for its complete removal from the WMA. Should the blind owner of a disqualified blind fail to move the blind to an approved launch for mooring and/or to completely remove any such blinds, trailers, or parts thereof from the WMA within the specified times listed above, the blind shall be deemed to be the property of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and shall be utilized or destroyed as deemed advisable by the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division.
(8) Hunting on Cedar Creek, Crow Creek, Fred T. Stimpson, Portland Landing, Uchee Creek and Upper State Special Opportunity Areas (SOA) will be permitted through a limited quota permit system selected by random computerized selection. Participants are required to attain 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 attain 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 law, 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. Hunters and guests shall only hunt and scout in their assigned hunt unit(s). All deer and turkey hunters are required to report all deer harvests per Gamecheck System requirements per 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 any 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 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. Each deer hunt begins at noon on Day 1 and ends on Day 4 of the hunt at noon. On other days of the hunt, hunters may enter the SOA 1 ½ hour prior to legal sunrise and must exit the AREA by 1 ½ hour after legal sunset.
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3. During deer and turkey hunts, travel to and from assigned hunt units shall be from 1 ½ hour prior to legal sunrise and up to 1 ½ hour after legal sunset and between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
4. 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). One antlered buck and three antlerless deer per hunter per permit duration.
5. Deer hunters are required to record data of harvest date, sex, lactation presence, weight, extract jawbone, hunter observation data sheet and antler measurements on provided data forms at SOA kiosk.
6. Turkey hunters are required to record data of harvest date, weight, spur length, beard length and hunter observation data sheet on provided data forms at SOA kiosk.
7. Hunters are required to email pictures of their harvest to the managing biologist.
B. On Crow Creek SOA:
1. Waterfowl Hunting:
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 three guests 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. 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; 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 Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
g. It shall be unlawful to have more than 25 shotgun shells per hunter in possession while hunting waterfowl on the SOA. This does not apply to Youth Waterfowl Days.
h. 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 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.
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 to leave assigned hunt unit for any reason except when departing the SOA for the day.
g. 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.
h. One antlered buck and two unantlered deer per hunter per permit duration.
C. On Fred T. Stimpson SOA:
1. Archery Deer Hunts:
a. It shall be unlawful to 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. The permit holder and one 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. The permit holder accompanied by one properly licensed guest hunter must sign in together. Hunters may sign in at 12:00 noon on Day 1 of the pre-selected hunt. There will be no entry after 3:00 PM. On all other Days sign-in begins at 5:00 AM. Travel to and from assigned hunt unit will only be permitted prior to legal sunrise and after legal sunset, with the exception of the hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Only travel to and from hunt unit is permitted. On Days 1-3 hunters must sign out within 1½ hours after legal sunset. On Day 4 hunters must check out by 1:30 PM. Scouting is not permitted outside of your assigned hunt dates.
c. One antlered buck and three unantlered deer per hunter per permit duration.. All deer must be checked at check station prior to exiting the SOA.
2. Youth Gun Deer hunts:
a. The permit holder may be accompanied by two 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 2-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. Only travel to and from hunt unit is
permitted.
c. One antlered buck and two unantlered deer per hunter per permit duration. All deer must be checked out prior to exiting the SOA.
3. Youth Squirrel Hunts:
a. The permit holders 21 years old or older 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 old or older or parent of the youth, for a maximum of 5 hunters per party per 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 1 hour after legal sunset. All squirrels harvested must be recorded at check station prior to leaving the SOA.
4. Youth Waterfowl Hunt:
a. The permit holders 21 years old or older must be accompanied by one youth hunter and may have one additional guest youth hunter and one properly licensed supervising guest hunter 21 years old or older or the parent of the youth. Hunters may sign in beginning at 5:00 AM. Hunters must hunt in their assigned hunt unit on their specified hunt date. All ducks must be recorded at the check station prior to leaving the SOA. Both youth and supervisors are allowed to hunt.
D. On Upper State SOA:
1. Archery Deer Hunts:
a. It shall be unlawful to hunt on Upper State 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 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. It shall be unlawful for any limited quota permitted hunter to hunt without possessing a daily permit obtained from kiosk self-service box located at the entrance. When obtaining permit, the tear-off stub with number matching daily permit must be filled out and deposited in 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 ½ hours after legal sunset on Days 1-3 of hunt period. On Day 4 Harvest Report portions of the permit must be deposited in self-service box by 6:30 PM. A new permit is required for each day hunted.
c. Deer hunters are required to record harvest date, sex, evidence of lactation, weight, and antler measurements for bucks, along with hunter observations on data forms located at SOA kiosk.
d. Each deer hunt begins at noon on Day 1 and ends at noon on day 4. On Days 2-4 hunters may enter the SOA 1 ½ hours before legal sunrise. On Days 1-3 hunters
must exit the area by 1 ½ hours after legal sunset. After legal sunrise hunters may only travel to and from assigned hunt unit between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The hunt will conclude at 12:00 noon on Day 4 and hunters must exit the area by 6:30 PM. Scouting is not permitted outside of the dates for which you are drawn to hunt.
e. One antlered buck and three unantlered deer per hunter per permit duration. All deer must be checked at check station prior to exiting the SOA.
(10) 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 (ages 16 through 64) and a valid Federal (ages 16 and over) Waterfowl Stamp.
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. June 19, 2019