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 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit or by using the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In application. A WMA 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 expressed purpose of retrieving wounded deer, limited to two 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 WMA 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 a WMA.
(g) To have in possession any fully automatic rifle or any firearms, ammunition, or bow and arrow except as described below:
1. DEER: Stalk Hunts – 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 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 – using only 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, or bow and arrow (including crossbow). Rifles and handguns to be .40 caliber or larger, shotguns to use single round balls only. Firearms must be incapable of holding more than one charge for each barrel.
3. DEER: Dog Hunts – Shotguns using buckshot only.
4. 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 Primative Weapons Stalk Deer Hunt provisions only apply, as set out in (1)(g)2. above, with the addition of shotguns with slugs.
5. TURKEY: Shotguns using No. 2 shot or smaller and bow and arrow (including crossbows).
6. DOVE, WOODCOCK, SNIPE, AND RAIL: Shotguns using No. 2 shot or smaller.
7. WATERFOWL & SANDHILL CRANE: Shotguns using steel shot, T size or smaller. Waterfowl may also be hunted with other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved shot and sizes.
8. QUAIL: Shotguns using No. 4 shot or smaller.
9. SQUIRREL, CROW, AND RABBIT: Shotguns using No. 4 shot or smaller, rimfire firearms, muzzle-loading rifles and muzzle-loading handguns .40 caliber or smaller, or rifles operated by air.
10. RACCOON AND OPOSSUM – Daylight hours: Shotguns using No. 4 shot or smaller or rimfire firearms only. Nighttime hours: Shotguns using No. 6 shot or smaller or .22 caliber rimfire firearms.
11. BOBCAT, COYOTE, AND FOX: May be killed during any scheduled AREA hunt within the time period of deer and turkey seasons in that county, when possessing a valid WMA permit and using weapons and ammunition that are legal for such designated hunts during daylight hours only. Only one (1) fox a day may be harvested.
12. BOW AND ARROW (including Crossbows) 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.
13. FALCONRY will be legal on all AREA scheduled hunts for legally permitted falconers. Falconers may take migratory game birds (not more than 3 a day) and resident game birds and animals on dates those seasons are open on each AREA.
14. 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 to hunt deer with gun without first obtaining the required permit for the specific Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Community Hunting Area (CHA), Physically Disabled Hunting Area (PDHA), or Special Opportunity Area (SOA).
(j) For any person 16 years of age or older to hunt on Boggy Hollow, Coosa, Hollins, Choccolocco, Jackson County, James D. Martin-Skyline, Little River, Martin Community Hunting Area, Swan Creek, or Mallard-Fox Creek AREAS 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. (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 not using the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In application, the tear-off stub with number matching daily permit must be deposited in 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 self-service box at a check station or 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 (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.
(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 online 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 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 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, 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; hunters using shotguns with No. 5 shot or smaller are allowed to hunt WMA roads and right-of-ways, excluding any named county or state roads]; within a posted safety zone or on Sunday within one/half mile of any church. 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.
(r) To transport harvested deer or turkey from any AREA before being checked at the designated checking station or kiosk or reported as specified for each Area Map Permit.
(s) 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. Jackson County Waterfowl Areas open roads are marked on the mandatory map permit, no creating new trails. 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.
(t) 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, 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. Only authorized personnel or persons legally hunting, fishing, or camping in a designated campsite are allowed on W.R. Ireland, Sr. - Cahaba River WMA one hour after sunset.
(u) For any unauthorized person to possess or operate ANY UNLICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE on any AREA, except when utilized for the expressed purpose of hunting or hunting related activity; and when operated only on regularly used roads open for public four-wheel motorized vehicle traffic (excluding Geneva State Forest Zone B).
(v) 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 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, and 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 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 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 Wildlife Management Area license and a valid wildlife management area permit.
(x) 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.
(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 maintained by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources prior to receiving approval from said Department.
(aa) To damage or remove any artifacts, trees, firewood, plants, dirt, gravel or sod without legal authorization.
(bb) To erect any permanent tree stand or install any screw-in type steps, spikes, 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 viewed on the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In application, WMA map permit, daily permit, or posted restrictions on entry, hunting, fishing, or other conduct.
(ff) 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.
(gg) 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.
(hh) For any person to possess any firearm while hunting with bow and arrow or crossbow, except on days of either sex gun deer hunts. 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.
(ii) To hunt small game during youth 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 for each 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 pursuant to paragraph (1)(r) above and through Gamecheck Program requirements pursuant to 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 or her 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.
(e) For any person to access the water in the section of Mud Creek WMA that lies west of the railroad tracks and east of the furthest west Mud Creek WMA boundary 48 hours prior to waterfowl season openings. Persons may enter that area at 3:00 AM on waterfowl season opening days.
(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) All activity is prohibited in said dewatering units; and Crow Creek WMA 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 shall be unlawful to use airboats.
(f) It shall be unlawful to hunt waterfowl in Mud Creek (Wannville) and Raccoon Creek dewatering units on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, except for the last two weeks of waterfowl season. All activity in the Mud Creek (Wannville) and Raccoon Creek dewatering units is prohibited on those days unless authorized by WFF personnel.
(g) 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/veteran 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.
(h) It shall be unlawful 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, Mud Creek and Raccoon Creek), Swan Creek WMA and Mallard-Fox AREAS.
(i) 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 construct and/or utilize 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 Waterfowl Area (Mud Creek, Crow Creek, and Raccoon Creek) WMAs, 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 registered 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 hunting license (All Game, Small Game, or Heritage license), State Duck Stamp, and a WMA license to register for the blind drawing. Applicants will be processed through www.outdooralabama.com. Any violation of rules, regulations, or laws 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 their blind being disqualified for the remainder of the season. The disqualified blind will have to be removed within 48 hours of notification. All waterfowl hunting blinds of selection 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 unit. 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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(g) Any blind location that is unoccupied by the selected party 30 minutes prior to legal shooting hours may be utilized by the public.
(h) The removal of all blinds shall be conducted from the Sunday following the February youth/veteran waterfowl hunt to no later than the third Sunday of 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) It shall be unlawful to hunt waterfowl within 150 yards of an occupied or unoccupied blind on Swan Creek WMA Dewatering Unit.
(l) It shall be unlawful to be within the Swan Creek WMA dewatering unit on youth/veteran waterfowl hunt days unless you are a hunting veteran, a youth hunter, or accompanying a hunting veteran or youth (only the veteran or youth may hunt).
(m) 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 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. Hunters and guests shall only hunt and scout in their assigned hunt unit(s). All deer and turkey hunters are required to report all harvests pursuant to the Gamecheck System 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 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.
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 to a hunter for each permit duration.
5. Deer hunters are required to record data of harvest date, sex, lactation presence, weight, and antler measurements on provided data forms at a SOA kiosk, as well as complete the hunter observation data sheet. Deer hunters are also required to extract the jawbone and leave it at SOA kiosk.
6. Turkey hunters are required to record the harvest date, weight, spur length, and beard length on provided data forms at a SOA kiosk, as well as complete the hunter observation data sheet.
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 four 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 in the possession of each hunter 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:
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 to a hunter for each 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.
2. Youth Gun Deer hunts:
a. The permit holders 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 to a hunter for each 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 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 1 hour after legal sunset. All squirrels harvested must be recorded at check station prior to leaving the SOA.
(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 to a hunter for each permit duration. All deer must be checked at check station prior to exiting the SOA.
2. Turkey hunters are required to record the harvest date, weight, spur length, and beard length on provided data forms at a SOA kiosk, as well as complete the hunter observation data sheet.
(9) 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.
