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Compound Bow Hunting in Alabama — Long Season, Abundant Public Land

Whitetail DeerWild TurkeyBlack BearFeral Hog

📅 2026 Season & License Info

Archery Season Open

October 15

Archery Season Close

January 31

Min Draw Weight

30 lbs

Resident License

$20.80/yr

Non-Resident License

$246/yr

Top Species

Whitetail Deer, Wild Turkey, Black Bear, Feral Hog

📍 Top Public Hunting Spots

Barbour WMA

20,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey

Southeast Alabama's best public deer hunting. River bottoms hold mature bucks.

Skyline WMA

14,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Bear

Mountain terrain in northeast AL. Mature forest with excellent deer sign.

Coosa WMA

10,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey

Mix of hardwoods and pine. Good rut action in November.

⚖️ Alabama Archery Regulations

  • •Minimum draw weight: 30 lbs
  • •Arrows must be at least 18 inches long
  • •Lighted nocks legal
  • •Broadheads must have fixed or mechanical blades
  • •No Sunday hunting restrictions in Alabama

💡 Expert Tips for Alabama

  • →Alabama has one of the longest archery seasons in the South — take advantage of the early October opener when deer are still patternable
  • →The Alabama WMA system has over 60 areas totaling 700,000+ acres of public land
  • →Best rut hunting: mid-November in south Alabama, late November in north Alabama
  • →Food plots on public WMAs are actively managed — find them on maps
⚠️ Regulation Disclaimer: Hunting regulations change annually. Always verify current season dates, bag limits, and equipment requirements with the Alabama state wildlife agency before hunting. This information is for planning purposes only.

Alabama Bowhunting FAQ

Alabama archery deer season typically opens October 15 and runs through January 31, giving bowhunters one of the longest seasons in the country. Exact dates can vary by zone — always check the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) website for current year dates.