Alabama Bow Hunting: Season Dates & Public WMAs
📅 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
Whitetail Deer, Turkey
Southeast Alabama's best public deer hunting. River bottoms hold mature bucks.
Skyline WMA
Whitetail Deer, Bear
Mountain terrain in northeast AL. Mature forest with excellent deer sign.
Coosa WMA
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
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide
Alabama Bowhunting FAQ
When does Alabama archery deer season open?
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.
What is the minimum draw weight for deer hunting in Alabama?
Alabama requires a minimum draw weight of 30 pounds for archery deer hunting. Most experienced hunters recommend 40–70 pounds for ethical whitetail hunting to ensure adequate penetration and a clean harvest.
Do I need a separate archery license in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama bowhunters need a hunting license plus a Game Bird, Deer, and Turkey license, or a comprehensive All Game license. Non-residents pay significantly more. Check the ADCNR website for current license costs and combinations.