Alabama · Deer · 2026–27 Edition
Alabama Deer Season 2026–27: Dates, Zones & Bag Limits
Oct 15 — mark it
Mark it.
2026–27 Edition
01 — Seasons by method
| Method | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Zones A, B, C & CMZ | Oct 15 – Feb 10 |
| Archery | Zones D & E | Oct 1 – Jan 27 |
| Special youth gun | Zones A, B, C & CMZ | Nov 13 – Nov 16 |
| Special youth gun | Zones D & E | Oct 30 – Nov 2 |
| Muzzleloader & air rifle | Zones A, B, C & CMZ | Nov 16 – Nov 20 |
| Muzzleloader & air rifle | Zones D & E | Nov 2 – Nov 6 |
| Gun | Zones A, B & CMZ | Nov 21 – Feb 10 |
| Gun | Zone C | Nov 21 – Feb 10 |
| Gun | Zones D & E | Nov 7 – Jan 27 |
02 — Bag limits
| Antlered | 3 white-tailed bucks per season; one must have ≥4 points ≥1" on one antler (except Barbour Co.) |
|---|---|
| Unantlered | Varies by zone and land type (1–2/day) — see Outdoor Alabama |
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (October 15, 2026) 06:21 — 18:43
Rule: Confirm legal deer hours with ADCNR (WFF). (Shooting-hours rule not yet independently verified against the agency.) Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Alabama sun times for any other date.
04 — License
A Alabama hunting license and deer permit are required. A dedicated Alabama license page — costs, age rules and where to buy — is coming; for now, buy and read the rules straight from the agency.
Alabama licenses & permits — Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources →
05 — FAQ
When does deer season start in Alabama?
The earliest 2026–27 opener is October 15, 2026 (archery). Gun and muzzleloader dates differ — see the table above.
When does deer season end in Alabama?
The latest 2026–27 closing date is February 10, 2027. Individual methods and zones close on their own dates.
Verified · Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (WFF) · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Alabama splits deer season across Zones A–E + the CWD Management Zone; each has further private-land vs open-permit-public-land rules and either-sex vs antlered-only sub-windows. The rows below give each zone group's outer season range — confirm the exact either-sex windows, land-type rules and dog-hunting restrictions in the current Alabama regulations before hunting.