September 2016 Alabama Hunting News

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September 2016

Mandatory Game Check Starts This Fall

Mandatory reporting of all deer and turkey harvests through Alabama’s Game Check system goes into effect this fall. Hunters will have 48 hours to report their harvest through a mobile app, online or by phone. Long-term harvest data will be used to guide the state’s deer and turkey management programs. More

The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries is holding seminars across the state to inform hunters about the program. The Game Check seminar schedule can be found here. 

Hunting and Fishing Licenses On Sale Now

These licenses are valid until August 31, 2017. You can purchase a new license by visiting any local license agent including probate offices, license commissioners, and many bait and tackle stores. Purchasing your license online is available 24 hours a day.

Resident Lifetime Licenses can also be purchased any place hunting and fishing licenses are sold.  To purchase for children under 15 (or 18 and under without a driver’s license), parents can visit their local probate office with valid proof of residency. Get the Hunting and Fishing Digest or click here for more information.

New Requirements for Residents Who Deer Hunt in Other States

Hunters who harvest deer from states where CWD has been documented are required to debone all venison and remove all brain or spinal cord tissue from all skull plates and hides. More

Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide

There are new waterfowl hunting zone restrictions in the Mobile Delta. For more information, click here.

Hunter Safety 

In addition to being a requirement, hunter safety is an important step to having a safe and enjoyable hunt. For information on certification, how to hunt with a supervisor and who is exempt, click here.

Last year there were 12 tree stand accidents in Alabama including 2 deaths. Don’t become a statistic, practice tree stand safety.

Hunting Season Openings 

Fall Deer Season begins with Bow and Arrow and Spear -- Stalk hunting only (no dogs)

Open Permit – Public Land

• Zone A: Oct. 15 – Feb.10
• Zone B: Antlered Buck Only, Oct. 15 – 24; Either Sex, Oct. 25 – Feb. 10
• Zone C: Oct. 15 – Feb. 10

National Forest Service Lands

• Areas, except Covington, Escambia and Macon: Oct. 15 – Feb. 10
• Covington, Escambia and Macon: Bucks Only, Oct. 15 – 24; Either Sex, Oct. 25 – Feb. 10

Click here for the 2016-17 Deer Season Zone Map

Dove Season

• North Zone: Sept. 10 – Oct. 30 
• South Zone: Sept. 17– 25 and Oct. 8 – 23  

Raccoon and Opossum 

Hunting has been extended to have no closed season. Click here for important information on hunting hours, bag limits and hunting raccoon with dogs. 

For additional season dates, bag limits and hunting information, check out the Hunting and Fishing Digest or click here.

Fall Fishing Heats Up at State Lakes

Alabama's 23 Public Fishing Lakes are managed to provide quality fishing on a sustained basis. To find a public fishing lake near you, check out the 2016-17 Hunting and Fishing Digest or click here.

Game Check: Lifetime License Holders May Need New Card or Conservation ID

For those with the lifetime licenses without the required number of digits, WFF is offering two ways to remedy that situation. First, they can get a new lifetime license, or they can go online and create a Conservation ID and use that number to access the Game Check system. Learn more here