October 2016 Alabama Hunting News

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October 2016

Mandatory Game Check Starts This Fall

Mandatory reporting of all deer and turkey harvests through Alabama’s Game Check system is now required by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Hunters will have 48 hours to report their harvest through the recently updated Outdoor Alabama mobile app, online at www.outdooralabama.com, or by phone at 1-800-888-7690.

To address concerns or questions hunters may have about the Game Check system, ADCNR has produced a how-to video about the reporting system. To watch the video, click here. 

Significant Changes for 2016-17 Hunting Seasons

The Alabama hunting seasons for 2016-2017 are significantly different from the past, with changes in the season dates for several popular species and the adoption of the mandatory reporting of deer and turkey harvests through the Game Check system. More

New Rules Govern Importation of Wild Game

Under the new regulations, hunters who harvest white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose in those CWD-affected states are not allowed to bring the whole deer carcass back to Alabama. Any deer body part that contains spinal or brain tissue is specifically banned from Alabama. More

When Approached by a Conservation Officer

It is common to experience anxiety when approached by a uniformed law enforcement officer. What you may not realize is that the officer may be experiencing some anxiety as well. Here are a few tips on what to do when approached by a Conservation Enforcement Officer.

Tree Stand Safety 

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:  Oct 15 – Oct 24 – Antlered Buck Only
• Oct 25 – Feb 10 – Either Sex
• Zone C:  Oct 15 – Feb 10

National Forest Service Lands

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

Rabbit and Squirrel 

• Currently open

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, checkout the Hunting and Fishing Digest or click here.

Other News and Links

• Alabama Waterfowl Hunting Guide
• WMA Maps and Permits
• Trapping Workshop Schedule
• Fred T. Stimpson CHA Hunt Dates
• ADCNR Announces Revised Archery Regulation
• Falconry Allowed in Select State Parks
• Lewis Completes Leadership Academy
• NWTF Donates More Than $142,000 for Wildlife Management
• Mississippi Man Charged with Possessing Protected Wildlife

Dove Season Currently Open

North Zone Dove Season runs through Oct. 30. The South Zone season runs through Oct 23.

Photo by Billy Pope, ADCNR