HomeWHENWhen Does Rifle Season Start In Alabama 2023

When Does Rifle Season Start In Alabama 2023

The 2023-2024 Alabama deer season kicks off Saturday, September 30 for bowhunters in Zones D and E, and on October 14 for the remainder of the state.

In this article, we breakdown complete deer season dates by zone, bag limits, and more.

Alabama Deer Season Dates

As seen in the map below, Alabama is divided into six deer zones — A, B, C, D, E, and CWD Management Zone (CMZ). Each has it’s own season dates and harvest regulations as you will see highlighted below.

Archery Season

Zone A, C & CMZZone BZone D & E

Youth Gun Season

Zone A, B, C & CMZZone D & E

Muzzleloader and Air Rifle Season

Zone A, B, C & CMZZone D & E

Firearms Stalking – Private Land

Zones A, B & CMZ Zone CZone DZone E
Deer hunter with a large buck taken on an Alabama WMA.
Jason Hill bagged this 11-point buck at Black Warrior WMA during the 2020 Alabama deer season.

Firearms Stalking – Open Permit Public Lands

ZoneOpen Permit Public LandsZones A & BZone CZone DZone EZone CMZ

Firearms With Dogs – Private Land

Zones A & B Zone CZone DZone EZone CMZ

Firearms With Dogs – Open Permit Public Lands

Zones A & BZone CZone DZone EZone CMZ

Alabama Deer Zone Map

Map of Alabama's 2023-2024 deer zones.

Deer Bag Limits

Alabama deer hunters are limited to one antlerless deer and one antlered buck per day, with a three buck limit for the season. One of those three bucks must have at least four points (1 inch or longer) on one antler, except in Barbour County where all bucks must have at least three points on one side.

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Hunters may take one bonus buck from select WMAs on specific hunt dates that don’t count against the hunter’s statewide three-buck limit.

Deer Checking Requirements

All deer harvested in Alabama must be reported through the Game Check system within 48 hours. That can be done on the Outdoor Alabama app, on the Outdoor Alabama website, or by calling 800-888-7690. You will need to provide the date of harvest, county of harvest, type of land (private or public), and the antler point count. The video below walks you through the Game Check process.

While we do our best to ensure all the information and dates provided are accurate, always check the latest Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) regulations before heading afield. Good luck this Alabama deer season!

Additional Reading

Alabama Rut Map and Peak Breeding Dates

Alabama Hunting and Wildlife Regulations

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