Alabama Bird Hunting

Seasons Span November 6 – February 28, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

State Drought Monitor Map – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Bobwhite Quail: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Note: Much quail hunting occurs on commercial preserves (mid-October to March 30), but public land hunting is available.
  • American Woodcock: December 13, 2025 – January 27, 2026
  • Snipe: November 14, 2025 – February 28, 2026

Daily Bag Limits

  • Bobwhite Quail: 8 per day
  • American Woodcock: 3 per day
  • Snipe: 8 per day

Possession Limits

  • Bobwhite Quail: 16 (twice the daily bag limit)
  • American Woodcock: 9 (three times the daily bag limit)
  • Snipe: 24 (three times the daily bag limit)

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Hunting License:
    • Resident Annual Hunting License: $20.75 (ages 16-64; no license required for residents over 64)
    • Non-Resident Annual Hunting License: $169.20 (all game, 16+) or $56.10 (small game only)
    • Non-Resident 10-Day Trip License: $67.25 (all game) or $29.50 (small game)
    • Youth (under 16): No license required, but must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
  • Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Permit: Required for hunting on Alabama’s 700,000+ acres of WMAs. Cost: $19.25 (resident), included in some non-resident licenses.
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification: Required for hunting migratory birds (e.g., woodcock, snipe, doves). Free, but must be completed annually via ADCNR.
  • Hunter Education Requirement: Mandatory for hunters born on or after August 1, 1977, unless supervised by a licensed adult. Courses are available online or in-person (free or low cost).

Additional Notes

  • Conservation Context: Bobwhite quail populations have declined significantly (e.g., from 3.5 million harvested in Georgia in 1961 to 800,000 in 2009). Conservation programs and hunting preserves like the Alabama Quail Trail support population recovery.
  • Regulation Updates: Always verify the latest regulations on Outdoor Alabama or the 2025-2026 Alabama Hunting & Fishing Digest, as seasons and limits may change. Last updated data referenced here is from July 1, 2025.
  • Public Lands: Alabama offers over 1.3 million acres of public hunting land, including WMAs, with liberal seasons and bag limits. Specific WMA regulations may apply, so check the WMA map and rules.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit Outdoor Alabama or consult the 2025-2026 Alabama Hunting & Fishing Digest