As the 2024 Alabama duck hunt approaches, let’s explore the beloved rituals, top places, vital gear, and unforgettable memories. Due to its abundant wetlands, diversified waterfowl population, and magnificent natural landscapes, the state gives waterfowl aficionados an unmatched experience. This guide will provide you all the information you need make this waterfowl game exciting.
Alabama Duck Season
| Species | Dates |
| Duck | November 24 – November 25 December 2 – January 28 |
| Coot | |
| Merganser | |
| All Geese | September 2 – October 1 October 14 – October 28 November 24 – November 25 December 2 – January 28 |
| Dark Geese | |
| Light Geese |
Bag Limits
| Species | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard | 4 (max 2 hens) | 12 |
| Wood Duck | 3 | 9 |
| Scaup | 3 | 9 |
| Pintail | 2 | 6 |
| Redhead | 2 | 6 |
| Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
| Mottled Duck | 1 | 3 |
| Black Duck | 1 | 3 |
Requirements
| Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| Hunting License | • Required unless exempt • Cost varies based on license type and residency status |
| Federal Duck Stamp | • Mandatory for hunting waterfowl • Cost is the same for residents and non-residents: $28 |
| Alabama Duck Stamp | • Required unless exempt • Cost is the same for residents and non-residents: $11 |
| Harvest Information Program Certification (HIP) | • Hunters must obtain HIP certification • Certification is free of charge • Designed to gather data on migratory bird harvests |
| Hunting in Wildlife Management License (WMA) | • Required unless exempt • Cost for residents: $20.05 |
Best Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Tennessee River Valley | This region is where ducks spend the winter; at 35,000 acres, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is the waterfowl hunting area with the highest density. |
| Lake Guntersville | There are hunting prospects in this region. |
| Swan Creek WMA | There are hunting prospects in this region. |
| Jackson County WMA | There are hunting prospects in this region. |
| Mallard Fox Creek WMA | There are hunting prospects in this region. |
| Demopolis WMA (Central Alabama) | Consists of around 7,000 acres of land and is home to bluebills, mallards, wood ducks, and ringnecks. |
| Upper Delta WMA (Southern Alabama) | Ponds, sloughs, and flooded regions cover 42,451 acres, making them ideal duck nesting grounds. |
| W.L. Holland WMA (Lower Delta) | The Lower Delta is a popular waterfowl wintering place. |
| Mobile-Tensaw WMA (Lower Delta) | The Lower Delta is a popular waterfowl wintering place. |
Licenses
| License/Stamp | Residents | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| All Game Annual License | $30.25 | $350.15 |
| Small Game Annual License | $20.05 | $114.25 |
| Wildlife Management Area License | $20.05 | - |
| Duck Stamp | $28.00 | $11.00 (Alabama) |
| $28.00 (Federal) | ||
| Optional 65+ Hunting | $12.40 | - |
| Baiting Privilege | $16.35 | - |
| Commercial Fowl Hunting Preserve 7-Day Trip | $10.00 | - |
| 10-Day Trip License | - | $216.20 |
| 3-Day Trip License | - | $152.55 |
| Hunting License (Annual) | $114.25 | - |
| 10-Day Trip License | - | $69.60 |
| 3-Day Trip License | - | $50.45 |
Regulations
You may go to the Tanner or Jacksonville District Offices, your neighborhood probate office or licensing commissioner, or one of the other license agents to get a license.
- Residents 65 and older are exempted from buying a license. Proof of residency and age is required.
- To acquire permits, and record harvests, you must have a Conservation ID (C.I.D.) number, which is available for purchase. A CID number is available online.
- You may shoot from a half-hour before dawn to sunset.
- A daily bag limit of six ducks, with certain species being exempt.
- The state of the driver’s license determines residency for licensing purposes. To fish in public waterways, non-residents must be at least 16 years old and have a valid fishing license.
- You may get the H.E.L.P. number for Game Check at a nearby licensing agent, probate office, online, or over the phone.
- A “D.C.N.R. Registration Privilege” is required to apply for a Special Opportunity Area (S.O.A.) restricted quota permit from non-resident hunters.
- Veterans with disabilities and locals with physical disabilities are eligible for special game permits.
- Waterfowl calls for a state duck stamp and a federal migratory bird stamp.
- Fishing from the bank in your county is legal, but you need a license to fish from private piers in public seas.
- Residents who are 100% permanently handicapped may purchase disabled hunting and fishing permits.
- While on leave, active duty military personnel may hunt and fish without a license, and visitors stationed there can buy resident permits.
- DCNR offers lifetime license replacements via phone or mail.
- Children may obtain lifetime permits; certain rights may call for proof of hunter instruction.
- H.I.P. certification may be acquired via licensing agents or online for those who want to hunt with a license.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for Alabama duck hunting season?
It is shall run from October 15 to January 31.
What are the shooting hours for ducks in Alabama?
The timing is from sundown to a half-hour before daybreak.
What are the requirements for obtaining a duck hunting license in Alabama?
Individuals must be at least 16 years old, and have a current hunting license, a federal duck stamp, and a harvest information program (H.I.P.) certification to receive a duck hunting license. These criteria may be satisfied by acquiring the required permits and stamps at any Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (A.D.C.N.R.) office, local sporting goods retailers, or online.
What are some of the best places to duck hunt in Alabama?
The William B. Bankhead National Forest, which provides a variety of waterfowl habitats such as swamps, marshes, and lakes, is one of the greatest sites in Alabama to go duck hunting. Another popular location is Lake Guntersville, which is well-known for offering boat, blind, and Wade hunting opportunities. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta National Wildlife Refuge is a popular area with wetlands, marshes, and woods that attract waterfowl. Last, boat and blind hunting are also possible at Fort Morgan State Park on the Gulf Coast.
