Every state boasts a unique combination of hunting opportunities. Even though some species can be met in every state, there are those scattered in a seemingly random pattern across the country. Alabama abounds in game species, so hunting is a year-round activity. But even though the hunt seems to never stop, each species has a dedicated season. Outdoor Alabama has a comprehensive list of all Seasons and Bag Limits for the game species, so we’ve just made a compendium for the most popular game species.
Gear Up: Everything You Need to Know About Turkey Season Start Dates in Alabama
As spring approaches in Alabama, thousands of hunters eagerly await the opening day of turkey season. But with different start dates for each hunting zone, it can get confusing. This guide will walk you through the essential info on when you can legally bag your first gobbler of 2023.
Alabama turkey season is carefully scheduled to match the breeding cycles of local wild turkey populations. By timing the seasons around peak activity hunters are given the best opportunity for success.
Turkey hunting is managed in three zones across the state, reflecting the different climates and turkey behavior in each region Understanding which dates apply to your preferred hunting spots is key
Here’s a breakdown of the 2023 opening days for each zone
Zone 1 Start Dates:
- Special Youth Hunt: March 23-24
- Special Disabled Hunt: March 25
- Regular Season: March 26
Zone 1 covers central and south Alabama including counties like Montgomery, Mobile, and Jefferson. The season opens in late March when breeding activity is escalating.
Zone 2 Start Dates:
- Special Youth Hunt: March 30-31
- Special Disabled Hunt: April 1
- Regular Season: April 2
Encompassing northern counties like Madison, Morgan, and Limestone, Zone 2 season begins in early April as temperatures warm.
Zone 3 Start Dates:
- Special Youth Hunt: March 23-24
- Special Disabled Hunt: March 25
- Regular Season: March 26
Zone 3 comprises northeastern counties such as Clay, Talladega, and Randolph. The season aligns with opening dates in Zone 1.
Check the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website to view complete zone maps. Portions of some counties may fall into a different zone, so verify your location.
Arriving prepared on opening day requires advance scouting of your hunting spots. Locate active roost sites, strutting areas, and feeding grounds then set up within 100 yards of these hot zones.
Set out decoys just before dawn but don’t overdo it – a lone hen or jake decoy is often most effective. Use owl or turkey calls sparingly to locate birds but don’t overcall. And remember to sit extremely still and remain patient.
Following these tips will give you the best odds of bagging a boss gobbler on the first morning in the woods. Just be sure to check your specific zone’s season dates ahead of time so you hit the timber at the optimal moment.
With wise preparation and knowledge of Alabama’s turkey season start dates, your vest will be adorned with a beautiful fanned tail in no time. Best of luck this spring from all of us at Outdoor Alabama!
Key Turkey Season Start Dates in Alabama:
Zone 1:
- Special Youth Hunt: March 23-24
- Special Disabled Hunt: March 25
- Regular Season: March 26
Zone 2:
- Special Youth Hunt: March 30-31
- Special Disabled Hunt: April 1
- Regular Season: April 2
Zone 3:
- Special Youth Hunt: March 23-24
- Special Disabled Hunt: March 25
- Regular Season: March 26
Tips for Opening Day Success:
- Scout roosting and feeding areas in advance
- Set up decoys cautiously
- Use calls sparingly to locate birds
- Remain still and patient in your blind
- Verify zone dates and hunting spots
- Check regulations for bag limits
Good luck this turkey season! Be sure to gear up and prepare properly based on when your zone’s season kicks off. With smart tactics, opening day provides prime opportunity to bag your gobbler.
Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle
The muzzleloader and air rifle season also concluded some two weeks ago. If you want to make it next year, look forward to the following dates. October 30 through November 3 for Zones D and E, and November 13 through November 17 for Zones A, B, and C.
Seasons by Game Species
Deer is hands down the nation’s most beloved game species. You can hunt bucks in every single state and there is a plethora of ways for you to do so. Regular firearms, muzzleloaders, bows and arrows – deer hunting can take on many forms. Alabama has an ample deer population and now is just the time for deer hunters to unholster their weaponry and get down to stalking.
As you can see from the map, Alabama is split into five hunting zones – A, B, C, D, and E. There is also the Chronic Wasting Disease Management zone that was established after the first positive Chronic Wasting Disease test. You can still hunt in the area, it’s just that there are some extra precautions and rules you should follow. In all other respects, the rules are as usual. In each zone, there are different hunting periods for different types of hunting.
2023 TURKEY SEASON IS HERE | Alabama Opening Weekend
FAQ
What date does turkey season start in Alabama?
What is the first day of hunting season in Alabama?
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Zone
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Archery-Stalk Hunting
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Gun / Dog Deer Hunting
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E
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Sep 30, 2023 – Jan 15, 2024 (Either Sex), Jan 16 – 27, 2024 (Antlered Bucks Only)
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Nov 4, 2023 – Jan 1, 2024 (Either Sex)
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CMZ
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Oct 14, 2023 – Feb 10, 2024
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Nov 18, 2023 – Jan 15, 2024
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What county in Alabama has the most turkeys?
How many shells can you have in your gun for turkey hunting in Alabama?
When is Turkey season in Alabama?
According to Outdoor Alabama’s website, there are three zones for turkey season in Alabama. Zone 1: Spring Turkey Season: March 25 (Monday) through May 8. Decoys are allowed from April 4 through May 8. Special Youth Hunt: March 23 and 24 (Saturday and Sunday). Special Disabled Hunt: March 24 (Sunday).
When is the best time to hunt a Turkey in Alabama?
Zone 1 and 3 have the longest spring season, stretching from the end of March until May. The other two seasons have a delayed start of a few weeks. Zone 3 also allows hunting during certain days of November and December. You must have several licenses and other paperwork to hunt turkeys in Alabama.
When is youth hunting season in Alabama?
Although the date marking the beginning of youth hunting season is where most of the confusion stems from, officials said it is important to be familiar with the general rules around the season. According to Outdoor Alabama’s website, there are three zones for turkey season in Alabama. Zone 1: Spring Turkey Season: March 25 (Monday) through May 8.
When do turkeys mate in Alabama?
The typical mating season for Eastern wild turkey begins in early March, a few weeks prior to the beginning of Alabama turkey hunting season. During this time, mature male turkeys (gobblers) will audibly gobble, drum and physically strut to entice courtship with a hen. This is where the hunt begins.