Alabama Hunting License - Steps to Buy in AL

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain an Alabama hunting license:


AL Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for use in Alabama for AL residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Alabama), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your Alabama Hunting License

Alabama offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences. All Alabama residents ages 16 to 64 must have a resident hunting license.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Alabama for at least 90 days. Active-duty military members stationed in Alabama are considered residents.

  • Annual All-Game Hunting License – Required for Alabama residents aged 16 to 64 to hunt all legal game species, including deer and turkey.
  • Annual Small Game Hunting License – Allows residents to hunt small game species, excluding deer and turkey.
  • Apprentice Hunting License – Permits residents to hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter without completing a hunter education course.
  • Fur Catcher’s License – Required for residents who trap fur-bearing animals.
  • Lifetime Hunting License – Available to residents; provides lifetime hunting privileges without the need for annual renewal.

Non-Resident Hunting Licenses

All non-residents age 16 or older must have a non-resident hunting license. Non-residents must purchase a non-resident hunting license even if they own land in Alabama.

  • Annual All-Game Hunting License – Required for non-residents aged 16 and older to hunt all legal game species.
  • 10-Day Trip All-Game License – Allows non-residents to hunt all legal game for 10 consecutive days.
  • 3-Day Trip All-Game License – Permits non-residents to hunt all legal game for 3 consecutive days.
  • Annual Small Game Hunting License – Allows non-residents to hunt small game species, excluding deer and turkey.
  • 10-Day Trip Small Game License – Permits non-residents to hunt small game for 10 consecutive days.
  • 3-Day Trip Small Game License – Allows non-residents to hunt small game for 3 consecutive days.
  • Apprentice Hunting License – Permits non-residents to hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter without completing a hunter education course.
  • Fur Catcher’s License – Required for non-residents who trap fur-bearing animals.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Youth Exemption – Residents and non-residents under the age of 16 are not required to have a hunting license.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – Individuals born on or after August 1, 1977, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Senior Exemption – Alabama residents aged 65 and older are exempt from purchasing a hunting license but must possess appropriate permits for certain activities.
  • 64 Lifetime License – Residents aged 64 can purchase a lifetime hunting license at the price of an annual license, valid for life.

Lifetime Licenses (Residents Only)

  • Lifetime Hunting License – Provides residents with lifetime hunting privileges, eliminating the need for annual renewals.
  • Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License – Offers residents lifetime freshwater fishing privileges.
  • Lifetime Combination License – Grants residents lifetime hunting and freshwater fishing privileges.
    Note: Lifetime licenses are available only to Alabama residents and are subject to specific hunting rules and regulations.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Physically Disabled Hunting License – Available to residents who are permanently 100% disabled.
  • Military Exemption – Active-duty military members stationed in Alabama for at least 30 days are eligible to purchase resident hunting licenses.
  • Veteran’s Appreciation Hunting License – Offered to resident veterans with disabilities.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Bait Privilege License – Required to hunt white-tailed deer and feral swine over bait on private or leased lands.
  • Nighttime Feral Swine & Coyote Hunting License – Necessary for hunting feral swine and coyotes at night on private or leased lands during special seasons.
  • Wildlife Management Area (WMA) License – Required to hunt on WMA lands in addition to other necessary licenses and permits.
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration – Mandatory for hunting migratory birds; registration is free.
  • State Duck Stamp – Required for hunting waterfowl in Alabama.
  • Federal Duck Stamp – Mandatory for waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older; must be signed across the face.

Deer and turkey hunters must record their harvest immediately using a harvest record (paper or app) and report their harvest within 48 hours through Game Check. By using the Outdoor AL app, you can immediately record deer or turkey on your harvest record, even if there's no cell phone service. Once service is available, it will automatically complete the transaction, issue the confirmation number, and update your electronic harvest record.

Hunting licenses expire on Aug. 31 of each year.


Where to buy your Alabama Hunting License

To hunt in Alabama, you can purchase your license either online through the Outdoor Alabama platform or in person through a licensed agent. A full list of in-person license vendors can be found on the Alabama License Agent Locator.

Below are some top in-person hunting license agents in Alabama:


Where to Find Additional Resources

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)

Contact Information: Phone: (334) 242-3465
Website: outdooralabama.com