Hunting in Alabama: 3 Animals To Hunt in the Spring

Hunting in the spring in Alabama can be slim pickings. Turkeys are game, but beyond this species, not much else is available except for those animals that do not have closed seasons or are invasive. Hunters are much better off to opt to hunt in the fall or winter preferably, with fewer open hunting seasons taking place in the summer, or switching to fishing in the spring. Regardless, turkey hunting in the spring is a real treat and hunters can start in mid-March and hunt until the end of April.

Here are three animals to hunt in the spring in Alabama:

ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now

1. Turkey

Hunters that bagged some turkeys for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner must keep in mind that they can only kill five turkeys total between the two seasons. For the spring, a majority of counties allow turkey hunting to begin in mid-March, but a few require hunters to wait until the month turns and April Fool’s Day pranks have been played.

Turkey hunting anytime can be a thrill since the birds are quick and keen. As Ron Eakes, a wildlife biologist, explains, “Its eyesight and hearing are among the best in the woods. I’ve often heard it said, ‘If a turkey could smell, you’d never kill one.’ This is the challenge that makes turkey hunting so intriguing and is helping to attract droves of new hunters to the sport.” Other tips include wearing camouflage, using a shotgun, practicing your calling, and scouting your location before the season begins.

2. Beaver

VOTE NOW: Is Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley Doing a Good Job?

This semi-aquatic rodent does not have a closed season in Alabama, so shooting these is permissible anytime, including the spring. This regulation came into effect in the early 2000s, as the beaver population exploded. Landowners complained about the damaging effects of beavers and demanded population control be permitted, which it still is today.

3. Alligator

Technically, alligator hunting season is not until the summer, but those wanting to enter the lottery must do so during the spring, typically in early June, according to the Montgomery Advertiser. Each year, a set number of alligator possession tags are doled out, and in 2014, these dates were June 3 through July 8.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now

Related Stories:

• Hunting in Connecticut: 3 Animals to Hunt in the Winter
  
• Hunting in Connecticut: 3 Animal to Hunt Year-Round