Hunting in Alabama: 4 Animals To Hunt Year-Round

When it comes to open season, several animals are game year-round for hunting in Alabama. Some of these are a damaging nuisance, others are overpopulated, and some are invasive. 

Whatever the reason, here are five animals hunters can kill year-round in Alabama:

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1. Feral Pigs

In almost every state, feral pigs are legal to kill year-round, as they can be very destructive to property and our agriculture industry. Scientific American’s Amy Nordrum reports that wild pigs “cause at least $1.5 billion damages and control costs each year [in the USA]. Dubbed the ‘rototillers of nature,’ they dig up fields, create wallows in pastures and destroy fences.” However, hunters need to be aware that feral hogs cannot be hunted at night, nor can bait be used to hunt them more easily. The hogs can also carry disease, so be aware when dealing with corpse.

2. Coyotes

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Open season is year-round when it comes to coyotes – as long as you’re hunting on private land. Coyotes are a nationwide concern, but University of Georgia professor Mike Chamberlain explains to Alabama.com, “They’re not going anywhere. This is an animal we’re going to have to learn to live with.”

3. Beaver

Although beavers are often depicted as lovable creatures on TV and in the movies, in real life they can pose a lot of financial problems for landowners. As a result, there is no closed season for beavers in the state of Alabama and no bag limit. They also fall under the game animal category as do others on this list such as coyotes, deer, and feral pigs. Similarly, groundhogs and nutrias also do not have a closed season.

4. Blackbirds

These birds are permitted to be exterminated as long as you have a permit. At the first sign of a group of blackbirds – or similarly, crows, starlings, and cowbirds – immediately request a permit because these groups roost and can wreak havoc. Alabama Cooperative Extension System states, “In rural areas, blackbirds an damage crops like corn and other grains with their intensive foraging. In urban areas, they may ruin personal property with their droppings, create unwanted noise, or drive away other desirable bird species.”

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

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