Hunting in Alabama: Regulations for Hunting With Dogs

Hunting in Alabama with dogs varies from county to county, with most counties having no dog season at all for antlered bucks. Alabama is one of only 11 states that still allow deer hunting with dogs, sharing that distinction with Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, California and Hawaii – the last two do not have a white-tail population, however. Keep in mind that laws also vary depending on the animal in pursuit, so it’s important to verify local laws before embarking on a hunting trip with your furry friends.

Here are four regulations to keep in mind when hunting with dogs in Alabama:

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1. Deer

Certain counties allow dogs to join hunting trips during antlered bucks season mid-November through mid-January including Calhoun, Clay, and Talladega counties. The counties of Bibb, Chilton, Cleburne, Convington, Dallas, Escambia, Franklin, Hale, Lawrence, Macon, Perry, Tuscallosa, and Winston do not have dog seasons at all for antlered bucks. For unantlered deer, dogs are permitted from mid-December to the end of the month in all counties.

However, organizations like the Alabama Dog Hunters and the Alabama Dog Hunting Club aim to loosen these laws so hunters can bring along their dogs for not just deer but all game hunting in the state. A full chart can be found on the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest on eRegulations.com.

2. Turkey

At no time may hunters pursue wild turkeys with the help of dogs. Hunters are also prohibited from hunting with dogs in pursuit of any animal after 3 a.m., or during the day while spring turkey season is in effect, which begins in mid-March and lasts through the end of April.

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3. Feral Pig

If you’re dog traps a feral pig, you are prohibited from releasing the animal if it's still alive. Releasing the pigs is considered sport hunting and is illegal in the state.

4. Hunting Dogs

It’s important to note that “it is generally illegal to kill or inure dogs that have intruded on another’s property, and may subject the person to serious criminal charges,” according to eRegulations.com. Of course, hunters are responsible for keeping an eye on their dogs.

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

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