Hunting in Alabama: 4 Things for Landowners to Know About Hunting on Private Property

Owning land to hunt privately is a dream come true for many residents or out-of-state folks who like hunting in Alabama. In fact, famous musicians Kid Rock and Hank Williams Jr. both own land in Alabama, and frequently hunt on their land (Kid Rock calls his adopted home L.A., short for "Lower Alabama"). However, being a landowner does not mean hunting wherever, whenever you want. There are regulations in place that landowners must keep in mind year-round to make sure they and their guests are complying with state law.

Here are four reminders for all landowners about hunting in Alabama on their private property:

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1. Guests

A landowner does not have to purchase a hunting license to hunt on their own property in Alabama, and this rule also applies to their immediate family, including their spouse, children, siblings, and parents. This exception does not apply to non-residents, which is considered anyone without an Alabama state license, even if they have proof of residency.

2. Documentation

Just because landowners do not need a license to hunt doesn’t mean they aren’t required to have other documentation. Hunters must submit a Harvest Record and have their HIP certificate to help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to keep records and make decisions for each hunting season.

3. Prohibited

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Several restrictions apply to landowners concern even animals that do not have a closed season, such as coyotes and feral pigs. Hunters may not stalk these animals in the evening. In addition, hunters may not cross their property line to continue hunting on their neighbor’s property, even if they believe that they have shot or wounded an animal.

4. Hunter Education Requirement

If you are a hunter born after Aug. 1, 1977, you must complete a Hunter Education Course regardless of being a landowner or not. The only exemptions are active military, certified law enforcement, or a first-time hunting license recipient that will hunt with only a supervised, licensed and certified educated hunter.

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

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