Key takeaway: An Alabama resident hunting license costs between $24.50 and $333 depending on the type and duration, while non-residents pay $57 to $601. Licenses are available online through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) portal, at probate offices, and at licensed retailers statewide. Lifetime licenses offer the best long-term value for residents. This guide covers every license type, every fee, and every way to buy in 2026.

Who Needs an Alabama Hunting License

Anyone who hunts in Alabama must have a valid hunting license unless they qualify for a specific exemption. The rules are straightforward:

• Residents age 16 to 64 must have a valid hunting license to hunt in Alabama.
• Residents under 16 do not need a license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult or hunt on land they own.
• Residents 65 and older are exempt from the annual hunting license requirement under Alabama law, but still need applicable WMA permits, duck stamps, and managed hunt permits if they hunt on public lands or for migratory birds.
• Non-residents of any age 16 and older must purchase a non-resident license. Non-residents under 16 need a license if hunting without a licensed adult.
• Landowner exemption: Alabama residents who hunt on their own land (land they own and reside on) are exempt from the basic hunting license requirement, but still need tags and permits for deer and turkey.
• Active-duty military: Alabama residents on active military duty home on leave (30-day furlough) may hunt without a license, provided they carry proof of residency and leave orders.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, the safest approach is to buy the license. A hunting license is cheaper than a citation, and license revenue funds wildlife conservation and habitat programs across the state.

Alabama Resident Hunting License Types and Costs for 2026

Alabama offers several license types for residents. Prices listed below are the current ADCNR fees for the 2026 season (August 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026). License fees are set by the Alabama Legislature and may change; verify current prices at outdooralabama.com before purchasing.

Annual Resident Hunting Licenses

• Resident Annual All Game Hunting License: $24.50. Covers all game species statewide on private land. Does not include WMA permits, duck stamps, or federal stamps. This is the license most Alabama hunters buy each year.
• Resident Annual Small Game License: $16.50. Covers small game only (rabbit, squirrel, dove, quail, raccoon, opossum, etc.). Does not cover deer, turkey, or bear. A good option for hunters who do not pursue big game.
• Resident Annual All Game Hunting and Fishing License (Combo): $48.50. Combines the all-game hunting license with a freshwater fishing license. One of the best values for outdoorsmen who both hunt and fish.
• Resident Short-Term (3-Day) All Game Hunting License: $12.50. Valid for three consecutive days. Ideal for a weekend hunting trip or for residents who hunt only a few days per season.
• Resident Short-Term (7-Day) All Game Hunting License: $18.50. Valid for seven consecutive days.

Lifetime Resident Hunting Licenses

Alabama offers lifetime hunting licenses that pay for themselves over time. Once purchased, the license is valid for the holder's lifetime with no renewal required. Lifetime license holders still need WMA permits, duck stamps, and managed hunt permits if applicable.

• Lifetime Hunting License (Resident): $333. Covers all game hunting for life. No expiration.
• Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Combo License (Resident): $533. Covers both hunting and freshwater fishing for life. The best value for avid outdoorsmen.
• Lifetime Hunting and Saltwater Fishing Combo (Resident): $600. Includes hunting and saltwater fishing privileges.
• Lifetime All-Inclusive (Hunting, Freshwater, and Saltwater Fishing): $751. The ultimate lifetime license for Alabama residents who do it all.

To purchase a lifetime license, you must be an Alabama resident and provide proof of residency (Alabama driver license or state ID). Lifetime licenses are available online through outdooralabama.com and at ADCNR offices in Montgomery.

Youth and Senior Hunting Licenses

Alabama makes it affordable for young hunters and seniors to stay in the field:

• Youth under 16: No license required, but youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult (age 21 or older) unless hunting on land owned by their parent or guardian. Youth hunters must also have applicable deer tags and turkey tags if required by the WMA or managed hunt.
• Seniors 65 and older (Resident): Exempt from the annual hunting license requirement under Alabama Code 9-11-45. No purchase needed. However, seniors still need a free Senior Lifetime Hunting License card (available at probate offices) to serve as proof of exemption, and they must still purchase applicable WMA permits, duck stamps, and managed hunt permits.

Non-Resident Hunting License Types and Costs for 2026

Non-residents pay significantly more than residents, which is standard across all states. Non-resident licenses are valid for the same hunting seasons as resident licenses.

• Non-Resident Annual All Game Hunting License: $401. Covers all game species. Does not include WMA permits or stamps.
• Non-Resident Annual Small Game License: $124. Covers small game only.
• Non-Resident 10-Day Trip All Game License: $201. Valid for ten consecutive days. Popular for hunters who travel to Alabama for a specific hunting trip.
• Non-Resident 3-Day Trip All Game License: $144. Valid for three consecutive days.
• Non-Resident 3-Day Trip Small Game License: $57. Valid for three consecutive days, small game only.
• Non-Resident Annual All Game Hunting and Fishing Combo: $601. Combines all-game hunting with fishing privileges.

Additional Required Permits and Stamps

The base hunting license covers most hunting on private land, but additional permits are required for certain activities:

• WMA License (Resident): $19.50. Required to hunt on any Wildlife Management Area in Alabama. Must be purchased in addition to the base hunting license.
• WMA License (Non-Resident): $33.50.
• Duck Stamp (State): $9. Required for all duck hunters 16 and older, in addition to the federal duck stamp.
• Federal Duck Stamp: $25. Required for all waterfowl hunters 16 and older, available at post offices and online at duckstamp.com.
• Managed Hunt Permit: Varies by hunt ($0 to $50). Required for special managed hunts on certain WMAs and public lands. Application and drawing required for most managed hunts.
• Deer and Turkey Tags: Resident deer and turkey tags are included with the all-game license. Non-residents and hunters on managed hunts may need additional tags. Check the current Alabama Hunting Regulations digest for tag requirements.
• Physical Disability Hunting Permit: $3. Available for residents with permanent physical disabilities. Allows hunting from a stationary vehicle or with a crossbow during archery season.

Where to Buy an Alabama Hunting License

Alabama makes license purchasing easy through several channels:

1. Online: The fastest method is through the ADCNR licensing portal at outdooralabama.com/licenses. You can purchase any license type, pay with a credit card, and print or download your license immediately. A small processing fee (approximately $2.75 per transaction) applies to online purchases.
2. Probate Court Offices: Every Alabama county probate court sells hunting licenses. Bring your Alabama driver license or state ID for resident rates. Most probate offices accept cash, check, or card.
3. License Agents and Retailers: Many sporting goods stores, bait shops, and big-box retailers (Walmart, Academy Sports, Dick's Sporting Goods) sell Alabama hunting licenses at their customer service desks. These agents charge the same base fee plus a small issuance fee.
4. ADCNR Offices: The ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division office at 64 North Union Street in Montgomery sells all license types including lifetime licenses.
5. By Phone: Call 1-888-848-6887 to purchase by phone with a credit card. Allow 7-10 business days for mailing.

Proof of Residency Requirements

To qualify for resident license rates, you must be a bona fide Alabama resident. Acceptable proof includes:

• An Alabama driver license showing a current Alabama address
• An Alabama non-driver state ID
• A current Alabama voter registration card
• A current Alabama vehicle registration
• An Alabama hunting or fishing license issued in the previous year

Full-time students attending an Alabama college or university may qualify for resident rates with proof of enrollment and an Alabama address. Military personnel stationed in Alabama may also qualify for resident rates with proof of stationing. New residents should establish residency (obtain an Alabama driver license) before purchasing a resident license.

Alabama Hunting License Reciprocity

Alabama does not honor other states' hunting licenses. If you are a non-resident visiting Alabama to hunt, you must purchase an Alabama non-resident license regardless of what licenses you hold in your home state. Similarly, Alabama residents hunting in other states must purchase that state's non-resident license.

However, the Georgia-Alabama reciprocal agreement allows residents of both states to fish in border waters with their home-state license. This applies to fishing only, not hunting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Hunting Licenses

How much does an Alabama hunting license cost?

A resident annual all-game hunting license costs $24.50. Non-residents pay $401 for an annual all-game license. Short-term licenses start at $12.50 for residents and $57 for non-residents. Lifetime resident licenses range from $333 to $751.

Can I buy an Alabama hunting license online?

Yes. Visit outdooralabama.com/licenses to purchase any license type with a credit card. You can print or download your license immediately. A small processing fee of approximately $2.75 applies.

Do seniors need a hunting license in Alabama?

Alabama residents 65 and older are exempt from the annual hunting license requirement. However, you still need applicable WMA permits, duck stamps, and managed hunt permits. You should obtain a free Senior Lifetime Hunting License card from a probate office to serve as proof of exemption.

Do kids need a hunting license in Alabama?

Children under 16 do not need a hunting license if accompanied by a licensed adult (age 21 or older) or hunting on family land. Youth hunters still need applicable deer tags and turkey tags if hunting on WMAs or in managed hunts.

Do landowners need a hunting license in Alabama?

Alabama residents who own and reside on the land they hunt are exempt from the basic hunting license requirement. However, landowners still need deer tags, turkey tags, WMA permits, and duck stamps if applicable.

What is a WMA license and do I need one?

A WMA (Wildlife Management Area) license is required to hunt on any Alabama WMA in addition to your base hunting license. The resident WMA license costs $19.50 and the non-resident version costs $33.50. You need one if you plan to hunt on any of Alabama's 36 WMAs.

How long is an Alabama hunting license valid?

Annual licenses are valid from August 1 through August 31 of the following year. Short-term trip licenses are valid for the number of consecutive days purchased (3, 7, or 10 days). Lifetime licenses never expire.

Can non-residents buy a lifetime Alabama hunting license?

No. Lifetime licenses are only available to Alabama residents who can prove residency. Non-residents must purchase annual or trip licenses each year.

Getting Ready for Hunting Season

Once you have your license, make sure you are prepared for the season. Check our Alabama Hunting Season Guide for season dates, bag limits, and zone information. If you are new to deer hunting, our guide to the best public deer hunting spots in Alabama covers the top WMAs and public lands. Need a rifle? Browse hunting rifles in the classifieds where Alabama residents buy and sell gear face-to-face.

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See our Alabama Hunting Season Guide, find the best public deer hunting spots, and browse hunting gear in the classifieds.

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