Alabama's Zone System
Alabama divides the state into four deer hunting zones — A, B, C, and D — based on deer population density, habitat, and historical harvest data. Each zone has its own season dates for archery, muzzleloader, and firearms hunting. North Alabama falls primarily in Zone A, which has the earliest opening dates and one of the longer overall seasons in the state.
Understanding which zone your hunting land falls in is essential before buying a license or making season plans. A hunter in Madison County (Zone A) and a hunter in Baldwin County (Zone D) are hunting under significantly different date structures even though both hold valid Alabama licenses.
Zone A — North Alabama
Zone A covers most of North Alabama — the counties along and above the Tennessee Valley. This is the zone most relevant to Huntsville-area hunters.
Zone A Season Dates — 2025/2026
Zones B, C, and D
Zone B — Central Alabama
Zone B covers central Alabama including the Black Belt counties — Hale, Perry, Dallas, Marengo, Wilcox, and adjacent counties. Season dates are similar to Zone A with some variation. The Black Belt is Alabama's most famous deer hunting region, with exceptionally fertile soil and high deer density. Hunting leases in Zone B command premium prices.
Zone C — East Central Alabama
Zone C covers east-central counties including Talladega, Coosa, Elmore, and adjacent areas. The Talladega National Forest provides significant public hunting opportunity in Zone C. Season dates generally track Zone A with some differences in late-season dates.
Zone D — South Alabama
Zone D covers South Alabama including Mobile, Baldwin, Clarke, Monroe, and coastal counties. The season structure differs most significantly from Zone A — South Alabama has different archery dates and a longer firearms season. Hunters from North Alabama who also hunt South Alabama need to verify Zone D dates separately.
Bag Limits — Statewide
Antlerless deer (doe) bag limits and season structure in Alabama are managed through a system of designated doe days set annually by ADCNR based on population data. The number of doe days, specific dates, and any zone-specific restrictions are set each year and published in the Alabama Hunting Regulations booklet. Always verify the current season's doe day schedule before hunting antlerless deer.
Game Check — Required for Every Deer and Turkey
All harvested deer and turkey must be reported through the Alabama Game Check system before the animal is moved from the harvest site. This applies in every zone statewide. Use the Outdoor Alabama app on your phone or call 1-800-888-2418 if you have no cell service. Failure to check your harvest is a violation. See our hunting license guide for the complete Game Check walkthrough.