Hunting on a U.S. Army Installation
Redstone Arsenal is a 38,000-acre U.S. Army installation in Huntsville, Alabama — home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), and dozens of defense contractors. Most of those 38,000 acres are undeveloped, and the installation manages a significant white-tailed deer population that benefits from decades of low hunting pressure compared to surrounding private and public land.
The Army manages hunting programs on most major installations as part of integrated natural resource management. At Redstone Arsenal, the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Natural Resources Branch administers the hunting program, issues permits, manages species populations, and sets annual rules and quotas.
Who Can Hunt on Redstone Arsenal?
Access to Redstone Arsenal hunting is restricted. Not everyone can simply apply for a permit. Eligible hunters generally include:
Active duty military — personnel assigned to or stationed at Redstone Arsenal.
DoD civilians and contractors — individuals with a current Common Access Card (CAC) or equivalent installation access credential working on Redstone Arsenal.
Military retirees — retired military personnel with a valid military ID typically qualify for installation hunting programs, though Redstone's specific policies should be verified.
Dependents — family members of eligible personnel may qualify depending on current program rules.
Eligibility requirements and exactly who qualifies can change from year to year based on program capacity and installation policy. If you have any connection to Redstone Arsenal through employment, contracting, or military service, it is worth verifying your eligibility directly with the Natural Resources office rather than assuming you do or don't qualify.
What Can You Hunt?
Redstone Arsenal's hunting program typically includes:
White-tailed deer — The primary target. The installation's deer population is managed for quality and the harvest is controlled through permit quotas. Deer hunting at RSA is by archery, muzzleloader, and firearm during designated seasons aligned with Alabama state seasons.
Turkey — Spring turkey hunting is typically included in the RSA program. The installation's turkey population benefits from limited hunting pressure and quality habitat.
Dove — Dove hunting has historically been offered on the installation's managed dove fields. Dove hunts are often organized as structured events rather than individual permit hunting.
Feral hogs — Hog control may be authorized separately from the standard hunting program depending on population levels and management needs.
The Permit Process
Redstone Arsenal hunting permits are not available walk-in. The process generally works as follows, though details change annually:
Application period — Applications open in late summer, typically July or August, for the upcoming fall season. Miss the application window and you will not be able to participate that year.
Hunter education requirement — A valid Hunter Education certificate is required. If you completed Hunter Education in Alabama or another state, have that documentation ready.
Installation-specific orientation — New permit holders typically attend a mandatory orientation covering installation rules, safety requirements, stand placement restrictions, and Game Check procedures.
Permit fees — Annual permit fees apply. These are generally modest compared to private lease costs.
Contact the RSA Natural Resources office directly for the current year's application timeline: 256-876-1204 (verify this number at redstone.army.mil before calling as contact information changes).
Rules and Regulations
Hunting on a military installation adds a layer of rules beyond standard Alabama hunting regulations. RSA-specific rules typically include:
No hunting within designated safety buffers around buildings, roads, and active areas. Stand placement requires pre-approval or is restricted to designated areas. All Alabama state hunting license requirements apply — you need your Alabama hunting license and deer stamp in addition to the RSA permit. Game Check is required for all harvests. Firearms must be unloaded and cased when traveling on installation roads. Only hunters with active RSA credentials may be on the installation during hunts — no guests.
Why Hunt Redstone Arsenal?
The deer population on Redstone Arsenal has experienced far less hunting pressure than surrounding public and private land in Madison County. Decades of limited access means mature bucks that would be harvested long before reaching trophy age on nearby properties have had time to develop. Hunters who have accessed the RSA program consistently report quality deer encounters that are rare on nearby public land.
The habitat is varied — hardwood creek bottoms, open fields, managed areas, and mature forest stands across 38,000 acres. For a North Alabama hunter with installation access, the RSA program is one of the best-kept hunting opportunities in the region.