Alligator Hunting Season in Alabama: Dates, Permits, and Regulations You Need to Know
June 14, 2026
Alabama is home to one of the most tightly regulated — and genuinely thrilling — alligator hunts in the Southeast. With a growing gator population pushing into neighborhoods, waterways, and agricultural land, the state has carefully managed a limited harvest program that gives a select group of hunters the chance to pursue one of North America’s most formidable reptiles.
Before you plan your hunt, you need to understand that alligator hunting in Alabama operates nothing like deer or turkey season. Permits are awarded by lottery, zones are strictly defined, and the gear you bring is regulated down to the caliber of your bangstick. This guide covers everything you need — from application deadlines to legal capture methods — so you can pursue alligator hunting season in Alabama the right way.
Does Alabama Have an Alligator Hunting Season
A hunting season for American alligator is established in five Alligator Management Areas (AMAs) in Alabama in accordance with Sections 9-11-300, 301, Code of Alabama 1975. So yes, Alabama absolutely has an alligator hunting season — but it is a special-permit-only program, not an open season anyone can walk into.
Alabama’s alligator population has grown to the extent that they pose a nuisance in some areas, and implementing a regulated alligator hunt on a small scale is an important step toward controlling populations and better managing this unique reptile. The program is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.
Restoration of the American alligator is a conservation success story in which Alabama played a lead role. Known for its prized meat and leather, the species was threatened with extinction due to unregulated harvest during the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, and no regulations existed in those days to limit the number of alligators harvested. In 1938, Alabama was the first state to protect alligators by outlawing these unlimited harvests. By 1987, the species was removed from the endangered species list and the alligator population has continued to grow.
Key Insight: Alabama instituted its regulated alligator hunt program in 2006 after the American alligator population rebounded so strongly that the animals began posing a nuisance and safety concern in many parts of the state.
If you also hunt other game in the state, it helps to be familiar with deer hunting season in Alabama and turkey hunting season in Alabama, since the alligator permit process runs on a completely separate timeline from those seasons.
Alligator Hunting Season Dates in Alabama
Alabama’s alligator season runs across five designated Alligator Management Areas, each with its own set of dates. Hunting hours are primarily sunset to sunrise — meaning this is largely a nighttime pursuit — though some zones allow daytime hunting as well.
For the Southwest, Coastal, West Central, and Lake Eufaula Management Areas, hunting runs from the second Thursday in August at sunset to the following Sunday at sunrise, the third Thursday in August at sunset to the following Sunday at sunrise, and the second Thursday in September at sunset to the following Sunday at sunrise.
For the Southeast Management Area, hunting runs from the second Saturday in August at sunset to the first Monday in September at sunrise, with hunting hours from sunset to sunrise.
| Management Area | General Season Window | Hunting Hours | Permits Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest AMA | August (two weekends) + September weekend | Sunset to Sunrise | 100 |
| Southeast AMA | Mid-August through early September | Sunset to Sunrise | 40 |
| West Central AMA | August (two weekends) | Sunset to Sunrise | 50 |
| Coastal AMA | August weekends | Sunset to Sunrise | Varies |
| Lake Eufaula AMA | August through early October | Daytime and Nighttime | 20 |
Exact calendar dates shift slightly each year based on when the second or third Thursday or Saturday of August falls. Always double-check the latest regulations and zone maps on the Outdoor Alabama website, as changes can occur. For the 2025 season, registration opened at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Important Note: The Lake Eufaula AMA is the only zone that allows both daytime and nighttime hunting. All other zones are restricted to sunset-to-sunrise hours only.
Alligator Hunting License and Permit Requirements in Alabama
Getting into Alabama’s alligator hunt is a multi-step process. You cannot simply purchase a permit over the counter — you must apply during a designated window, be selected through a random drawing, and then purchase your permit after selection.
Who Can Apply
Alabama residents and Lifetime Hunting License holders of the State of Alabama who are sixteen (16) years of age or older holding any valid all game or small game Alabama Hunting License may apply for a Resident Alligator Harvest Permit. Non-residents who are sixteen (16) years of age or older holding any valid all game or small game Alabama Non-resident Hunting License may apply for a Non-resident Alligator Harvest Permit.
Application Process
Applications for Alligator Harvest Permits are accepted only at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website at www.outdooralabama.com beginning at 8:00 AM on the first Tuesday in June, with no charge for each Management Area application submitted. Registration ends at 8:00 AM on the second Tuesday of July.
The drawings for each Management Area are held on the second Wednesday of July, and all applicants can check for their results on the same website where they registered. Repeat applicants gain higher selection chances unless they skip a year or accept a permit.
All successful applicants are required to complete the online Alligator Training Course prior to accepting their hunter/alternate status. This is a mandatory step — you cannot finalize your permit without completing it.
Permit Fees (as listed by ADCNR)
- Resident Alligator Harvest Permit: $250.00
- Resident Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit: $125.00
- Non-resident Alligator Harvest Permit: $1,000.00
- Non-resident Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit: $500.00
A valid all game or small game Alabama Hunting License is required in addition to the Alligator Harvest Permit to harvest and possess alligators.
Hunting Assistants
Hunting Assistants — both residents and non-residents — sixteen (16) years of age or older must hold any valid all game or small game Alabama Hunting License. All persons in the boat or assisting boats that are not the Alligator Harvest Permittee are considered Hunting Assistants.
Pro Tip: You need your Conservation ID number and date of birth to access your application and check your selection status on the Outdoor Alabama website. Have these ready before the registration window opens.
If you hunt other species in Alabama or surrounding states, you may also find useful background in dove hunting season in Alabama and resources like goose hunting season in Texas for comparison on how permit-based seasons work across the South.
Bag Limits and Size Requirements in Alabama
Alabama’s alligator harvest is tightly controlled at the individual level. Understanding the bag limit structure — including the bonus permit option — helps you plan your hunt and budget accordingly.
Standard Bag Limit
The bag limit is 1 alligator per permit. Each Permit Holder can receive up to two (2) Alligator Possession Tags, which accounts for the possibility of also holding a Bonus Management Harvest Permit.
Bonus Permits
The Resident Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit ($125.00) is required for residents to hunt and take a bonus alligator in a designated Alligator Management Area, and holders of a Resident Alligator Harvest Permit are eligible to purchase one (1) Resident Alligator Bonus Management Harvest Permit. The same structure applies to non-residents at $500.00 for the bonus permit.
Size Requirements
The Lake Eufaula Management Area has a minimum size requirement of 8 feet. For other AMAs, there is no size limit for standard permits; bonus permits are limited to alligators no larger than 6 feet.
These bag limits are determined based on the numbers that the population can support, so you cannot overharvest. The ADCNR is not trying to eradicate the species — they are trying to make sure the species remains sustainable, and each person receiving an Alligator Harvest Permit will be allowed to harvest one alligator.
Important Note: The 8-foot minimum at Lake Eufaula is a hard rule. Alligators harvested there that do not meet this length requirement are a violation. Measure carefully before dispatching.
Legal Methods and Equipment for Alligator Hunting in Alabama
Alabama has some of the most specific equipment regulations of any alligator-hunting state. The rules are designed to ensure a humane, controlled harvest — and they are strictly enforced. Familiarize yourself with every item on this list before you get in the boat.
Capture Methods
Capture methods are restricted to hand-held snares, snatch hooks (hand-held or rod/reel), harpoons (with attached line), and bowfishing equipment (with line attached from arrow to bow or crossbow). No other capture methods are permitted.
Alligators must be captured and brought adjacent to the boat, bank, or dock prior to shooting or otherwise dispatching the animal. It is unlawful to shoot at or kill an unrestrained alligator. “Restrained” is defined as an alligator that has a noose or snare secured around the neck or leg in a manner that the alligator is controlled.
Dispatch Firearms
Firearms used for dispatching an alligator are restricted to shotguns with shot size no larger than #4 and bangsticks chambered in .38 caliber or larger. All shotguns and bangsticks must be cased and unloaded at all times until a restraining line has been attached to the alligator, and except as otherwise provided, no other firearm or ammunition may be in possession of the permittee or hunting party.
Prohibited Actions
- No use of bait is allowed.
- Culling is prohibited.
- No alligators should be captured for photographic or any other purposes and released.
- No capture or dispatch equipment is allowed in assisting boats.
- All alligators must be captured and dispatched from the Alligator Harvest Permit holder’s boat.
No firearm or bangstick may be discharged within 100 yards of any residence, building, boat ramp, or occupied campsite in Mobile/Baldwin Counties and on the Alabama River, Claiborne Lake, William “Bill” Dannelly Reservoir, and Lake Walter F. George.
Common Mistake: Many first-time hunters assume they can bring a standard rifle or pistol for dispatch. In Alabama, only shotguns (#4 shot or smaller) and bangsticks (.38 caliber or larger) are legal for dispatching — and only after the gator is fully restrained boatside.
For a broader look at how alligator hunting compares across the Southeast, Outdoor Alabama’s official alligator season page is the authoritative source for current equipment rules and any mid-season updates.
Where You Can Hunt Alligators in Alabama
Alligator hunting in Alabama is confined to five designated Alligator Management Areas. You cannot hunt gators just anywhere — your permit is specific to one AMA, and you must hunt within that zone’s defined boundaries.
The five AMAs are in portions of Baldwin, Mobile, Washington, Choctaw, Clarke, Marengo, Monroe, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Russell, Dallas, and Wilcox counties.
The Five Alligator Management Areas
Southwest Management Area (100 permits): The private and public waters in Baldwin and Mobile Counties that lie north of I-10, and private and public waters in Washington, Choctaw, Clarke, and Monroe Counties. This is the largest permit allocation and covers portions of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta system.
Southeast Management Area (40 permits): Private and public waters in Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Russell counties, excluding public Alabama state waters in Walter F. George Reservoir/Lake Eufaula and its navigable tributaries.
West Central Management Area (50 permits): Private and public waters in Monroe (north of U.S. Highway 84), Wilcox, and Dallas counties.
Coastal Management Area: Covers waters south of I-10 in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, extending into the coastal marsh and delta systems near the Gulf.
Lake Eufaula Management Area (20 permits): Public state waters only in the Walter F. George Reservoir/Lake Eufaula and its navigable tributaries, south of Alabama Highway 208 at Omaha Bridge, excluding the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. This zone is unique in that it allows both daytime and nighttime hunting and carries the 8-foot minimum size requirement.
Pro Tip: If you are selected for more than one management area, you must choose only one. Plan your preferred zone before the acceptance deadline so you are ready to commit quickly.
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta region within the Southwest AMA is widely considered one of Alabama’s premier alligator habitats. This vast delta system provides diverse wildlife opportunities, with habitats like tidal marshes, swamps, and open water — ideal conditions for finding large alligators.
Hunters interested in other public land opportunities in Alabama can also explore resources like goose hunting season in Ohio or pheasant hunting season in Illinois to compare how other states manage public-land hunting access.
Tagging and Reporting Requirements in Alabama
Tagging and reporting are mandatory steps — not optional afterthoughts. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in forfeiture of your harvest and legal penalties. The process involves two separate tags: a temporary tag you apply in the field and a permanent CITES tag issued at a check station.
Immediate Field Tagging
All harvested alligators must have a Temporary Alligator Possession Tag attached to the alligator immediately after being dispatched and prior to moving. This tag must be attached before you move the animal — not after you return to the dock.
Check Station Reporting
Hunters must bring the alligator carcass or alligator hides, their attached Temporary Alligator Possession Tag, and information regarding length, weight, girth, and sex to a Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District check station or office as specified by the designated AMA’s harvest reporting requirements to receive their permanent tag.
Temporary tags must be attached immediately after dispatch. Permanent CITES tags are issued at check stations after reporting harvest details. The permanent CITES tag is what legally allows you to transport, process, or sell the hide.
What to Bring to the Check Station
- Alligator carcass or hide with Temporary Alligator Possession Tag still attached
- Measured length, weight, girth, and sex information
- Government-issued picture identification and a valid Alabama Resident or Non-Resident all game or small game Hunting License
- Your Alligator Harvest Permit
Important Note: The permanent CITES tag must remain attached to the alligator hide until the hide is tanned, taxidermy mounted, or exported from the state. Do not remove it early.
The aforementioned permits and valid hunting license must be in possession during the season while hunting and possessing alligator. Carry everything with you on the water — not left in the truck.
Tips for Hunting Alligators in Alabama
Winning a permit is only half the battle. Alabama’s alligator hunt is conducted almost entirely at night, on the water, using specialized equipment many hunters have never used before. These tips will help you make the most of your tag.
Complete the Training Course Early
All successful applicants are required to complete the online Alligator Training Course prior to accepting their hunter/alternate status. The videos are available for viewing at the link on the Outdoor Alabama site, and the official course will also be available on the applicant’s status page upon login. Do not wait until the last minute — your permit acceptance is contingent on completing this course.
Scout Your AMA Before Opening Night
Alligators are creatures of habit. They use the same basking spots, travel corridors, and feeding areas repeatedly. Spend time on the water before your hunt dates to identify where gators are concentrated. Look for slide marks on banks, floating vegetation, and areas near warm, shallow water with abundant prey.
American alligators are riverine in nature, mostly preferring fresh water but will venture into brackish and salt waters at times. Accordingly, alligators can be found in rivers, swamps, sloughs, lakes, and ponds. Focus your scouting on transition zones between open water and vegetated shorelines.
Use Spotlighting Effectively
Since most Alabama zones are nighttime-only, spotlighting is your primary tool for locating gators. Scan the water surface slowly with a powerful handheld spotlight or headlamp. When legal, hunters employ night hunting tactics, using spotlights to locate alligator eyes reflecting in the dark — a method that requires patience and careful preparation. Alligator eyes glow red or orange in artificial light, making them easier to spot than most other wildlife.
Approach Slowly and Stay Quiet
This technique requires stealth and precision, as alligators are easily spooked. Still hunting involves setting up in a concealed location near known alligator habitats. Cut your motor well before reaching a gator and use a push pole or paddle to close the final distance. Sudden sounds or boat wakes will send a gator underwater immediately.
Have Your Gear Staged and Ready
Once a gator is spotted and approached, things move fast. Your snare, harpoon, or snatch hook needs to be immediately accessible. All shotguns and bangsticks must be cased and unloaded at all times until a restraining line has been attached to the alligator — so have your dispatch firearm staged where you can access it quickly the moment the gator is restrained.
Bring the Right Team
Because wrestling a large alligator boatside is usually more work than one person can handle, most states allow “assistant” hunters to participate in the hunt. These individuals do not have to be drawn or randomly selected, but must accompany an alligator tag bearer and may have separate license requirements. In Alabama, all assistants 16 and older need a valid hunting license. Choose assistants who are calm under pressure and physically capable of helping control a large animal.
Know the Mandatory Equipment Checklist
Before leaving the dock, confirm you have the following on board the permit holder’s boat:
- Hand-held snares and/or snatch hooks (hand-held or rod/reel)
- Harpoon with attached line
- Bangstick (.38 caliber or larger) or shotgun (shot size #4 or smaller) — cased and unloaded until gator is restrained
- Temporary Alligator Possession Tags
- Valid Alligator Harvest Permit and hunting license
- Government-issued photo ID
- Measuring tape for length verification (especially critical at Lake Eufaula)
Pro Tip: By controlling the population through a limited, highly regulated harvest, the ADCNR can mitigate human-alligator conflicts, gather crucial biological data, and maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem. As a participant, you are more than just a hunter — you are an active partner in conservation. Treat the animal and the resource with the respect that role demands.
For hunters who enjoy pursuing multiple species across Alabama and neighboring states throughout the year, also check out goose hunting season in Indiana, pheasant hunting season in Kansas, and goose hunting season in Illinois to plan your full hunting calendar.
Alabama’s alligator hunt is one of the most unique opportunities available to hunters in the Southeast. The limited permit numbers, strict regulations, and nighttime-only format make it a genuine challenge — and a harvest you will not forget. Apply early, complete your training, know your equipment rules, and scout your AMA thoroughly. With the right preparation, you give yourself every advantage when the season opens.
For the most current season dates, zone boundaries, and application links, visit the official Outdoor Alabama alligator season page before submitting your application each June. Regulations can change year to year, and the official source is always the most reliable place to confirm details before you hunt.