Alabama Spring Turkey Season Kicks Off with Strong Legislative Momentum
The Hunter Nation Alabama Chapter is hitting its stride in 2026! With key groundwork completed and exciting new partnerships forming, we’re building a powerful voice for Alabama’s hunters and conservationists right as one of the best turkey seasons in the country is about to begin.
Hunter Nation Alabama Chapter Update
Over the past several weeks, the Hunter Nation Alabama Chapter has made strong progress building our foundation in the state. We finalized our official state chapter proposal, developed professional outreach materials for the Capitol and events across Alabama, and created a targeted network of influential contacts, businesses, and volunteers to expand our reach. We are also forming a Voluntary Advisory Council of dedicated Alabama outdoorsmen to help guide our efforts moving forward.
The chapter has been busy strengthening relationships with legislative leaders and conservative organizations throughout the state. Highlights include attending the Alabama Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Breakfast on March 11 in Montgomery and connecting with the Alabama Republican Party to explore meaningful ways Hunter Nation can support Second Amendment and hunting priorities. We continue to actively monitor the 2026 legislative session using real-time bill tracking to keep our members informed on every issue affecting our outdoor heritage.
Key Legislation Moving Forward
Alabama lawmakers are delivering real progress for hunters this session. Here’s where the most important bills stand:
HB 271: Lifetime Licenses for Disabled Hunters and Anglers
This bill creates affordable lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for totally and permanently disabled Alabama residents.
Status: Passed both chambers and is now heading to Governor Kay Ivey for signature.
HB 414: Easing Feral Swine Control
Removes unnecessary penalties and restrictions on transporting and managing live feral swine, giving landowners and hunters better tools to fight invasive hogs.
Status: Awaiting a policy hearing in the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee.
HB 181: Using Dredge Material for Wildlife Habitat
Ensures dredged material from coastal projects is used to restore fish and wildlife habitat.
Status: Signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey on March 10, 2026.
HB 38: Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force
Creates a task force to protect and restore vital seagrass beds that support fishing and coastal ecosystems.
Status: Signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey on March 9, 2026.
HB 277: Expanding Oyster Aquaculture
Allows licensed oyster farms to shuck and serve oysters on-site, boosting sustainable coastal opportunities.
Status: Passed the legislature and delivered to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature.
HB 87: Exempting Deer Feed from Sales Tax
This bill removes the state sales and use tax on deer feed (specifically shelled corn sold for wild deer consumption), making supplemental feeding more affordable for hunters and landowners managing wildlife populations.
Status: Passed the House on January 20 and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education.
HB 360: Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday
Creates an annual 2A Sales Tax Holiday that exempts the gross proceeds from the sale of firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies from state sales and use tax each year — from 12:01 a.m. on the last Friday in August through midnight the following Sunday.
Status: Passed the House on February 24 and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education.
Spring Turkey Season Kicks Off – Alabama Hunters, It’s Time!
One of the most exciting times of the year is here. Alabama offers some of the longest and most generous turkey seasons in the nation.
2026 Spring Turkey Season Dates:
- Zone 1 & Zone 3: March 25 – May 8, 2026
- Zone 2: April 1 – May 8, 2026
Youth and disabled hunter special hunts open just before the regular season in each zone. The bag limit remains hunter-friendly: one gobbler per day, four per season.
For complete details, zone maps, WMA rules, and licensing, visit the official sources:
- Turkey Seasons & Bag Limits: https://www.outdooralabama.com/seasons-and-bag-limits/turkey-season
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: https://www.outdooralabama.com/
The Hunter Nation Alabama Chapter is proud to stand with you during this great season and throughout the legislative session. We’ll keep delivering updates and fighting for your hunting heritage. Join the Alabama Chapter today at hunternation.us/alabama and help us keep Alabama wild and free.