2011 IMMIGRATION ACT TAKES EFFECT SEPTEMBER 29

The cost and kinds of hunting and fishing license in Alabama changed significantly beginning September 1, 2007 due to the passage of The Wildlife Heritage Act of 2007 (View a summary sheet).

To qualify for a resident hunting or fishing license, a person must be a bona fide resident of Alabama for a minimum of 90 days continuously immediately prior to purchasing any such license. Resident and nonresident annual hunting licenses are valid from September 1 through August 31. Successfully completing an approved hunter education course is mandatory for all hunting license buyers born on or after August 1, 1977. Licenses must be in possession while hunting or fishing.

In addition to our office, Alabama hunting and fishing licenses are available in all sections of the state from approximately 950 special agents in many sporting good stores, marinas and other courthouse offices. A person without an Alabama drivers license must present proof of residency to the local licensing office at the courthouse to purchase a hunting or fishing license. Nonresident licenses may also be purchased by mail from the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (64 N Union St. Ste 567, Montgomery, AL 36130).  

Licenses are also available by calling the toll free number: 1-888-848-6887 or online (click here).

Beginning September 29, Act 2011-535 the Immigration Act requires proof of U.S. Citizenship for this business transaction. If the licensee does not have an Alabama driver license then he/she may provide a photocopy of their U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport. For additional proof documents, click here.

Residents 65 years of age and over are exempt from buying hunting and fishing  licenses, wildlife management area license or state duck stamp, provided that qualified resident has on his person while hunting or fishing a drivers license or proof of permanent Alabama residence and age.   

Hunting license are required for residents 16 years of age and under 65 years of age and nonresidents 16 years of age and older. 

• State hunting license     $24.20
• Nonresident All Game     $277.70
• Nonresident Small Game    $90.85

State and Federal duck stamps are required when hunting migratory waterfowl. All licensed hunters who hunt doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, coots, ducks or geese in Alabama are required by federal law to obtain a Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit prior to hunting. The permit is free and available at all license agents. For a listing of current hunting license fees click here.

Fishing licenses are required for residents 16 years of age and under 65 years of age who fish with rod and reel or artificial bait in public waters.

• Freshwater Annual    $12.10      
• Nonresident Annual Freshwater  $46.40

A nonresident license is required for fishing in any Alabama public waters regardless of tackle used. Also, special license fees apply to residents of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee due to reciprocal license costs.  For a listing of current freshwater fishing license fees click here.

For additional information regarding hunting or fishing laws or regulations, you may wish to contact the District Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Office for Limestone County at 256-353-2634.