Alabama Turkey Regulations 2026: What You Need to Know Before Opening Day
As the February chill begins to lift and the first whispers of "gobbles" are heard in the Central Alabama hardwoods, it’s time to trade the deer rifle for the turkey vest. However, before you head out to your favorite ridge or creek bottom, it’s vital to brush up on the 2026 Alabama Spring Turkey Regulations.
Alabama is home to some of the best Eastern wild turkey hunting in the country, but the rules have evolved in recent years to protect our local populations. Here is a quick guide to the essential legalities for the 2026 season.
1. Know Your Dates: Staggered Zone Openings
Alabama’s spring season is split into zones to account for different biological peaks in nesting and activity. Most of Central Alabama falls within Zone 1.
Zone 1 & 3: The general season runs from March 25 – May 8, 2026.
Zone 2: The general season opens a bit later, running from April 1 – May 8, 2026.
WMA & National Forests: Note that many public lands (like the Oakmulgee or Talladega Districts) have specific staggered starts, often opening April 1 or April 8. Always check your specific WMA map before heading out.
2. The "First 10 Days" Decoy Rule
One of the most significant regulations for the 2026 season is the restriction on decoys. To prevent over-harvesting during the high-intensity early season, the use of decoys is prohibited during the first 10 days of the spring season.
Zone 1 & 3: Decoys are legal starting April 4, 2026.
Zone 2: Decoys are legal starting April 11, 2026.
Pro-Tip: During these first 10 days, your woodsmanship and calling skills are your only tools. Leave the plastic hens at home and focus on your soft purrs and clucks.
3. Mandatory Game Check Reporting
In Alabama, the hunt isn’t over until the paperwork is done. All hunters—regardless of age or license status—are required to report their harvest.
Recording: You must record your harvest immediately (on your paper harvest record or the Outdoor AL app) before moving the bird.
Reporting: You have 48 hours to officially report the harvest through the Game Check system to receive your confirmation number.
The App is King: Using the Outdoor AL app is the easiest way to stay legal, as it works even in rural areas without cell service, syncing your data as soon as you hit the main road.
Bag Limits & Shooting Hours
Don't forget the "One and Four" rule: you are allowed one gobbler per day, with a combined annual bag limit of four gobblers total (combined fall and spring seasons). Additionally, legal shooting hours remain from daylight until 1:00 p.m. during the spring season.
Staying compliant doesn't just keep you out of trouble with the game warden—it ensures that our turkey populations remain healthy for generations of Alabama hunters to come.