Alabama is part of the Mississippi Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2025–2026 waterfowl season runs from September 6 through February 7, 2026, with 16 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1 | Nov 28 – Nov 29 First Split | 6 | 18 |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Second Split |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Lesser Scaup Aggregate 1 scaup (greater + lesser combined) | 1 | 3 |
| Greater Scaup Aggregate 1 scaup (greater + lesser combined) | 1 | 3 |
| Redhead | 2 | 6 |
| Mallard either · Max 2 hens per day | 4 | 12 |
| Mottled Duck | 1 | 3 |
| Black Duck | 2 | 6 |
| Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
| Wood Duck | 3 | 9 |
| Pintail (Northern) Increased from 1 for 2025-2026 per USFWS | 3 | 9 |
1Non-toxic shot (steel T or smaller) · Plugged shotgun · No electronic calls · Mobile-Tensaw Delta: Wed-Sun only, closes 1 PM · Swan Creek WMA: registered blinds only, no airboats
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1 | Sep 13 – Sep 21 Early Teal | 6 | 18 |
1Non-toxic shot · Plugged shotgun · No electronic calls
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1 | Sep 6 – Oct 5 Early Canada Goose | 5 | 15 |
| Oct 18 – Nov 1 Regular Split 1 | |||
| Nov 28 – Nov 29 Regular Split 2 | |||
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Regular Split 3 |
1Nontoxic shot required. No electronic calls. WMA license required. AL Duck Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP required.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1 | Oct 18 – Nov 1 Regular Split 1 | 5 | 15 |
| Nov 28 – Nov 29 Regular Split 2 | |||
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Regular Split 3 |
1Conservation Order: free permit required · Electronic calls & unplugged shotguns allowed · Extended hours (30 min after sunset) · No bag limit · Federal/state stamps not required
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Nov 28 – Nov 29 First Split | 15 | 45 |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Second Split |
1Same as ducks · Non-toxic shot · Lead possession prohibited
2Concurrent with duck season
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Nov 28 – Nov 29 First Split | 5 | 15 |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Second Split |
1Same as ducks · Max 2 hooded mergansers/day · Non-toxic shot · Mud Creek WMA: no air-cooled engines west of Hwy 72
2Max 2 hooded mergansers per day. Concurrent with duck season.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2 | Nov 22 – Nov 22 Youth/Veterans Day 1 | 6 | 18 |
| Feb 7 – Feb 7 Youth/Veterans Day 2 |
1Youth, veteran & active military days · Same bag limits & non-toxic shot rules · No electronic calls
2Youth and veterans hunting day
Season dates and bag limits are verified against official state wildlife agency publications and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Data shown is for the 2025-2026 season. This data was verified on March 9, 2026. Always confirm with your state's official regulations before hunting.