Read from Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on September 6, 2026.
Seasons and limits change, and corrections are issued mid-season. Confirm with Department of Conservation and Natural Resources before you hunt.
Open the official Alabama regulationsHunting Alabama this season? Keep these dates and bag limits in your pocket — free in the BlindBook app.
Alabama is part of the Mississippi Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2026–2027 waterfowl season runs from September 5 through February 6, 2027, with 34 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.
Season dates, bag limits, shooting hours, and other regulatory information are provided for convenience only, may be inaccurate or out of date, and do not constitute legal advice. You are solely responsible for verifying current regulations with your state or provincial wildlife agency before every hunt.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2Alabama statewide waterfowl zone | Nov 27 – Nov 28 First Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No more than 4 Mallards (no more than 2 of which may be female), 3 Wood Ducks, 1 Mottled Duck, 2 Black Duck, 2 Redhead, 3 Pintail, 2 Canvasback, 1 Scaup. | 18 |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Second Split · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 No more than 4 Mallards (no more than 2 of which may be female), 3 Wood Ducks, 1 Mottled Duck, 2 Black Duck, 2 Redhead, 3 Pintail, 2 Canvasback, 1 Scaup. | 18 | |
| Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone3,4 | Nov 27 – Nov 28 First Split | 6 No more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which can be female), 3 wood ducks, 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 2 redhead, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 1 scaup. Monday and Tuesday closed to waterfowl hunting. Wednesday–Sunday only. | 18 |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Second Split | 6 No more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which can be female), 3 wood ducks, 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 2 redhead, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 1 scaup. Monday and Tuesday closed to waterfowl hunting. Wednesday–Sunday only. | 18 |
| Species | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Dec 5–Jan 31 · no more than 2 of which can be female | 4 | 12 |
| Mallard Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Nov 27–Nov 28 · no more than 2 of which can be female | 4 | 12 |
| Mallard Statewide · Dec 5–Jan 31 · no more than 2 may be female | 4 | – |
| Mallard Statewide · Nov 27–Nov 28 · no more than 2 may be female | 4 | – |
| Wood Duck Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 3 | 9 |
| Wood Duck Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 3 | 9 |
| Wood Duck Statewide · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 3 | – |
| Wood Duck Statewide · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 3 | – |
| Mottled Duck Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 1 | 3 |
| Mottled Duck Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 1 | 3 |
| Mottled Duck Statewide · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 1 | – |
| Mottled Duck Statewide · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 1 | – |
| Black Duck Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 2 | 6 |
| Black Duck Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 2 | 6 |
| Black Duck Statewide · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 2 | – |
| Black Duck Statewide · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 2 | – |
| Redhead Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 2 | 6 |
| Redhead Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 2 | 6 |
| Redhead Statewide · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 2 | – |
| Redhead Statewide · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 2 | – |
| Pintail (Northern) Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 3 | 9 |
| Pintail (Northern) Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 3 | 9 |
| Pintail (Northern) Statewide · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 3 | – |
| Pintail (Northern) Statewide · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 3 | – |
| Canvasback Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 2 | 6 |
| Canvasback Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 2 | 6 |
| Canvasback Statewide · Dec 5–Jan 31 | 2 | – |
| Canvasback Statewide · Nov 27–Nov 28 | 2 | – |
| Lesser Scaup Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Dec 5–Jan 31 · listed as 'scaup' | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone · Nov 27–Nov 28 · listed as 'scaup' | 1 | 3 |
| Lesser Scaup Statewide · Dec 5–Jan 31 · Listed as 'Scaup' in source | 1 | – |
| Lesser Scaup Statewide · Nov 27–Nov 28 · Listed as 'Scaup' in source | 1 | – |
1No more than 4 Mallards (no more than 2 of which may be female), 3 Wood Ducks, 1 Mottled Duck, 2 Black Duck, 2 Redhead, 3 Pintail, 2 Canvasback, 1 Scaup.
2Note: At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. See website for any updates.
3No more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which can be female), 3 wood ducks, 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 2 redhead, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 1 scaup. Monday and Tuesday closed to waterfowl hunting. Wednesday–Sunday only.
4Monday and Tuesday closed; Wednesday–Sunday shooting hours 30 minutes before sunrise to 1:00 P.M.
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| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2Alabama statewide waterfowl zone | Sep 12 – Sep 20 Early Teal | 6 Note: At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. See website for any updates. | 18 |
| Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone3 | Sep 12 – Sep 20 | 6 | 18 |
1Note: At time of printing, federal guidelines were not final. See website for any updates.
2Special Teal Season; federal guidelines not final at time of printing.
3For special early teal season, shooting days and hours shall be Monday–Sunday, 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3Alabama statewide waterfowl zone | Sep 5 – Oct 4 First Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Dark Geese (Canada, White-Fronted, Brant). Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross's) also 5/day aggregate. | 15 |
| Oct 17 – Oct 31 Second Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Dark Geese (Canada, White-Fronted, Brant). | 15 | |
| Nov 27 – Nov 28 Third Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Dark Geese (Canada, White-Fronted, Brant). | 15 | |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Fourth Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Dark Geese (Canada, White-Fronted, Brant). | 15 | |
| Mobile-Tensaw Delta Waterfowl Management Zone4,5,6 | Sep 5 – Oct 4 First Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit of 5 includes Canada, white-fronted, and Brant. Goose season: Mon–Sun, full shooting hours apply. | 15 |
| Oct 17 – Oct 31 Second Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit of 5 includes Canada, white-fronted, and Brant. Goose season: Mon–Sun, full shooting hours apply. | 15 | |
| Nov 27 – Nov 28 Third Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit of 5 includes Canada, white-fronted, and Brant. Goose season: Mon–Sun, full shooting hours apply. | 15 | |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Fourth Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit of 5 includes Canada, white-fronted, and Brant. Goose season: Mon–Sun, full shooting hours apply. | 15 |
1Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Dark Geese (Canada, White-Fronted, Brant). Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross's) also 5/day aggregate.
2Federal guidelines not final at time of printing. Dark Geese includes Canada, White-Fronted, Brant.
3Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Dark Geese (Canada, White-Fronted, Brant).
4Aggregate bag limit of 5 includes Canada, white-fronted, and Brant. Goose season: Mon–Sun, full shooting hours apply.
5For special early teal and goose seasons, shooting days and hours shall be Mon–Sun, 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
6For goose season, shooting days and hours shall be Mon–Sun, 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3Alabama statewide waterfowl zone | Sep 5 – Oct 4 First Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross's). | 15 |
| Oct 17 – Oct 31 Second Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross's). | 15 | |
| Nov 27 – Nov 28 Third Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross's). | 15 | |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Fourth Segment | 5 Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross's). | 15 |
1Aggregate bag limit 5/day for Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross's).
2Federal guidelines not final at time of printing. Light Geese includes Snow, Blue, Ross's.
3Federal guidelines not final at time of printing.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3,4Alabama statewide waterfowl zone | Sep 12 – Sep 20 First Segment | 15 Concurrent with duck season; same restrictions. Nontoxic shot required; lead possession prohibited. AL Duck Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP required. | 45 |
| Nov 27 – Jan 26 Second Segment | 15 Concurrent with duck season; same restrictions. Nontoxic shot required; lead possession prohibited. AL Duck Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP required. | 45 | |
| Nov 27 – Nov 28 Duck Season First Split (Concurrent) | 15 | 45 | |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Duck Season Second Split (Concurrent) | 15 | 45 |
1Concurrent with duck season; same restrictions. Nontoxic shot required; lead possession prohibited. AL Duck Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP required.
2Listed under 'Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule' section. Game type is coots_moorhens for gallinule.
3Listed under 'Duck, Coot and Merganser' section as 'Coot: 15 a day'. Concurrent with duck season first split.
4Listed under 'Duck, Coot and Merganser' section as 'Coot: 15 a day'. Concurrent with duck season second split.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2,3Alabama statewide waterfowl zone | Nov 27 – Nov 28 First Split | 5 Only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser | 15 |
| Dec 5 – Jan 31 Second Split | 5 Only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser | 15 |
1Only 2 may be a Hooded Merganser
2Concurrent with Duck, Coot and Merganser season first split.
3Concurrent with Duck, Coot and Merganser season second split.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| North of I-20/I-65/I-22 corridor1,2,3,4 | Nov 27 – Jan 3 Segment 1 · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 By Limited Quota Permit only. Residents and Lifetime Hunting License holders 16+ only. Limit 3 per person per permit. Zone: north of I-20 from GA line to I-65, east of I-65 to I-22, north of I-22 to MS line. | – |
| Nov 27 – Jan 3 First Segment · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 By Limited Quota Permit only. Residents and Lifetime Hunting License holders 16+ only. No fee to apply; $20 fee to accept permit plus processing fee. | – | |
| Jan 11 – Jan 25 Segment 2 · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 By Limited Quota Permit only. Residents and Lifetime Hunting License holders 16+ only. Limit 3 per person per permit. Zone: north of I-20 from GA line to I-65, east of I-65 to I-22, north of I-22 to MS line. | – | |
| Jan 11 – Jan 25 Second Segment · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 3 By Limited Quota Permit only. Residents and Lifetime Hunting License holders 16+ only. No fee to apply; $20 fee to accept permit plus processing fee. | – |
1By Limited Quota Permit only. Residents and Lifetime Hunting License holders 16+ only. Limit 3 per person per permit. Zone: north of I-20 from GA line to I-65, east of I-65 to I-22, north of I-22 to MS line.
2Must apply online at www.outdooralabama.com. $20 fee to accept permit plus processing fee. Legal arms same as waterfowl.
3By Limited Quota Permit only. Residents and Lifetime Hunting License holders 16+ only. No fee to apply; $20 fee to accept permit plus processing fee.
4Hunting zone: area north of Interstate 20 from GA state line to interchange with I-65, then east of I-65 to interchange with I-22, then north of I-22 to MS state line. Limit 3 per person per permit. Legal arms same as waterfowl.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2Alabama statewide waterfowl zone | Nov 21 – Nov 21 Youth/Active Military/Veteran Day 1 · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as in regular waterfowl season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119. | 18 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 6 Youth/Active Military/Veteran Day 2 · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as in regular waterfowl season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119. | 18 |
1Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as in regular waterfowl season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119.
2Combined youth, active military, and military veteran day.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2Alabama statewide waterfowl zone | Nov 21 – Nov 21 Youth/Active Military/Veteran Day 1 · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as in regular waterfowl season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119. | 18 |
| Feb 6 – Feb 6 Youth/Active Military/Veteran Day 2 · Source unconfirmed — check state regs | 6 Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as in regular waterfowl season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119. | 18 |
1Same shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply as in regular waterfowl season, in accordance with Rule 220-2-.119.
2Combined youth, active military, and military veteran day. Active military included.
| Zone / Season | Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide1,2Alabama statewide waterfowl zone | Sep 12 – Sep 20 Clapper/King/Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule - Segment 1 | 15 Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule | – |
| Nov 27 – Jan 26 Clapper/King/Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule - Segment 2 | 15 Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule | – |
1Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule
2Clapper Rail, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora and Gallinule. 15 a 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 2026-2027 season. This data was verified on September 6, 2026. Always confirm with the official regulations before hunting.
For waterfowl population trends, harvest analysis, and conservation research, see WaterfowlAI Insights.