Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Waters in Alabama's National Forests are full of surprises. Crappie, bream, catfish, and bass are waiting for your lure

Lake and Pond Fishing

Fishing on national forests and grasslands is sometimes more than a sport. For some, the rewards of lakes, rivers and streams feed families at home or at the campsite. State laws apply to fishing laws and regulations on all national forests and grasslands. Some states prohibit putting fish remains into the waters, lakes, streams or rivers after you have cleaned and gutted your catch.

River and Stream Fishing

Rivers, creeks and reservoirs within the national forest system offer great opportunities for fishing. Many of the slow-moving bodies of water, especially reservoirs, offer an excellent variety of fishing opportunities.

Hunting

Looking for a Place to Hunt?

Click here for NFs in Alabama wildlife opening locations.

These openings are maintained by planting or periodic mowing, and they provide food and cover for game and non-game wildlife species. These locations are great places for hunting and watching wildlife.

Click here for more information about hunting Wildlife Management Areas (WMA).

Hunting on National Forest Lands

All state laws apply to National Forest lands; however, additional federal regulations also apply.

Wheeled Motor Vehicle Use: You can get a free Motor Vehicle Use Map that shows designated roads and trails open for motorized travel, including off-road vehicles, in the Maps section of this website.

Leaving equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is prohibited.
Cross-country travel off designated routes is prohibited.
Driving a motorized vehicle cross-country to blinds or to retrieve game is illegal. UTVs and ATVs are not allowed for game retrieval on the National Forests in Alabama.
Both state and federal laws governing off-road vehicle use must be followed.

Camping: Camping in developed recreation areas is limited to 14 consecutive days and there is a 24 hour waiting period to return. Camping in dispersed areas (hunt camps) is limited to 21 consecutive days. There is a 10 day waiting period before returning to the same area/location.

Don't forget:

Leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours in a developed recreation area is prohibited.
Campfires must be attended at all times and extinguished completely when you leave.
Campers/trailers on National Forest land must be properly licensed or registered.

Blinds: The Alabama law regarding hunting blinds, tree stands, and raised platforms applies on National Forest lands. Failure to remove ANY type of blind, structure, equipment or trash will result in a fine and removal, destruction, impoundment and/or seizure of any abandoned or illegally placed item.

No permanent tree stand or scaffold may be used or affixed to a tree.
Cutting of branches or limbs for shooting lanes or to construct blinds is prohibited.

Additional Information:

Constructing or maintaining any food plot or any artificial garden to attract wildlife is prohibited.
Blocking gates or road access is prohibited.
Dragging forest roads is prohibited.
Discharging a weapon within 150 yards of a building, campsite or occupied area or across or on a National Forest road or body of water is prohibited.
Leashed dogs may be used for the purpose of retrieving wounded deer.

Click here to view more information about State Hunting Licenses

Alabama Hunting and Fishing Regulations