FAQs

Frequently Answered Questions about Alabama Fishing and Hunting Licenses

Why am I being asked for my hunter education card or number when I buy a fishing license?

The Wildlife Heritage Act of 2007 created a Wildlife Heritage License allows:

• residents to fish in freshwater statewide with hook and line from the bank
• residents to fish in WFF operated Public Fishing Lakes (daily lake permits required)
• residents to hunt small game, except waterfowl, on WFF WMA (WMA permit required)
• residents to shoot on WFF managed shooting ranges 
• residents to support wildlife
• These privileges are also included in all resident hunting and freshwater fishing licenses (excludes the $1 Disabled Fishing License), including lifetime licenses.
• residents who have not completed the hunter education course, and are required to, will have a fishing license that indicates supervision required. This is not for fishing, but for the hunting component of the Wildlife Heritage license included in the fishing license.

I have lost my hunter education certification card. Where can I get a replacement? You can print a replacement card here.

I have a lifetime license that is broken and hard to read. Can I get a replacement? The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will send you a replacement lifetime license.  Make a copy of your license so you will have the license in the field.  Send the plastic license and the lifetime license form to: Dept. of Conservation, ATTN: Lifetime License, PO Box 301456, Montgomery, AL  36130-1456.

I have lost my lifetime license.  Can I get a replacement?  The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will send you a replacement lifetime license for a five dollar fee.  Send the lifetime license form and a check for $5.00 to: Dept. of Conservation, ATTN: Lifetime License, PO Box 301456, Montgomery, AL  36130-1456.

I have a lifetime license but need the annual HIP certification.  Can I complete the HIP survey online? Yes. Instructions for completing the HIP certification survey online can be viewed here.

Is there a special fishing license for disabled persons? Yes. Persons that are totally disabled and have been a resident of Alabama for six months may obtain this license for $1.00. Application is available on-line or applications for this license can be obtained from the Probate Judge or License Commissioner in the county in which they reside.  There is a special Military Veteran's Appreciation Freshwater License available to veterans with a minimum of 20% disablity as certified by the Veteran's Administration. 

Can I fish from my pier in public waters without a fishing license? Normal fishing license requirements apply to fishing in public freshwaters of Alabama from a private pier.

I am 67 years of age and a non-resident. Must I purchase a fishing/hunting license to fish the public waters of Alabama? Yes. Non-residents 16 years of age and older must first purchase a fishing/hunting license before fishing the public waters of Alabama.

Is a fishing license required to fish private lakes or ponds? No. Fishing licenses are only required to fish in public waters.  Permission of the pond owner is required to fish a private lake or pond.

I’m active duty military and a resident of Alabama home on leave. Must I purchase a hunting/fishing license? No, residents on active duty home on leave may hunt and fish without license (must have proof of leave in their possession).

I’m a non-resident but stationed in Alabama with the military. Must I purchase a hunting/fishing license? Yes, but you and your dependents stationed with you are allowed to purchase a resident hunting and/or  fishing license.

Must I purchase a federal migratory bird hunting stamp in addition to a state duck stamp to waterfowl hunt? Yes, all persons 16 years of age and older are required to purchase a federal duck stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl.

I am a resident of Alabama. Must I purchase a hunting license to hunt on lands I own in Alabama? No, residents of Alabama are not required to purchase a hunting license to hunt on property they own.

I am a non-resident but own land in Alabama. Must I purchase a hunting license to hunt on this property? Yes, you are required to purchase a non-resident hunting license.

Does Alabama have a disabled hunting license? No, Alabama does not have a disabled hunting license.

Special Disabled Archery Permit

What are the requirements for a person to be issued a Special Disabled Archery permit? A person must have a permanent physical impairment that prevents them from being able to draw or hold a bow with a minimum peak tension of 35 pounds. This permit would allow a person to utilize a device that will hold a long bow, recurve bow or compound bow at full draw.

How do I obtain this permit? To obtain this permit your medical doctor must write a short letter that contains the following information:

• Your name and address and that you are a patient of the doctor.
• That you have a permanent physical impairment.
• Briefly describe this impairment.
• A statement that due to this permanent physical impairment you are unable to draw or hold a bow with a minimum peak tension of 35 pounds.
• Your medical doctor must sign the letter.
• Letter should be mailed to AWFF, 64 N. Union St., Room 559, Montgomery, AL 36104.