Alabama Administrative Code › Title 220 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Chapter 220-2 - GAME AND FISH DIVISION › Section 220-2-.55 - Wildlife Management Areas Of Alabama

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 9, June 28, 2024
(1) It shall be unlawful on ALL DEPARTMENT OF
			 CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES, WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES DIVISION
			 MANAGED WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS, COMMUNITY HUNTING AREAS, SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
			 AREAS, PHYSICALLY DISABLED HUNTING AREAS, AND REFUGE AREAS, all of which are
			 established as "Wildlife Management Areas" by Rule
			 220-2-.22 and all of which are
			 hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to herein as "AREAS" or "AREA":
(a) To hunt; trap; use dogs; or possess
			 firearms (see (b) for exceptions), traps, or bow and arrow, except bow fishing
			 equipment, without a valid Wildlife Management Area (WMA) License (required for
			 deer, turkey, and waterfowl), PLUS the applicable Resident or Non-resident
			 Hunting License [for Alabama residents 16 through 64 years of age and
			 non-residents 16 years of age and older]. Provided however, that properly
			 licensed persons under the "Wildlife Heritage License" may hunt legal small
			 game, except waterfowl, on AREAS without the other licenses described herein
			 unless required for limited quota hunt registration. PLUS, in order to hunt
			 waterfowl on AREAS, all licensed hunters must have, in addition to the
			 otherwise required licenses, a current HIP certification, a valid State
			 Waterfowl Stamp (if required) and a valid Federal Waterfowl Stamp (if
			 required). In addition to license and stamp requirements, an AREA Permit and a
			 WMA Daily Permit are required unless using the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In
			 application to check in and out each hunt day. For those using the WMA Daily
			 Permit, the tear-off stub with the number matching the Daily Permit must be
			 deposited in the return slot of the self-service box. The remaining Permit
			 portion is to be retained in possession of the hunter while hunting, filled out
			 completely, and deposited into the return slot of the self-service box at an
			 AREA check station or kiosk for each day hunted lawfully authorized handguns
			 possessed for personal protection.
(b) Nothing in this regulation prohibits the
			 possession of handguns by lawfully authorized persons for personal protection.
			 Refer to 220-2-.126 for Public Shooting
			 Range Regulation pertaining to the use of shooting ranges located on AREAS. All
			 other possession of arms and ammunition must align with scheduled AREA seasons
			 during legal hunting hours and are limited to those permitted for each game
			 species as detailed in this regulation
(c) To use dogs for stalk hunting of deer or
			 for turkey hunting. (Leashed dogs may be used for the expressed purpose of
			 retrieving wounded deer, limited to two (2) dogs for each tracking
			 event.)
(d) To use dogs for hunting
			 of feral swine or small game where dogs are expressly prohibited (except for
			 the scheduled special feral swine dog hunt on W.L. Holland and Mobile-Tensaw
			 Delta WMAs).
(e) To use dogs for
			 hunting, training, or any other purpose outside any AREA established
			 season.
(f) To conduct organized
			 man drives during stalk deer hunts outside the hours of 10:00AM -
			 2:00PM.
(g) For any person under 16
			 years of age to hunt on any AREA unless accompanied by an adult who is either
			 21 years of age or older or the parent, and who is in possession of all state
			 hunting licenses, stamps, and permits required to hunt on an AREA.
(h) To exceed daily or seasonal regular state
			 bag limit for any game species unless otherwise specified for AREA.
(i) To have in possession any fully automatic
			 rifle or any firearms, ammunition, or bow and arrow except as described below:
1. DEER: Stalk Hunting - Rifles using
			 centerfire mushrooming ammunition, pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles
			 using an arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter
			 of 7/8" and two (2) sharpened edges, pre-charged pneumatic air powered guns .30
			 caliber or larger, shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using slugs or single round
			 balls, muzzle-loading firearms .40 caliber or larger, or handguns or pistols
			 using centerfire mushrooming ammunition. All applicable laws regarding
			 possessing and carrying handguns must be followed.
2. DEER: Stalk Hunting - Primitive Weapons
			 Hunt -Muzzle-loading rifle, or muzzle-loading handguns .40 caliber or larger,
			 muzzle-loading shotguns, pre-charged pneumatic arrow shooting rifles using an
			 arrow equipped with a broadhead which has a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8"
			 and two (2) sharpened edges, pre-charged pneumatic airpowered guns .30 caliber
			 or larger, or bow and arrow (including crossbow, see (1)(i)13.
			 below).
3. DEER: Stalk Hunting -
			 Archery - bow and arrow (including crossbows, see (1)(i)13. Below).
4. DEER: Dog Hunts - Shotguns 10 gauge or
			 smaller using buckshot only.
5.
			 FERAL SWINE SPECIAL SEASONS: The same provisions as set out in (1)(i)1. and
			 (1)(i)2. above, except at Seven Mile Island where Primitive Weapons Stalk Deer
			 Hunt provisions only apply, as set out in (1)(i)2. above, with the addition of
			 shotguns with slugs. OUTSIDE SPECIAL SEASONS: May be killed during any
			 scheduled AREA hunt using arms and ammunition that are legal for such
			 designated hunts during daylight hours only.
6. TURKEY: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using
			 No. 2 shot or smaller and bow and arrow (including crossbows, see (1)(i)13.
			 below).
7. DOVE, WOODCOCK, SNIPE,
			 AND RAIL: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller, plugged with a one-piece filler
			 incapable of removal without disassembling the gun or otherwise incapable of
			 holding more than 3 shells, using No. 2 shot or smaller and bow and arrow
			 (including crossbows, see (1)(i)13. below).
8. WATERFOWL & SANDHILL CRANE: Shotguns
			 10 gauge or smaller, plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal
			 without disassembling the gun or otherwise incapable of holding more than 3
			 shells, using steel shot, T size or smaller and bow and arrow (including
			 crossbows, see (1)(i)13. below). Waterfowl may also be hunted with other U.S.
			 Fish and Wildlife Service approved shot and sizes.
9. QUAIL: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using
			 No. 4 shot or smaller and bow and arrow (including crossbows, see (1)(i)13.
			 below).
10. SQUIRREL, CROW, AND
			 RABBIT: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using No. 4 shot or smaller, rimfire
			 firearms, muzzle-loading rifles and muzzle-loading handguns .40 caliber or
			 smaller, rifles operated by air, and bow and arrow (including crossbows, see
			 (1)(i)13. below).
11. RACCOON AND
			 OPOSSUM - Daylight hours: Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller using No. 4 shot or
			 smaller, rimfire firearms, and bow and arrow (including crossbows, see (1)
			 (i)13. below). Nighttime hours: Shotguns using No. 4 shot or smaller or .22
			 caliber rimfire firearms.
12.
			 BOBCAT, COYOTE, AND FOX: May be hunted during any scheduled AREA hunt using
			 weapons and ammunition that are legal for such designated hunts during daylight
			 hours only.
13. BOW AND ARROW
			 (including Crossbows): Conforming to the provisions of Rule
			 220-2-.03, will be legal on all
			 AREA scheduled hunts. Crossbows will be legal during any open bow and arrow
			 season dates for any species. All archery equipment used during the bow fishing
			 season of March 1 - August 31 must conform to the provisions of Rule
			 220-2-.46, relating to bow
			 fishing.
14. FALCONRY: Will be
			 legal on all AREA scheduled small game hunts for legally permitted
			 falconers.
15. TRAPPING: Standard
			 .22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearms only (no magnums), during daylight
			 hours only.
(j) To trap
			 furbearers except as permitted under
			 220-2-.30 and as specified for
			 each AREA in
			 220-2-.56.
(k) For any person to possess or to carry in
			 or on a vehicle, any of the following: any firearms [including pistols/
			 handguns, except as described in (1)(ii) below] with ammunition in the
			 magazine, breech or clip attached to firearms, or black powder weapons with
			 primer, cap or flash powder in place, or cocked crossbows.
(l) For hunters on dog deer hunts to leave
			 stand assigned to them until instructed. The Geneva State Forest WMA dog hunt
			 will be limited to 100 standers, registered and permitted through a limited
			 quota hunt registration. Further, it shall be unlawful for any hunter to
			 release a dog not approved by Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF)
			 personnel on the Geneva State Forest WMA during the hunt.
(m) To camp on any AREA except in designated
			 sites. Campers using generators must camp in site designated for generator use.
			 On AREAS located on U. S. Forest Service lands, hunters must camp in designated
			 camping areas, unless excepted by U.S. Forest Service rules specific to a
			 Ranger District. Individuals or groups may camp on AREAS for a period not to
			 exceed nine (9) days in any thirty (30) day period. Campfires must be
			 extinguished before departing. No warming fires shall be permitted away from
			 camping area. All campers (portable shelters on wheels) must be removed from
			 Barbour or Freedom Hills WMAs by sundown on the first Sunday following the last
			 day of turkey season; otherwise, the camper may be towed from the AREA at the
			 owner's expense; or, may be relocated to another portion of the AREA without
			 WFF personnel being responsible for any damages or loss and the owner assessed
			 a $10.00 a day storage fee. No campers are permitted on Barbour or Freedom
			 Hills WMAs, until September 1, unless approved by written permit issued by the
			 AREA biologist. All campers left unattended overnight must display the owner's
			 contact information to include name, address, and phone numbers.
(n) To kill or willfully molest any species
			 of wildlife except designated game species while legally hunting.
(o) To discharge fireworks at any
			 time.
(p) To discharge firearms for
			 target practice except on designated target ranges in accordance with listed
			 rules during posted times and dates.
(q) To hunt or discharge firearms within 150
			 yards of any camping area, dwelling, dam or timber operation; within 100 yards
			 of any paved public road or highway; within a posted safety zone; or from
			 within the right-of-way of any developed road (paved or unpaved) which is open
			 for vehicular traffic [provided, however, that standers hunting the WMA roads
			 closed to vehicular traffic (roads closed with gates and/or signage indicating
			 closed to vehicular traffic) on Geneva State Forest and Upper Delta WMAs are
			 allowed during scheduled dog deer hunts; hunters using shotguns with No. 6 shot
			 or smaller are allowed to hunt AREA roads and right-of-ways, excluding any
			 named county or state roads]. On AREAS located within U.S. Forest Service
			 lands, hunters must adhere to U.S. Forest Service rules specific to that Ranger
			 District.
(r) To transport
			 harvested deer or turkey from any AREA before reporting harvest in the Game
			 Check System. Hunters must also submit such harvests at the WMA check station
			 for data collection if hunt date is indicated as a mandatory check station day
			 on the Outdoor Alabama WMA Application or AREA map Permit. All other harvested
			 game must be recorded on the Outdoor Alabama WMA Application or WMA Daily
			 Permit.
(s) For any person, except
			 authorized personnel, to operate any motor driven vehicle behind, under, or
			 around any locked gate, barricaded road, or sign which prohibits vehicular
			 traffic. Individuals with a mobility disability may request authorization in
			 writing to use motorized vehicles or other power-driven mobility devices on
			 AREAS. Such request will be evaluated based on the provisions of the Americans
			 with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and
			 28 C.F.R. §
										35.137.
(t) For any unauthorized person to possess
			 and/or operate ANY UNLICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE (i.e. ATV, UTV, motorcycle,
			 or electric-powered bike) on Charles D. Kelley-Autauga, Black Warrior, Blue
			 Spring, Boggy Hollow, William R. Ireland, Sr. - Cahaba River, Choccolocco,
			 Coosa, David K. Nelson, Hollins, Jackson County Waterfowl Areas (except Coon
			 Gulf Tract), Little River, Lowndes, Martin Community Hunting Area, Mulberry
			 Fork, Oakmulgee, Perdido River, Red Hills, and Forever Wild Gothard - AWF Yates
			 Lake AREAS.
(u) For any
			 unauthorized person to possess or operate ANY UNLICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE
			 on Barbour, Coon Gulf Tract of Jackson County Waterfowl Areas, Freedom Hills,
			 Geneva State Forest, Grand Bay Savanna, James D. Martin-Skyline, Lauderdale,
			 Mobile-Tensaw Delta, W.L. Holland, Sam R. Murphy, Riverton, Seven Mile Island,
			 Swan Creek, Mallard Fox Creek, and Upper Delta AREAS, except when utilized for
			 the express purpose of hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, or related
			 activities; and when operated only on regularly used roads depicted on WMA map
			 to be open for motorized vehicle traffic (excluding Geneva State Forest Zone
			 B).
(v) For any unauthorized person
			 to possess or operate ANY LICENSED MOTOR DRIVEN VEHICLE on any AREA, except
			 when utilized for the express purpose of hunting, fishing, trapping, camping,
			 or sanctioned activities (excluding AREAS established within the boundaries of
			 U.S. Forest Service National Forests or other cooperating agency lands that
			 otherwise regulate such activities); and when operated only on regularly used
			 roads depicted on AREA Permit to be open for motorized vehicle
			 traffic.
(w) For any unauthorized
			 person to ride or possess horses on any AREA except on roads open to motorized
			 vehicles, excluding Charles D. Kelley-Autauga and Geneva State Forest Zone A
			 (where no horses are permitted); and in areas, roads, and trails, designated as
			 open to horses, excluding Charles D. Kelley-Autauga and Geneva State Forest
			 Zone A (where no horses are permitted). On Coosa WMA horses are not permitted
			 in the campgrounds from October 1 until after the last day of turkey
			 season.
(x) For any unauthorized
			 person to ride or possess horses on any AREA on days of scheduled gun deer
			 hunts and during legal hours of turkey hunting, except those portions of AREAS
			 kept open to such activity by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service,
			 and except on Freedom Hills, James D. MartinSkyline, the Jacinto Port Tract of
			 W.L. Holland, and Mobile-Tensaw Delta AREAS where horses are only allowed on
			 designated horse trails. At Freedom Hills, the Jacinto Port Tract of W.L.
			 Holland, and Mobile-Tensaw Delta AREAS horses are only allowed from March 1 to
			 the beginning of turkey season and May 15 to September 14. Riding or possession
			 of horses on any AREA, except those on National Park Service lands, U.S. Forest
			 Service lands, and Geneva State Forest, shall be restricted to holders of a
			 valid WMA license and a valid AREA Permit.
(y) For any person to hunt or trap any
			 wildlife species (except turkey, migratory birds, and while hunting legally
			 designated species during legal nighttime hours) without wearing a minimum of
			 144 square inches of hunter orange or full-sized hunter orange hat, except when
			 hunting from an elevated tree stand twelve (12) feet or more from the ground,
			 when hunting in an enclosed blind, or when traveling in an enclosed vehicle. A
			 small logo and/or printing is permitted on the front of the hunter orange
			 hat.
(z) For any person except
			 authorized personnel to block or otherwise stop traffic on any road or at any
			 gate by parking a vehicle in such a way that passage around the vehicle, or
			 access to the gate, is impeded.
(aa) For any person to possess, deposit,
			 distribute, or scatter grain/corn, salt, litter, or any other materials on any
			 AREA without receiving approval from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
			 Division.
(bb) To damage or remove
			 any artifacts, trees, firewood, plants, dirt, gravel, or sod without legal
			 authorization.
(cc) To erect any
			 permanent tree stand; install any screw-in type steps, spikes, or nails; or
			 otherwise damage any tree.
(dd) To
			 intentionally cast a light of any kind, either handheld, affixed to a vehicle,
			 or otherwise, between the hours of sunset and sunrise from motor vehicles
			 except those vehicles traveling in a normal manner on an open established
			 road.
(ee) To hunt from an elevated
			 stand or platform without attaching themselves to the tree or platform with a
			 full body safety harness capable of supporting their weight.
(ff) To violate any restrictions posted on
			 the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In application, AREA map permit, or WMA Daily
			 Permit, or posted restrictions regarding entry, hunting, fishing, or other
			 conduct.
(gg) To release any
			 animal, bird, fish, or other wildlife on any AREA without first obtaining
			 written permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
			 Division.
(hh) To possess any open
			 alcoholic beverages outside designated camping areas.
(ii) For any person to possess any firearm
			 while hunting with bow and arrow or crossbow, except on days of hunter's choice
			 gun deer hunts. Nothing in this regulation prohibits the possession of handguns
			 by lawfully authorized persons for personal protection, provided the handguns
			 are not used to hunt, take, or attempt to take wildlife except as otherwise
			 provided by this regulation.
(jj)
			 To possess or use any wild turkey calls to mimic sounds made by wild turkeys
			 from March 1 until the opening day of youth turkey seasons and from the close
			 of youth turkey season to the opening day of physically disabled turkey season
			 or regular turkey season opening day on AREAs with turkey seasons.
(kk) For anyone 16 years of age or older to
			 hunt any species on any AREA on days of youth gun deer hunts, or for anyone to
			 hunt small game during primitive weapon or gun deer hunts, except on Grand Bay
			 Savanna, W.L. Holland, and Mobile-Tensaw Delta WMAs, and except waterfowl in
			 Upper Delta (Zone B) WMA.
(ll) For
			 any unauthorized person to possess or use any game camera/device capable of
			 monitoring remotely and/or capable of automatically transmitting photos and/or
			 videos from March 1-May31 on any AREA without first obtaining written
			 permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.
(mm) For any authorized person to launch,
			 land or possess or use any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/drone on any AREA
			 without first obtaining written permission from the Wildlife and Freshwater
			 Fisheries Division.