The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Fishing is permitted only from sunrise to sunset.
2. Only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors are permitted on Gator and Little Gator Lakes.
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, coyote, and bobcat on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to hunt in accordance with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' William R. Ireland, Sr.--Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area hunting permit conditions.
2. We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' William R. Ireland, Sr.--Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area hunting permit when hunting on the refuge.
3. All youth hunters under age 16 must be supervised by a licensed and permitted adult 21 years of age or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
4. We prohibit the use of horses, mules, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on the refuge.
5. Hunters may hunt with shotguns using only nontoxic 4 shot or smaller (see Sec. 32.2(k)), rifles and handguns using rim-fire ammunition only, or archery equipment that complies with State and Federal regulations.
6. We prohibit hunting or discharging firearms (including muzzle loaders) from within 50 yards (45 meters) of River Trace Road.
7. Hunting dogs may be used to hunt upland game and must be controlled by the owner/handler at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
8. Hunters may only hunt designated game species during specified days, which are published within the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Hunting dates portion of the permit.
9. Hunters must remove tree stands, blinds, or other personal property from the refuge each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions B1, B2, B4, B6, and B8 through B10 apply.
2. We prohibit the use of firearms for hunting deer on the refuge. However, you may archery hunt in the portions of the refuge that are open for deer hunting during the archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader seasons established by the State.
3. We allow hunters to hunt from tree stands in accordance with 50 CFR 32.2(i). Hunters must use a body safety harness at all times while hunting from a tree.
4. All youth hunters under age 16 must be supervised by a properly licensed and permitted adult 21 years of age or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
5. Hunters may not hunt by aid of or participate in drives to take deer or feral hogs.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Condition B4 applies.
Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (91.4 meters) of the fenced-in refuge work center area, designated hiking trails, and refuge boats ramps.
2. We prohibit leaving unattended personal property, including, but not limited to, boats or vehicles of any type, geocaches, and cameras, overnight on the refuge (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit marking trees and using flagging tape, reflective tacks, and other similar marking devices.
3. Hunters may take incidental species (coyote, beaver, nutria, and feral hog) during any hunt with those weapons legal during those hunts as defined by the State of Alabama. Persons may only use approved nontoxic shot in shotgun shells (see Sec. 32.2(k)), .22 caliber rimfire or smaller rifles, or legal archery equipment according to State regulations. We prohibit use of magnum ammunition, including .22 caliber magnum and .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR), for hunting.
4. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) when hunting.
5. All persons age 15 or younger, while hunting on the refuge, must be in the presence and under direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least age 21. A licensed hunter supervising a youth as provided in this section must hold a valid State license for the species being hunted. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
6. The refuge is open daily from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset. Personal property must be removed from the refuge daily (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
7. We require all hunters to record hours hunted and all harvested game on the Upland Game Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2362) at the conclusion of each day at one of the refuge check stations.
8. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
9. We prohibit equestrian use, domestic livestock, and all forms of motorized off-road vehicles.
10. We allow hunting with unleashed dogs for squirrel and rabbit only.
11. Hunt information and hunt dates are available at refuge headquarters and specified in the refuge brochure.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow archery hunting of white-tailed deer and incidental take of feral hog in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions B1 through B9 and B11 apply.
2. Deer hunters may place portable stands on the refuge for use while deer hunting only during the open deer season. All stands must be clearly labeled with the name, address, and phone number. When not in use and left on the refuge overnight, stands must be placed in a non-hunting position at ground level.
3. While climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses climbing aids, or hunting from a tree stand on the refuge, hunters must use a fall-arrest system (full body harness) that is manufactured to the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association's standards.
4. We prohibit damaging trees, including driving or screwing any metal object into a tree or hunting from a tree in which a metal object has been driven or screwed to support a hunter (see Sec. 32.2(i)). Other than deer stands, all personal property must be removed from the refuge each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit hunting by aid or distribution of any feed, salt, scent attractant, or other mineral at any time (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing year-round, except in the waterfowl sanctuary area as depicted within the refuge brochure. The waterfowl sanctuary is closed to fishing from November 15 through March 1.
2. Conditions B2, B4, B6, B8, B9, and C4 apply.
3. We allow a rod and reel and pole and line. We prohibit all other methods of fishing.
4. We prohibit the taking of frogs and turtles (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit bow fishing.
6. We prohibit the use of airboats, hovercrafts, and inboard-water-thrust boats such as, but not limited to, personal watercraft, watercycles, and waterbikes.
7. We require a refuge Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383) for commercial fishing. Commercial anglers may use nets, seines, baskets, and boxes legal for use within the State of Alabama.
8. We prohibit fishing tournaments on all refuge waters.
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove and Eurasian-collared dove, duck, and goose on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) when hunting.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shotshells when hunting (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. All youth hunters (ages 10 through 15) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of a properly licensed hunting adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must possess and carry verification of passing a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
4. We allow duck and goose hunting in the Bradley and Kennedy units only by special permit (Waterfowl Lottery Application, FWS Form 3-2355) on/during selected days/times, during the State seasons. We close all other portions of the refuge to waterfowl hunting.
5. All waterfowl hunting opportunities are spaced-blind and assigned by lottery. Hunters wishing to participate in our waterfowl hunt must submit a Waterfowl Lottery Application (FWS Form 3-2355). Consult refuge brochure for details.
6. We limit the number of shotshells a hunter may possess to 25.
7. We prohibit damaging trees or other vegetation (see Sec. Sec. 27.51 and 32.2(i) of this chapter).
8. Hunters must remove all stands/blinds at the end of each day's hunt (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
9. We allow access to the refuge for hunting from 1\1/2\ hours before legal sunrise to 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
10. We prohibit hunting by aid of or distribution of any feed, salt, other mineral, or electronic device, including game cameras (see Sec. 32.2(h) and Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
11. We prohibit participation in organized drives.
12. We prohibit the use of horses, mules, or other livestock.
13. We require tree stand users to use a safety belt.
14. We prohibit the use of motorized watercraft in all refuge waters not directly connected to Lake Eufaula.
15. We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats, including airboats, aircraft, boats with secondary fans, and hovercraft.
16. We prohibit the use of personal watercraft or air-cooled propulsion engines outside of marked navigation channels.
17. We prohibit the mooring or storing of boats from 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset to 1\1/2\ hours before legal sunrise.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, A3, and A7 through A17 apply.
2. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting on selected areas and days during the State seasons.
3. We prohibit the use of dogs (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We only allow shotguns as the means of take for upland game hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A7 through A17 apply.
2. We allow youth (ages 10 through 15) gun deer hunting in the Bradley Unit only by special permit (information obtained from Big/Upland Game Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2356) during selected days/times.
3. All youth gun hunting opportunities are spaced-blind and assigned by lottery. Hunters wishing to participate in our youth gun hunt must submit a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2356). Consult the refuge brochure for details.
4. All youth hunters must remain within sight and normal voice contact of a properly hunting-licensed adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must possess and carry verification of passing a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
5. We allow both archery deer and archery feral hog hunting on selected areas and days during the State archery deer season.
6. We close those portions of the refuge between Bustahatchee and Rood Creeks to archery hunting until November 1.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing, including bowfishing, in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A15 through A17 apply.
2. We allow fishing on selected areas and days.
3. We allow shoreline access for fishing from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise to \1/2\ hour after legal sunset.
4. We prohibit taking frog or turtle (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter) on all refuge lands and waters.
5. We adopt reciprocal license agreements between Alabama and Georgia for fishing in Lake Eufaula. Anglers fishing in waters not directly connected to Lake Eufaula must be properly licensed for the State in which they are fishing.
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Refer to Sec. 32.43 Mississippi for regulations.
Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of mourning and Eurasian-collared dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge permit, which is included with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Seven Mile Island Wildlife Management Area hunting permit when hunting on the refuge.
2. We allow hunting on designated areas from 12 p.m. (noon) to legal sunset Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
3. Hunters must park in designated parking areas. We prohibit parking vehicles on refuge roads or in the fields (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter).
4. All youth hunters under age 16 must be supervised by a licensed and permitted adult 21 years of age or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
5. We allow hunters to use hunting dogs to hunt migratory game birds and upland game. The dogs must be controlled by the owner/handler at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. Hunters may only hunt designated game species during specified days, which are published within the Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Dates portion of the permit.
7. We prohibit the use of horses, mules, or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on all refuge hunts.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A3 through A7 apply.
2. We allow hunting on designated areas from legal sunrise to legal sunset Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, except that you may hunt opossum and raccoon after legal sunset.
3. Hunters may hunt with shotguns using only nontoxic 4 shot or smaller (see Sec. 32.2(k)), rifles and handguns using rim-fire ammunition only, or archery equipment that complies with State regulations. Possession of lead shot shells for hunting is prohibited.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to hunt in accordance with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area hunting permit conditions.
2. We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area hunting permit when hunting on the refuge.
3. All youth hunters under age 16 must be supervised by a properly licensed and permitted adult 21 years of age or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
4. We prohibit the use of horses, mules, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on the refuge.
5. Hunters may only hunt designated game species during specified days, which are published within the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Dates portion of the permit.
6. Hunters must remove tree stands, blinds, or other personal property from the refuge each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
7. Hunters may hunt with shotguns using only nontoxic 4 shot or smaller (see Sec. 32.2(k)). Possession of lead shot shells for hunting is prohibited.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, groundhog, raccoon, opossum, beaver, and fox on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A7 apply.
2. Hunters may hunt during daylight hours only.
3. We allow hunters to hunt from tree stands in accordance with 50 CFR 32.2(i). Hunters must use a body safety harness at all times while hunting from a tree.
4. Hunting dogs may be used to hunt quail, squirrel, and rabbit and must be controlled by the owner/handler at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. Possession of lead shot shells for hunting is prohibited.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, bobcat, coyote, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, and A4 through A7 apply.
2. We prohibit damaging trees or hunting from a tree that contains an inserted metal object (see Sec. 32.2(i)). Hunters must remove stands from trees each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit using dogs (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter) to hunt or pursue big game.
4. All youth hunters under age 16 must be supervised by a licensed and permitted adult 21 years of age or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
5. We require tree stand users to use a safety belt or harness.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated area of the refuge in accordance with Federal and State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to hunt in accordance with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' North Sauta refuge hunting permit.
2. We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge permit, which is found on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Jackson County Waterfowl, Management Areas, refuges and Coon Gulf Tract hunting permit, when hunting.
3. Hunters may only hunt designated game species during specified days, which are published within the Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Dates portion of the permit.
4. Hunters may hunt with shotguns using only nontoxic 4 shot or smaller (see Sec. 32.2(k)), rifles and handguns using rim-fire ammunition only, or archery equipment that complies with State regulations. Possession of lead shot shells for hunting is prohibited.
5. All youth hunters under age 16 must be supervised by a licensed and permitted adult 21 years of age or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
6. We allow hunters to use hunting dogs to hunt upland game. The dogs must be controlled by the owner/handler at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed hunting permit, found on the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Brochure, when hunting on the refuge. These brochures are available at the refuge visitor center, refuge headquarters, and on the refuge's Web site.
2. Hunters may hunt with shotguns using only nontoxic 4 shot or smaller (see Sec. 32.2(k)), rifles and handguns using rim-fire ammunition only, or archery equipment that complies with State regulations.
3. You must unload and case or dismantle firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) before placing them in a vehicle or boat.
4. We prohibit hunting or discharging firearms (including Flintlocks) in the Triana recreation area or from any road or road shoulder or from within 50 yards (45 meters) of any designated walking trail or boardwalk.
5. We prohibit mules and horses on all refuge hunts.
6. We allow hunting on designated areas Monday through Saturday. We prohibit hunting on Sunday.
7. All youth hunters under age 16 must be supervised by a licensed and permitted adult 21 years of age or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
8. We prohibit mooring or storing of boats from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
9. We prohibit marking trees and the use of flagging tape, reflective tacks, and other similar marking devices.
10. Hunting dogs may be used to hunt upland game and must be controlled by the owner/handler at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
11. We allow hunters to hunt from tree stands in accordance with 50 CFR 32.2(i). Hunters must use a body safety harness at all times while hunting from a tree.
12. Hunters must remove tree stands, blinds, or other personal property from the refuge each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
13. Hunters may only hunt designated game species during specified days, which are published within the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Brochure.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions B1, B3 through B6, B8, B9, and B11 through B13 apply.
2. Hunters may not hunt by aid of or harassment of game for purposes of take for deer or feral hogs.
3. Hunters may only hunt with archery equipment that complies with State regulations and flintlocks .40 caliber or larger.
4. All youth hunters under age 16 must be supervised by a licensed and permitted adult 21 years of age or older, and must remain with the adult while hunting. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
5. Hunters must report the sex, approximate size, and hunt area for any deer or hogs they harvested from the refuge within 72 hours. Reports must be given by phone or in person to the refuge Visitor Center (256/350-6639) or refuge headquarters (256/353-7243).
6. We prohibit mules and horses on all refuge hunts.
7. You may only hunt feral hog during the refuge archery and flintlock deer season.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit bank fishing around the shoreline of the refuge headquarters. Consult with the refuge brochure for further information.
2. We open all other refuge waters to fishing year-round unless otherwise posted.
3. We prohibit fishing in the Waterfowl Display Pool and other waters adjacent to the visitor center.
4. We prohibit airboats and hovercraft on all waters within the refuge boundaries.
5. We prohibit inboard waterthrust boats such as, but not limited to, personal watercraft, watercycles, and waterbikes on all waters of the refuge except that portion of the Tennessee River and Flint Creek from its mouth to mile marker 3.
6. We prohibit mooring and storing of boats from legal sunset to legal sunrise. [58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 29073, May 18, 1993; 59 FR 6688, Feb. 11, 1994; 59 FR 55183, Nov. 3, 1994; 62 FR 47375, Sept. 9, 1997; 63 FR 46915, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30777, May 12, 2000; 66 FR 46353, Sept. 4, 2001; 69 FR 54362, Sept. 8, 2004; 69 FR 55995, Sept. 17, 2004; 70 FR 54158, Sept. 13, 2005; 73 FR 33167, June 11, 2008; 74 FR 45678, Sept. 3, 2009; 74 FR 50736, Oct. 1, 2009; 76 FR 3945, Jan. 21, 2011; 76 FR 56063, Sept. 9, 2011; 77 FR 56036, Sept. 11, 2012; 79 FR 14822, Mar. 17, 2014; 80 FR 51886, Aug. 26, 2015]