Hunting
Outdoor enthusiasts have along enjoyed the challenge of hunting in and around Morgan County.  A variety of wildlife, including turkey and whitetail deer, and waterfowl can provide many hours of sporting pleasure.
The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and the nearby Bankhead National Forest offer excellent open permit-public land for hunting (during appropriate seasons and with permits where required.)  Privately owned and leased land may only be hunted with the written permission of the landowner.
The Alabama Department of Conservation, Game & Fish Division, regulates seasons, bag limits and license fees for deer, turkey and small game.  Hunting licenses are available throughout Morgan County at many sporting good stores and from the License Commissioner (256-351-4770) at the Morgan County Courthouse in Decatur.
Licenses are also available by mail from the License Unit, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N.  Union St., Montgomery, Al 36130 or by calling the toll-free number: 1-888-848-6887.
Successfully completing an approved hunter education course is mandatory for all first time hunting license buyers born on or after August 1, 1977.  Hunting licenses are required for residents 6 years or older and under 65 years of age and non residents 16 years of age and older.
For complete permit requirements and state hunting regulations, contact the Alabama Department of conservation and Natural Resources, Game & Fish Division at (334) 242-3829.

Alabama Hunting Seasons:
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announces basic opening and closing dates, bag limits and information for each hunting season at the end of June each year.  These are available by calling (334) 242-3829 or by visiting their web site at: www.dcnr.state.al.us.
Written approval from land owners must be obtained by hunters to hunt on private lands and permits are required on public lands.  There are also hunter orange requirements within the State of Alabama.
Following are general time periods for select open seasons.  Other seasons include duck, goose, fox, beaver, turkey, wild hog and more.  Please confirm exact dates before planning a hunting trip.
Whitetail deer:  Archery only - mid-October to mid-November.  Firearms - mid-November to late January.
Mourning dove:  (North zone) Late December to early January.  Previous bag and possession limit has been 15 per day.  Shooting hours are noon to sunset.
Quail:  Mid-November to late February, statewide.  Previous bag and possession limit has been 12 per person.
Rabbit:  Mid-October to late February, statewide.  Previous bag and possession limit has been 8 per person.
Squirrel:  Early October to lat February, statewide. Previous bag and possession limit ahs been 8 per person.
Raccoon, opossum:  Early October to late February, statewide on private/leased land (raccoon bag limit 5 per person) and open permit public land (raccoon bag limit 5 per party).  There has been no bag limit for opossum.