The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries has designated Nov. 21 as one of the 2020-2021 hunting season’s Special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. The second of the two special waterfowl hunting days is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2021.
On those days, military personnel on active duty, veterans and youth under age 16 who are accompanied by a licensed adult hunter may hunt for waterfowl statewide. All of the regular waterfowl season shooting hours, bag limits, legal arms and ammunitions apply to the special days. Hunting area rules and regulations also apply.
The special waterfowl days were previously reserved for youth hunters only. Veterans and active-duty military personnel can also hunt waterfowl on these special days outside of the regular season thanks to the passage of the federal John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act.
To participate in the hunt, youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult supervisor. Only one firearm will be allowed per youth and only the youth hunters will be permitted to utilize the firearm for hunting unless the adult meets the requirements of a veteran or active-duty military personnel. The adult supervisor must remain within arm’s length of the youth at all times and may accompany up to two youth participants during the hunt.
The adult is also expected to review the rules of firearm safety and hunter ethics with each youth and ensure they are followed.
Youth is defined as an individual age 15 years and younger. An adult is defined as an individual age 21 years and older or as the parent of the youth. The adult must have a state hunting license, state and federal waterfowl stamp and a free Harvest Information Program registration. Veterans and active-duty military personnel must be in possession of a valid proof of service such as a military ID, Veterans Administration ID, veteran ID, veteran validation on their driver’s license or a copy of their DD Form 214.
Possession of the mandatory hunting licenses and stamps is also required. More information is available here.
Alabama is a sportsman’s paradise with hunting and both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities year-round. The state is home to a plethora of huntable populations of animals, including deer, ducks, snipes, geese, sandhill cranes, rabbits, doves, squirrels, coyotes, hogs, beaver, nutria, turkeys, raccoon, bobcats, quail, fox and more. Hunting and fishing allow the entire family to enjoy the experience while social distancing and avoiding spreading the coronavirus.
Money spent on hunting and fishing licenses as well as taxes on gear and equipment goes towards habitat restoration and protection, which benefits game and nongame species alike.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
