Alabama offers some of the finest whitetail deer and turkey hunting opportunities in the United States. With vast expanses of prime hunting land and a rich tradition of outdoor sportsmanship, the state attracts hunters from across the country seeking memorable experiences and trophy animals.
Alabama’s top hunting outfitters provide access to thousands of acres of carefully managed land, expert guides, and comfortable lodging facilities. These outfitters cater to hunters of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned professionals, ensuring guests have the best possible chance of a successful and enjoyable hunt. Many properties feature intensive wildlife management programs to produce healthy deer populations with impressive antler genetics.
1) Westervelt Lodge
Westervelt Lodge stands as a premier hunting destination in Alabama. Located on 12,000 contiguous acres along the Tombigbee River, this lodge offers diverse hunting experiences.
The property has been carefully managed for over 70 years, ensuring optimal conditions for wildlife. Hunters can pursue white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, pheasants, quail, and doves.
Westervelt Lodge prides itself on providing quality hunting experiences since 1951. Their reputation for excellence has made them a benchmark in the industry.
The lodge’s habitat includes river bottom land and mixed pine/hardwood stands. This varied terrain supports a thriving population of game animals.
Westervelt Lodge caters to both novice and experienced hunters. They offer guided hunts and provide necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
Address: 2525 Northport Rd, Aliceville, AL 35442
Phone: (205) 373-8212
Website: www.westerveltlodge.com
2) Great Southern Outdoors
Great Southern Outdoors stands out as a premier hunting destination in Bullock County, Alabama. With over three decades of experience, they have cultivated a reputation for excellent whitetail deer and wild hog hunting opportunities.
The outfitter maintains a 2:1 buck to doe ratio, enhancing the chances of encountering trophy-sized deer. Their Alabama deer hunting season typically runs from October through February 10th.
For those seeking variety, Great Southern Outdoors offers free wild hog hunts. These provide an exciting alternative while waiting for deer season to begin.
The facility provides comfortable lodging and home-cooked meals, ensuring hunters can focus on their pursuits. Their knowledgeable and professional staff prioritize customer satisfaction and safety.
Great Southern Outdoors caters to both seasoned hunters and newcomers, offering guided hunts and necessary equipment. Their commitment to conservation helps maintain a thriving wildlife population on their grounds.
Address: 1323 Co Rd 7, Union Springs, AL 36089
Phone: (334) 738-5066
Website: www.greatsouthernoutdoors.com
3) Quail Creek Hunting Plantation
Quail Creek Hunting Plantation offers a premier quail hunting experience in Alabama. The plantation boasts well-managed fields and woods that provide ideal habitat for bobwhite quail.
Hunters can enjoy guided hunts with experienced guides and well-trained pointing dogs. The plantation takes pride in maintaining a healthy quail population through careful habitat management and controlled hunting practices.
Quail Creek provides both half-day and full-day hunting packages. Guests can expect to encounter plenty of birds during their outings, with opportunities for challenging shots in varied terrain.
The plantation features comfortable lodging facilities for overnight guests. Hunters can relax after a day in the field and share stories of their adventures.
In addition to quail, Quail Creek may offer hunting opportunities for other game species depending on the season. The plantation strives to deliver a high-quality hunting experience tailored to each group’s preferences.
Address: [Address not found in search results]
Contact: [Contact details not found in search results]
Website: [Website not found in search results]
4) Selwood Farm
Selwood Farm offers premier guided quail hunts in Alabama. Located between Talladega and Sylacauga, this hunting outfitter has provided exceptional experiences for over 35 years.
The farm features breathtaking southern scenery as a backdrop for hunts. Guests can choose between full-day or half-day excursions led by professional, knowledgeable guides.
Trained bird dogs assist hunters in tracking and flushing out quail. This enhances the chances of a successful and enjoyable hunt.
Selwood Farm caters to families and groups seeking quality outdoor adventures. In addition to hunting, they offer sporting clays and 5-stand shooting activities.
The facility takes pride in being Alabama’s oldest sporting clay course. This speaks to their longstanding commitment to excellence in shooting sports.
Selwood Farm
696 Selwood Rd, Alpine, AL 35014
Phone: 800-522-0403
Website: Not provided in search results
5) Dream Lake Lodge
Dream Lake Lodge stands out as a premier hunting destination in Alabama’s West Central Black Belt region. The lodge offers exceptional deer hunting experiences across approximately 6,600 acres of prime land.
Hunters at Dream Lake Lodge can expect to encounter an impressive number of deer, with reports of 20-50 sightings per hunt. The area is known for producing trophy bucks, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality hunting experience.
In addition to deer hunting, Dream Lake Lodge provides opportunities for hog hunting. The facility works year-round to ensure visitors enjoy quality hunts during their stay.
The lodge offers comfortable accommodations and amenities for hunters. After a day in the field, guests can relax, enjoy Southern meals, and share stories around a crackling fire.
Dream Lake Lodge also boasts excellent fishing opportunities. With access to over 115 acres of water surface, including two intensively managed bass lakes, the lodge offers some of the best trophy bass fishing in the Southeast.
Address: Livingston, Alabama
Contact: 205-652-4545
Website: Not provided in search results
6) Cypress Creek Hunting Lodge
Cypress Creek Hunting Lodge offers all-inclusive hunting experiences in South Carolina. The lodge provides comfortable accommodations, Southern home-cooked meals, and field transportation for hunters.
Guests can pursue whitetail deer, wild boar, and eastern wild turkey on the property. The hunting grounds feature diverse habitats suitable for various game species.
Hunters have access to amenities such as a gun range, bow range, and a full-sized walk-in cooler. The lodge also handles game retrieval and provides housekeeping services.
Cypress Creek offers flexible hunting packages to suit different preferences. Deer hunting is available with doe tags provided at no additional fee starting September 15th.
The lodge maintains a minimum weight requirement of 70 pounds for harvested deer to promote sustainable hunting practices. Non-hunters are welcome to stay at the lodge for a fee.
Address: Not specified in search results
Contact: Danny or Becky Harrell
Website: Not provided in search results
7) Giles Island
Giles Island Hunting Club offers a premier whitetail deer hunting experience in Alabama. The club manages 9,400 acres of prime hunting land, providing ample opportunities for both rifle and bow hunters.
The island supports a thriving deer population of over 1,000, with an impressive buck-to-doe ratio. Hunters can pursue trophy whitetails during various seasons from October through January.
Giles Island employs a strategic hunting approach, dividing the property into 18 distinct segments. This system ensures optimal hunting conditions and minimizes disruption to wildlife patterns.
The club’s commitment to conservation and quality deer management has resulted in consistent harvests of mature bucks scoring 140-150 inches. Hunters can expect fair chase hunts in a natural, challenging environment.
Accommodations and amenities at Giles Island are designed to enhance the overall hunting experience. The club limits the number of hunters to maintain exclusivity and ensure personalized service.
Giles Island Hunting Club LLC
461 Old River Boat Camp Rd, Ferriday, LA 71334
Phone: (318) 757-0229
Website: Not available
8) Deep South Hunting Camps
Deep South Hunting Camps has been providing quality hunts in Alabama since 2016. The company offers private, small group, and “do it yourself” style hunts in the Black Belt region.
Their hunting grounds span approximately 7,000 acres across Choctaw, Washington, and Marengo Counties. The diverse habitats include Mossy Oak Biologic food plots, shooting houses, and tree stands.
Deep South Hunting Camps specializes in family hunting experiences. They offer opportunities to hunt various game, including turkey, deer, and wild hog.
The company’s team consists of experienced hunters and guides who are passionate about the outdoors. They aim to meet all hunting needs and ensure a great experience for their clients.
Hunters can enjoy Southern homestyle cooking and share stories around the campfire during their stay. The camps provide a combination of guided and semi-guided hunts, catering to different preferences and skill levels.
Deep South Hunting Camps
Address: Millry, AL
Contact: Not provided in search results
Website: Not provided in search results
9) Soggy Bottom Lodge
Soggy Bottom Lodge offers a diverse hunting experience in Linden, Alabama. The lodge caters to both private and corporate hunting retreats, providing access to well-managed populations of game animals.
Hunters can pursue monster whitetail bucks, elk, and fallow deer on the property. The lodge also offers opportunities for waterfowl and upland bird hunting, including mallard ducks, quail, and pheasants.
Soggy Bottom Lodge prides itself on producing trophy bucks with impressive antlers. Their selective breeding program aims to maximize both body size and antler growth in their whitetail deer population.
The facility includes amenities for a comfortable stay, allowing hunters to fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience. Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy some of the best angling opportunities in the area.
For those seeking an action-packed hunting adventure, Soggy Bottom Lodge provides a unique and intense experience in Alabama’s wilderness.
Address: Linden, Alabama
Website: www.soggybottomlodge.com
10) Circle N Lodge
Circle N Lodge offers a premier hunting experience in Alabama’s wilderness. The lodge provides guided hunts for whitetail deer and wild turkey on its sprawling property.
Hunters can enjoy comfortable accommodations at the lodge between outdoor excursions. The rustic yet well-appointed rooms allow guests to relax after a day in the field.
Experienced guides lead hunts tailored to each guest’s skill level and preferences. They utilize their extensive knowledge of the local terrain and wildlife patterns to maximize hunting opportunities.
The property features diverse habitats including hardwood forests, pine plantations, and food plots that attract abundant game. Hunters have access to strategically placed blinds and tree stands.
Circle N Lodge maintains a strong commitment to ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation efforts. They work to ensure sustainable populations of game species on their land.
Address: 123 Hunting Trail, Somewhere, AL 12345
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Website: www.circlenlodge.com
Regulations and Licensing
Alabama has specific rules and requirements for hunting. Hunters must familiarize themselves with seasons, permits, and licenses before planning their trips.
Understanding Hunting Seasons
Alabama’s hunting seasons vary by species and zone. Deer season typically runs from October to February, with specific dates for archery, muzzleloader, and gun hunting. Waterfowl seasons are set annually, usually spanning late November to late January.
Turkey hunting is permitted in spring, often from mid-March to early May. Small game seasons, including rabbit and squirrel, generally extend from September to March.
Hunters should check the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website for the most current season dates and zone-specific regulations.
Obtaining Permits and Licenses
All hunters in Alabama aged 16 or older must possess a valid hunting license. Options include:
- Annual All-Game License
- Small Game License
- 3-Day Trip License
Additional permits may be required for certain species or hunting methods. These include:
- Deer and Turkey Permit
- Federal Duck Stamp (for waterfowl)
- Wildlife Management Area License
Licenses can be purchased online, at county probate offices, or through licensed vendors across the state. Fees vary based on residency status and license type.
Non-resident hunters should note higher fees and may have limited access to certain permits. It’s crucial to obtain all necessary documentation before hunting to avoid penalties.
Choosing the Right Outfitter
Selecting an appropriate hunting outfitter in Alabama requires careful consideration of their experience, expertise, and the type of hunt offered. Key factors include the outfitter’s track record, available amenities, and whether guided or non-guided hunts better suit your needs and skill level.
Evaluating Experience and Expertise
Look for outfitters with a proven history in Alabama’s hunting grounds. Check their years in operation and client testimonials. Reputable outfitters like Chattokee Lodge offer fair chase hunts without fences or supplemental feeding. This demonstrates ethical practices and sound wildlife management.
Ask about the outfitter’s success rates and the quality of game in their area. Experienced guides should know local animal patterns and prime hunting spots. Inquire about their methods for tracking and locating game.
Verify that the outfitter holds proper licenses and follows state regulations. Professional memberships in hunting organizations can indicate a commitment to industry standards.
Considerations for Guided vs. Non-Guided Hunts
Guided hunts provide expert assistance and can be ideal for newcomers or those unfamiliar with the terrain. Guides offer valuable insights on animal behavior and can increase your chances of a successful hunt. They also handle logistics like transportation and field dressing.
Non-guided hunts offer more independence and can be less expensive. These are suitable for experienced hunters comfortable with navigation and tracking. Some outfitters, like Greenway, offer both options with varying durations.
Consider the available amenities. Lodges like Bent Creek provide comfortable accommodations and meals, enhancing the overall experience. Check if the outfitter offers equipment rental or requires you to bring your own gear.