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Hog hunting in Alabama

Feral hogs tear up crops, food plots and pasture across the state, and Alabama lets hunters go after them almost without limit. Here are the rules and the rifles.

The rules in short

  • Private land: no closed season and no bag limit on feral hogs.
  • At night: allowed on private land with the nighttime feral swine and coyote license ($15 resident, $51 non-resident) during the special night season. That license is what allows a light projected forward of the gun.
  • Public land and WMAs: their own seasons and rules apply; check before you go.

Rifles that work

The AR-15 is the default hog gun in Alabama: light, quick for follow-up shots, and easy to fit with a red dot or a thermal. For big boars step up to .300 Blackout, .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. In the swamps and bottoms of south Alabama, a short, handy rifle beats a long one.

Hog rifles

All AR-15s →

Common questions

Is there a season on feral hogs in Alabama?

Not on private land: feral hogs can be hunted year-round with no bag limit on privately owned or leased land. Public land and WMAs have their own rules.

Can I hunt hogs at night in Alabama?

Yes, on private land, with the nighttime feral swine and coyote license during the special night season. The license costs $15 for residents and $51 for non-residents, and it is what allows you to use a light projected forward of the gun.

What caliber is best for hogs?

For most shots, 5.56/.223 with good bullets works, but bigger boars reward more gun: .300 Blackout, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, .350 Legend or .450 Bushmaster. Shot placement matters more than caliber.

Do I need a hunting license for hogs?

Yes. A valid Alabama hunting license is required, and the night license is added on top for night hunting. Check Outdoor Alabama for current requirements.

More Alabama guides

Source: Outdoor Alabama, feral hog hunting and nighttime feral swine and coyote license, September 2026.