2026 Alabama Legislative Session Ends: Real Wins for Hunters and Big Turkey News for 2027
The gavels have fallen in Montgomery, and the 2026 Regular Legislative Session is officially in the books. As the dust settles after adjourning sine die on April 9th, Hunter Nation Alabama is happy to report that hunters came out ahead on several important fronts this year.
While we didn’t win every battle, the session delivered meaningful victories for disabled hunters, coastal habitat restoration, and long-term conservation efforts. In addition, new updates from the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board give turkey hunters something to get excited about heading into next spring.
Here’s your clear, verified recap of what passed, what didn’t, and the latest from the field:
Key Wins Signed into Law
Several bills important to Alabama’s hunting and outdoor community successfully made it to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk:
- HB 271 - Lifetime Licenses for Disabled Hunters and Anglers Signed March 26, 2026. This new law creates affordable lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for totally and permanently disabled Alabama residents. Removing cost barriers so more Alabamians can enjoy our outdoors is a win for inclusivity and access.
- HB 181 - Beneficial Use of Dredge Material for Wildlife Habitat Signed March 10, 2026. This ensures material dredged from coastal projects is used to restore vital fish and wildlife habitat instead of being wasted.
- HB 38 - Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force Signed March 9, 2026. Creates a dedicated task force focused on protecting and restoring seagrass beds - critical ecosystems that support the fish and wildlife we love to pursue.
- HB 277 - Expanding Oyster Aquaculture Signed March 17, 2026. Allows licensed oyster farms to shuck and serve on-site, supporting sustainable coastal economies and healthy marine environments.
These four bills show that conservation and hunter access remain priorities in Montgomery.
Bills That Didn’t Make It
Not every measure crossed the finish line this session:
- HB 414 (Easing Feral Swine Control) died in committee.
- HB 87 (Exempting Deer Feed from Sales Tax) passed the House but stalled in the Senate.
HB 360 (Second Amendment & Hunting Supplies Sales Tax Holiday) also passed the House but failed to advance fully in the Senate.
News from the Conservation Advisory Board
Right as the session wrapped up, the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board approved meaningful changes to the 2027 Spring Turkey Season:
- Most of the state will open March 20 - May 3 (five days earlier)
- Zone 2 (Northwest Alabama): March 27 - May 3
- Most WMAs and National Forest lands will follow the new March 20 opener
- Turkey decoys are now legal all season long
The daily bag limit remains one gobbler per day, with a season limit of four. These adjustments are based on field data and hunter feedback.
Moving Forward Together
The 2026 session brought tangible progress, and the new turkey season dates are going to make for some fantastic mornings in the woods next year. At Hunter Nation Alabama, we’ll continue working hard to protect and advance our hunting heritage.
If you believe in keeping Alabama’s hunting traditions strong, now is the perfect time to join or renew your membership with Hunter Nation. Together, we have a louder voice in Montgomery.