Hunters are gearing up for another Alabama deer season in the woods. But in 2025, whitetail hunters face more than just balancing rut timing and food plot prep — they face feral hogs.
With an estimated 400,000 wild hogs roaming the state, hunters are learning the hard way that hogs don’t just damage fields and pastures. They destroy deer habitat, eat mast crops, push deer off feeders, and even prey on fawns.
That means protecting deer season isn’t just about scouting bucks — it’s about controlling hogs before they take over.
FAQs for Alabama Deer Season Hunters
Do I need a license to hunt hogs in Alabama during deer season?
Yes. While hogs are classified as invasive non-game animals with no closed season and no bag limits, a valid hunting license is still required for both residents and non-residents.
Do feral hogs really affect deer movement?
Yes. Deer avoid areas overrun by hogs. Alabama hunters regularly report fewer deer sightings at feeders once sounders move in.
Can I trap hogs during deer season?
Absolutely. Trapping is the most effective way to reduce hog pressure. Silent, ground-based systems like the Boar Blanket Hog Trap allow landowners to remove entire sounders without spooking deer.
Which hog trap is best for Alabama landowners?
- Boar Blanket → Best for solo operators, uneven or wooded ground, and off-grid setups.
- HogEye Camera + Gate → Best for outfitters with good cell service and bigger budgets.
- Cage Traps → Durable, but require flat ground, equipment, and a crew to set and move.
Overview of Alabama Deer Season 2025
| Season Type | Dates (2025–2026) | Notes |
| Archery | Oct 15 – Feb 10 | Dates vary by zone |
| Youth Deer Hunt | Nov 8–11, 2025 | Special youth-only weekend |
| Firearms | Nov 22 – Feb 10 | Region-specific rules apply |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 17–21, 2025 | Limited season |
(Source: Alabama DCNR — External link, set no-follow)
The Role of Feral Hogs in Alabama Wildlife Management
The Feral Hog Population in Alabama
Nearly every Alabama county reports hog damage. Farmers in the Black Belt region estimate tens of millions in annual losses from rooting alone.
Impact on Deer and Other Wildlife
- Food Competition → Hogs wipe out acorns, corn, and food plots meant for deer.
- Predation → Hog predation on turkey nests and fawns disrupts herd balance.
- Habitat Destruction → Rooting tears up bedding areas and crops.
Hunters who once blamed coyotes for low deer numbers now point squarely at hogs.
See more in Why Feral Hogs Are Taking Over the South.
Hunting Regulations 2025
- Deer → Strict tagging, bag limits, and reporting required.
- Hogs → Year-round, no bag limit, night hunting legal with landowner permission.
- Licenses → Both deer and hog hunters must hold a valid license.
See also: Wild Hog Traps FAQ for more details.
Alabama Deer Season Hunting Preparation
Strategies to Combat Feral Hog Threats
- Trap hogs before rut to keep deer moving naturally.
- Position traps 200+ yards from stands to avoid disturbance.
- Use conditioning bait rows to guide hogs into nets.
Gear and Techniques for Success
- Boar Blanket Hog Trap → Portable, silent, one-person setup.
- HogEye Remote Gate Systems (competitor) → Effective for big ranches, but costly and reliant on cell signal.
- Steel Cage Traps (competitor) → Best for permanent sites, but Alabama’s swampy bottomlands make them difficult to deploy.
Compare more options in Cage vs Net Hog Traps.
Impacts of Feral Hogs
Economic Consequences for Landowners
Farmers in Dallas and Greene Counties report replanting fields multiple times a season after hog damage. Pasture repair and re-seeding cost thousands of dollars per acre.
Effects on Deer Hunting Success
- Fewer deer sightings around hog-dominated feeders.
- Lower fawn survival where hogs dominate habitat.
See real-world results in the Boar Blanket Case Study.
Learn more about costs in Feral Hog Trapping Costs: A Full Breakdown.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Alabama Deer Season in 2025
For Alabama hunters, 2025 isn’t just about whitetails. It’s about protecting them from feral hogs.
- Cage traps work for outfitters with crews and flat ground.
- HogEye cameras work if you have deep budgets and reliable cell service.
- But for hunters and landowners who need a solo, silent, and flexible trap, the Boar Blanket is the proven choice.
Check out real-world results in the Boar Blanket Case Study. Don’t let hogs ruin your season — stop them before they stop your deer.