37 S.

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Thigpen Hill Special Opportunity Area

2026-27 season. Butler County. Check the area map for exact boundaries.

Check before you hunt. Confirm these dates in Alabama Administrative Code Rule 220-2-.56, 2026-2027 Wildlife Management Area Hunting Seasons. Seasons, closures and area rules can change.

Deer

Oct 15–18, Oct 22–25

Archery, either sex. Quota hunt.

One antlered buck and three antlerless deer each for the permit holder and one guest during the 4-day hunt.

In the guide: “Deer · (Archery): Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Oct. 15-18 and Oct. 22-25. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection.”

Nov 5–8

Firearms, antlerless only. Quota hunt.

Four antlerless deer each for the permit holder and one guest. Each may bring one youth 8-15; one gun per hunting pair.

In the guide: “Deer · (Gun): Stalk Hunting Antlerless Deer Only: Nov. 5-8. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection.”

Nov 19–22

Muzzleloader, either sex. Quota hunt.

One antlered buck and three antlerless deer each for the permit holder and one guest during the 4-day hunt.

In the guide: “Deer · (Primitive Weapons): Stalk Hunting Hunter's Choice: Nov. 19-22. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection.”

Dec 17–20, Dec 31 – Jan 3, Jan 14–17, Jan 21–24, Jan 28–31

Firearms, either sex. Quota hunt.

One antlered buck and three antlerless deer each for the permit holder and one guest. Each may bring one youth 8-15; one gun per hunting pair.

In the guide: “Deer · (Gun): Stalk Hunting Hunter’s Choice: Dec. 17-20, Dec. 31-Jan. 3, Jan. 14-17, Jan. 21-24, and Jan. 28-31. Permit to be determined through limited quota random selection.”

Quail, rabbit, and squirrel

Feb 10–14, Feb 15–21

Any legal weapon. Quota hunt.

The permit holder may bring three licensed guests and youth 15 and younger. State bag limits.

In the guide: “Quail, Rabbit, & Squirrel: Feb. 10-14, and Feb. 15-21. By limited quota permit only for the properly licensed hunter.”

Hogs

Feb 25–28, Apr 1–4, Apr 8–11, Apr 15–18, Apr 22–25, Apr 29 – May 2

Firearms. Quota hunt.

The permit holder and one guest; each may bring one youth 15 or younger. No dogs. Daylight hours only.

In the guide: “Feral Swine · (Gun): Stalk Hunting Only: Feb. 25-28, April 1-4, April 8-11, April 15-18, April 22-25, and April 29-May 2. No bag limit. No dogs. Daylight hours only. By limited quota permit only.”

Area rules

Antlered bucks must have at least three points (1 inch or longer) on one main beam. Bobcat, coyote, feral swine, raccoon, opossum and fox may be taken during any scheduled SOA hunt by its permit holders, with that hunt's weapons. No dogs. Daylight hours only.

Every WMA hunter needs a WMA license and, for each hunt day, a paper AREA permit and WMA daily permit, or check-in and out on the Outdoor Alabama WMA Check-In app. Game taken on WMAs counts toward the statewide and daily bag limits, except bonus bucks validated by WFF personnel. Deer and turkey must be reported in Game Check before leaving the WMA, and brought to the check station on mandatory check station days. Youth hunters on youth deer and turkey hunts must be under 16 and stay within 30 feet of a licensed supervisor 21 or older, or a parent. Hunter orange or pink is required. Youth, active military and veterans may hunt waterfowl statewide on Nov. 21 and Feb. 6. The full WMA rules are Regulation 220-2-.55 (OutdoorAlabama.com/WMARules).

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