Alabama Logs 15 Hunting Incidents in 2025-26
State conservation officials report a rise from seven incidents the prior season, with treestands and firearms central to the cases.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Hunting
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Alabama conservation officials recorded 15 hunting incidents during the 2025-26 season, including two deaths, both in firearm incidents. Officials issued a hunter safety reminder focusing on treestands and firearms.
Why it matters
The incident count roughly doubled from the previous season's seven, prompting officials to stress equipment safety and firearm handling ahead of the upcoming gun deer season. Hunters across the state are being urged to take the precautions officials say could prevent future injuries.
Officials attributed both firearm deaths to unsafe muzzle direction, and eight of the 15 incidents involved treestands. The previous season recorded seven incidents, including three treestand and four firearm cases.
The players
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing wildlife, hunting regulations and hunter education programs across Alabama.
The details
Alabama conservation officials issued a hunter safety reminder on Thursday, November 6, 2026, urging hunters to wear a fall-arrest harness and stay attached to the tree while climbing, hunting and descending. They also advised maintaining three points of contact while climbing and using a haul line to raise an unloaded firearm or bow.
Timeline
- 2024-25 season: Alabama recorded seven hunting incidents.
- 2025-26 season: Alabama recorded 15 hunting incidents.
- Thursday, November 6, 2026: Officials issued the hunter safety reminder.
- Nov. 21, 2026: Gun deer opener in much of the state; dates vary by zone and land type.
Roadmap
Alabama offers free in-person hunter education classes as well as approved online courses, which form the foundation of the state's safety framework. The rise from seven to 15 incidents this season suggests officials are pressing the same core safety practices as the gun deer season approaches.
Hunters planning to use treestands should use a fall-arrest harness and stay attached to the tree at all times. Those handling firearms should keep muzzles pointed in safe directions, since officials tied both firearm deaths to unsafe muzzle direction.
The takeaway
Hunters can reduce risk by wearing a fall-arrest harness, maintaining three points of contact while climbing, and using a haul line for unloaded firearms and bows. Taking an in-person or approved online hunter education course is a practical step for anyone heading into the upcoming season.
What happens next
The gun deer opener in much of the state is scheduled for Nov. 21, 2026, with dates varying by zone and land type.
Further reading
Explore more on Hunting in Alabama for related safety guidance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WEIS | Local & Area News, Sports, & Weather.
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Do you use a fall-arrest harness when hunting from a treestand?
