What is a Special Opportunity Area?
Special Opportunity Areas (SOAs) are properties where the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries is offering a new public hunting format. SOAs are typically smaller than Wildlife Management Areas in acreage and are more suitable to a limited quota (random draw permit) hunting format to reduce pressure and increase the quality of the hunt. This year, six SOAs offer a limited number of slots for a successful permit holder and guest(s) to hunt a dedicated 300-400 acre unit for a 2-4 day hunt.
When will registration open?
For the 2020-2021 hunting season registration:
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The newly added Oak Mountain State Park Special Opportunity Area Hunts open September 21st at 8:00 am and close September 30th 8:00 am. To register click the link below or visit the State Parks link to learn hunt details and register from that page. State Parks Special Opportunity Area Hunts
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The youth squirrel hunts at Fred T Stimpson SOA and adult waterfowl hunt at Crow Creek SOA registration will begin September 16th at 8:00 am and close September 30th at 1:00 pm (Crow Creek SOA youth waterfowl hunt registration will be in January 2021).
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The small game hunts and turkey hunts offered at Cedar Creek, Portland Landing and Uchee Creek SOAs and turkey hunts offered at Fred T. Stimpson and Upper State SOAs registration will begin December 1st at 8:00 am and close December 16th at 1:00 pm.
Click Here to Register - Registration is OPEN
How Do I Apply for an SOA Hunt?
Limited quota permits to hunt the SOAs are obtained through an online registration and selection process. Applicants apply online for a preferred SOA property hunt date. The purchase of a Wildlife Management Area License is required to accept your "hunter" or "alternate" status following the draw. PURCHASE LICENSE HERE
What is the Cost to Hunt an SOA?
The cost to hunt an SOA is the purchase of both a state hunting license and a WMA license. You will also need a Conservation ID Number, which is free.
If you have additional questions regarding the SOA program, see the SOA Frequently Asked Questions. If you still need information, please email DCNR.Wildlife@dcnr.alabama.gov
The SOAs include:
Crow Creek
- Crow Creek (400 acres), located in Jackson County offers adult archery deer hunting for a permit holder and one guest and waterfowl hunting on select dates throughout the season for a permit holder and four guests.
Cedar Creek, Portland Landing, Uchee Creek
- Cedar Creek (6400 acres) and Portland Landing (8700 acres) in Dallas County and Uchee Creek (4735 acres) in Russell County offers deer, small game and turkey hunting on selected dates throughout those seasons for the permit holder and one guest(s).
Fred T. Stimpson and Upper State Sanctuary
- Fred T. Stimpson (5320 acres) and Upper State Sanctuary (1920 acres) in Clarke County offers adult archery deer hunts for a permit holder and one guest, youth gun deer hunts for a youth hunter and youth guest with their supervising adult(s), and the squirrel hunts for permit holder, youth and up to five guests (at least one additional guest must be a youth). Fred T. Stimpson also provides opportunity for a youth waterfowl hunt.
