Click Here to Register - Waterfowl and Youth Small Game Hunt Registration Opens 9/16 at 8:00 AM
SOA Waterfowl and Youth Small Game Registration:
- Opens 9/16 at 8am
- Closes 9/30 at 1pm
- Results of the draw will be displayed and/or emailed (those selected as a “hunter” or “alternate” will receive an email) 9/30 2:15pm
- Successful applicants will have until 10/3 2pm to accept their “hunter” or “alternate” status
- If selected as a “hunter” or “alternate” prior to accepting your status you will have to purchase a WMA License or if exempt have obtained a HELP # For more information.
SOA Deer hunt registration:
- Closed 9/13 at 1pm
- Results of the draw will be displayed and/or emailed (those selected as a “hunter” or “alternate” will receive an email) 9/13 2:15pm
- Successful applicants will have until 9/16 2pm to accept their “hunter” or “alternate” status
- If selected as a “hunter” or “alternate” prior to accepting your status you will have to purchase a WMA License or if exempt have obtained a HELP # For more information.
If selected as a "hunter" and/or "alternate" please review all hunts prior to accepting your status to ensure you are selecting your desired "hunter" or "alternate" status. Once you accept a "hunter" or "alternate" status you will automatically be declined from any other selected status for that species.
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 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 2019-2020 hunting season registration:
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For the various deer hunts registration will begin August 19 at 8:00 am and closes September 13 at 1:00 pm.
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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 16 and close September 30 (Fred T. Stimpson SOA youth waterfowl hunt registration will be in December and Crow Creek SOA youth waterfowl hunt registration will be in January 2020).
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The small game hunts and turkey hunts offered at Cedar Creek, Portland Landing and Uchee Creek SOAs registration will begin December 2 and close December 16, 2019.
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.
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 (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 (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 (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.
