HUNTINGsmart!

HUNTINGsmart! is the online and classroom hunter education platform fueled by Campfire Collective, a company focused on getting people confident and capable in the outdoors. They deliver state-approved hunter education courses that satisfy Alabama's mandatory certification requirement for anyone born on or after August 1, 1977.

Every hunter in Alabama born after August 1, 1977 must complete state-approved hunter education before purchasing a hunting license. The requirement applies regardless of age—hunters as young as 10 can get certified. This card proves you know how to hunt safely, responsibly, and ethically within Alabama's regulations.

Online Course - 4-6 hours to complete at your own pace - Temporary Hunter Education Certificate issued upon completion - Must be Alabama resident, 10+ years old - Offline recording available—works even without cell service - Automatic report submission when you return to service area

Traditional Classroom Course - 8 hours of in-class instruction - Free in Alabama - Written exam included - Available to students 10 years and older - Learn alongside instructors and other hunters

Both course formats cover: - Firearm safety and safe handling - Scouting and hunting tactics - Game animal field dressing and processing - Cooking with game meat - Alabama hunting regulations and seasons - Bag limits and tagging requirements - Hunter orange requirements and exceptions - Where to hunt: public lands, WMAs, private property - Adult Mentored Hunt program opportunities

HUNTINGsmart! connects hunters to over 700,000 acres of public hunting land across Wildlife Management Areas, Special Opportunity Areas, state parks, and forests. Top destinations include:

Deer and turkey must be reported within 48 hours using the Outdoor Alabama App or by calling an Alabama DCNR District office.

• •144 square inches minimum on outer garment above waist, OR
• •Full-sized hunter orange hat or cap
• •Exceptions: stands 12+ feet high, enclosed box stands, enclosed vehicles

• •Resident Annual (age 17-64)
• •Resident 64+ Lifetime License
• •Hunter Exempt License Privilege (H.E.L.P) for age 15 and under, 65+, or hunting own property
• •Baiting Privilege License ($15 for deer and feral swine)

• •Hunting without certification: up to $500
• •Hunting without license: up to $100
• •No hunter orange: up to $50
• •Hunting closed season: up to $2,000

Big Game: White-tailed deer, wild turkey

Small Game: Dove, quail, rabbit, squirrels, opossums

Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, coots

Furbearers: Beaver, bobcat, fox, mink, muskrat

Season dates vary by region (zone), firearm type (archery, firearms, muzzleloader), and game species. Deer seasons typically run October-January, turkey seasons split between spring (March-May) and fall (November-December).

"Campfire Collective helps people have awesome outdoor adventures. We're on a mission to get you to the water, trail, field and mountain with more confidence."

Accredited by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA), HUNTINGsmart! brings institutional credibility to its courses. Support available Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM EST, Saturday-Sunday 9AM-3PM EST.