WHAT IS A STATE PARK SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA?
State Park Special Opportunity Areas (SPSOAs) are properties where Alabama State Parks is offering a public hunting format with a limited quota (random-draw permit, archery only). SPSOAs are a management tool used to reduce the deer population within park boundaries. Reducing the deer herd is important for maintaining balanced, healthy natural communities for all flora and fauna. This SPSOA public hunting opportunity has been created as a partnership between the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and the Alabama State Parks divisions of the ADCNR.
WHAT IS AN URBAN DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM?
Hundreds of cities across the United States face expanding deer populations. Because natural elements may be lacking to keep populations balanced, herds can become unhealthy and create safety concerns for commuting citizens. Local communities sometimes develop Urban Deer Management Programs as alternative ways to manage their deer populations.
WHEN WILL REGISTRATION OPEN, AND WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
For the 2026-2027 hunting season registration:
- For the Oak Mountain State Park and Frank Jackson State Park SOA deer hunts, online registration will begin September 1 at 8:00 am and close September 14 at 1:00 pm.
- The computer-automated drawing will take place on September 15 at 2:00 p.m., and the results will be sent via email shortly thereafter.
- Persons chosen as a hunter or an alternate will have until September 18 at 2:00 pm to accept their hunt status through the "My Hunts" registration page. If a hunter does not accept their hunter status, the computer system will auto-decline them, and an alternate will be promoted to fill that position.
- Directions to pay the SPSOA hunt fees will be emailed to the hunters on September 21, after the hunt status is accepted. Payments will be accepted through September 25.
- Drawn hunters may bring one (1) guest to participate in the hunt. The guest must also pay the SPSOA fee and all other applicable licenses.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN SPSOA HUNT?
Limited quota permits to hunt the SPSOAs are obtained through an online registration and selection process. Applicants can apply online (link below) for a preferred SPSOA property hunt date.
TOOLS TO HELP YOU WITH THE REGISTRATION:
- Oak Mountain State Park SOA hunt dates, guidelines, and rules
- Oak Mountain State Park hunting zones maps
- Frank Jackson State Park SOA hunt dates, guidelines, and rules
- Frank Jackson State Park hunting zones map
To register for an SPSOA hunt, you must have the following two requirements:
- * Current hunting license
- * Current WMA license
WHAT IS THE COST TO HUNT AN SPSOA?
All hunters will receive further payment instructions once selected. The cost to hunt an SPSOA is the purchase of a state hunting license, a WMA license, and an SPSOA fee of $40.00 per hunter, all paid in advance after selection. You will also need a Conservation ID Number, which is free.
Purchase Licenses and Conservation ID Here
*The SPSOA fee will be paid separately after the drawing, and the hunt is accepted.
If you have additional questions regarding the SOA program, see the SOA Frequently Asked Questions. If you still need information, please email us.
SPSOA HUNTING SEASON
- 2026-2027 OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK SOA HUNT SEASON
- Monday - Thursday (Starting November 2)
- 2026-2027 FRANK JACKSON STATE PARK SOA HUNT SEASON
- Thursday - Sunday (Starting November 5)
HARVEST RULES
- These SPSOA hunts are designed as an urban deer management program. The objective of this program is deer management in the park.
- Record and report all harvest information via GameCheck. Hunters must submit both observation and harvest reports.
- Refer to the above-mentioned "hunt dates, guidelines, and rules" documents for each park for deer harvest details.
