Hunting in the Southeast

The Southeast region of the United States offers a diverse range of hunting opportunities, from the dense hardwood forests of Alabama to the wetlands of Florida and the rolling hills of Kentucky. This region includes: 

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia 

With its wide variety of game species and habitats, the Southeast provides hunters with numerous opportunities to engage in traditional hunting practices year-round.

Unique Features

The Southeast’s unique landscapes include the swamps and wetlands of Florida and Louisiana, the Appalachian Mountains running through West Virginia and Kentucky, and the pine forests of Georgia and South Carolina. These varied ecosystems support a rich diversity of game species, offering hunters numerous environments to explore.

Wildlife in the Southeast

The Southeast is home to an abundance of wildlife, making it a prime hunting destination for big game, small game, and waterfowl hunters alike.

Types of Wildlife

  • Whitetail Deer: One of the most popular game species in the region, whitetail deer are found throughout all 13 Southeastern states.
  • Wild Turkey: Thriving in forests and open fields, wild turkey populations are strong in states like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.
  • Feral Hogs: Invasive and widespread, feral hogs can be hunted year-round in states like Florida, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
  • Black Bear: Found primarily in mountainous and forested areas of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
  • Alligator: Exclusive to Florida, Louisiana, and other coastal states, alligator hunting is a unique draw for hunters in the Southeast.
  • Waterfowl: Ducks and geese are common along the Mississippi Flyway, with strong populations in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
  • Squirrel and Rabbit: Popular small game species found throughout the region, especially in rural and forested areas.

Tips for Spotting and Tracking

  • Whitetail Deer: Scout food plots, agricultural fields, and forest edges, especially in early morning and late evening. Using trail cameras and tree stands are popular strategies in this region.
  • Wild Turkey: Use calls and decoys in open fields or woodland clearings to attract gobblers. Early mornings during spring season are best.
  • Feral Hogs: Look for signs of rooting in fields and near water sources. Hunting hogs at night using thermal optics is common in states like Florida and Texas.
  • Black Bear: Look for signs of activity near berry patches and streams. Bears are typically found in remote, forested areas.
  • Alligator: Found in freshwater rivers and marshes. Hunters often use boats and bait, particularly during the nighttime hunts permitted in some states.
  • Waterfowl: Set up decoys near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Early mornings during the migratory season are the most productive.
  • Squirrel and Rabbit: Hunt along forest edges and brushy areas. Using small-caliber firearms or shotguns is common for these fast-moving animals.

Hunting Regulations in the Southeast

Each state in the Southeast has its own hunting regulations, but general rules include designated hunting seasons, bag limits, and safety requirements such as wearing hunter orange during firearm seasons.

  • Whitetail Deer and Turkey Seasons: Each state has specific seasons for archery, muzzleloader, and firearm hunts. The bag limits and license requirements vary from state to state.
  • Feral Hog Seasons: Feral hogs are classified as invasive, and most states allow year-round hunting with no bag limits. Night hunting with thermal or infrared equipment is permitted in several states.
  • Waterfowl Seasons: Governed by federal migratory bird laws, waterfowl seasons typically run in the fall and early winter, with specific bag limits and zones.
  • Alligator Seasons: Strictly controlled through state lotteries and permit systems, alligator hunting is a unique opportunity available in select Southeastern states.
  • Safety Guidelines: Hunters should (or must, depending on the state) wear hunter orange during firearm seasons and follow legal hunting methods.

For detailed regulations and season dates, visit the respective state wildlife departments:

Top Products for Southeast Hunters

The varied terrains and weather conditions of the Southeast require versatile, durable hunting gear. Dead Ringer products are designed to withstand the humidity, dense forests, and wetlands of this region.

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