Hunting With a Suppressor in Alabama – Is It Legal & What You Need to Know

If you're an Alabama hunter wondering if suppressors are legal for hunting, the answer is a resounding yes! Since 2014, the state has fully allowed suppressors (also known as silencers) for hunting, making Alabama among the most suppressor-friendly states in the country. Whether you're chasing whitetail in the Black Belt or dropping hogs on private land, a suppressor can help you hunt smarter, quieter, and more confidently. You’ll fill more tags and put more meat in the freezer.

And unlike some outdated laws in other states, Alabama keeps it simple. If you legally own a suppressor, you can legally hunt with it. No extra permits. No added red tape.

Back in 2014, the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board voted to lift the ban on hunting with suppressors. It wasn’t about “going tactical.” It was about protecting hearing, reducing complaints from nearby landowners, and helping landowners control invasive species like feral hogs.

The law change was driven by real-world needs: making hunting more accessible to supervised youth hunters and new shooters, keeping does from spooking on food plots, and making animal depredation control efforts more effective.

Alabama acted early and hasn't looked back since.

You’re not limited to rabbits or random critters. Suppressors are legal for hunting:

• Whitetail deer
• Feral hogs
• Coyotes and predators
• Small game and varmints

Whether you’re on private land or public WMAs (where allowed), your suppressor is good to go, as long as it’s legally owned and tax-stamped.

Suppressors aren't just cool. They’re functional tools that give you a serious edge in the field:

• Protect your hearing without needing hot, bulky earmuffs.
• Listen for game and hear your surroundings clearly and naturally.
• Communicate with fellow hunters and increase situational awareness.
• Improve follow-up shots since animals are less likely to scatter after the first round.
• Enhance accuracy by reducing recoil and muzzle blast.
• Reduce noise complaints from nearby property owners.
• Support new hunters including youth, spouses, or first-time shooters who are sensitive to recoil or noise.\
• Lower Hunting Pressure with suppressed shots that don’t scare game away as easily, allowing you to hunt more of the area you stalk.

Let’s clear something up. You don’t need subsonic ammo to hunt with a suppressor. Most hunters stick with traditional supersonic rounds because they’re more effective for longer-range, ethical shots. We go in-depth in our subsonic vs supersonic post, go check it out for more details.

What to expect:

• Supersonic isn’t quite silent but is much quieter at the muzzle
• Suppressors reduce muzzle blast and drastically cut gunshot noise, but not the crack of the bullet breaking the sound barrier
• Highly effective for protecting hearing and minimizing wildlife disturbance

Suppressors may shift your point of impact slightly. Always re-zero your rifle after mounting your suppressor to ensure precision.

Buying a suppressor in Alabama is straightforward when Silencer Shop handles the process. Here's how:

1. Pick Your Suppressor: Choose from top-rated hunting suppressors in our online store.
2. Add to Cart with Tax Stamp: The $200 federal tax stamp is required for all suppressors.
3. Visit a Silencer Shop Kiosk: Submit your fingerprints and demographics quickly and securely.
4. Submit Your Selfie and Docs: Complete your electronic docs and upload a passport-style photo.
5. Use Our eForms System: We’ll guide you through ATF submission with one of our Powered by Silencer Shop dealers.

For more detailed steps on the buying process, check out our “How to buy a Silencer” page.

No, but it helps. Using an NFA trust (like our Single Shot Trust) allows:

• Shared access with family or hunting partners
• Easier inheritance or future transfers
• Simpler recordkeeping for multiple suppressors

With Silencer Shop’s dealer network, you’re never far from a trusted suppressor dealer. We have partner shops across the state, including locations in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, Montgomery, and beyond.

Yes. Suppressors are fully legal for deer hunting and other game in Alabama, as long as you’ve legally acquired one through the ATF process.

No. Once your suppressor is ATF-approved, you’re free to hunt with it. Alabama does not require additional permits.

Only if you’re present or they’re listed in your NFA trust. Otherwise, federal law prohibits it.

Not necessarily. Subsonic ammo will be quieter, but most hunters use supersonic rounds and still benefit from reduced muzzle blast.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Suppressor laws can change and may vary by locality. Always consult your local law enforcement agency or a qualified attorney to verify current regulations in your area before purchasing or using a suppressor.