Deer season in Alabama is set to begin at dawn Saturday.
The state's 535,000 licensed hunters will be dealing with new regulations and schedules this year. Although archery season began in mid-October, Saturday is the first day of gun season.
The Game Check program sparked controversy earlier this year. The program initially required hunters to report deer and turkey kills within 24 hours, but is now voluntary. Those participating will be asked to provide the their hunting license number, the county where the deer was killed, whether it private or public property and the animal's sex.
In portions of southwest Alabama, deer season will end Feb. 10. In the remainder of the state, the season will close Jan. 31.