HB322 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Daniel H. Boman

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Juandalynn Givan

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Game hunting, permits for broadcast, spincast, and container feeders authorized under certain conditions, permits, fees, penalties, Secs. 9-11-244 and 9-11-245 not to apply

Summary

HB322 would allow voluntary feeding of game with a statewide permit system for spincast, broadcast, and container feeders, plus rules, fees, and penalties.

What This Bill Does

It allows feeding of game by spincast, broadcast, or container feeders at any time of year, but requires a separate permit for each feeder. Permits cost $20 per feeder per year, plus a $5 issuance fee, with funds deposited into the Game and Fish Fund. The act sets rules for feeders (protein content, distance from roads and property lines, proximity to wildlife plots) and adds a deer-hunting horn-size restriction; violations carry fines. The Department may issue rules and emergencies can suspend the feeding program, and participation is voluntary for hunters.

Who It Affects

• Hunters who want to use feeders: must obtain a permit for each feeder, comply with location, content, and deer-hunting rules, and could face fines for violations.
• Landowners or lawful land possessors who allow feeders on their property: must give written consent for feeders and their land must meet the placement and permission requirements.

Key Provisions

• The Department may allow feeding of game by spincast, broadcast, or container feeders and will issue permits for each feeder annually.
• Each permit costs $20 per feeder per year, plus a $5 issuance fee; issuance fees go to the county, and other permit revenues go to the Game and Fish Fund; a public records-keeping system is required.
• Feeder contents must contain at least 15% protein; permits cannot be issued without the landowner's written consent; male whitetail deer harvested under this program must have at least three one-inch points on one side (with age or handicap exceptions).
• Placement rules include: no feeder within 500 feet of a public road; feeders near a wildlife plot must be within 200 yards of a plot at least 1 acre in size (waivers possible on leased property with written prohibitions); feeders must be at least 300 feet from adjacent property lines; hunting over feeders is allowed only if the hunter is 100 yards away from the feeder and out of sight.
• Violations are a misdemeanor with fines of $300-$500 per violation; fines and most permit revenues (except issuance fees) go to the Game and Fish Fund.
• The act is voluntary for hunters; can be amended by rules; may be suspended in disease or outbreak situations; it supersedes conflicting provisions only for compliant activities; becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Conservation and Natural Resources Department