HB152 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Reed IngramRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Hunting, nighttime hunting, to be authorized by rule of Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources, nighttime hours further defined for Chapter 11, Title 9, Sec. 9-11-235 am'd.

Summary

HB152 would restrict nighttime hunting of protected wildlife to rules set by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, clearly define nighttime hours, and set conditions for nighttime raccoon/opossum hunting (if allowed), while noting local-funding rules and penalties.

What This Bill Does

It makes nighttime hunting of protected birds and animals unlawful unless the DCNR adopts a regulation authorizing it. It defines nighttime hours as 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. It allows nighttime hunting of raccoons and opossums only if authorized by DCNR rule, with conditions such as using a light or shotgun, small shot, and requiring dogs and landowner permission when hunting on someone else’s land. It retains a separate note that fox hunting with dogs is not restricted by this section. It states the bill creates a new crime, which places it outside certain local-funding approval requirements, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Hunters and hunting groups: face new restrictions on nighttime hunting and would need DCNR authorization to hunt protected species at night, plus follow specific gear and conduct rules if nighttime raccoon/opossum hunting is permitted.
• Landowners and property owners: may need to grant written permission for nighttime hunting on their land when such hunting is allowed, and must comply with the required conditions (light/shot size, dogs) if applicable.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits nighttime taking of protected birds and animals unless authorized by DCNR rule; defines nighttime hours as 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
• Allows nighttime hunting of raccoons and opossums only if authorized by DCNR regulation in a county, with conditions: use of a light and/or shotgun with shot no larger than #8, hunting accompanied by dogs, and written landowner permission if on another's land.
• Maintains an exception that nighttime fox hunting with dogs is not prohibited by this section.
• States the bill creates a new crime, making it exempt from certain local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 (Section 111.05), and thereby not requiring local government approval or 2/3 vote to become law.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after the bill is enacted.

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

Subjects

Game and Fish