HB503 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jeff SorrellsRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Deer hunting, commercial deer hunting operation licensing program, established, licenses and licensing fees, special hunting seasons, Conservation and Natural Resources Dept. to enforce and adopt rules, criminal penalties for violations
Summary: HB503 creates a registration program for deer enclosures that lets certain owners start gun deer stalk hunting earlier and adds enforcement and penalties.
What This Bill Does
It lets owners or operators of deer enclosures register annually with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and pay a $2,500 registration fee. Registered enclosures can begin gun deer stalk hunting earlier than other private lands, with the hunting period aligned to the private-land schedule. Public officers and department staff are authorized to enter registered enclosures to enforce game and fish laws and revoke registrations for violations, and the department can adopt implementing rules. Violations carry penalties, including potential disqualification from future registrations or serving as an officer for a registered entity, and the act takes effect immediately after passage.

Who It Affects
Deer enclosure owners/operators: may register, pay the annual fee, and gain permission to start deer hunting earlier on their properties, subject to rules and penalties.
Law enforcement and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: gain authority to enter and inspect registered enclosures and enforce game and fish laws, with the ability to revoke registrations for violations.

Key Provisions
Allows deer enclosure owners/operators to register annually with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and pay a registration fee of $2,500 per year (adjustable).
Registration forms and fees must be submitted by July 1 each year; fees go into the Game and Fish Fund.
The hunting period for registered enclosures shall be equal to the minimum number of consecutive days set for gun deer stalk hunting on privately owned or leased lands and may begin on the earliest date allowed by the Commissioner, ending on the last such date.
Authorized agents and law enforcement may enter and inspect registered enclosures to enforce game and fish laws and regulations.
Violations are Class C misdemeanors; violators may be disqualified from future registration or from serving as an officer of a registered entity.
The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources may adopt rules to implement and enforce the act.
The act becomes effective immediately following passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Hunters and HuntingGame and Fish