Debate Surrounds Regulations on Dog Deer Hunting in Alabama
New efforts to strengthen regulations on dog deer hunting in Alabama led to a lively discussion on Wednesday in the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules Review.
Dog-assisted deer hunting has been a contentious issue in Alabama for many years. While officials believe there have been improvements, complaints about hunting dogs crossing onto private land continue to persist, disrupting hunts and violating property rights.
“We’ve made significant progress over the last 30 years,” stated Chris Blankenship, Alabama’s Chairman of Natural and Natural Resources. “But there are still issues with dogs running through adjacent properties and public lands, causing disturbances during hunts.”
In response, the Conservation Advisory Committee voted unanimously in May to propose new regulations that would make it illegal for hunting dogs to enter or remain on other people’s land without permission. Initial offenses may lead to warnings, with repeated violations resulting in citations.
“This is the most reasonable and fair approach to resolve this,” Blankenship remarked. “I’m not looking to expand dog deer hunting without protecting landowners.”
He noted that this plan followed extensive discussions with various dog hunting groups, acknowledging, however, that there is no single body representing all hunters in this area.
Some dog hunting groups have indicated they would support these regulations if they also see discussions about adding more dog deer hunting days. Blankenship mentioned that these proposed rules are not yet enforced, meaning those additional days haven’t been included yet.
During public comments, several landowners recounted their experiences with dogs straying onto their property, damaging it and complicating enforcement efforts.
One landowner shared that he interacts with certain repeat offenders each year. He added that hunting dogs can be released near property lines without any necessary permits, leaving landowners with little recourse. Everyone who spoke at the hearing was a resident of the Talladega area.
The Legislative Council considered amendments that would limit enforcement of the regulations to within a mile of the National Forest for immediate relief. Blankenship informed lawmakers that the department would recommend extending the dog deer hunting season by an extra week if the regulations were implemented.
Sen. Garlan Gudger, Pro Tem, clarified that the one-mile buffer would encompass several counties: Cherokee, Calhoun, Cleburne, Clay, and Talladega.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter raised questions about the timing and scope of the proposal, suggesting further discussion at the next legislative meeting.
However, some lawmakers felt the issue shouldn’t be confined to one region. R-Hartselle president Scott Stadthagen mentioned that the problem of roaming dogs affects hunting all over the state.
“If we’re going to tackle the dog issue, let’s do it thoroughly. This should be handled in a legislative meeting, not just today,” Stadthagen said.
“Listening to people is one of our essential services,” said Mary Moore, president of D-Birmingham. “I believe this is an issue that needs resolution today.”
Ultimately, lawmakers voted to amend the regulations, establishing a one-mile boundary around the Talladega National Forest to provide immediate relief for those impacted. The committee indicated that the matter would be revisited in future legislative sessions. The proposed rules will now return to the Conservation Advisory Committee for final approval and implementation.
