Debate Over Dog Deer Hunting Regulations in Alabama

While there have been fewer complaints about dog deer hunting lately, tensions remain, especially around the Talladega National Forest.

During a recent meeting in Montgomery, the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board discussed new regulations aimed at addressing ongoing issues related to dog deer hunting, particularly focusing on the behavior of dog owners in regarding other people’s properties.

Board member Kevin Savoy proposed several amendments to existing regulations, which the board unanimously supported. One key regulation will make it illegal for anyone with a dog used for hunting to allow it on another person’s land without express written consent from the property owner. This permission can be granted through various forms, such as email or text, and must be available upon request from conservation officers.

First-time offenders will receive a written warning, while repeated violations could lead to formal citations. Another amendment states that tampering with GPS collars or training devices on hunting dogs is prohibited without the owner’s permission.

Savoy noted that complaints about dogs trespassing have been a long-standing issue, particularly around Talladega National Forest. “In my nearly 30 years on the Advisory Committee, I’ve seen many changes, and while things have improved, there are still problems in certain areas,” he said.

Board member Raymond Jones echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that while there has been noticeable progress, challenges remain. “It’s greatly improved over my 32 years, but we still face issues. This new regulation will definitely help,” he remarked.

Eufaula board member Grady Hartzog pointed out that complaints have significantly decreased in the last couple of years. He acknowledged the efforts of dog hunters to make things better. “In our neighborhood, things have really changed for the better,” he said, highlighting improved communication among the community.

The conversation also touched on several changes regarding deer hunting regulations. Commissioner Blankenship indicated that certain restrictions stemming from a law concerning deer breeders have been removed from the Chronic Wasting Disease zone regulations. The board approved new bag limits and seasonal dates, increasing the daily deer bag limit to twice for most areas, except for zone C in north-central Alabama, where it remains at three.

Marine Resources Director Scott Bannon expressed his approval for several other proposed changes, including adjustments to bag limits for anglers and modifications to fishing regulations aimed at protecting species. Notably, new rules will now require commercial shark anglers to follow specific guidelines regarding bait and gear.

Blankenship also highlighted recent achievements in outdoor recreation by the ADCNR, emphasizing considerable investments in parks and access projects. “We’ve invested over $406 million in outdoor recreation,” he noted, showcasing the department’s commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities across the state.

On a personal note, Blankenship shared his own positive experiences fishing with family during the recent Red Snapper Season. “It was a fantastic opening weekend. My son, wife, and I all had a great time together,” he shared, reflecting on the importance of family and the outdoors.