Changes appear to be coming to the state’s dog deer hunting regulations. At its March 26 meeting in Pelham, the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board (CAB) recommended regulation changes designed to address various dog deer hunting related conflicts. If approved, the new regulations will go into effect this fall.
The Alabama dog deer permit system was enacted in the early 1980s to address dog deer hunting related conflicts. Under this system, the use of dogs for hunting deer in certain regions is prohibited except for those properties with a special permit from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Recommended changes for the 2016-17 season for dog deer hunting in areas under the dog deer permit system include:
- A minimum of 500 contiguous acres will be required for all hunting clubs accepted under the dog deer permit system after March 26, 2016. Changes were also enacted to formalize the accounting of complaints received about permitted clubs.
- Marengo and Baldwin counties were placed under the permit system to aid in reconciling conflicts between hunters and landowners.
For dog deer hunters utilizing the Talladega National Forest, changes include:
- A reduction in the number of dog deer hunting days on the Talladega National Forest from 58 to 36. Additionally, dog deer hunting must stop at 12 p.m. on the days allowed, which are Nov. 19-30, 2016, and Dec. 18, 2016, to Jan. 10, 2017.
For all dog deer hunters statewide where dog deer hunting is allowed:
- A newly revised regulation will prohibit hunters, after being warned, from allowing their dogs to encroach onto another property without the landowner’s permission. This change will allow conservation enforcement officers to address individual offenders who fail to control their dogs, rather than an entire club. The regulation will apply statewide on areas open to dog deer hunting and areas operating under the dog deer permit system.
For more information about dog deer hunting regulations, please contact your nearest Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division law enforcement district office. To report hunting or fishing violations or conflicts arising from dog deer hunting, call GAMEWATCH at (800) 272-4263.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
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