Alabama Wildlife Feeding Law: Statewide Animal Ordinances Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Bait statute: Section 9-11-244
Bait license: Required to hunt over
Issuing agency: ADCNR
Bear feeding: Prohibited
License suspension: Possible penalty

Full Breakdown

Alabama Code Section 9-11-244 and ADCNR regulations prohibit hunting deer, feral swine, or turkey over bait under specific conditions; the bait privilege license created in Act 2019-15 allows feeding on private land while hunting only with a license. Year-round, supplemental feeding that concentrates wildlife and creates disease transmission risk for chronic wasting disease is regulated by ADCNR. Feeding bears is prohibited under bear management rules. These rules apply uniformly across the state on private and public land. Migratory bird baiting is also barred by federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, enforced statewide.

Violations & Penalties

Hunting over bait without bait privilege license is a misdemeanor with fines, hunting license suspension, and forfeiture of equipment and game taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put out corn for deer in my yard?

You can feed deer on private property when not hunting. To hunt over bait you must purchase a bait privilege license under Act 2019-15 and follow ADCNR placement rules.

Is feeding bears illegal in Alabama?

Yes. ADCNR rules prohibit intentional feeding of black bears statewide because it creates dangerous human-bear conflicts and habituates bears to human food sources.

Do these rules apply on my own land?

Yes. State wildlife regulations on baiting and feeding apply on private and public land alike. Cities cannot authorize feeding that violates ADCNR rules.

Alabama Deer and Wildlife Feeding Restrictions

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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