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Alabama Statewide Rule

Alabama Deer and Wildlife Feeding Restrictions

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Alabama (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
Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

Alabama Department of Conservation regulations restrict baiting and feeding of deer and other game animals statewide during hunting seasons, with separate rules on bear feeding and migratory bird baiting under federal law.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), no person at any time shall take, catch, kill, or attempt to take, catch, or kill any bird or animal protected by law or rule of the State of Alabama by means, aid, or use, directly or indirectly, of any bait, such as shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn or of wheat or other grain, salt, or any other feed whatsoever that has been so deposited, placed, distributed, or scattered as to constitute for the birds or animals a lure, attraction, or enticement to, on, or over the area where a hunter or hunters are attempting to kill or take them; provided, that the birds or animals may be taken under properly shocked corn and standing crops of corn, wheat, or other grain or feed and grains scattered solely as a result of normal agricultural harvesting; and provided further, migratory birds may be hunted under the most recent regulations established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or rules adopted by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources within the limits of the federal regulations.

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.

Sources

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