Legislation that would allow hunters to purchase a license to hunt deer and feral swine over bait passed the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee this week. HB 21 by Rep. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, would set the bait privilege license fee at $14 plus a $1 issuance fee.

In the Senate, Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, has introduced SB 61 to exempt whitetail deer and feral swine from laws related to hunting near feed. 

Both bills seek to eliminate confusion and enforcement differences related to Alabama’s hunting laws. Agricultural damage from feral hogs is an increasing problem across the South.