A bill authorizing the hunting of deer and feral swine over feed on private land passed the House of Representatives Thursday by a 85-10 vote with two abstentions. 

HB 197 by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, would allow hunters to purchase a license to hunt deer and feral swine over bait on privately owned or leased lands. The annual bait privilege license fee would be $14 plus a $1 issuance fee for in-state hunters and $50 plus a $1 fee for out-of-state sportsmen. The companion bill, SB 66 by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, passed the Senate last week.

Sponsors of the legislation say it would eliminate confusion and enforcement differences related to Alabama’s deer and feral swine baiting laws.