I know by law Alabama land is posted by law. Is there a protocol or something for putting out posted signs on your land lines?

Ask Ol CM.

one does not have to have posted signs up to prosecute for hunting without permit. I advise putting up signs, and marking the property lines so there is no straying across the line by neighbors. Pics of the signs in place also helps to sway the judge to heavier fines.

Put up a bunch and take pics of them. The first guy through will tear some down so will every other jackass that's comes by. Prosecute everyone you can.

I'd put up large easy to see signs and put most of em up 10 feet or so, esp at road entrances.

If you want to stop em, then NO WARNINGS, hammer every single one of them. Talk to the judge and the DA before season, get em on your side before ya catch em.

Troy, does "Hunting without permit" carry stiffer fines than trespassing? Is it easier to prosecute also?

Let me ask this. I have a problem with a poacher at one of the places that I have sole permission to hunt and I have marked the boundary very clearly with signs. I have actually witnessed him once, but he out ran me. The problem however is that I don't own the land and the owner doesn't want to take the time to get involved in prosecution. So, I guess there is nothing I can do?? Damn, it's aggravating!!!!!!!

Long story but I'll give the Cliff Notes version. 'Bout 15 years ago, after a morning hunt, me and a buddy were sitting in my truck on the side of the road eating lunch. Guy pulls up in front of me, gets out and nails a "No Hunting, No Fishing, No Trespassing, No Nothing" sign on a tree. When I asked him what the hell he was doing he said that he had sole hunting rights to the property and if we didn't leave RIGHT now he was calling LEO. Shoulda seen the look on his face when I told him I owned the property.

I'm not real sure about the fines as they are imposed and set by the Dept. of Conservation.

Yes---I think that it's easier to get a conviction for Hunting without a permit than say just normal trespassing. If they were hunting had a gun/bow then that's easier to prove. Trespassing 3rd states....
A person is guilty of criminal trespass in the third degree when he knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in or upon premises.

Sometimes hard to prove that they 1. Knowingly or 2. that they remained if after being told to leave. Of course may be different if there were clearly signs marked, fence and such. In case of fence would bump up to 2cd degree.

But I think its easier to get them on the hunting charge.

Usually Criminal Trespass carrries a $50-200 fine in most courts, usually plus court costs. It is also harder to prosecute because you must prove the trespasser KNEW he wasn't supposed to be on that property, either thru extensive signs or prior verbal/written warning.

I have convicted illegal hunters of Hunting w/o Permit AND criminal trespass on the same incident, but it is rare. Usually a repeat customer.

Basically land is posted by law, but a marked boundary and signs make it easier to prosecute, esp if the fella has permission to hunt the adjacent property. H w/o permit usually carries $500 and up plus costs, and sometimes for repeat offenders jail time, although rare.

Would have been greater if you told him to call the GW and get him out there right then and there, and then busted HIS ass for trespassing and damaging your property (the tree).

Question....can you identify the person

The scheduled fine for hunting without permission is now $1,000 and loss of hunting privileges. I seldom assess a fine of more than $50 on a criminal trespass 3rd charge. I would say you are better off pursuing a hunting without permission charge if you can prove the elements of the offense.

That's kinda funny you ask. I would have a positive id except for the fact he stole one of my cams!! Otherwise, I only have a very, very good idea who it is.

If you have written permission from the landowner, then you are his agent and can act on his behalf. The landowner doesn't have "to get involved ". Post signs well - the larger they are the better. Lots of them. Put out cameras and as soon as you can print the pictures of the trespasser and can identify, call the law to file charges. Don't wimp out and give a warning by you or the law. Get him into court and hurt that wallet. It will stop the poaching/trespassing/littering/what-have-ya.

Been there and bought the t-shirt.

That's what I was getting to by asking the question now you just ruined it for me

You sure bout that? Explain please.

I'm not sure the "you are his agent" is accurate. That permission - unless explicitly stating as such - would only give you the right to be on the land and hunting on the land (or fishing, ATV or whatever). If the landowner wants you as "his agent" then whatever permission he provides in writing should specifically state that.

Otherwise, you probably with any legality can't say squat about what the landowner wants or doesn't want. Been in that situation when I wanted to call the GW on a trespasser and the landowner didn't "want to make any trouble." Hands tied, couldn't do anything even with my written permission in hand.

Better make sure before acting as a landowner's agent.


Additionally, writing the GW and Sheriff phone numbers on the permission form or having them in your phone is a good idea.