I was looking over the AL Pattern Jury Instructions today, and this one caught my eye. If I'm reading it right, you might also file a claim for civil damages even though you were not injured:
Instructions to the jury:
APJI 31.76 Trespass--Real Property--Damages--Nominal
If you are reasonably satisfied from the evidence that defendant trespassed on plaintiff's land, but that the plaintiff suffered no substantial damages as a proximate result thereof, then you may award nominal damages to the plaintiff.
Nominal damage is a trivial sum awarded in recognition of a technical injury which has caused no substantial damage.
Nominal damages are recoverable for trespass even where no injury is suffered.
Also bear in mind, trespassing is a violation, while hunting without permission is a misdemeanor with stiffer penalties.
Section 13A-7-4
Criminal trespass in the third degree.
(a) A person is guilty of criminal trespass in the third degree when he knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in or upon premises.
(b) Criminal trespass in the third degree is a violation.
(Acts 1977, No. 607, p. 812, �2607.)
Section 13A-1-2
Definitions.
Unless different meanings are expressly specified in subsequent provisions of this title, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(16) VIOLATION. An offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment not in excess of 30 days may be imposed.
Section 9-11-241
Hunting, trapping, etc., of wild game during day on lands of another without permission.
Any person who hunts, traps, captures, injures, kills, or destroys, or attempts to hunt, trap, capture, injure, kill, or destroy any wild game on the lands of another between the hours of daylight and sunset without the written permission of or accompanied by the landowner or person in possession or control of the lands shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished for the first offense by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and at the discretion of the court may have all hunting license privileges revoked for up to one year from the date of conviction. Any person shall be punished for the second and each subsequent offense by a fine of not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and the revocation of all hunting license privileges for one year from the date of conviction, and shall be imprisoned in the county jail for a period not less than 10 nor more than 30 days.
This section shall not apply to the members of the family, guests, servants, or agents of the landowner.
(Acts 1936-37, Ex. Sess., No. 191, p. 224, �1; Code 1940, T. 8, �92; Acts 1975, No. 1119, p. 2208, �1; Acts 1982, No. 82-489, p. 813, �1; Act 2008-384, p. 714, �1.)
Section 9-1-4
Penalty for violation.
Unless otherwise provided, a violation of any of the provisions of this title or any rule or regulation of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or approved by the Advisory Board of Conservation and Natural Resources shall be a Class C misdemeanor.
(Code 1923, ��5112, 5120; Acts 1932, Ex. Sess., No. 212, p. 214; Code 1940, T. 8, �13; 2008-384, p. 714, �1.)
Section 13A-1-2
Definitions.
Unless different meanings are expressly specified in subsequent provisions of this title, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(9) MISDEMEANOR. An offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment not in excess of one year may be imposed.
