By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — The hunting of coyotes and feral hogs just became easier in the State of Alabama.

Last month, Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill allowing hunters to purchase a license to hunt the animals at night. Prior to the new legislation, the hunting of coyotes and hogs were only allowed via special permit.

According to a news release from the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division, these licenses can be purchased for $15 if you are an Alabama state resident.

"It represents a new hunting activity for the state, and it will enlist as many as 200,000 hunters in this fight against two insidious predators. So, a new hunting activity; that’s a good thing," said Matt Weather, WFF's Chief of Enforcement. "You have more feral swine and coyotes being removed from the state; that’s a good thing, too. It’s a win-win.”

Weathers emphasized using caution when pursuing these animals at nighttime.

According to WFF Director Chuck Sykes, the 2021 season for hunting feral swine and coyotes will likely begin in July and last until November.