MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Avid outdoorsman and country music legend Hank Williams Jr. appeared before the Alabama Senate Agriculture Conservation and Forestry Committee Wednesday to express his support for a bill that would allow hunters to use corn and other bait as aids when deer hunting.
Bocephus testified that several other states have no laws against deer hunting with bait, and there are several instances when hunting with bait would be helpful, particularly if you’re taking a young child, a disabled person, or an injured veteran and want to make sure they have a chance to experience the thrill of the hunt.
Hank Jr. also mentioned that the current rule, which requires hunters to be at least 100 years and out of line-of-sight from any bait, is selectively, and often unfairly, enforced.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has reportedly not taken a position on the bill, which would not affect rules for turkey hunting.
This is the fifth year Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) has attempted to pass the legislation. Whatley says there are now more deer in Alabama than ever, and they cause millions of dollars in vehicle damage every year.
The bill received a favorable report from the committee on a 9-2 vote.
Williams then took the time to stand for pictures with several members of the State Legislature, including “rowdy friend” Sen. Bill Holtzclaw.
Had the pleasure of meeting Hank Williams Jr at the State House today. I was introduced as a "rowdy friend"! pic.twitter.com/7OOaUn9C6Y
— Sen Bill Holtzclaw (@billholtzclaw) March 18, 2015
While Hank Jr. may have grown up in Tennessee, his father, Hank Sr. was born and raised in Alabama. The Hank Williams museum in Montgomery is one of the city’s top tourist attractions.
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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015
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