To report hunting and fishing violations in Madison Co. please call 256-353-2634 during business hours or 1-800-272-4263 after 5p M-F and on the weekends/holidays. This is the dispatch number for the Law Enforcement Section (Game Wardens) which work in Madison Co.

It is request the owner of the pond call 256-353-2634 to file the initial report.

K. Champion
D1 Law Enforcement
Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries
AL Dept. of Conservation
At the Request of Tommy Battles Office

Just a curious question since the response seemingly only addresses the fishing aspect.

Is there a difference if people are trespassing on private property and fishing too? What about boating on the private property lake and not fishing? Are they not violating the trespassing law if they have a fishing/boating license but trespassing? I believe the answer is yes on both counts!

What if they have no license, not fishing; but trespassing; are they violating the law?

Seems like the issue is really trespassing...fishing is the excuse for trespassing. Kinda like money in a bank that causes people to go in, without permission, and begin robbing the bank, thereby taking something that isn't theirs?

So, if I see someone robbing a bank, committing a crime...I call the Police. When I see people trespassing, I call the Police.

Possibly, the City can mark the allowable fishing areas on this otherwise private property...a seemingly more reasonable response/approach than trying to offer only the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries agents to deal with the fishing aspect as that option doesn't answer the trespassing mail.

You will need to contact the District I Law Enforcement Office directly at 256-353-2634 to have all of these questions addressed.

K. Champion
DI Law Enforcement
Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries
AL Dept. of Conservation

In Alabama a private landowner may sue for damages or for trespassing. Here are two relevant City of Huntsville ordinances as follows:

Sec. 17-103. - Trespassing, prowling, loitering, etc. on private property.
“It shall be unlawful for any person to enter, remain, loiter, prowl or wander about, whether in a motor vehicle or on foot, upon or around any private premises, or in any enclosed lot, or in and around any dwelling, without the permission, consent or knowledge of the owner or lessee of the premises, lot or dwelling.”
Sec. 17-4. - Fishing in drainage system facilities.
It shall be unlawful for any person to fish in any creek, stream, ditch or similar facility maintained by the city as part of the city's drainage system without the permission of the owner, the owner's agent or person in possession of the property upon which the easement or right-of-way for the maintenance of the facility is located.

If a property owner wishes to have “No Trespassing” signs posted, they are responsible for purchasing and installing the signs.

Sincerely,
Your Huntsville Connect Customer Service Team