§9-11-17. Deputy game and fish wardens; appointment; duties; authority; revocation of appointment; compensation and status.

(a) The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources shall have power to appoint deputy game and fish wardens whose duties shall be to enforce all laws relative to wild game birds, animals and fish upon privately owned game preserves and refuges; provided, however, that such deputy game and fish wardens shall not receive from the state any compensation or reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as such. However, no person shall be appointed as a deputy game and fish warden who, prior to his appointment, fails to meet the requirements of this section.

(b) Prior to his appointment as a deputy game and fish warden, each applicant for such appointment shall:

(1) Make application for appointment on a form supplied by the commissioner;

(2) Pass an examination, written and administered under the direction of the commissioner, by answering correctly no less than 70 percent of the questions contained therein;

(3) Execute and have in effect prior to his appointment, and during the tenure of his appointment, a performance bond in an amount not less than $2,000.00;

(4) Give proof that he is a person of good moral character and reputation. His application shall show that he has never been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving either force, violence or moral turpitude, and shall be accompanied by letters from three qualified voters of the area in which the applicant proposes to serve as a deputy game and fish warden attesting his good reputation;

(5) Submit with his application a duly verified letter of consent and authorization from an owner of the privately owned land, lands, game preserves, or refuges on which he will exercise his authority. The letter shall contain a description of the land upon which the applicant will exercise his authority if appointed;

(6) Meet such other qualifications as may be required by the commissioner.

(c) All appointed deputy game and fish wardens shall:

(1) Exercise their authority only on the privately owned land described in the letter of consent and authorization submitted with the application;

(2) In the performance of his duties comply with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining thereto;

(3) Upon notification in writing by the commissioner that his appointment has been revoked, immediately cease exercising the authority of a deputy game and fish warden and surrender his appointment to the commissioner.

(d) All appointed deputy game and fish wardens shall have the power to enforce all laws and regulations relative to wild game birds, animals and fish upon the privately owned lands described in the letter of authorization submitted with their application, provided further, that no deputy game and fish warden whose appointment is after September 20, 1971, shall have any authority to exercise the power of arrest for the violation of game and fish laws and regulations unless such deputy has met the requirements of this section.

(e) The commissioner shall have the power and the authority, for any reason, to revoke the appointment of any deputy game and fish warden. Notice of such revocation is sufficient if it be made by certified mail to the mailing address of the deputy as such address is set forth in his application for appointment.

(f) Any appointment made by the commissioner pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not confer upon a deputy game and fish warden, his heirs or assigns, any one of the following:

(1) Any status as an employee of the State or Alabama or of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources;

(2) Any employment or unemployment benefits, rights or privileges from the state;

(3) Any right to accident, injury or death benefits from the state, its agencies or officers;

(4) Any right to compensation or reimbursement for the performance of his duties from the state;

(5) Any right to equipment, supplies and materials owned by the State of Alabama.

(Acts 1935, No. 240, p. 632, § 61; Code 1940, T. 8, §57; Acts 1981, No. 81-710, p. 1194, § 1.)