SE Illinois News

After numerous complaints from farmers in the 59th Senate District, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is backing legislation aimed at addressing deer overpopulation. The proposed Senate Bill 710 intends to provide landowners and agricultural producers with better means to manage deer populations and protect their crops.

The bill seeks to simplify the process by which farmers can obtain permits to harvest deer, thereby mitigating the problems posed by an excess deer population in Illinois. Senator Fowler commented, “Deer overpopulation continues to cause widespread damage on crops and farmland across Southern Illinois and our farmers are the ones paying the price. This legislation is about giving them the ability to take action and protect their livelihoods.”

Initiated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Farm Bureau, Senate Bill 710 aims to relax regulations surrounding nuisance permits and landowner permits. It allows for the automatic issuance of additional antlerless-only permits during regular hunting seasons when certain conditions are met.

The proposal also grants eligibility for free deer and turkey hunting permits to those owning or leasing at least 40 acres of commercial farmland. These permits, valid for both firearm and archery deer seasons, include one either-sex and one antlerless-only permit. Additionally, landowners holding nuisance permits could authorize others to hunt on their property. There is a provision for IDNR to issue guest permits under certain conditions.

Senator Fowler noted, “Farmers in Southern Illinois have been loud and clear about this issue. We listened, we engaged with IDNR, and now we are taking action. This bill is a real step toward protecting our local farmland while managing our wildlife population responsibly.”

The effort follows a special Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting convened by Senator Fowler last year, where farmers and IDNR officials discussed the impact of deer overpopulation. Fowler expressed gratitude towards IDNR and the Illinois Farm Bureau for their collaboration.

Senate Bill 710 awaits consideration in the Illinois Senate.