SE Illinois News

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dale Fowler has passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. The bills aim to give hunters more flexibility in managing the deer population in Illinois.

“These proposals are the result of feedback and conversations with constituents, including landowners, hunters, and farmers, who are seeing the costly effects of the growing deer population in their communities,” said Senator Fowler. “This legislation provides common-sense tools to manage that growth while ensuring taxpayer resources are used more efficiently.”

House Bill 2339 mandates that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources end its sharpshooting program for managing chronic wasting disease if no cases have been detected in the previous three years.

“By eliminating the use of sharpshooting in areas with no recent disease activity, the hope is to reduce unnecessary government intervention and give more control to local hunters and landowners,” said Fowler.

House Bill 2340 makes Landowner Deer Permits more accessible in counties where chronic wasting disease has been identified. Permits will be issued free of charge to Illinois residents who own at least 20 acres of land, resident tenants farming at least 20 acres of commercial agricultural land, and individuals with qualifying ownership interests. This change helps those directly impacted by deer overpopulation better manage the issue and protect their property.

Senator Fowler emphasized that both pieces of legislation focus on improving local control, supporting responsible conservation efforts, and protecting landowners and local farmers.

“These bills not only give hunters more flexibility but also ensure landowners have better avenues to help manage deer populations,” added Fowler.

Both bills now await the Governor’s signature.