On Friday night, the Illinois House unanimously approved an Illinois Farm Bureau-backed legislation addressing deer overpopulation, the bill has been sent to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for his signature.
A key provision of the new legislation requires the IDNR to update its Deer Removal Permit (DRP) procedures. Among the changes: IDNR biologists must respond to DRP requests within a specific timeframe, helping farmers address deer-related issues more quickly. The department must also publish clear information about the DRP process, including eligibility criteria and application instructions, on its website. These updates stem directly from farmer feedback and discussions with IDNR facilitated by county Farm Bureaus around the state.
Under the new DRP provisions, landowners who harvest at least 50% of the deer authorized under a permit will automatically qualify for additional antlerless-only permits during the regular hunting season. If they fulfill 80% of the permit, they become eligible for an additional nuisance permit, valid for harvesting up to five deer, usable between June 1st and September 15th of the following year.
Another provision allows landowners to designate a hunter to receive one guest landowner permit, which includes one either-sex permit and one antlerless permit for every 240 acres owned in Illinois.
Pending Governor Pritzker’s approval, SB 710 will officially go into effect January 1st.
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