Illinois is moving forward with new rules intended to give farmers and other landowners more flexibility in dealing with deer that damage crops and property.
Changes to the Illinois Wildlife Code that took effect this year require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to establish rules allowing landowners with deer-removal permits to designate other qualified individuals to take deer on their property.
Under IDNR’s proposed rules, a deer-removal permit application can identify up to 10 people authorized to help. Department officials told the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules that the provision could be particularly useful for farmers with large fields who are experiencing crop damage but do not hunt themselves.
The proposed regulations also address situations where deer damage fencing. IDNR would generally require landowners to first attempt to reduce the problem with highly visible colored vinyl fencing before receiving permits based on that type of damage.
That language drew questions from lawmakers Tuesday, including State Senator Terri Bryant of Murphysboro, who asked IDNR officials to clarify what was meant by “electric colored vinyl fence.” Department officials explained that “electric” referred to bright, highly visible colors rather than electrically charged fencing.
State Senator Sally Turner of Lincoln also raised concerns about whether farmers would understand the new requirements and encouraged IDNR to provide additional education. Department officials said wildlife biologists already assist landowners with questions involving nuisance deer and other wildlife.
JCAR approved the IDNR rule Tuesday while asking the department to clarify portions of the language before the end of the year.
The underlying state law also provides paths for qualifying landowners to receive additional antlerless-only permits based on how many deer authorized under earlier permits are successfully harvested.