In response to ongoing concerns from farmers across the 59th Senate District about the damaging effects of deer overpopulation, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is sponsoring legislation aimed at equipping landowners and agricultural producers with stronger tools to manage the problem.
Senate Bill 710 seeks to simplify the permit process for farmers to harvest deer, helping to address the deer nuisance impacting crops and farmland throughout Southern Illinois.
“Deer overpopulation continues to cause widespread damage to crops and farmland, and our farmers are the ones bearing the brunt,” said Senator Fowler. “This legislation empowers them to take action and safeguard their livelihoods.”
The bill, developed in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Farm Bureau, proposes easing regulations around nuisance and landowner permits. It would automatically issue additional antlerless-only permits during firearm or archery seasons if landowners demonstrate certain harvest thresholds.
Additionally, Senate Bill 710 would make landowners and tenants owning at least 40 acres eligible for free deer and turkey hunting permits, including one either-sex and one antlerless-only permit for both firearm and archery seasons. Landowners with nuisance permits could also authorize others to hunt on their land to help control the deer population. For properties of 240 acres or more, IDNR could issue guest permits for either-sex and antlerless-only deer hunting.
“Farmers in Southern Illinois have voiced their concerns loud and clear,” added Fowler. “We listened, worked with IDNR, and are taking meaningful action to protect our farmland while managing wildlife responsibly.”
This legislation builds on Fowler’s efforts from last year, when he convened farmers and IDNR officials for an Agricultural Advisory Committee focused on deer management issues. The bill is currently under consideration in the Illinois Senate.
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