Illinois Governor Signs Four Hunting/Fishing Related Bills

Yesterday, the Governor signed four hunting/fishing related bills:

• HB 2685-Green Hides 
• Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that except as provided in the Code, it is unlawful to have in his or her possession the green hides of fur bearing mammals without a valid hunting or trapping license.  Learn More

• HB 3093-Electronic Licenses
• Amends the Wildlife Code. Defines "hunting license" as an electronic or physical license authorizing the person to take a certain type of animal during a specified period of time. Effective immediately. Learn More

• HB 3272- Commercial Fishing 
• A Department of Natural Resources initiative  providing that all trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish may not be taken by commercial fishing devices, including gill or pound net. Learn More

• HB 3273- Lake Michigan Fishing
• Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may issue a maximum of 5 commercial fishing licenses for taking from the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan yellow perch, bloater chub, and other commercial fish species designated by Department rule. Learn More

There are still two bills that we are waiting for Governor Action on:

HB 2893- Crossbow Bill

HB 3399 - Bobcat Prohibition Bill

He has until the end of September (60 days from when he was sent them) to either Veto

or Sign them or they become law. 

Be Informed!  Follow us on social media and check back often for updates! 

IDNR Bringing Back Outdoor Illinois

Ever talk to an IDNR employee and feel like they could care less.  Maybe that's just people in general today.  Maybe, it has to do with the lack of money the agency has and they know the ideas won't go anywhere.  For awhile now the IDNR has been in the works of bringing back Outdoor Illinois.  They finally made their release announcing the comeback of this new online journal.

This is great news in the hunting, fishing and conservation world.  As outdoor enthusiasts this is a way for the IDNR to finally be able to release information on research studies, land and wildlife management and other updates. We look forward to seeing what information gets published and how this resource will improve the outdoors.

During our reporting and meeting people throughout the state over the years, we've heard people complain about how it's hard to find information and how there is a lack of a user friendly interface for the DNR website.  Illinois' has been lacking in transparency and upgrades. However, this is a great step to making the IDNR more user friendly and transparent.

Some of you might have received the email below:

Illinois Conservationist:

It is my pleasure to announce that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGGREC) to bring back Outdoor Illinois!  This time it is a wildlife-specific online journal that contains articles on Wildlife, People, Land, Research, and Recreation.  Please take a few moments to look through the site, and to visit our annual hunting forecasts (https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/).  Right now, we have posted deer/turkey/squirrel and furbearer forecasts.  Upland game and waterfowl forecasts will be coming soon! There are plenty of other short articles to look at as well while you're there.  If you have ideas for Outdoor Illinois: Wildlife Journal, or areas that you think we need to provide more information on, please e-mail me at mark.alessi@illinois.gov and let me know.

To visit other websites regarding wildlife in Illinois, please visit our Living with Wildlife in Illinois (http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/) and our White-tailed Deer: Illinois websites (https://deer.wildlifeillinois.org/).

Sincerely,

Mark Alessi
Chief
Division of Wildlife Resources
Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Legislative Wrap Up for First Section of 100th General Assembly

Legislative Wrap-up for First Year of 100th General Assembly

The legislative deadline for the first year of the 100th G.A. (May 31st) has come and gone.  This year, the general assembly was focused on major reforms to try and combat the budget deficit and ultimately pass a budget.

The political back and forth and blame game continued throughout the session and no real reform happened and unfortunately this state is still without a budget.

Speaker Madigan has called for continuous session throughout the summer in an attempt to pass a budget before the June 30th deadline. 

In between all the budget discussions, there were in fact some hunting and fishing bills that made it through both chambers and now sit on the Governor's desk.    

If you would like more information on each bill, click on the link.

Bills that passed both chambers:

• HB 2028 -Aquatic Life License Renewal Date
• HB 2685 - Wildlife Trapping - Green Hides
• HB 3093 - Electronic Hunting License
• HB 3272 - Commercial Fishing Regulations
• HB 3273 - Fish-Lake Michigan

There are still some major hot button issues that sit in either chamber to be potentially voted on. Such as the Bobcat Prohibition Bill, Lead Ammunition Ban and the Crossbow Hunting bill. 

Be sure to subscribe so that you can stay up to date as things happen in the General Assembly. 

Know someone that needs to be informed of these issues?  Forward this along.  Let's unite and be informed hunters, anglers and outdoor men and women! 

Fish & Aquatic Life Code-100th GA - HB 2028

Fish & Aquatic Life Code-100th GA - HB 2028

Rep. Tony McCombie

Filed: HB 2028 on 2-2-17

Floor Amendment #1:

Amends the Fish & Aquatic Life Code by changing the date when Aquatic Life Dealer Licenses expire to correspond with the expiration date of hunting and fishing licenses.

Latest Action: 

• 5/30/2017 House Passed Both Houses

WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT-100th GA - HB 3583

WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT-100th GA - HB 3583

Representative Brad Halbrook

Filed: HB 3583 on 2-10-17

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a person may place or scatter deer bait otherwise prohibited when not in active deer hunting season. Provides that person who unlawfully baits deer is guilty of a petty offense subject to a mandatory fine of not less than $500 and shall lose hunting privileges in this State for a period of not less than a year.

Previous Actions:

• Date - Chamber - Action
• 2/10/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Brad Halbrook
• 2/10/2017 House First Reading
• 2/10/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/1/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM-100th GA - HB 3455

DNR-VOLUNTEERS-TRAIL PROGRAM-100th GA - HB 3455

Representative Ryan Spain

Filed: HB 3455 on 2-10-17

Amends the Department of Natural Resources Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides in the Department of Natural Resource's Adopt-A-Park program that volunteers may assist with vegetation management, providing building and facility repair, or other appropriate services. Creates the Adopt-A-Trail Program. Provides that the Department shall establish and maintain Adopt-A-Trail programs with individual or group volunteers, if requested by an individual or group volunteers, in an effort to reduce and remove litter from trails and to provide other services. Provides that the Department shall retain the ability to approve or deny an individual or group volunteer's request; however, the Department must state the reason for the request denial. Provides that by engaging in volunteer activities under the Act, volunteers fully acknowledge and understand that there shall be neither a (1) promise or expectation of compensation of any type, including benefits, nor (2) creation of an employer-employee relationship. Makes other changes.

Latest Actions: House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-000

• Date - Chamber - Action

• 2/10/2017	House	Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
  2/10/2017	House	First Reading
  2/10/2017	House	Referred to Rules Committee
  2/22/2017	House	Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
  3/9/2017	House	House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
  3/9/2017	House	House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
  3/14/2017	House	Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
  3/14/2017	House	House Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 40
  3/15/2017	House	Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
  3/15/2017	House	Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Sonya M. Harper
  3/15/2017	House	Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Litesa E. Wallace
  3/21/2017	House	House Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
  3/21/2017	House	House Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
  3/22/2017	House	House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee; 004-000-000
  4/4/2017	House	Second Reading - Short Debate
  4/4/2017	House	House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted
  4/4/2017	House	Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
  4/5/2017	House	Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 113-000-000
  4/5/2017	House	Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly
  4/5/2017	House	Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Mark Batinick
  4/5/2017	House	Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  4/5/2017	House	Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  4/5/2017	House	Removed Co-Sponsor Rep. Allen Skillicorn
  4/6/2017	Senate	Arrive in Senate
  4/6/2017	Senate	Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading
  4/6/2017	Senate	Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chuck Weaver
  4/6/2017	Senate	First Reading
  4/6/2017	Senate	Referred to Assignments
  4/25/2017	Senate	Assigned to State Government
  5/1/2017	Senate	Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Tim Bivins
  5/4/2017	Senate	Do Pass State Government; 007-000-000
  5/4/2017	Senate	Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 5, 2017
  5/4/2017	Senate	Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Steven M. Landek
  5/19/2017	Senate	Second Reading
  5/19/2017	Senate	Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 22, 2017
  5/25/2017	Senate	Third Reading - Passed; 056-000-000
  5/25/2017	House	Passed Both Houses

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe

                       

FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC-100th GA - HB 3273

FISH-LAKE MICHIGAN COMMERC LIC-100th GA - HB 3273

Representative  Sheri Jesiel

Filed: HB 3273 on 2-9-17

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may issue a maximum of 5 commercial fishing licenses for taking from the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan yellow perch, bloater chub, and other commercial fish species designated by Department rule. Provides that, at times determined by the Director, the Department shall advertise a public drawing to accept new qualified commercial fishing candidates and establish a ranking order for these new candidates to fill open Lake Michigan commercial fishing licenses. Provides that the ranking order shall continue to be used until the list of eligible candidates is exhausted. Removes provisions concerning the issuing of commercial licenses.

Latest Action:

• 5/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses

COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION-100th GA - HB 3272

COMMERCIAL FISHING REGULATION-100th GA - HB 3272

Representative  Sheri Jesiel

Filed: HB 3272 on 2-9-17

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that all trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish may not be taken by commercial fishing devices, including gill or pound nets. Provides that any incidental catch of trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish taken in legal sized gill or pound nets must be returned immediately to the water. Provides that the methods of taking are subject to modification by administrative rule based upon lake-wide scientific assessment data or fishery management need. Repeals a Section concerning commercial fishing.

Latest Action:

• 5/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses 

DNR-CONSULTATION FEES-100th GA - HB 3033

 DNR-CONSULTATION FEES-100th GA - HB 3033

Representative  Tim Butler

Filed: HB 3033 on 2-9-17

Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may assess specified consultation fees up to $500 (rather than assess a $500 fee). Deletes language providing that the Department shall not assess any fee for consultations requested by a State agency or federal agency.

Date Chamber Action

• 2/9/2017 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tim Butler
• 2/9/2017 House First Reading
• 2/9/2017 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 2/22/2017 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 3/14/2017 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
• 3/15/2017 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
• 3/23/2017 House Second Reading - Short Debate
• 3/23/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
• 3/30/2017 House Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Allen Skillicorn
• 3/30/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Tim Butler
• 4/5/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 4/5/2017 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandon W. Phelps
• 4/7/2017 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 105-000-000
• 4/7/2017 House Motion Filed to Reconsider Vote Rep. André Thapedi
• 4/7/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. John Cavaletto
• 4/26/2017 House Motion to Reconsider Vote - Withdrawn Rep. André Thapedi
• 4/27/2017 Senate Arrive in Senate
• 4/27/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading May 2, 2017
• 4/28/2017 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Chapin Rose
• 5/2/2017 Senate First Reading
• 5/2/2017 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 5/5/2017 Senate Approved for Consideration Assignments
• 5/5/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 9, 2017
• 5/11/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Chapin Rose
• 5/11/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
• 5/11/2017 Senate Second Reading
• 5/11/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 12, 2017
• 5/15/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
• 5/17/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Agriculture; 007-000-000
• 5/26/2017 Senate Rule 2-10 Third Reading Deadline Established As May 31, 2017
• 5/30/2017 Senate Recalled to Second Reading
• 5/30/2017 Senate Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; Rose
• 5/30/2017 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
• 5/30/2017 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 054-000-000
• 5/30/2017 House Arrived in House
• 5/30/2017 House Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence Senate Amendment(s) 1
• 5/30/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion Filed Concur Rep. Allen Skillicorn
• 5/30/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Referred to Rules Committee
• 6/20/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Rules Referred to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 6/22/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Recommends Be Adopted Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 012-000-000
• 6/25/2017 House Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 House Concurs 097-001-000
• 6/25/2017 House House Concurs
• 6/25/2017 House Passed Both Houses
• 6/25/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Charles Meier
• 6/25/2017 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Daniel Swanson
• 7/24/2017 House Sent to the Governor
• 9/8/2017 House Governor Approved
• 9/8/2017 House Public Act . . . . . . . . . 100-0491

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe