IDNR Announces 2018 Wingshooting Schedule

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in cooperation with its partners and co-sponsors, will conduct wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois from March through mid-November. 

The clinics provide instruction and help improve the shooting skills for both beginners and experienced hunters. Most clinics are conducted on weekends at IDNR sites, cooperating gun clubs and shooting ranges, hunting preserves, and farms.

IDNR to Hold Wingshooting Clinics at Jim Edgar Panther Creek

While many of us are thinking about flipping logs or holding a stringer of crappie the IDNR has will been thinking of ways to get wingshooters outside.  This spring and summer the IDNR will be holding two wingshooting clinics at Jim Edgar Panther Creek.  These two events cover the wide range of shooting skill levels.  Below you'll find some information regarding these two events.

There are two IDNR Wingshooting Clinics scheduled at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek (JEPC) SF&WA this spring and early summer. The first is a Hunters Wingshooting Clinic on Saturday and Sunday, April 7-8th. The registration instructions and forms for this clinic can be accessed on the IDNR Wingshooting Website located on the internet at: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/wingshooting/Pages/default.aspx.

The instructions and forms for both clinics can be accessed on the Wingshooting Website by clicking on the Calendar and then clicking on the underlined dates for the JEPC Hunters Wingshooting Clinic or the JEPC Youth/Women’s Wingshooting Clinic.

Hunters wingshooting clinics are conducted in the area of the hand trap shooting range at JEPC on a sporting clays course with clay target presentations designed to represent actual hunting scenarios. Hunters and clay target shooters with novice thru advanced wingshooting skills are encouraged to attend. After a short safety briefing at the JEPC Hunter Check Station Bldg., each group of participants (typically four) spends the morning or afternoon each day shooting the sporting clays course accompanied by a certified wingshooting instructor. As noted in the attached instructions, bring 6-8 boxes (150-200 shotshells) and spend a session enhancing your wingshooting skills. If you like to shoot a shotgun, hunters wingshooting clinics are really fun!

The second JEPC Wingshooting Clinic will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10th. This clinic is a Youth/Women’s Wingshooting Clinic for participants either just beginning to learn about shotgun shooting or with novice shotgun shooting skills. Registration instructions and forms are attached and can also be accessed on the IDNR Wingshooting Website (see first paragraph above). Shooting students must be at least 10 years old, and shooting students must also be at least 4 feet 6 inches tall and weigh 75 pounds to participate. Boys 16-18 must be in the beginning or novice shooting skill range. Girls 10 and older meeting the minimum height and weight requirements and women of all ages are eligible to attend. Youth/Women’s Wingshooting Clinic are free to participants, begin with a thorough firearm safety presentation at the JEPC Hunter Check Station Bldg., and include lunch for participants. Taught by IDNR and National Sporting Clays Assoc. certified wingshooting instructors, youth/women’s wingshooting clinics are a wonderful way for shooting students to learn firearm safety protocols, to learn correct shotgun shooting fundamentals, and to learn how to hit a moving clay target successfully.

Illinois 100th General Assembly Hunting and Fishing Related Legislation 2018

The second year of the 100th GA has begun with legislators filing new bills left and right.  Below you will see a list of all the new pieces of legislation related to hunting and fishing.

Governor Rauner Releases Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Bills filed in 2018
HB 4231 - Blaze Pink Clothing - Illinois 100th General Assembly

HB 4279-DNR-RECREATIONAL BOAT FUNDING - Illinois 100th General Assembly

HB 4487 - Funding State Parks through Lottery Game - Illinois 100th General Assembly

HB 4585-ROCK RIVER-CATFISH- Illinois 100th General Assembly

HB 4592 -$DNR-SNOWMOBILES- Illinois 100th General Assembly

HB 4714 - Deer Hunting - Air Guns - Illinois 100th General Assembly

HB 4759 - Wildlife - Duck Blind or Pit - Illinois 100th General Assembly

HB 4783 and SB 2663 - Wildlife - Youth Hunt/Trap - Illinois 100th General Assembly

HB 5015 - DNR Programs Equipment - Illinois 100th GA

HB 5049 - Youth Deer Permits - Illinois 100th GA

HB 5066 & SB 3247 - IDOT/DNR LAND TRANSFERS- Illinois 100th GA

HB 5130 & SB 2824 - DNR WORST CASE ANALYSIS SCENARIO - Illinois 100th GA

HB 5278 - 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE - Illinois 100th GA

HB 5293 - WILDLIFE-ENDANGERED SPECIES - Illinois 100th GA

HB 5317 - WILDLIFE-RESTITUTION VALUE -Illinois 100th GA

HB 5440 - WILDLIFE-YOUTH HUNTING -Illinois 100th GA

HB 5692 & SB 2962 - RIVER OTTER-LIMIT - Illinois 100th GA

HB 5693 & SB 2963 - WILDLIFE - TRAPPING TAGS - Illinois 100th GA

SB 2295 -FISHING LICENSES-Illinois 100th General Assembly

SB 2493 -WILDLIFE-DEER BAIT-Illinois 100th General Assembly

SB 2833 - $APPROP-NATURAL RESOURCES - Illinois 100th GA

HB 5440 - WILDLIFE-YOUTH HUNTING -Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Charles Meier

Filed: HB 5440 on 2/15/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the fees for a youth resident and non-resident archery deer permit shall be the same. Provides that a resident or non-resident youth under age 18 (rather than only resident youth) may apply to the Department of Natural Resources for a Youth Hunting License and Youth Trapping License.

Last Action: Passed Both Houses and now moves onto Governor

Bill Status:

• 2/16/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Charles Meier
• 2/16/2018 House First Reading
• 2/16/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/7/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/9/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 017-000-000
• 4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/23/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Charles Meier
• 4/23/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
• 4/24/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/25/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 013-000-000
• 4/25/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael J. Zalewski
• 4/25/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate
• 4/25/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Withdrawn by Rep. Charles Meier
• 4/25/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/26/2018 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Daniel Swanson
• 4/26/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 108-000-000
• 4/26/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 4/26/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Avery Bourne
• 4/26/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie
• 5/1/2018 Senate Arrive in Senate
• 5/1/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading May 2, 2018
• 5/8/2018 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Neil Anderson
• 5/8/2018 Senate First Reading
• 5/8/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 5/9/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
• 5/11/2018 Senate Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 31, 2018
• 5/17/2018 Senate Do Pass Agriculture; 007-000-000
• 5/17/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 18, 2018
• 5/18/2018 Senate Second Reading
• 5/18/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 21, 2018
• 5/21/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 048-000-000
• 5/21/2018 House Passed Both Houses

HB 5317 - WILDLIFE-RESTITUTION VALUE -Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Jerry Costello, II

Filed: HB 5317 on 2/15/2018

Final Action:
Passed Both Chambers
House: 111-000-000
Senate:  054-000-000

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Raises the fair market value or replacement cost of various species protected by the Act. Provides that a person who possesses whitetail antlered deer, in whole or in part, captured or killed in violation of the Act, shall pay restitution to the Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $1,000 per whitetail antlered deer and an additional $500 per antler point, for each whitetail antlered deer with at least 8 but not more than 10 antler points. Provides that for whitetail antlered deer with 11 or more antler points, restitution of $1,000 shall be paid to the Department per whitehead antlered deer plus $750 per antler point. Defines "point". Effective immediately.

Last Action: Bill Passed Both Houses and now moves onto the Governor

Bill Status:

• 2/15/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 2/16/2018 House First Reading
• 2/16/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/7/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/9/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 017-000-000
• 4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/10/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 4/10/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
• 4/11/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee; 003-000-000
• 4/13/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate
• 4/13/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted
• 4/13/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/17/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 111-000-000
• 4/17/2018 Senate Arrive in Senate
• 4/17/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 18, 2018
• 4/18/2018 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Napoleon Harris, III
• 4/18/2018 Senate First Reading
• 4/18/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 4/25/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
• 5/10/2018 Senate Do Pass Agriculture; 009-000-000
• 5/10/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 15, 2018
• 5/16/2018 Senate Second Reading
• 5/16/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 17, 2018
• 5/24/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 054-000-000
• 5/24/2018 House Passed Both Houses

HB 5293 - WILDLIFE-ENDANGERED SPECIES - Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Jerry Costello, II

Filed: HB 5293 on 2/15/2018

House Floor Amendment No. 1
Provides that a permit for incidental taking under the Act shall not be required if a federal conservation agreement, including but not limited to, a candidate conservation agreement, habit conservation plan, or safe harbor agreement, that includes conservation practices conducted in this State in effect and approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (in the introduced bill, a permit for incidental taking under the Act shall not be required if a federal conservation agreement, including but not limited to, a candidate conservation agreement, habit conservation plan, or safe harbor agreement, is in effect and approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973). Provides that incidental taking of species which are listed as endangered or threatened by the State only and not listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall follow the provisions under the Act. Provides that of the remaining appointed members, 1 member shall be a landowner representing the State's largest general farm organization (in the introduced bill, 2 members).
Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act. Provides that a permit for incidental taking under the Act shall not be required if a federal conservation agreement, including but not limited to, a candidate conservation agreement, habit conservation plan, or safe harbor agreement, is in effect and approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Provides that in making Endangered Species Protection Board appointments of naturalists, the Governor shall give consideration to recommendations of conservation groups. Provides that of the remaining appointed members, 2 members shall be landowners representing the State's largest general farm organization. Removes the exemption for notice or public hearing when the Endangered Species Protection Board automatically places a species or subspecies of an animal or plant on the Illinois endangered list after designation as endangered by the U.S. Secretary of Interior. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:

• 2/15/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 2/16/2018 House First Reading
• 2/16/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/7/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/9/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 011-001-002
• 4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/11/2018 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Ryan Spain
• 4/13/2018 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dave Severin
• 4/13/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jim Durkin
• 4/13/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate
• 4/13/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/13/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. William Davis
• 4/13/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Avery Bourne
• 4/13/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie
• 4/13/2018 House Chief Co-Sponsor Changed to Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie
• 4/23/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 4/23/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
• 4/24/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/25/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 013-000-000
• 4/25/2018 House Recalled to Second Reading - Short Debate
• 4/25/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted
• 4/25/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/27/2018 House Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

HB 5278 - 5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE - Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Monica Bristow

Filed: HB 5278 on 2/15/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Provides that residents of this State may obtain a 5-year fishing license. Provides that the fee for a 5-year fishing license is $62.50. Provides that for residents age 65 or older, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year fishing license. Provides that for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year fishing license. Provides that residents of this State may obtain a 5-year sportsmen's combination license that shall entitle the holder to the same non-commercial fishing privileges as residents holding a license and to the same hunting privileges as residents holding a license to hunt all species under the Wildlife Code. Provides that the 5-year sportsmen's combination license fee shall be $112.50. Provides that no sportsmen's combination license shall be issued to any individual who would be ineligible for either the fishing or hunting license separately. Provides that for residents age 65 or older, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year sportsmen's combination license. Provides that for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year sportsmen's combination license. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that residents of this State may obtain a 5-year hunting license to hunt all species for $52. Provides that for residents age 65 or older and resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces after returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a 5-year hunting license.

Last Actions:

• 2/15/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Monica Bristow

HB 5693 & SB 2963 - WILDLIFE - TRAPPING TAGS - Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Jerry Costello, II

Filed: HB 5693 on 2/16/2018

HB 5693 Passed Both Houses and now moves onto the Governor

AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 5693:
Amend House Bill 5693 on page 1, line 15, by replacing "owner, or the name and "with "owner, or the".

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Neil Anderson

Filed: SB 2963 on 2/14/2018

AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 2963:
Amend Senate Bill 2963 on page 1, line 15, by replacing "owner, or the name and "with "owner, or the".

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that traps used in the taking of mammals protected by the Code, for which an open trapping season has been established, shall be marked or tagged with metal tags or inscribed in lettering giving the name and address of the owner, or the name and customer identification number issued by the Department of Natural Resources, and absence of such mark or tag shall be prima facie evidence that such trap or traps are illegally used and the trap or traps shall be confiscated and disposed of as directed by the Department. Effective immediately.


HB 5693 Bill Status:

• 2/16/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 2/16/2018 House First Reading
• 2/16/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/7/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 3/7/2018 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 3/7/2018 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/8/2018 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/9/2018 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 017-000-000
• 4/9/2018 House Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 017-000-000
• 4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/19/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 111-000-000
• 4/23/2018 Senate Arrive in Senate
• 4/23/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 24, 2018
• 4/24/2018 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Neil Anderson
• 4/24/2018 Senate First Reading
• 4/24/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 4/27/2018 Senate Added as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Jil Tracy
• 5/1/2018 Senate Approved for Consideration Assignments
• 5/1/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 2, 2018
• 5/2/2018 Senate Second Reading
• 5/2/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 3, 2018
• 5/22/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 057-000-000
• 5/22/2018 House Passed Both Houses

SB 2963 Last Actions:

• 2/14/2018 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson
• 2/14/2018 Senate First Reading
• 2/14/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 2/21/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
• 2/28/2018 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson
• 2/28/2018 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
• 3/1/2018 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Agriculture
• 4/12/2018 Senate Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
• 4/12/2018 Senate Do Pass as Amended Agriculture; 009-000-000
• 4/12/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 17, 2018
• 4/12/2018 Senate Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Jil Tracy
• 4/18/2018 Senate Second Reading
• 4/18/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 19, 2018
• 4/23/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 044-000-000
• 4/23/2018 House Arrived in House
• 4/25/2018 House Chief House Sponsor Rep. Lawrence Walsh, Jr.
• 4/25/2018 House First Reading
• 4/25/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee

HB 5692 & SB 2962 - RIVER OTTER-LIMIT - Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Jerry Costello, II
Filed: HB 5692 on 2/16/2018

HB 5692 Passed Both Houses and now moves onto Governor

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Neil Anderson

Filed: SB 2962 on 2/14/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Deletes language providing that the season limit for river otter shall not exceed 5 river otters per person per season. Effective immediately.


HB 5692 Bill Status:

• 2/16/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 2/16/2018 House First Reading
• 2/16/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/7/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/9/2018 House Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 017-000-000
• 4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/13/2018 House Second Reading - Short Debate
• 4/13/2018 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/19/2018 House Chief Sponsor Changed to Rep. Lawrence Walsh, Jr.
• 4/19/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jerry Costello, II
• 4/19/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie
• 4/19/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Terri Bryant
• 4/19/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Dave Severin
• 4/20/2018 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 072-025-000
• 4/23/2018 Senate Arrive in Senate
• 4/23/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 24, 2018
• 4/24/2018 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Neil Anderson
• 4/24/2018 Senate First Reading
• 4/24/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 4/27/2018 Senate Added as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Jil Tracy
• 5/1/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
• 5/10/2018 Senate Do Pass Agriculture; 008-001-000
• 5/10/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 15, 2018
• 5/15/2018 Senate Second Reading
• 5/15/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 16, 2018
• 5/22/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 053-001-000
• 5/22/2018 House Passed Both Houses

SB 2962 Last Actions:

• 2/14/2018 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Neil Anderson
• 2/14/2018 Senate First Reading
• 2/14/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 2/21/2018 Senate Assigned to Agriculture
• 4/10/2018 Senate Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. William R. Haine
• 4/12/2018 Senate Do Pass Agriculture; 008-001-000
• 4/12/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 17, 2018
• 4/12/2018 Senate Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Jil Tracy
• 4/18/2018 Senate Second Reading
• 4/18/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 19, 2018
• 4/23/2018 Senate Third Reading - Passed; 043-001-000
• 4/23/2018 House Arrived in House
• 4/25/2018 House Chief House Sponsor Rep. Lawrence Walsh, Jr.
• 4/25/2018 House First Reading
• 4/25/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee

SB 2833 - $APPROP-NATURAL RESOURCES - Illinois 100th GA

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Karen McConnaughay

Filed: SB 2833 on 2/13/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Appropriates $179,900 from the State Boating Act Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the ordinary and contingent expenses related to ice boom establishment and maintenance at East Dundee and Carpentersville. Effective immediately.

Last Actions:

• 2/13/2018 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Karen McConnaughay
• 2/13/2018 Senate First Reading
• 2/13/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments

HB 5130 & SB 2824 - DNR WORST CASE ANALYSIS SCENARIO - Illinois 100th GA

Senate Sponsors
Sen. David Koehler

Filed: SB 2824 on 2/13/2018

House Sponsors
Rep. Jay Hoffman

Filed: HB 5130 2/15/18

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. Provides that when considering whether to issue a permit for construction or maintenance or repair of a levee or flood wall under a provision in the Act, the Department of Natural Resources shall consider the flood discharge that would just overtop a levee or flood wall when conducting a worst-case scenario analysis. Defines "worst-case scenario analysis". Effective immediately.

SB 2824 Last Actions:

• 2/13/2018 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. David Koehler
• 2/13/2018 Senate First Reading
• 2/13/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 2/20/2018 Senate Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Cristina Castro
• 2/21/2018 Senate Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Omar Aquino
• 2/21/2018 Senate Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. William R. Haine
• 2/21/2018 Senate Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Heather A. Steans
• 2/21/2018 Senate Assigned to Environment and Conservation
• 2/27/2018 Senate Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Jacqueline Y. Collins
• 3/1/2018 Senate Do Pass Environment and Conservation; 008-000-000
• 3/1/2018 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 13, 2018

HB 5130 Last Actions:

• 2/15/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman
• 2/16/2018 House First Reading
• 2/16/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 2/20/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Katie Stuart
• 2/22/2018 House Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael Halpin
• 3/1/2018 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. LaToya Greenwood
• 3/5/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee

HB 5066 & SB 3247 - IDOT/DNR LAND TRANSFERS- Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Avery Bourne

Filed: HB 5066 on 2/14/2018

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Dale Fowler

Filed: SB 3247 on 2/14/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to make certain real estate conveyances in Bureau County, Menard County, and Pulaski County, subject to specified conditions. Authorizes the Department of Transportation to make certain real estate conveyances in Grundy County, DuPage County, DeKalb County, Montgomery County, Tazewell County, and Mason County, subject to specified conditions. Effective immediately.

HB 5066 Last Actions:

• 2/14/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Avery Bourne
• 2/14/2018 House First Reading
• 2/14/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee

SB 3247 Last Actions:

• 2/16/2018 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Dale Fowler
• 2/16/2018 Senate First Reading
• 2/16/2018 Senate Referred to Assignments
• 2/27/2018 Senate Assigned to Judiciary

HB 5049 - Youth Deer Permits - Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Michael J. Zalewski

Filed: HB 5049 on 2/14/2018

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that deer hunting permits for youth hunters shall be open statewide and not limited to one specific county.

Last Actions:

• 2/14/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Michael J. Zalewski
• 2/14/2018 House First Reading
• 2/14/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/5/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee

HB 5015 - DNR Programs Equipment - Illinois 100th GA

House Sponsors
Rep. Ryan Spain

Filed: HB 5015 on 2/14/2018

AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 5015

Amend House Bill 5015 on page 2, line 15, after the period, by inserting "The Department shall not be liable for civil damages arising from a volunteer operating his or her own light equipment in carrying out functions granted by the Department, except for willful or wanton misconduct on the part of the Department."; and  on page 4, line 14, after the period, by inserting "The Department shall not be liable for civil damages arising from a volunteer operating his or her own light equipment in carrying out functions granted by the Department, except for willful or wanton misconduct on the part of the Department.".

Synopsis As Introduced:

Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Amends provisions concerning the Department of Natural Resources Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail programs. Provides that a volunteer may bring his or her own light equipment, including, but not limited to, a lawn mower, chainsaw, or other appropriate equipment to carry out functions granted by the Department at his or her own risk, so long as it does not interfere with work historically performed by Department employees.

Last Actions:

• 2/14/2018 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
• 2/14/2018 House First Reading
• 2/14/2018 House Referred to Rules Committee
• 3/5/2018 House Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/4/2018 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Ryan Spain
• 4/4/2018 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
• 4/9/2018 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Agriculture & Conservation Committee
• 4/9/2018 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 017-000-000
• 4/9/2018 House Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 017-000-000
• 4/10/2018 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
• 4/27/2018 House House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
• 4/27/2018 House Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Governor Rauner Releases Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Governor Rauner Releases Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Illinois Department of Natural Resource Budget

Photos from the Office of Management & Budget & the DNR 

Today Governor Rauner released his FY19 proposed operating budget for the DNR.  You can find it on page 262 of the Proposed Operating Budget.  An operating budget is where 'appropriations are for consumable goods and services such as salaries and benefits, commodities, utilities, and professional services that are purchased and used during any one fiscal year.' 

The Governor is proposing a 1.5% increase from FY18 that would support a Conservation Officer Trainee class which will be required due to retirement and other similar situations. This proposed budget also maintains a fully funded historic preservation department which the IDNR acquired during 2017.  Hunting and fishing licenses will remain the same price for FY19 while maintaining operations of all state parks and campgrounds.

If this is your first time looking at the DNR budget, it can be overwhelming due to the fact that there are many different programs, departments and funds associated with the agency.  You can find this breakdown on page 263 of the Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Budget.

The Governor also proposed a Capital Budget for the IDNR.  A Capital Budget is when 'appropriations are for assets that have a long-term useful life, such as buildings, highways, underground or surface infrastructure, durable equipment and land. Capital appropriations may span multiple fiscal years.' You can find the DNR Capital Appropriations beginning on page 56 of the Governor Proposed FY19 Capital Budget.

Over several years, the DNR has gone without capital appropriations and with that came deterioration of many DNR properties.  A fully funded capital budget in FY19 will allow the agency to do the over $24 million improvements that they have identified. These projects are highlighted on page 57 of this budget.

The fiscal year 2019 proposed budget provides funding for a complete DNR capital program. This includes: 

• The continuation of prior year outdoor grant projects, flood hazard mitigation buyouts, mined lands reclamation, recreational trail and water resources programming; 
• Additional spending authority to finish previously awarded projects; and 
• Pay-as-you-go appropriations allowing the department to carry out projects and programming that are both core to its mission and can allow for federal match or reimbursement. 

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 

The recommended fiscal year 2019 capital budget continues to fund grants and programs that were included in the fiscal year 2018 budget. 

• Additional spending authority to finish out prior year obligations is included, such as: 
•  $25 million in authority to fund previous years’ awards for the Museum Grant Program; and  

• $64 million to continue prior year grants from the Park and Recreational Facilities (PARC) program. 

• $30.5 million is included for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) projects, including $15.0 million for new projects in fiscal year 2019.

As hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts we understand how bad the DNR needs this capital appropriation to just maintain our state parks and make them more enjoyable for all visitors.

As a reminder, this is the Governor's Proposed budget, it has not been enacted or approved.  This begins the long negotiations of a budget in Illinois, so continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors throughout this process. 

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe