Legislation Filed to Abolish the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board

Hunters, Anglers, Outdoor Enthusiasts - I write to you today regarding a piece of legislation filed this year.  My experiences with NRAB and the IDNR have spanned many years. My opinion is complex with lots of backstory.  If you wish to read the bill for yourself and form your own opinions, please do so here.   This article contains many of the same thoughts that have been expressed to me from IDNR employees, hunters, anglers and many who enjoy the outdoors. 

HB 4713 / SB 3908 was filed to Abolish the DNR Advisory Board.  The bill states the following: "Amends the Departments of State Government Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois by repealing the Section that created the Department of Natural Resources Advisory Board. Makes corresponding changes in the Wildlife Code and the Illinois Open Land Trust Act. Amends the Department of Natural Resources Act. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to conduct regional yearly public forums to obtain public input and comments on subjects, matters, or programs under the control of the Department of Natural Resources. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to consider all comments received during a public forum."

What is NRAB?  The Advisory Board is statutorily created to advise the agency on long range policies to assist in guiding the protection and conservation of renewable resources of the state and recommend changes in hunting and trapping seasons and bag or possession limits. They also recommend to the Director which projects receive funding in bike, boat, and Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant programs. Members serve six year terms and are appointed by the Governor. The Board holds quarterly meetings with time allotted for public comment on any topic. You can read more here. 

I have attended numerous NRAB meetings over many administrations and this is my opinion of the board and the agency behind it. 
 
It's politics.  The members of the board are solely appointed by the Governor with some representing special interest groups whose voice seems to be heard louder than others.  Although the agenda may seem packed with discussion items, little discussion is had between board members with the department getting what the department wants. 

I have been constantly met by a stone wall when I want to get information from these agenda items.  I have wanted to see the reports that the board has been discussing and have been told that the information is not "public ready". There have been Open Meetings violations such as board members having discussions outside of the public forum and where meeting minutes are not posted timely. This board is run by the agency that many in the outdoor community have had problems with for years.  And this bill would give that agency more power and less oversight.

On the flip side, there are some members of the board that are very outspoken, that have tried for years to have certain voices be heard in regions of our state.  Who have time after time spoken up and have gotten nowhere. Who have had the same disappointments and struggles with this agency as many of you have had. This voice also happens to be the Chairman of the board.  Funny thing is, since that voice became Chairman NRAB has had very little meetings with the last being May 2021.  Coincidence?  

When Director Callahan came into office I had high hopes, silly me.  This bill is a slap in the face to outdoorsmen and women and was filed to silence the voices they don't want to hear.  When we reached out to the IDNR for comment Director of Communications -Jayette Bolinski stated the following:

The language contained in HB4713/SB3908 is placeholder language at this time to accommodate legislative filing deadlines. The proposal is not finalized, and IDNR will be working with sponsors to file an amendment.

IDNR has every intention of continuing the Natural Resources Advisory Board. However, state law established this panel 24 years ago, and today we believe the board can and should better reflect the diversity of the state, the current duties of the department as defined by state law, and those who seek to enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Illinois.

IDNR receives advice from numerous boards and commissions on matters such as endangered species protection, climate change and nature preserves. We work closely with conservation-focused organizations statewide to manage and protect wildlife, land, and water. We monitor comments on our social media channels and share that feedback with IDNR staff. This is an agency that values public feedback and participation in the decision-making process.

If the intent of the legislation is not to Abolish the Board, don't file a bill to abolish the board.  There are other ways to file legislation to meet the filing deadline that could accommodate said amendment.  WORDS MATTER and the fact that the bill as filed stated that the agency wants to abolish the board MATTERS.  Your intent can not be trusted.  Your intent has time after time slapped us in the face.   The board can already do what you intend for it to do.  It does not need legislation to do that. 

I have heard for years that the IDNR intends to do certain things, that they agree with me on certain items.   I have even gone to the board and voiced my opinion on issues and that goes unheard. 

I agree that the board needs to be revamped.  That things need to change.  But, I do not agree that the board needs to be abolished.  That is the farthest thing from what needs to be done with the IDNR.  Although the board has been mismanaged, misdirected and in my opinion, run haphazardly it should not be abolished.  It has a specific purpose. 

For starters, maybe instead of having the Governor solely appoint members of the board, "diversify" it by having appointments made from the four caucuses.  The make-up of many boards and commissions are done this way. 

• 2 members appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate and 2 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.  
• 2 members appointed by the Majority Leader of the House and 2 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House. 
• 2 members appointed by the Governor. 

The legislation states that instead of the advisory board, public forums shall take place.  I don't know about you, but I have been to other IDNR forums, they are sparsely attended and the comments are taken with a grain of salt with no oversight.   The lack of involvement should speak volumes to the IDNR.  The public does not feel that they are listened to and after years of that treatment they just stopped showing up.  

If the IDNR wants to know what the outdoor community thinks, bring back Conservation Congress. PERIOD. 

But who am I.  I attended NRAB on my dime, representing noone. And for years I have tried to work with the IDNR on so many issues.  Have reached out to them on so many things but its just been yakety yakety yak with no answer back. 

The Outdoor Community needs to wake up, stand up and pay attention.   

This is not good policy. This is not okay. This is not how the IDNR Communicates, Collaborates or Connects. 

At the time of writing this article Director Callahan has declined to comment on this issue.  

Trailer Fee Registration Decrease, Bobcat Repeal, Rifle Hunting and More Outdoor Bills Filed in the Illinois 102nd General Assembly

Illinois 102nd General Assembly is well underway and legislators are busy filing bills.  You may have noticed the lack of posts on Capitol Outdoors last year in regards to hunting, fishing and outdoors recreation policies.  While bills were filed last year, the unknown nature of COVID-19 took precedent with session being cancelled and the focus shifting to the pandemic. 

Legislators are well on their way to filing bills and one hot topic this year is regarding the trailer fee decrease.   You may recall last year during the 101st GA there was an increase of $100 to trailer registrations.  This caught many members off guard, drew lots of attention and has since became law.  Many legislators have taken upon themselves to file legislation to change that fee back to the original $18. 

Recently, Governor Pritzker proposed his FY22 budget - you can read more about that here. 

Stay tuned as we follow along throughout this year where the committee process is going fully virtual.  This is going to keep hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts informed from the Legislative Floors to the Great Outdoors.     

Trailer Bills:

HB2916
Adam Niemerg
VEH-CD-UNDO PA 101-32 FEES

HB2917
Adam Niemerg
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB0036
Katie Stuart
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB0636
Avery Bourne
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB0837
Joyce Mason
IDOT- TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB1898
Thomas M. Bennett
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

HB2895
Randy E. Frese
VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX

Other Filed Outdoor Legislation:

HB0123
Lance Yednock
5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE

HB0278
Lance Yednock
WILDLIFE CD-FIREARM EXEMPTION

HB0334
Charles Meier
WILDLIFE-LAND PERMIT-RESIDENCY

HB1827
Daniel Didech
WILDLIFE-REPEAL BOBCAT TAKING

HB1891
Amy Elik
WILDLIFE&CRIM CD-SILENCERS

HB1939
Tony McCombie
FISH-FISHING LICENSE EXEMPTION

HB1941
Tony McCombie
WILDLIFE CD-YOUTH ONLY HUNTING

HB1974
Lawrence Walsh, Jr.
WLDLF CD-TRAPPNG LICNSE EXMPT

HB2549
Andrew S. Chesney
WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE DEER HUNTING

HB2618
Lance Yednock
WLDLF CD-TRAPPNG LICNSE EXMPT

HB2744
Robert Rita
FISH-AQUATIC STAMPS & LICENSE

HB2921
Avery Bourne
WILDLIFE-NUISANCE PERMIT-AGE

HB3344
Andrew S. Chesney
WILDLIFE CD-HUNTING OPENING

HB3645
Avery Bourne
MUZZLELOADING SEASON

HB3658
Sonya M. Harper
AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT ACT

HB3717
C.D. Davidsmeyer
COMMERCIAL FISHING DEVICES

HB3718
C.D. Davidsmeyer
ANIMALS-DOGS-TRESPASS ON LAND

HB3752
Adam Niemerg
VETERANS DAY-FISHING LICENSE

HB3754
Charles Meier
WILDLIFE-AIRBOW DEER HUNTING

HB3755
Charles Meier
WILDLIFE CD-WILD SWINE

HB3756
Charles Meier
FISH & AQUATIC LIFE CODE

HB3757
Charles Meier
FISH-PROTECTED SPECIES

HB3812
Norine K. Hammond
WLDLIFE-DISABLD YOUTH DEERHUNT

HB3928
Thomas M. Bennett
CONSERVATION TASK FORCE

Spring Trout Season Opener Postponed Indefinitely in DuPage Forest Preserves

Photo Courtesy: DuPage Forest News

Three lakes will remain closed to fishing

DU PAGE FOREST NEWS Press Release

(March 27, 2020) — The spring rainbow trout season opener, originally scheduled for April 4, has been postponed indefinitely at three DuPage Forest Preserve District lakes in keeping with the governor’s stay-at-home order to prevent gatherings and the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens April 4

Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens April 4

Here at Capitol Outdoors, we always look forward to the Fall and Spring trout release.  It's a great way to get those who've never fished before and those kids outside.  The action is fast, which helps makes it entertaining for kids.  There are lots of ways to catch these fish from casting a spoon, power bait, minnow, and even corn.  However if you're looking to increase your odds, read one of our prior articles.  "Capitol Outdoors' Tips and Tricks for Inland Trout Fishing" 

Illinois 101st General Assembly - New Hunting and Fishing Legislation Filed

February 14th was the deadline for the General Assembly to file bills for the second year of the 101st G.A.  Both the House and Senate filed many outdoor related bills and we will highlight those below.

Be sure and "Like" our Facebook page where we post updates on bills as they move through the committee process and eventually for a full vote on either the House or Senate floor.

Want to voice your concern regarding a certain bill?  You can either reach out to the bill sponsor with specific questions or file a witness slip to document your position.  We outlined how you would go about filing a witness slip here.

Capitol Outdoors will dive deeper into each bill as they continue in the process.


The following are bills that were filed this year.  If you would like to read the full text of the bill, click the link. 

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HB 4112 - WILDLIFE-LAND PERMIT-RESIDENCY

House Sponsors
Rep. Charles Meier

Allows a landowner deer, turkey, and combination permit to be issued without charge to Illinois landowners (removes residing in the State) who own at least 40 acres of Illinois land and wish to hunt upon their land only.

HB 4254 - WILDLIFE CD-DISABLED VET EXEMPT

House Sponsors
Rep. Nathan D. Reitz

Provides that a veteran who is at least 10% disabled with service-related disabilities or who is in receipt of a total disability pension is not required to procure a trapping license in order to trap any of the permitted species identified in the Code during such times and with such devices and by such methods as permitted by the Code.

HB 4308 - WILDLIFE CD-TRAPPING LICENSE EXEMPT

House Sponsors
Rep. Nathan D. Reitz

Provides that a veteran who is certified by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to be at least 10% disabled with service related disabilities or who is in receipt of total disability pension may trap, as permitted by the Code, without procuring a trapping license. Provides further that a military member returning from mobilization and service outside the United States who is an Illinois resident may trap, as permitted by the Code, without paying any fees required to obtain a trapping license, if he or she applies for the license within 2 years after returning from service abroad or after mobilization. Adds trapping licenses to the terminally ill hunter licensing program. Provides that persons on active duty in the Armed Forces or Illinois residents with a Type 1 or Type 4, Class 2 disability as defined in the Illinois Identification Card Act may trap, as permitted by the Code, without procuring a trapping license. Adds definitions.

HB 4317 - FISH-FISHING LICENSE EXEMPTION FOR YOUTH
House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie

Provides that individuals under the age of 18 (instead of 16) may fish with sport fishing devices without being required to have a license.

HB 4863 - YOUTH HUNTING TURKEY STATEWIDE PERMIT PILOT

House Sponsors
Rep. Tony McCombie

Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall create a pilot program during the annual 2-weekend, youth-only spring wild turkey hunting season to allow for youth wild turkey hunting permits that are valid statewide, excluding those counties or portions of counties closed to firearm turkey hunting. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to implement the pilot program. Provides that nothing shall be construed to prohibit the Department from issuing Special Hunt Area Permits for the youth-only wild turkey hunting season or establishing, through administrative rule, additional requirements pertaining to the youth-only wild turkey hunting season on Department-owned or Department-managed sites, including site-specific quotas or drawings.

HB 4994 - WILDLIFE-AIRBOW DEER HUNTING

House Sponsors
Rep. Charles Meier

Permits the use of an airbow in hunting deer. Defines "airbow". Makes conforming changes.

"Airbow" means a bow and arrow device that applies 150 pounds of force in the form of compressed air to an arrow over a 25 inch power stroke.

HB 4996 - WILDLIFE CD-WILD SWINE

House Sponsors
Rep. Charles Meier

Includes wild swine as a protected species covered by the Code. Sets forth definitions of "wild swine" for purposes of the Code. Provides that wild swine may be taken by hunting methods at any time. Provides further that wild swine may be taken during the open season by use of a small light that is worn on the body or hand-held by a person not in any vehicle.

HB 5060 - WILDLIFE/4-POINT ANTLER RULE

House Sponsors
Rep. Brad Halbrook

Provides that it is unlawful for a person to take deer except antlerless deer and antlered deer with at least one antler having at least 4 antler points. Provides that the antler point restriction applies to all deer hunting zones, seasons, and permittees, except during the special 3-day, youth-only deer hunting season. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to adopt rules to implement and administer the antler point restriction.

"Antler point" means an antler point or tine that is at least one inch long from base to tip,  including a broken point or tine that is at least one inch long. "Antler point" includes the end of the main beam of an antler.


HB 5088 -FISH-AQUATIC STAMPS & LICENSE

House Sponsors
Rep. Robert Rita

Allows the holder of a scientific collector's permit to fish with sport fishing devices without a license. Requires any individual who is required to obtain a license to also obtain an aquatic conservation stamp prior to taking or attempting to take any fish, including minnows for commercial purposes, turtles, mussels, crayfish, or frogs from waters of this State. Provides that the fee for the aquatic conservation stamp is $5 for both resident and non-resident licensees; waives the fee for residents over 75 years of age. Makes other conforming changes. Requires that fees derived solely from the sale of aquatic conservation stamps, gifts, donations, grants, and bequests of money for the conservation of aquatic life shall be deposited to the State Treasury and set apart in a special fund known as the Aquatic Conservation Stamp Fund. Sets forth further requirements regarding appropriations from Aquatic Conservation Stamp Fund.


HB 5179 - DNR-STATE PARKS-APPRENTICESHIP

House Sponsors
Rep. Lance Yednock

Provides that the Department has the power to enter into contracts with union apprentice trade programs across the State for the purpose of providing maintenance and repairs to State parks. Allows each Regional Office of the Department to contract with such programs in its respective region. Provides that funds from the Park and Conservation Fund may be used by the Department to enter into contracts with union apprentice trade programs.

HB 5192 - FISH-AGE REQ-FISHING LICENSE

House Sponsors
Rep. Nathan D. Reitz

Provides that any individual, resident or non-resident, who is 18 years of age (rather than 16 years of age) or older shall, before taking or attempting to take any aquatic life protected by the Code by any means whatever in the State of Illinois, obtain a license to do so. Provides that before taking or attempting to take salmon from Lake Michigan, a resident or non-resident who is 18 years of age (rather than 16 years of age) or older shall obtain a salmon stamp authorized by the Department of Natural Resources; before taking or attempting to take trout from all waters except Lake Michigan, a resident or non-resident who is 18 years of age (rather than 16 years of age) or older shall obtain an inland trout stamp authorized by the Department. Requires an individual under 18 years of age (rather than 16 years of age) who possesses a lifetime hunting or sportsmen's combination license to have in his or her possession, while in the field, a certificate of competency as required under the Wildlife Code.

HB 5253 - FOREST/CONSERVE-DESIGN-BUILD

House Sponsors
Rep. Frances Ann Hurley

Provides that a forest preserve district or conservation district may enter into design-build contracts. Includes scope and performance criteria for design-build contracts, a two-phase procedure for selection of contracts, requirements for submission of proposals, procedures for awarding contracts, and requirements of reports and evaluation of contracts. Provides that if the total overall cost of a project is estimated to be less than $12,000,000, the forest preserve or conservation district may combine the two-phase procedure for selection into one phase. Amends the Conservation District Act, Downstate Forest Preserve District Act, and Cook County Forest Preserve District Act making conforming changes. Further amends those Acts increasing the minimum contract amount to $50,000 (currently $25,000) before competitive bidding is required.

HB 5306 - VEH CD-PERMANENT TRAILER PLATE

House Sponsors
Rep. Terri Bryant

Provides that beginning with the 2022 registration year, the Secretary of State, at the option of the applicant, shall issue permanent registration plates for a one-time fee of $118 to the owner of a trailer having a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less. Provides that a person who has been issued a permanent trailer plate is not required to pay the annual flat weight tax and registration fee. Lowers the annual flat weight tax and registration fee for trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less from $118 to $18.

If you recall, as part of the Capital Bill last year, the trailer registration fees increased from $18 to $118.  This bill along with others is trying to remedy that.

HB 5447 - BOAT SAFETY- Act Clean-Up Language

House Sponsors
Rep. Nicholas K. Smith

Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Changes the definitions Section to put the terms in alphabetical order and changes the definitions of "motorboat" and "operate". Defines "international regulations" and "wearable U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device". Makes additional changes and adds provisions in Sections concerning: personal flotation devices; navigation lights; interference with navigation; and traffic rules.


HB 5469 -  DNR-OUTDOOR GRANTS PROGRAM
House Sponsors
Rep. Sonya M. Harper

Provides that the Department shall establish the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, subject to adequate appropriation or private funding, to increase the ability of underserved and at-risk populations to participate in outdoor environmental educational experiences at State parks and other public lands where outdoor environmental education programs take place. Contains provisions relating to the organization of the grant program, priority of specified populations, funding of the grant program, and annual reporting. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to implement the provisions. Amends the State Finance Act by adding the Outdoor Equity Grants Program Fund.


HB 5542 - STATEWIDE YOUTH DEER - DISABLED HUNT

House Sponsors
Rep. Norine K. Hammond

Provides that during the pilot program that creates the special 3-day, youth-only firearm deer hunting season, one day of the 3 days shall be reserved for children with disabilities. Provides that the one day youth-only firearm deer hunting season reserved for children with disabilities shall apply to all counties located in the State. Provides that all provisions of the pilot program are inoperative on and after January 1, 2023. Effective June 1, 2020.

HB 5543 -COMMERCIAL FISHING DEVICES

House Sponsors
Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer

Allows commercial fishermen to obstruct more than one-half the width of any stream or watercourse under specified circumstances. Specifies requirements for commercial fishermen who are unable to be in immediate supervision of his or her gill and trammel nets. Defines "trammel net" and "gill net". Makes conforming changes

HB 5544 - ANIMALS-DOGS-TRESPASS ON LAND

House Sponsors
Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer

Removes the provision of the Code that prohibits a person from intentionally or wantonly allowing a dog to hunt (i) on the land of another, or (ii) on the waters that flow over or stand on the land of another, without first obtaining permission from the owner or the owner's designee. Effective immediately.


SB 2550 -TRAPPING LICENSE EXEMPTION

Senate Sponsors
Sen. David Koehler

Provides that a veteran who is certified by the Department of Veterans' Affairs to be at least 10% disabled with service related disabilities or who is in receipt of total disability pension may trap, as permitted by the Code, without procuring a trapping license. Provides further that a military member returning from mobilization and service outside the United States who is an Illinois resident may trap, as permitted by the Code, without paying any fees required to obtain a trapping license, if he or she applies for the license within 2 years after returning from service abroad or after mobilization. Adds trapping licenses to the terminally ill hunter licensing program. Provides that persons on active duty in the Armed Forces or Illinois residents with a Type 1 or Type 4, Class 2 disability as defined in the Illinois Identification Card Act may trap, as permitted by the Code, without procuring a trapping license.

SB 3230 - WILDLIFE-HABITAT STAMP-EXEMPTION

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Dale Fowler

Provides that owners of land and their children, parents, brothers, and sisters shall have the right to hunt upon their lands without procuring a State Habitat Stamp, but the hunting shall be done only during periods of time and with devices and by methods as are permitted by the Code.

SB 3232 - WILDLIFE-OUTFITTER PERMITS

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Thomas Cullerton

Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall, by rule, provide for a number of Wild Turkey Hunting Permits to be set aside specifically for wild turkey outfitters operating in this State with a valid outfitter permit. Authorizes wild turkey outfitters to provide these permits to customers in the course of providing outfitting services. Provides that nothing shall prohibit a wild turkey outfitter from scheduling hunts with persons holding permits not otherwise provided by the outfitter.

SB 3235 - WILDLIFE-FISH LICENSES-MILITARY EXEMPTION

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Rachelle Crowe

Provides that an Illinois resident who is on active military duty and is stationed in Illinois may fish as permitted by the Fish and Aquatic Life Code without paying any fees required to obtain a fishing license. Provides that an Illinois resident who is on active military duty and is stationed in Illinois may hunt as permitted by the Wildlife Code without paying any fees required to obtain a hunting license.

SB 3393  - FISH-LICENSE FEES FOR VETERANS

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Patrick Joyce

Provides that, beginning with the 2021 license year, resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have returned from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States shall be issued a fishing license, or a sportsmen's combination license, free of charge. Requires veterans to provide verification of their service to the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that the Department shall establish what constitutes suitable verification of service for the purpose of issuing a fishing license or a sportsmen's combination license free of charge to resident veterans.


The following are bills that were filed last year that can still move through the process:

HB 1598 -  5 YR HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE

House Sponsors
Rep. Monica Bristow

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 a sportsmen's combination license shall not 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.


HB 2036 -  HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE FEES Exemption Veterans

House Sponsors
Rep. John M. Cabello

Provides that the fee for all sport fishing licenses shall be waived for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have been honorably discharged. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the fee for a hunting license to hunt all species shall be waived for resident veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have been honorably discharged. Makes technical changes.


HB 2778 - WILDLIFE CD-HUNTING OPENING

House Sponsors
Rep. Andrew S. Chesney

Provides that notwithstanding any provision of the Code, each opening weekend for every hunting season established by the Department of Natural Resources shall be at least 4 days long.

HB 2783 -  WILDLIFE CD-RIFLE HUNTING

House Sponsors
Rep. Andrew S. Chesney

As introduced:
Permits hunting with a rifle for the taking of deer. Provides that rifle hunting permits issued by the Department of Natural Resources shall be approved by county ordinance. Provides that notwithstanding any provision of the Code, it is unlawful to take a deer with a rifle in a county of the State with a population of 500,000 or more. Defines "rifle" as any firearm designed, made, or adapted to be fired from the shoulder that uses the energy of an explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire a projectile through a rifled bore by a single function of the trigger.

House Floor Amendment No. 2

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. Provides that legal handguns and rifles include any bottleneck centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger with a case length not exceeding 1.4 inches or any straight walled centerfire cartridge of .30 caliber or larger both of which must be available as a load with the published ballistic tables of the manufacturer showing a capability of at least 500 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. Deletes language that provides that notwithstanding any provision of the Code, it is unlawful to take a deer with a rifle in a county of the State with a population of 500,000 or more.


HB 3453 - DEER HUNTING-AIR GUNS

House Sponsors
Rep. Lance Yednock

Provides that a person may take deer with a .45 caliber or larger air-powered gun. Defines "air-powered gun" as any implement designed as a gun that will expel a BB or pellet by spring, gas, or air charged from an external high compression power source.



COMING UP NEXT WEEK: 

House Agriculture Committee Hearing
Feb. 18th - 2PM 

SB 780 - MIGRATORY WATERFOWL 

Provides that it shall be lawful for any person who holds the licenses, permits, and stamps required for the taking of migratory waterfowl to use steel and other non-toxic shotshells as approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service when taking waterfowl at any location in the State where the hunting of migratory waterfowl is authorized. Provides that it is unlawful to use any shotgun larger than 10 gauge or smaller than a .410 bore to take species protected by this Act; however, nothing shall prohibit the use of a shotgun, not larger than 10 gauge nor smaller than a 20 gauge, with a rifled barrel. Provides that it shall be unlawful to use lead shotshells to take wildlife on Department of Natural Resources properties on or after January 1, 2022.

The DNR already has administrative rules that ban specific ammunition on DNR sites.  This legislation will codified it into statute. 

Governor's Budget Address
Feb. 18th - NOON 

STAY INFORMED! BE EDUCATED! 

 

Governor Pritzker appoints Anthony D. Tindall to the Natural Resources Advisory Board

Governor Pritzker has appointed Anthony D. Tindall from Chicago to replace Matthew Langendorf on the NRAB Board.

Anthony D. Tindall is currently the Policy and Special Projects Manager at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County where he "manages the policy, sustainability, and climate resiliency agenda and activities for the 70,000-acre public land management agency. Staff Coordinator of the Next Century Conservation Plan's Leadership and Economic Committees. Manages various other institutional projects for the Office of the General Superintendent."

He received a Master's Degree in Public Administration from DePaul University and is currently a member of the National Advisory Board for the Union of Concerned Scientists. Information provided from linkedin.com