(SB 2143) Bill would make it Illegal to sell Bobcat Pelts

Bill would make it Illegal to sell Bobcat Pelts

Sponsored by Senator Don Harmon (Democrat of Oak Park, Illinois) Senate Bill 2143 (WILDLIFE CD-BOBCAT PELTS) was introduced back in May of 2015 and has been silent since.  That was until February 3, 2016 where SB 2143 has been assigned to Commerce and Economic Development.

Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.

SB2143 - WILDLIFE CD-BOBCAT PELTS

Amends the Wildlife Code. Prohibits the sale of bobcat pelts of bobcats taken in Illinois. Penalty for a violation of this provision is a petty offense, as provided in the general penalty section of the Code.

More Access and Spring Turkey Hunting Opportunities Added to Illinois Recreational Access Program

More Access and Spring Turkey Hunting Opportunities Added to Illinois Recreational Access Program

Youth Hunters Should Apply by Feb. 26 for Youth Turkey Season;
First-time adult and young hunters apply by March 10 for Seasons 3 and 4

Public hunters are always saying we need more land.  Well,  the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) might just be the answer to some of the land questions.  Granted there are some stipulations to be enrolled in this program as a landowner, but this is a great example of public private partnerships.  

This program has just added first time adult turkey hunters.  With them adding turkey hunting and all sorts of other hunting and recreational opportunities IRAP could be an acronym we say a lot more in the future.  

Read below for the full press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resouces

(HB 4604 & SB 2883) Additional Game Birds Possibly Coming to Illinois Public Hunting Grounds

Additional Game Birds Possibly Coming to Illinois Public Hunting Grounds

Bobwhite quail, chukar partridge, and gray partridge could be coming to Illinois public hunting grounds. Representative John Cavaletto (Republican - Salem, Illinois) introduced a bill that could bring additional game birds to Illinois public hunting grounds.

HB 4604 - WILDLIFE CD-HUNTING-GAME BIRDS

Amends the Wildlife Code. Changes the name of the fee from "Public Hunting Grounds for Pheasants" to "Public Hunting Grounds for Game Birds". Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may permit hunters to take bobwhite quail, chukar partridge, and gray partridge on public hunting grounds. Authorizes the Department to set the hunting season for game birds by administrative rule between the dates of September 1st and March 31st, both inclusive.

The bill was filed on January 28, 2016.

(SB 2342)(HB 5788) Catfish May Soon Be Taken by Bow & Arrow and Other Devices in Illinois

Catfish May Soon Be Taken by Bow & Arrow and Other Devices in Illinois

If you bowfish, use an underwater spear gun or pitch fork to harvest fish, you soon could take catfish. Senator David S. Luechtefeld (Republican Okawville, Illinois) introduced legislation that would add catfish to the list of aquatic species taken by these devices.

SB2342 - FISHING AUTHORIZATION & LIMITS

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code. Adds catfish to the list of aquatic life that may be taken by pitchfork, underwater spear gun, bow and arrow or bow and arrow device, including a sling shot bow, spear, or gig. Provides that specified fish shall not be sold or bartered unless authorized by the Department of Natural Resources. Provides that the daily take, harvest limits, or additional species are subject to and set forth in administrative rule.

This bill was introduced January 28, 2016.