Legislation Advances to Help Farmers Address Deer Overpopulation

In response to widespread concerns from farmers about the costly damage caused by deer overpopulation, legislation aimed at streamlining the permit process for harvesting deer unanimously passed the Illinois Senate on May 1.

Senate Bill 710 would loosen regulations concerning nuisance permits and landowner permits by providing for the automatic issuance of additional antlerless-only permits during the regular firearm or archery season if a landowner demonstrates proof of harvesting certain percentages.

The bill also makes farmers and landowners who own or lease at least 40 acres of commercial farmland eligible to receive free deer and turkey permits to hunt on their property. These permits would include one either-sex and one antlerless-only permit for both firearm and archery deer seasons. Additionally, landowners with nuisance permits would be allowed to authorize others to hunt on their property to assist with deer removal efforts.

For landowners with 240 acres or more, the legislation would allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to issue one guest either-sex deer permit and one guest antlerless-only deer permit.

Senate Bill 710 now heads to the House for further consideration.