Grundy Reporter

Legislation addressing deer overpopulation and its impact on farmers has advanced in Illinois. Senate Bill 710, which aims to streamline the permit process for harvesting deer, passed the Illinois Senate unanimously on May 1.

The bill proposes easing regulations related to nuisance permits and landowner permits. It includes provisions for automatically issuing additional antlerless-only permits during regular firearm or archery seasons if a landowner shows proof of harvesting specific percentages.

Furthermore, the bill makes it possible for farmers and landowners who own or lease at least 40 acres of commercial farmland to receive free deer and turkey hunting permits on their property. These would consist of one either-sex and one antlerless-only permit for both firearm and archery deer seasons. Landowners with nuisance permits could also authorize others to hunt on their property to help with deer removal.

For those owning 240 acres or more, the legislation allows the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to issue one guest either-sex deer permit and one guest antlerless-only deer permit.

Senate Bill 710 will now move to the House for further deliberation.