See below for some of the laws that are effective January 1, 2015.
SB 2731/ PA 98-0697 Watercraft Towing
Mandates that the operator of any watercraft that is towing a person, such as a water skier or tuber, must display a bright orange flag measuring not less than 12 inches per side. The flag must be displayed from the time the person to be towed leaves the boat until that person returns to the boat at the conclusion of the activity.
SB 3049 / PA 98-1033- Wolves, Bears, Cougars
The gray wolf, American black bear and cougar are added to the list of protected species in Illinois. The new law also spells out conditions that allow landowners to kill the animals if they are causing an immediate threat of physical harm or death to a person, livestock, domestic animals, or harm t structures or other property. This is an effort to manage the reintegration of these animals.
SB 3433/ PA 98 - 0698- Boater Safety Course
SB 3434/ PA 98- 0699- Watercraft Seizure
Allows for the seizure of a watercraft used in the commission of certain offenses related to operating under the influence. The new rules bring penalties for boating under the influence more in line with those for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
HB 4277/PA 98-0898-Commercial Fishing License
Allows veterans and blind or disabled residents to fish with commercial devices without holding a sports fishing license during valid fishing seasons.
HB 5079/PA 98-0913- Trapping License
After Jan. 1, 2015, anyone who has not held a valid trapping license within three years preceding the license application must provide evidence of competency, as provided within the Wildlife Code. The Department of Natural Resources offers an online trapper education course, which will give novices basic knowledge of how to properly set and maintain traps, kinds of traps to use, and how to avoid unwanted species. The “grandfather” clause is added to accommodate trappers who are already licensed and engaged in this activity beyond the basic level. The increase in fur prices are driving more people to get into trapping with little knowledge.
HB 5080/PA 98-0914- Commercial Hunting Regulations
Initiative of the Conservation Police Lodge to update waterfowl outfitter
regulations. This legislation would allow them to be regulated similarly to what is in place for deer and wild turkey outfitters. The legislation also includes deer and wild turkey under the outfitter permit provision and provides that anyone who provides or offers, for compensation, outfitting services for deer, waterfowl, or wild turkey hunting without a permit shall be charged with a Class B
misdemeanor.
HB 5082/PA 98-0915- Native Fish for Bait
Allows bighead carp, black carp, grass carp, and silver carp to be taken with a casting net or shad scoop and used as bait on the body of water where collected, if killed immediately, by a person with a valid sport fishing license.
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