(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.
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Update:

On February 17, 2016 Senator Neil Anderson (Republican, Moline, Illinois) introduced a similar bill - SB 2883

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Update:

On March 1, 2016 Representative Cavaletto read the bill to the committee. The committee passed this bill 15-1 with little discussion and it now heads to the floor for a full vote.
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Update:

On April 7, 2016 SB 2883 passed the Agriculture committee.
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Update:

On April 12, 2016 HB 4604 was voted on and passed 108 - 3 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.  Remember there was SB 2883 a similar bill that hasn't had a full Senate vote.
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Update:

On April 21, 2016 the Senate passed SB 2883 on a vote of 57-0.
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Continue to check back with Capitol Outdoors as we monitor this and other bills for you.