(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.
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Update: - House Version Introduced

On February 11, 2016 Representative Charles Meier (Republican, Highland, Illinois) introduced a similar bill - HB 5788
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Update: SB 2342

On February 18, 2016 the Senate Agriculture Committee met and passed SB 2342  6-0.
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Update: HB 5788

On April 4, 2016 the House Agriculture & Conservation Committee met and passed out of committee HB 5788 17 - 0
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Update: HB 5788

On April 7, 2016 the House of Representatives voted on HB 5788 and passed 114 - 0.  The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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Update: SB 2342 

On April 12, 2016 the Illinois Senate voted on SB 2342 passing 50 - 0 The bill now heads to the house for consideration.
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