Legislative Wrap Up

Legislative Wrap Up

That’s it ladies and gentleman, the Illinois General Assembly ended the 2016 legislative session without a budget. Which means for the second year in a row the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be operating without appropriations. Legislative members will be called back throughout the summer to continue discussions.

However, that doesn’t mean that fishing and hunting season will be closed. But, we could see more state parks closing due to lack of operating funding. Like all states, Illinois receives millions of dollars a year from the federal government for certain programs so those programs are safe without a budget.

Below you will see just some of the hunting and fishing related bills that were up this session. Included is a brief description of each proposed bill along with the last action taken as of May 31st.


HB3235 - Referred to Rules Committee
CROSSBOW HUNTING-ARCHERY
Provides that any person may use a crossbow to take any animal during the appropriate archery season. Effective immediately.

HB3669 - Referred to Assignments
WILDLIFE-CROSSBOW DRAW WEIGHT
Provides that all crossbows used to hunt in this State must have a minimum peak draw weight of 125 pounds and a maximum draw weight of at least 300 pounds.

HB4337- Referred to Rules Committee
WILDLIFE CD-HUNTING CLOTHING
Authorizes certain hunters to wear solid blaze pink colored clothing (in addition to blaze orange colored clothing).

HB4369 - Passed Both Houses
BOAT RACING CERT & INSURANCE
Provides that a boating safety certificate is not required for a person who is temporarily using the waters of this State for the purpose of participating in a boat racing event sanctioned by the Department of Natural Resources or authorized federal agency.

HB4428- Referred to Rules Committee
WILDLIFE-BOW HUNTING
Provides that a person may hunt with a bow and arrow on private property during a shotgun hunting season if he or she has the consent of the owner and any tenant of the premises.

HB4558- Passed Both Houses
WILDLIFE-DEER HUNTING
Provides that it shall be unlawful to take or possess deer in this State, except if the person has complied with various provisions of this Act.

HB4604 - Passed Both Houses
WILDLIFE CD-HUNTING-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.

SB206- Placed on Calendar Order of Concurrence House Amendment(s) 2
FIREARMS-HUNTING
Removes the prohibition on suppressors and silencers and allows for their use in hunting.

SB2143- Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
WILDLIFE CD-BOBCAT PELTS
Prohibits the sale of bobcat pelts of bobcats taken in Illinois. Penalty for a violation of this provision is a petty offense.
A#2 - Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to trap bobcat in this State at any time.

SB2342 - Referred to Rules Committee
FISHING AUTHORIZATION & LIMITS
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.

SB2410- Passed Both Houses
WILDLIFE-YOUTH TRAPPING
Provides that a resident youth 18 and under may apply to the Department of Natural Resources for a Youth Trapping License, which extends limited trapping privileges.