Deer nuisance bill awaits governor’s signature

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Legislation that provides landowners and farmers with flexibility for controlling nuisance deer that cause crop damage on their properties unanimously passed both General Assembly chambers.

Senate Bill 710 now awaits the governor’s consideration.

It authorizes the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to implement new rules for the Deer Removal Permit and would be effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The bill amends the Wildlife Code. In provisions regarding special deer, turkey and combination hunting licenses, it provides that Landowner Deer permits shall be issued without charge to:

• Illinois landowners residing in the state who own at least 20 acres in a county where the IDNR has identified chronic wasting disease in the deer herd and who wish to hunt upon their land only.

•​​​​​​​ Resident tenants of at least 20 acres of commercial agricultural land in a county where the IDNR has identified chronic wasting disease in the deer herd where they will hunt and who wish to hunt upon the land they are tenants of only.

•​​​​​​​ Persons with certain ownership interests regarding 20 acres of land in a county where the IDNR has identified chronic wasting disease in the deer herd and who wish to hunt on the relevant land only, with certain requirements.

The law requires rulemaking for fees and procedures with respect to nonresidents who own at least 20 acres of land.

Clears Red Tape

Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, was the bill’s primary sponsor in the Senate and Rep. Marcus Evan Jr., D-Chicago, was the House primary sponsor.

“This legislation would clear up the red tape stopping hunters from getting the permits they deserve. If someone wishes to hunt on their own property, let’s get them the permits they need without the hassle and charge,” said Joyce, who initially submitted the bill.

Joyce took on the legislation lead in response to farmers and landowners having difficulties securing permits to hunt on their own land.

Residents of hunting land in the 40th District and across Illinois have been calling for changes to landowner permits and the deer permit lottery.

“As a hunter, I know how frustrating it can be when we finally get to the season and you do not have the permits necessary to get out there. This would not only give hunters more freedom, it would also allow hunters to better manage diseased deer herds,” Joyce said.

Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, a chief cosponsor, joined a bipartisan coalition of senators in securing the bill’s passage.

“I have a single farmer on the Coles-Edgar county line that lost $45,000 from crop damage alone because of deer,” Rose said.

“Everyone in this state buys food. At the end of the day, food costs just went up $45,000, and that’s just a single farmer — imagine the severe economic impact of deer overpopulation statewide and what it does to consumer prices.

“But this issue is bigger than just the economic hit on our farmers and the price of goods at the grocery store. It’s about public safety. Vehicular collisions with deer are extremely dangerous and, even if you are lucky enough to escape unscathed, chances are your car won’t be as lucky.

“Virtually everyone I know has had a near miss with a deer at some point, and many have had an actual impact. You can’t put a price tag on human life or injury, but all of us in Illinois are paying higher health insurance, particularly car insurance, because of the out-of-control deer herd in our state.”

“Illinois farmers know all too well the costly damage nuisance deer can cause to crops and farmland,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan of Polo.

“This legislation will provide farmers with effective tools to help manage deer populations and protect farmland across the state. We thank Sen. Joyce and Rep. Evans for championing legislation that provides these practical tools, as well as IDNR for their efforts.”

“Agriculture is the economic engine of Illinois, but many of our farmers have been bogged down by red tape that prevents them from eliminating nuisance wildlife until damage has already been done,” Evans said.

“I am proud of this bill because it empowers farmers and landowners to address problems proactively before they get out of hand.”