Nuisance deer bill signed into law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A bill expanding landowner remedies when dealing with property damage caused by nuisance deer was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

The legislation amends the wildlife code and provides that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources adopt rules that allow landowners to have other individuals destroy deer responsible for damage under permits issued to that landowner.

In addition, the new law provides that landowner deer and turkey permits shall be issued without charge to an Illinois resident that owns at least 40 acres of Illinois land and that wishes to hunt only on the land that Illinois resident owns.

These permits would include one either-sex and one antlerless-only permit for both firearm and archery deer seasons.

It also provides that tenant deer and turkey permits shall be issued without charge to Illinois resident tenants of at least 40 acres of commercial agricultural land that wish to hunt only on the land of which they are resident tenants.

Provisions concerning documentation requirements, guest permits and administrative rules are specified in the bill, as well.

The bill is effective Jan. 1, 2026, except the changes in Section 3.1-6 of the Wildlife Code, the bona fide current income beneficiary definition, that take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

House lawmakers approved the bill 115-0, while it was passed in the Senate 51-0.

State Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, was the primary sponsor, along with 17 cosponsors in the Senate. Joyce’s House counterpart was state Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, supported by 22 cosponsors.

“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, the lawmaker said.

“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,” he said. “This would not only give hunters more freedom — it would also allow hunters to better manage diseased deer herds.”

“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 added.

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

State 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,” he said.