By Andi Anderson
Illinois farmers will see long-awaited relief from nuisance wildlife damage after Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation addressing deer-related crop losses.
The measure, strongly supported by the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB), provides farmers and landowners with greater flexibility in managing deer populations.
The new law gives the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) authority to issue deer removal permits based on the percentage of deer harvested under prior permits.
This ensures better evaluation and fairer access to wildlife management tools for those most impacted by crop damage.
Starting January 1, 2025, IDNR will implement updated rules for Deer Removal Permits. These include clearer procedures for applications, crop damage reporting, and evaluation timelines.
Beginning next year, youth hunters will be eligible for two deer tags—one either-sex permit and one antlerless-only permit—an expansion from the previous single permit.
Another significant change is the guest landowner permit program, which allows landowners to assign a hunter a guaranteed shotgun permit. However, this portion of the law will not take effect until January 1, 2027, giving IDNR time to establish proper procedures.
Illinois Farm Bureau leaders praised the legislation. “This is an important issue that will bring much-needed relief to farmers, and we’re very thankful to the membership for bringing it forward,” said Anna McKinley, IFB assistant director of state legislation.
Lawmakers also underscored the collaborative effort. Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) remarked, “Legislation like this highlights the moments where government works.”
The bill passed unanimously in the General Assembly and was among more than 430 measures approved this spring. Governor Pritzker signed 266 of them into law on August 15, 2025, with more expected to be reviewed during the fall veto session.
Photo Credit: illinois-farm-bureau
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle