New Illinois Bill Targets Deer Population and Crop Damage

By Andi Anderson

Illinois lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 2160 to tackle the growing deer nuisance problem in the state.

The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Patrick J. Joyce, aims to help landowners manage deer populations more effectively, encourage hunters to target antlerless deer, and expand venison donations to food banks.

The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) has been advocating for this legislation after receiving reports of increasing crop damage caused by deer. A key concern for farmers has been the Deer Removal Permit (DRP) process.

The bill proposes requiring the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to respond to DRP requests within five business days. If no response is given, the permit would be automatically approved. Additionally, any licensed hunter could use a DRP on behalf of a landowner.

The bill also promotes responsible hunting to control the deer population. It encourages hunters to pursue more antlerless deer by allowing group hunting for antlerless tags and linking DRP issuance to firearm tag availability in a county.

Another important aspect of SB 2160 is the introduction of a streamlined venison donation program. The bill proposes creating a Hunter Food Bank Fund, which would provide grants to food banks to cover the cost of processing donated deer meat. Hunters would also have the option to purchase a hunter food bank stamp to support the fund.

The bill is currently assigned to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Meanwhile, the IFB continues to meet with IDNR to discuss the issue and gather support. Farmers are encouraged to share their experiences with nuisance deer to help lawmakers understand the need for better deer management.

In addition to SB 2160, another bill, SB 2061, has been introduced by state Sen. Neil Anderson. This bill would allow landowners to seek compensation for deer-related damages exceeding $500. The introduction of multiple deer-related bills highlights the urgency of addressing the impact of deer on agriculture in Illinois.

Photo Credit: illinois-farm-bureau