IllinoisHB5439104th General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET

WILDLIFE CD-LANDOWNER PERMIT

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that deer, turkey, and combination permits shall be issued to specified Illinois resident landowners and tenants without charge. Provides that the total number of deer, turkey, and combination permits that may be issued by the Department of Natural Resources and the fees for those permits shall be set by rule. Provides that Illinois resident that wish to hunt only on land on which they are resident tenants shall be issued deer permits without charge for Illinois land located in a county where the Department of Natural Resources has positively identified chronic wasting disease cases in the deer herd. Provides that no person shall be issued more than (i) one either-sex deer permit and one antlerless-only deer permit for the deer firearm season and (ii) one either-sex deer permit and one antlerless-only deer permit for the deer archery season under the amendatory Act. Defines terms. Requires permits to be on a hunter's person at all times while hunting.

agriculture & conservationassignmentsagriculture

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Free hunting permits for Illinois residents

Illinois residents who own at least 40 acres, or rent at least 40 acres for commercial farming under a written, notarized agreement, get free deer and turkey permits. In counties with confirmed chronic wasting disease, resident landowners can get free deer permits with 20 acres; tenants must still meet the 40-acre tenant definition. Deer permits include one either-sex and one antlerless-only permit for each firearm and archery season. The law does not state how many turkey permits are available. Qualifying trust beneficiaries and company owners can count under ownership rules, including a five-year holding requirement for entity owners. Qualifying permits can be used on all Illinois land the holder owns. The Department may issue permits to specified relatives who permanently live on the same property, under rules.

Permit caps and proof rules for hunters

A person can receive no more than one either-sex and one antlerless-only deer permit for each firearm and archery season under these rules. The Department also sets total permit limits and limits on other permits for some holders who want to hunt beyond covered land. Hunters must carry their permit and proof of qualifying status. For permits under the specified family or guest rules, they must instead carry proof they are actively hunting on covered land.

Limited guest deer permits for landowners

The Department may issue one guest either-sex and one antlerless-only deer permit for each 240 acres owned by the current owners. The permits match the owner's season and hunting method. Guests must be named on the application, qualify to hunt, and pay applicable fees. No more than five people may receive permits under this rule, regardless of acreage. Permits cannot be transferred or resold.

Paid hunting permits for nonresident landowners

Nonresidents with a qualifying ownership interest in at least 40 acres of Illinois land can apply for deer or turkey permits. In counties with confirmed chronic wasting disease, nonresidents can apply for deer permits with 20 acres. They must hunt only on their land and pay a fee set by Department rule. The law does not state the fee amount or permit quantity.

New rules for wild-game dealers

Dealers must get a permit to buy, sell, or process listed captive-reared game or legally taken furbearers for public consumption. A separate permit is required for each business location and sales vehicle; the annual fee is $25, and permits expire March 31. Dealers must keep transaction records, retain proof of lawful possession, and display the permit. The law also bars sales of game birds or mammals in their wild state for public consumption. Dealers handling legally taken deer brought from other states no longer face the stated licensing and permanent-tag requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Charles Meier

    Republican • House

  • Patrick J. Joyce

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tony M. McCombie

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 186 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 59 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/30/2026

Do Pass Agriculture;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 105 • No: 0

House vote • 3/24/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee;

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Bill Text

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