Published on August 19, 2025 7:03 am
Last Updated on August 19, 2025 7:03 am
by HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek
Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Friday aimed at helping Illinois farmers manage deer-related crop damage, enacting a long-awaited solution to nuisance wildlife issues.
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 previous permits and will offer farmers and landowners more flexibility in managing nuisance wildlife.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the governor for signing this bill and to the legislative sponsors who championed it,” said Anna McKinley, Illinois Farm Bureau assistant director of state 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.”
IDNR’s updated rules for Deer Removal Permits, including application procedures, damage reporting and evaluation timelines, will take effect Jan. 1. Also beginning next year, youth hunters will be eligible for two deer tags, one either-sex permit and one antlerless-only permit, instead of just one.
McKinley told FarmWeek the guest landowner permit program, which allows landowners to assign a hunter a guaranteed shotgun permit, will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2027. This timeline gives IDNR time to develop a process for issuing and recognizing these permits.
“Legislation like this highlights the moments where government works,” said Illinois Sen. Joyce, D-Essex. “Through the Illinois Farm Bureau, I was able to hear and see the issues our farmers were experiencing, and from there I was able to do my job by getting this bill to the governor’s desk.”
The bill, which passed unanimously out of the Illinois General Assembly, was one of more than 430 passed by lawmakers in May. Pritzker signed 266 of those into law on Aug. 15. Lawmakers are expected to reconvene for the fall veto session, where remaining bills and potential amendments could be considered.
