IL HB5439

Illinois resident landowners with at least 40 acres and resident tenants of at least 40 acres of commercial agricultural land would receive free deer and turkey hunting permits to hunt on their own land.

Free permits would include one either-sex deer permit and one antlerless-only deer permit for both the firearm season and archery season.

In counties where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been identified in the deer herd, the acreage requirement drops to 20 acres for both landowners and tenants to receive free deer permits.

Landowners of 240+ acres may designate up to 5 guest hunters who must pay applicable permit fees, including nonresident fees if applicable; guest permits are nontransferable and cannot be resold.

Hunters must carry their permit and proof of land ownership or tenant status while hunting; nonresident landowners would pay fees set by administrative rule rather than receiving free permits.