Springfield, IL... On a unanimous 111-0 House vote, Representative David Leitch (R-Peoria) passed an important measure today improving the Deer Archery Permit system for Illinois bow hunters.
Under HB 5307, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will provide for the issuance of the following types of resident deer archery permits: (i) a combination permit consisting of one either-sex permit and one antlerless-only permit, (ii) a single antlerless-only permit, and (iii) a single either-sex permit.
Under current law, in order to obtain an either-sex deer hunting permit, an archery deer hunter must purchase a combination permit which consists of one either-sex permit and one antlerless-only permit. This legislation allows for archery deer hunters to purchase a single either-sex permit without having to purchase a combination permit.
Retired Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer and Central Illinois hunter, Jeff Baile, testified on behalf of the bill in the Agriculture and Conservation Committee. Baile explained why the measure is so important for hunters.
The legislation will now go to the Illinois Senate, where Leitch expects a warm reception to this important proposal.